What I Find Inside This Watch Is Shocking! Can I Fix What Seiko Can't? 1977 Seiko "Turtle" Repair

[@MyRetroWatches]

Hi Guys, looking forward to reading your comments on this one, I read them all and try to reply to as many as I can. Here is a shameless plug for my merch site for watches and T-shirts www.time-tees.com/ Support the channel and get ad free videos and extra content www.patreon.com/c/MyRetroWatches

[@jimcollins9999]

Very nice video Mike! MY favorite vintage Seiko dive watch. The term Turtle started by the watch cookers from the Phillipines. We called them a UFO case for years and years. Praying for your journey with the PC. Cheers brother, Jim 👍

[@michaelmcerlain2946]

@MyRetroWatches another great video! Just a beginner myself and enjoy your content!! 👍 Could you possibly give advice about a sekonda watch? Needs new quartz movement but I don't know where to source one. It's number on the back is "remex 132001"... Quite small and kind of diamond shape. Many thanks and enjoyed your content

[@jowettcars]

@@MyRetroWatches Thanks Mike👍

[@philipgrice1026]

I seriously doubt the watch was serviced by any Seiko technician. If this was taken to a 'Seiko' shop, they farmed it out to a 'sheep dipper', someone that just opens the case, perhaps removes the dial, and then dunks the whole movement in an ultrasonic 'sheep dip', 'dries it off and then squirts lube in copious amounts where they can reach before closing it up and returning it 'serviced'. A not uncommon occurrence when the watch owners find an 'inexpensive' watch repair facility. You don't always get what you pay for.

[@jimcollins9999]

@philipgrice1026 Don't be so sure. Even the NJ service center doesn't know what the hell they're doing. Many of these places, authorized service centers hire tinkerer's, with only limited knowledge and even less experience.

[@nrbudgen]

Retired watchmaker here: IMO the 6309 was the best Seiko automatic they ever made, but it had a problem that cropped up often. The sweep wheel (4th wheel) pivot runs in a plain bushing rather than a jewel. Over time the pivot wears the bushing hole oval in the thrust direction and the watch stops. I always replaced the bushing with a jewel (140/17 IIRC) which is a permanent repair. The third wheel bushing never seems to wear out. Seiko made the same mistake with some of their ladies movements like the 2205, also the 4th wheel but the dial side pivot.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@nrbudgen yes I have seen worn bushes before but just pushed them out and turned them 90 degrees which seemed to sort them. I still lack a jewelling tool to ream on.

[@Johnny-sj9sj]

Bloody Hell! Rarely have I seen so many OCD/autistic spectrum blokes sharing the same page and under the same umbrella! I am on it too, and so are two out of my three sons, and we love it! PS: The first watch I worked on was a Citizen Automatic Diver's (bought from new) which was losing 8 seconds in 24 hours, but with a case-back removal tool off Fleabay and a steady hand with a sewing needle, I managed to get it within 2 decimal 3 (2.3) seconds in 24 hours! DIY rules! 🤡 🇬🇧 PPS: On behalf of my autistic 🌈 OCD family (father and sons) thanks for the entertaining and fascinating video!

[@Rick-ve5lx]

Very interesting! What about the 7s26 movement? Does it have the same problem?

[@DimebagDarrenLowe]

I am new to this and recently purchased my two sons each a Seiko with a 4R36 movement. I think, to me it looks better than this one. Did I discern correctly or did I miss some important things that make this movement better?

[@nrbudgen]

@@Rick-ve5lx None of the movements based on the old 7006, including the 7S26, have this problem.

[@jonirons]

Michael, your reaction to the initial time graph says it all. Having made a few harrowing forays into hobby electronics, I always appreciate your exclamations of surprise, amusement, and frustration as you work on a watch. As the owner of this individual Turtle, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking on this job and undoing the incredible botch job they did. Your laughing disbelief at that time graph was cathartic to see and it mirrors my own while I tried to cope with wearing a timepiece that constantly fell so far behind. I've enjoyed watching your previous repairs and It's been a pleasure communicating with you as we lined up this repair. Thank you especially for doing this pro bono. Your love of watches of all sorts shines through in every video and this is a perfect example. You can bet I was the first person signing up to alerts on Time Tees! One last request, though... when you send the watch, can you also send back all that extra oil? At that quantity, it be enough to dump in my car when it's next due for an oil change.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@jonirons hello Jon. We meet in the comments at last! This watch is a real treat given how good a condition it’s in. As it’s a 77 is also right at the beginning so gives it some provenance ! I’d love to own such a thing . Given what the watch means to you along with how you have been duped by the “professionals”. I feel you have spent enough money and my way of righting the wrong is to not charge you. Karma ! People have been generous to me in the past too so I’m only passing that on. Must be great to see the inner workings of your watch and all the mess cleaned up! I will talk to you more via email Jon. Sit back and enjoy the comments section!

[@MikeB_UK]

I really hope you go back to Seiko, armed with this video, and demand a full refund. A disgusting rip-off.

[@vincenzo.caserta]

​@@MikeB_UKHaha, that extra oil line is gold! 🤣 It's amazing how Michael took your Turtle from a disaster to a masterpiece. You can really feel the relief in your words-his reactions definitely mirror what we all feel watching these botch jobs get undone. And the fact he did it pro bono? Absolute legend. I’m sure your dad is smiling down from above, happy to see the watch finally running right. Cheers to more smooth sailing for your watch (and your car if that oil arrives)! 👏⏱

[@DeusNyx]

Seiko is the reason why the price of oil is so high!

[@johnnorris1983]

Correction.. The seiko servicing center that farms out to unqualified repair outfits is the root cause for the oil slick..

[@sheepdog401]

Mike please do not sell yourself short, you are not only a "professional" in every sense of the word you are an artist with your abilities to take the old and bring them back to life. Bravo !

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thing is there are hobbyists like me with a passion and people who have trained well and learnt the craft properly. Trust me if a seasoned pro looked at my work they would critique the hell out of it! I have a old friend in his 70s how has done it for 50 years. Whilst he admires what I do he will pick me up on many things, the good thing is he knows I take on board what I am told.

[@jimcollins9999]

Mike is excellent. I appreciate all he does, and always has the owner in his thoughts, which is a rare trait, considering the many service center technicians that lack that factor.

[@metrotechguru5863]

Mike, while you may not consider yourself a professional, I would definitely call you an artist. Cheers.

[@vincenzo.caserta]

Man, you’re taking things to a whole new level! It's unreal that Seiko's service charged $300 and still sent the watch back with that much daily loss, but you swoop in like the Yoda of watchmaking and fix it effortlessly. And that new cleaning sequence with the music? Pure genius! You're not just solving watch problems, you're turning it into an art form. Keep raising the bar, both with your skills and your epic video production!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Wow thank you for the compliment. I have don’t cleaning montages many times in my older videos and people like them. I figured the tango suited this one😂 Pleased you enjoyed this video.

[@usernamesreprise4068]

@@MyRetroWatches You KNOW - when youve been tango'd lol...liked and subscribed.😊

[@vmaxmuscle5612]

Seiko had t charge for the oil they used ! 😅

[@kennym5898]

Ok so if this had supposed to have been to a Seiko service and it came back in that state, what can the customer do to get their money back? As it obviously wasn't up to any standard. Kudos. 👌

[@steveandy2]

M😊

[@foreverpinkf.7603]

I don't know why I was presented with this video, but it's well worth the money. Almost an hour of fascinating and educational entertainment. I admire the man and his skills.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you very much. The algorithm works in mysterious ways and for once it’s pushing one of my videos. Pleased you enjoyed it.

[@bee17167]

Your are a real gentleman with a heart of gold with values we miss a lot in our modern age not about the money but understanding the sentimental values of a loved one's memory and putting in the extra mile and doing the things that are wright to do, watching and seeing your workmanship and skills are a real pleasure to watch Respect.

[@terminal-velocity111]

Well said M8

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@bee17167 thank you. Your comment is appreciated.

[@adrianbirkett594]

Well done Mike, I'd be sending a stinking email to that Seiko crowd and demanding my money back!. Thanks. Adrian

[@yashinisuki]

Could you share the details of the Seiko’s authorised centre that has scammed you?

[@K0MBIAN]

​@@yashinisukiThe owner's name is John. Watch the entire video to find out...

[@wirdy1]

With a link to this video & a request that a small claim will be going in to a local court unless a full refund is forthcoming.

[@natesquestyouknowthatsrigh8269]

Damn right !

[@carrioncrow8191]

@@wirdy1or just send a new version of this watch. It would be much cheaper for them to do, then they can charge MSRP to that service center

[@brianedminster7556]

I did enjoy this video, for a number of reasons: 1) In my youth, I had a neighbor who was an amateur watchmaker (it was his hobby to 'decompress' from the stress of his day job fixing mainframe computers). I marveled at his desk with it's seemingly 100's of little drawers, his miniature tools (not just screwdrivers and crown vices, he had the tools necessary to make parts he couldn't buy - this was LONG before the 'internet'. He let me watch and even assist in doing some simpler jobs, and instilled in me a love and appreciation for fine timepieces. One of his regular complaints was other repairmen using FAR too much lubrication. Funny that, eh? Must be endemic to the industry. ;-) 2) I have a model of the very watch repaired in this video. I love mine, and bought it new in the late 70's - and it even still has the original rubber wrist strap. And for what it's worth, my experiences with Seiko service centers is disturbingly similar to what your customer suffered, when I can even find one. It's been suggested that I should try looking for Rolex repair centers - as at the time they were still able to do reputable work. Unfortunately, it's been over two decades since the last cleaning and adjustment, so I can't say if that is still true. Mine does run a bit slow, and will occasionally stop if I don't keep active enough, especially since I no longer wear it with any regularity. 3) I enjoy watching someone that's competent in their craft, plus it allowed me to see how things have changed since I was young. Thanks for helping to preserve mechanical timepieces and sharing how it's done.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Well I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane. I would have loved to talk to your old neighbour. I do speak to a local watchmaker who is in his early 70s. He shows me a few things to learn from and its always a pleasure to go see him. As for your Seiko, a good indipendant watch repairer is what you need. None of this Authorised places as they are just movement swappers.

[@johnsrabe]

If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t agree to fix a watch, and if you can’t fix it, don’t charge people! Simple. good work, MRW! I don’t think I am alone in wanting to know whether John got his $500 back after showing this video to the service center.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

What a great video, I have done my fair share of Seikos, but among those I have never once seen anything like what you came across in that watch. There was a swimming pool of oil in that pallet fork jewel, and everywhere else. It’s so disappointing to see that Seiko charged him what they did and didn’t do anything worthy of the price they charged, but in fact, only made things worse. Thanks for bringing this watch back to life and bringing us a great video of the process.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you. I am a man of principle so when Jon reached out I knew I would be able to fix it so took it on. I don’t do much outside work as this is just a hobby . I do get asked daily though!

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

@@MyRetroWatches​​⁠ I am the same. I am only a hobbyist and limit my outside work quite a bit. I can certainly understand why you decided to take on this project though.

[@PaulSteinmayer]

I so enjoyed this video. It reminds me of my own Seiko watch, which I wore for 30 years until it quit working and I purchased a different watch. After watching this video and others regarding the Seiko movements, I discovered that the problem was with the automatic winding feature, which had stopped working. Since the watch couldn't be manually wound, this was the problem. Thanks to your video, I now know that this can be repaired/serviced and return to working! Thank you so much for your videos. I truly enjoy them!!!

[@Apostrophe65]

My pop passed away back in 1989 and I received his Seiko automatic but it was running extremely fast. I took it to a few jewelers and watch repair shops only to be told it's not worth repairing. Today it still sits in my jewelry box and still runs way too fast. I'll never get rid of it and eventually it will go to my daughter. I love it regardless, so I fully understand this mans sentimental connection to this watch. It's very nice of you to make this situation right.

[@MyRetroWatches]

It’s rubbish that it’s not worth repairing and I hate when I hear this as I hear it a lot. It’s like good watchmakers are snobs and frown on a lowly Seiko yet for you it’s priceless and for them it’s work so if you are prepared to pay their hourly rate then what does it matter. Fast watch is hairspring . A demagnetiser might help

[@andyyoung3233]

I was going to say it's magnetised but Mike has already told you

[@Apostrophe65]

@@MyRetroWatches Thank you for replying! I'll give a demagnetizer a try! Thanks for the info. I happen to think it's a nice watch under any brand name. It's a gold watch with a brown face, day & date at 6 o'clock. It's also kind of a rectangle. Original Seiko two tone band.

[@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

One possible solution is to take a vacation to a "low cost country" and have the watch serviced while you're there.

[@josephbrashears8558]

Can you tell us the caliber and model number on the back and the first two digits of the serial number? Caliber should be four digits then a hyphen.

[@PaulB-yb8tw]

I accidentally stumbled across this video and I didn't think I'd watch the entire 56 minutes but I found it fascinating and very relaxing. So good to see such a lovely watch with so much sentimental value restored with such care and attention.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@PaulB-yb8tw really pleased you enjoyed it and came along for the journey. You might never look at a mechanical watch the same now.

[@Bertminator]

So so nice of you Mike to fix this for John, who got ripped off to pay that kind of money for a terrible service (if you want to call it that). I feel for him and I have the deepest respect for YOU. I had a similar experience with Wittnauer. I sent my dad's 70 year old watch to them for service, it was sent back with nothing done only for them to charge me to say they couldn't service the watch because it was too old! I luckily found a service repair place here in Canada, and they not only fixed my dad's watch but managed to find a new case for it (because the original wouldn't screw shut anymore. They even sent back my dad's original case. What a great place to service a watch, and if I lived in the UK, I would definitely want to look you up to service any of my 14 watches. God bless YOU!!!!

[@christopher8187]

I remember purchasing my first watch, the Seiko 6309. I too have huge memories that are held within the seconds of time thanks to that movement. I love that watch. I never knew it was called the "turtle". Thank you for educating me today. Watching you work was a pleasure.

[@PyroRob69]

It’s interesting watching you take this apart. I have this same watch. I bought it about 1979 brand new. As far as I know, it was still keeping pretty decent time the last time I wore it a couple years ago. I never had it serviced because I didn’t trust sending it through the mail. I was afraid the post office might lose it. After watching you and several other‘hobbyist’, I think I would trust you guys more than the Seiko service centers.

[@rossjackson3670]

Thank you Mike. Good to be part of your entourage. Been with you and learned so much over the last 3 years.Can do everything that you showed. Understood all. Like you, appalled at the standard of the 'professional'. All the best.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks Ross. Good to hear from you again. Pleased to read your repair work is getting good! Well done

[@getwhtugiv]

Well done, Mike. You are not a hobbyist! I was cringing at so much oil. I knew you were going to rescue it. John is going to love it.

[@AstroGuy99]

I bought a new Seiko 7548-700F, one of the brand’s earliest quartz dive watches back in 1980. I used it for diving in California where I lived at the time and for a few trips to the Caribbean. The battery expired three years later, and I took the watch back to the jewelry store I’d purchased it from. The owner said he couldn’t just replace the battery because the seals would need to be replaced (I knew absolutely nothing about watches at the time) and he would need to send it to a Seiko service center. I forget exactly how long Seiko kept the watch for, but it was well over a month. The first thing I noticed when I got the watch back was that the chapter ring was misaligned. I didn’t want to have the watch go back for several more weeks, so I decided to live with it for the time being. The ring is still misaligned and it continues to frustrate me to this day. My advice: if you have a Seiko that needs service, take it to a watchmaker you trust and do not send it to Seiko.

[@jouwenlee7829]

Reminded me of the scratched case back after returning from Seiko service centre. It was my 1st gen Seiko Monster. The first ever Seiko mechanical watch. Obviously the case opening tool slipped and causing the scratches started from the dimples. It’s not easy to get competent wachmaker.

[@JohnBalcomb]

Great video Mike, you did a fabulous job of identifying the evidence that this Seiko Turtle had been fraudulently serviced and charged full horse by an authorized service center, that then refused to regulate the watch. Your skills and experience were a pleasure to see, showcasing your years of horology and watch repair. As a current and past owner of numerous Seiko diver models I was particularly pleased watching your disassembly and servicing, very gracious of you to do this as a favor to the watches owner as well. 🍷

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you.

[@chrisgreenwood271]

Seiko 6306 diver from 1979, been my daily wear for years, love it.

[@albertbell7120]

Hi Chris me also … just replaced the battery it’s works great and it still goes diving with me on a regularly … in fact I think it keeps better time than my Garmin … I’m almost 71 so think lord willing lots of life left in Seiko 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@andythorne6236]

My first time here. What an absolutely ( expletive deleted) marvellous video! Fascinating mechanism beautifully filmed and described. I own one of these fabulous watches which I bought from a tutor and friend in 1982 (?) for a piffling sum, and not knowing it’s provenance. He did say however on offering me this watch ( I had admitted to admiring it ) that ‘it is a ‘useful bargain’. I took him at his word and wore it constantly..including whilst working on customers’ Jaguars in my small business. It gained it’s share of scratches, but always kept time well. It was put in a drawer when the rubberised strap finally succumbed to oil and stress! I have happily re-found it after 40 years and it started ticking nicely after just a few turns of the body! It does bear some slight scars to case and glass, the face and hands are also a little discoloured. I( never imagined these would be available parts! ).You have rekindled my wish to have it restored by someone who takes the care you do! Can you recommend someone please or perhaps like to do it yourself? I imagine you have too many viewers requests already, but any recommendation would be great. Thanks for a truly educational video and commentary. Best wishes from a new subscriber!

[@scousewillo62]

Great job, that service centre really butchered that watch, should be held accountable. Great result by you,

[@bcbaggett]

This video was very enlightening to watch. It makes me appreciate the precision engineering of timepieces that much more. I know absolutely nothing about watchmaking, but this video caught my eye because I believe I have this same watch, or at least one very similar to it. I bought it at the Navy Exchange on the Naval Amphibious Base in Little Creek, Virginia in the mid to late 70s while stationed there. My job in the Navy kept me in and UNDER the water often, and I wanted a personal (as opposed to Navy issue) dive watch that could accurately track my bottom time. Rolexes were a bit out of my price range. It has served me well for a long, long time. Years later, I bought a nice gold/stainless Tag Heuer dive watch, and the Seiko became my “work” watch. Nowadays, I’m sporting an Apple Watch most of the time, but I’ll occasionally break out the Seiko. It still keeps respectable time, but it does gain a little over the course of the day. That’s OK though. You definitely don’t want a dive watch to be slow in tracking your bottom time :-) Thanks for the great video!

[@1988banker]

Dang Seiko, way to take care of John's turtle. Mr. Hattori would not be pleased. They should give him his money back, that isn't right.

[@daveyoder9231]

Thanks!

[@MyRetroWatches]

No thank you. Very kind gesture, it will go towards new tools

[@StephanJPPL]

Another great video. What an oil reserve. I have never seen an oiled pallet fork pivot before and the amount of oil is hilarious. Call prevous job a service is a joke. It was a genuine disservice. Shame on Seiko "Service" center. Well done 👍

[@AB-uw3os]

They must have thought: drying of oil slows down the watch, so let's just add more of it.😂

[@zhivkonenov6702]

Love your videos Mike! When I was 8 or 9, my grandfather bought me my first watch. Few years later I broke the crystal and took it to the only authorized watchmaker in town. Taking full advantage of the kid customer, the guy gave it back to me without a seconds hand, and the original gold colour crown(which was not damaged), replaced with a huge ugly silver one. I couldn't look at it ever again. I have never trusted anyone with my watches since- I'll rather take my chance and fix them myself. Your channel, and your life story are a real inspiration!

[@phaeton_buggy1575]

This randomly popped up on my feed, found it fascinating, thank you so much

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BPantherPink]

WOW...WOW...WOW ❤ IT... WAS SUCH A PLEASURE watchin' you work on this beauty !! Thank you for the patience to show us, in such clarity, though so difficult for you... Much love and the best of wishes to you Sir...from India 🙏🏼

[@seederi]

Hi Mike, always a pleasure to see a new video. I hope the guys at the SSC watch this video and maybe learn something from it

[@Dr_Larken]

There’s something about gears, mechanics working together. For some reason, I’ve always been fascinated with gears! Not a watch collector or a repairer. But I can watch this all day!

[@Hopalong..75]

First time watching I enjoyed the entire episode. Thank you for being so generous with your time and skillset.

[@ValuedTeamMember]

1st time viewer.Very COoL.. A wonderful "watch" I haven't been this impressed since i stepped out of the shower dripping wet. The technology & skill is off the charts.Thank you for the video.Definitely sub-worthy Cheers from So.Ca.USA 3rd house on the left (please call ahead before stopping by)

[@atlas.edmilsondasneves]

Great video! Very nice! Thank you for the many "firsts".

[@myfastcars]

WOW! I HAD A SERVICE EXPERT DO MY TURTLE AND HE SCREWED IT UP! I should ship it to you. One watched video and I TRUST you 100%. Excellent service. Mad skills! Well done!

[@gavinmoore8024]

Brilliant video! Thanks!

[@weldermarshall]

Purchased a turtle years ago, they are a very comfortable watch to wear and excellent value for money.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I now want one. But I have to stop buying watches …! (Nah)

[@hamshackleton]

Ah, the Seiko turtle - or very similar ( I don't recall it having a day wheel, but it WAS a long time ago!) - I had one of those in 1968 (ish), but it now resides at the bottom of Lisbon harbour, because the strap snapped when I was on-board my ship. I could see it sinking steadily through the water until it disappeared, and as far as I know, it is still there!

[@BPantherPink]

So sorry for your loss Sir... I feel for you 😢

[@briangable08]

Mine is off the Shieks beach in Bahreign in 68 😮

[@paulbradford8240]

I have a 6309 that I was bought in June1976 for my 18th birthday. I have had it serviced once or twice, but not for many years. I was given my Grandfathers 7009 once he died. I wear them both. I'm not sure if my Grandfathers has ever been serviced. Staying at an hotel in Carcassonne earlier on this year, the receptionist commented on my Grandfathers watch, stating it was 'Cool'. I've never desired a more expensive watch and even though I could afford one now, I'm happy with the Seiko's.

[@CESONER]

I’d like to hear that John showed this video to the authorized SEIKO service center, and got a full refund. Wouldn’t that be nice?

[@joemoore4027]

I have the same watch which I bought when I was in the U.S.Navy in the 70's ( $25.00 new). A number of years ago I sent it off because it ran slow and the local Seiko dealer had it for weeks. When it was returned it was worse than before . You would think a dealer and watch repair shop for Seiko would get it right without having second thoughts, boy was I wrong. Thank you for the video.

[@MikeB_UK]

Seiko: Back off, quick squirt of WD40, back on, charge the customer a mint. Job done! Unbelievable!

[@Notfiveo0]

Don’t laugh. I had a Russian guy walk into my store with his watch that he oiled by pouring some type of oil into it. The dial looked like a bubble level. I was floored.

[@ocsapy]

I have watched a Zillion clips on utube ... your clip kept coming up and I didn't click on it till today ... "Oh My God" I could never have predicted how engrossed I was with how you dealt with the initial issue ... and Bloody Fixed 🎉 ... Wow you said your not a Professional Watch Fixer ... however, you're more than that by a HUGE margin ... your attention to detail is outstanding and extremely rare in this day and age ... for most repairs now days "oh that will do" you pay good money for 3rd rate performance ... I'm sure the recipient when he got his watch back was over the moon ... "SIMPLY VERY WELL DONE" 👍😎👍

[@Israelischer_Bobfahrer]

This watch had so much oil, the USA considered invading it.

[@aaron2709]

I've been watching you for years now and all your experience is evident. Your work is quite professional.

[@cohan88]

That watch has so much oil, the USA is already preparing to invade it... 😂

[@smubblie]

I'm wearing mine right now! Restored it myself, the first watch I've done a full restore on. If even a complete novice like me can restore a rusted hunk, I don't know what's wrong with those Seiko approved guys. Great work on this Mike!

[@lancenutter1067]

In about 1981, I lived in Fairbanks Alaska and I found one of those Seiko 150m watches in a parking lot. I fixed the band and was very proud of owning, for a high school student, a very desirable watch. Then, in fall of 1983, I had graduated and was heading down the Alcan highway. I spent the night in a tent in northern BC. My 1968 VW Beetle gave me some trouble the next morning, so I took my watch off and, sadly, left it on a picnic table. Didn’t realize it until I was 100’s of miles down the road. Still miss that watch. I hope whoever got it next has kept it and enjoyed it.

[@davidmann2988]

Easy come easy go

[@donaldvantongeren8385]

This is the first video I have seen about the internals of a watch…… I find it utterly utterly unbelievable you have taken it apart and get it running again, and I am in engineering. This is the masterclass of engineering!!!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks. I too work in precision engineering and my mind boggles at the intricacies of movements. You should watch my Bulova Accutron spaceview video as those watches are even more incredible!

[@donaldvantongeren8385]

@ I will!!!

[@aricbergren6532]

Funny thing, I just got finished playing around with the movement in my Orient Mako 2. I don’t have much experience with auto works or calendars so I struggled a bit to get it back together. Turns out the movement in there, Orient f6922, is extremely similar to what was in this video. I should’ve watched this first rather than waiting til it was time to relax. Incidentally, the 6922 had huge oil spills in it too, and it’s relatively new. The only reason I had opened it up was a dial foot broke. I was going to put one of those sticky blobs in there but there’s no place to put it. Everything under the dial is day and date wheels. Nothing that doesn’t have to move.

[@Robert8455]

Fascinating look into the heart of this Turtle. Clearly the owner, John found the right man for this job. I recon folks with your skill set might be in a limited supply. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBimmer74]

Brilliant video Mike! My wife is out of town and I could be watching anything on a Friday night and I am watching you restore this man's sentimental beauty! You're amazing!

[@MyRetroWatches]

I feel honoured! Especially given you could have watched anything!!

[@walther9161]

God I hope he gets his money back and maybe exposes this “service center”? I know a guy in my state who services seiko. He serviced my 1970’s Bellmatic and it works great. I can DM his info.. thanks Mike. Another save!!!

[@MostlyIC]

really enjoyed watching you adjust both the rate and beat in real time under the microscope 🙂 !!!

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@MostlyIC thank you.

[@thomasbolton8373]

what a great job you did , i have a seiko like that one, still running well, I just really enjoyed watching you video, it was so relaxing and entertaining, I appreciate your patience and calmness , working at this scale is not an easy trick. thanks you for the vid.

[@phildbagrip]

I also have an early 80s Turtle (possibly an 81) that was my Dad's daily. It is in almost identical condition as John's, and runs either fast, or slow, by an hour or more per day. I've adjusted it a few times with a phone app and it'll be fine for a week or so, then it becomes possessed again. It clearly needs service, but I have been reluctant to call Seiko for the exact reasons John experienced. It is an heirloom and I don't want to risk it with just anyone. You clearly know how to work with these movements, and I'd love to send mine across the pond to you. I enjoyed this video and learned a lot about this watch. Thanks for posting this!

[@fabriziodutto7508]

Great video as usual, the evidence that it is not always better to bring the watch to the "official" dealer, an independent watchmaker is - in your case - more proficient and less expensive too! Great job and big heart. Thank you for sharing your videos! I own about 12 japanese watches ranging from orient to seiko ones and I've always be pleased with the reliability of these watches, always bring them to a local watchmaker here in Italy. I cannot verify his job, but the watches comes back more accurate and shiny all the times (There is no Seiko dealer here, there is a bigger one at 200km from my home which is too far away. I prefer to bring and get back my watches by hand after servicing/repair).

[@ronaldspencer547]

Delightful repair job!

[@cliffordlewis5682]

Well Mike,I came across one of your videos by chance looking for a part for one of my collection of seiko watches. I have been repairing watches since the 60s and I’m still at it..must be mad! I am very impressed with your videos they are very informative and go into amazing detail. You are doing a grand job for anyone who wants to take up watch repair. I wish I had someone like yourself when I started. Keep up the good work.

[@Emilmarch]

I remember like yesterday, I managed to find your channel while searching for restoring brushed finishes on cases and bracelets. You were showing a scratch pad (a finishing pad) I was amazed like it was very simple. Today you are competing with professional services actually finding their faults. A lot happened since that day and it is always a pleasure to watch another video of yours Mike. Have a wonderful weekend ahead.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you for being around so long! I am pleased with my progress but still have a long way to go

[@marioalleyne8559]

I have one of these beauties from 1977 and I'm the original owner and yes it's still running perfect It has obviously been serviced numerous times . I love this watch❤

[@thomasgabriel2213]

Another excellent video Mike! So glad to see you could save this one! Sadly, this time of watch work is ramped here in the US. Very hard to find a reputable watchmaker. Looking forward to the next one!!

[@Rog107]

I found this vid amazing to watch (pardon the pun) and so enjoyable. My hat's off to the people who invented such machinery in the first place. I had no idea how complex watches were.

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

Nice repair Mike. The amount of oil was surprising! And good spot on the dried oil on the balance jewel.

[@Wargasm54]

I don’t even own a watch and I find this fascinating. Fantastic work with the repair and video documentation.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@Wargasm54 thank you

[@topspeed250k5]

What a wonderfully genuine person you are! Love watching these vids. To increase listening pleasure: It's*number of times, *number of people etc not "amounts" 1,2,3, 10 times... that's a number. An amount would be 5 kilograms or 7.5 litres of times, 753 kilograms of people. If you count it, not measure it, then say "number of..."

[@_photonx6017]

I'm no watchmaker but still find rebuild videos fascinating, enough to find it astounding that this amateurish mess was ever returned from Seiko. I saw a watch someone had soaked in oil, and it was only little worse than this. What, did the service center turn the new guy loose without checking his work, or is someone getting drunk on the job? Whatever the explanation, Seiko owes somebody.$300 and an apology.

[@petekovacevic3241]

I believe I have that same watch that was running slow sent it to Seiko got it back still running slow and with a note it is no longer water tight . I haven't worn it in 20 year's . As a retired heavy-duty truck mechanic I'm amazed by "watching" you. Cheers'.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Well trust me your watch in the right hands would work perfectly.

[@johnvandeven2188]

Seiko may have allowed a trainee to service this piece and without guidance has rendered the watch as useless. I thought at first the hair spring didn't look aligned too well but that doesn't appear to be the case. Great job. After watching how a correct service is done, I have watches that are also due for service and will be looking for a local like yourself who can service my three. I live in the most remote capital city in the world....Perth, and having somebody like you service my watches is my goal.

[@davecrist5195]

Also a big thank you on showing service and oiling pivots with metal bushings. Think you're the 1st to show. My mom sent me a drawer full of watches; 3 of which are my grandfather's 7J and 1Js. As a follow on Q, many of the quartz watches she sent have no pivot jewels. Do you oil the plastic bushings too?

[@petejones1957]

Super video, well done! very impressed that ypu included the 4 attempts to get the balance jewel back together, would have been so easy to edit it to do it first time! Chapeau!!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you!

[@metrotechguru5863]

That Seiko is a beauty and you've done her proud.

[@kevinorr6880]

I am very impressed and inspired by this video! Thank you for being honest and caring! The abuse that some customers receive makes it hard to feel sorry when service centers receive abuse. The professionals are supposed to be trustworthy.

[@pfjs]

You are professional in every respect! Thanks for the video and the education!!

[@slam854]

I have a small Seiko collection from engraved Joetsu-Nagano Shinkansen line 1982 on conductor's lanyard to Blue Presage dress. My favorites are military & pilots watches. Also have a Flightmaster with circular slide rule dial. Good work on your repair. Marshal on Wristwatch Revival is often viewed. Soothing viewing the repairs.

[@johnvandeven2188]

Perfect. I find dismantling and reassembling a watch movement so relaxing.

[@AndyPanda9]

It's been a few years for me and your videos have gotten so much better. Very impressed! Wonderful how you sorted this watch out. I hope someone gets Seiko to see this video and get John refunded for the mess Seiko service center made.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you very much!

[@CharlesThompson-ou7wp]

Mike, thanks for being you and sharing your passion for horology with us! Another stellar job!

[@MyRetroWatches]

My pleasure!

[@BryanTorok]

I enjoyed the video and gave it a sub and alike. I went back and re-watched the reassembly of the barrel and I'm still unsure, did you put the original main spring back in? I am so sick of incompetent and/or dishonest people in all sorts of service from watches to cars to home repairs. Kudos to you for making it right and even more so for not charging him. Years ago I had an analog face quartz watch that I wore at work. Being a police officer working rotating shifts I needed a watch I could see during the day and at night so I had one with tritium hands and markers. One day, the watch stopped while was working. Ordinarily, I would open the case and replace the battery myself. But, there was a jewelry store in my area and I wasn't busy so I stopped in to get the battery replaced. The gentleman took my watch in the back, returned a few minutes later, and said he replaced the battery but the watch was broken and wouldn't run. He charged me for the battery and I left. That night I opened the watch up and looking at it under a magnifying glass found that the watch had a coil of fine wire going to a mini circuit board. The wire on one end was broken. There was a scratch going from the area of the battery to the broken wire. I couldn't prove it, but it sure looked to me like he slipped with some tool while replacing the battery and broke the wire.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Crackin' job with the repair! I think it was great how you showed the fine tuning.

[@fluffybabypolliwog]

Tremendous save of a memory-laden family treasure, Mike! I always enjoy your videos, but this was really special. Whatever "professional" credits you may lack (I don't see it), you make up for them by being a very good man. Kudos and best wishes from the Sonoran Desert of Arizona! 👏👏 ❤

[@bruceyoung1343]

Watching you put the watch back together I could appreciate your knowledge CHEERS

[@terminal-velocity111]

Mike, I’d always trust you with any of my Seiko’s. You’re very modest and are brilliant at what you do.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I appreciate that!

[@sonofpinbot346]

A great repair video I can't believe an authorised repair centre would do that to his watch.

[@FredrikPedrikContentProduction]

Very interesting. Yes, you are a professional. I can say that even though I just recently got bitten by "vintage watch collecting". Very amusing hobby and very satisfying to see people like you fix them up.

[@paullevins5448]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching you correct this Seiko Turtle. Say what you want, I believe that your a master watchmaker / watch repair. I watched from start to finish just your demeanor, calmness under fire. You are better than you think. You are a master. Thank you enjoyed this very much. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year. From NW Florida. Lev

[@terrysmith7740]

John will be ecstatic. What a lovely job. Ive always loved Seiko watches and have a few divers including some a couple of vintage 70s from my youth.

[@sandervandam901]

Very amusing comments during the inspection and perfect music for the cleaning cycle this time. Love your channel!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you!

[@LomanB]

Brilliant job - well done you! I couldn't believe the scratching on all the movement parts! - Looked like they put into a Nutribullet!

[@ChrisFrench-ur5lb]

Absolutely brilliant to do a split screen where you show the result on the timegrapher of making the adjustments. I learned so much in about 5 short minutes.

[@MyRetroWatches]

thank you. I since did this on a Rolex video but it was not as popular. Going forward it might be something I do on all the watch restorations.

[@robalexander7348]

Thank You Mike, well done, that was a nice service on this Seiko Turtle, the owner will be so greatful to you for the repair.. As for Seiko telling him it can't be serviced was wrong of them. Au

[@michaelbelice2024]

As expected, another great video. Really looking forward to the new web store as well.

[@andydevonshire4991]

Meandering through YT looking for information on Seiko 7548’s ( yes I know the 7548 is a quartz and this isn’t 😆) but that’s often the way with KZbin and discovered this channel. Your easy going approach and explanations in layman’s terms are really refreshing. Subscribed 👍

[@kanariskanari7467]

BRILLIANT WORK

[@asdwinner1234]

thanks for demonstrating the beat error/rate adjustments! Very satisfying to watch the results live.

[@anthonymasters3885]

Great video. Best Timegrapher usage explanation ever!

[@nigelpocock9538]

I was bought a seiko divers watch for my 15th birthday in 1967. I wore it every day for the next 25 years until it finally stopped working. It sat in a drawer for the next 10 years. I now wish I had got it fixed after seeing this. Best wach I ever owned better than my dads old 1950s omega

[@brianofireland148]

Well, I hope he brings your post to them and gets his money back. Well done again on fixing it. Most times the real value of a watch is in the history of it. Not the money it is worth