Seiko 7s26 full stripdown service, restoration and watch repair tutorial

[@WatchRepairChannel]

In this video we strip down and service a pretty run-down Seiko Automatic watch based on the 7S26 movement.

[@williamsavory5274]

Hello, would you be interested in featuring on the channel a service on a seiko sbdx017 with the 8L35 movement. It might be a really popular video. I have owned it from new and it still keeps good time but has a very low amplitude around 200-220. It has never been opened before and there are reports out there that suggest seiko may over oil them during manufacture?

[@shahinsha108]

Sir how you opened the mainspring with hands

[@masivatak]

You are a wizard!

[@nickkorovesis4930]

You are an awesome watchmaker! I know that it's not recommended but please show us how to install a mainspring into the barrel by hand. It would be extremely appreciated for those of us that don't own the special winding tool (which is expensive and relatively hard to find). Thanks for sharing your amazing skills!

[@muthukumaransubramani7254]

Hello kindly upload a video on Seiko 6138 6139 Chronograph and Seiko 4006 bellmatic sir

[@mybestpartnerofficial9760]

The amount of information held inside that brain is gigantic. Disassembly is easy, but remembering the order to put it all back. My round of applause to you, Sir.

[@ganimidis]

man get's used doing specific jobs every day, an then, there's the general cause.. once you've done one, the others are similar..

[@wreckage-vs5jv]

As for me, I'm a pro watch disassembler since age 5..

[@1115asmara]

I was just thinking about that.

[@DennisHicks78749]

My thoughts EXACTLY.

[@Happyfacehotwheels]

Just like anything mechanical that you take apart and want to reassemble, best practice is to take pictures and to draw diagrams. You don't want to be one of those guys that has extra parts at the end of reassembly.

[@Spscc23998]

I watched this video all the way through with utter fascination. In a digitised world, how wonderful it is to contemplate the miniature mechanized Universe of an automatic watch movement, keeping time independently of microchips, batteries and switches. I found it quite beautiful, almost therapeutic, to see this master of his trade at work.

[@nakazatotakeshi4286]

I wish i had an uncle like you.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Lol

[@gdfggggg]

And your older than he is..

[@charleebunch6637]

@@WatchRepairChannel how much does a service like that usually cost ? I have 3 vintage seiko s that require that procedure .

[@nakazatotakeshi4286]

@@charleebunch6637 less than $50

[@Janet_Airlines802]

NakazatoTakeshi a service is much more then 50 bucks. You can buy the movement for 40-50. If you own one of these and the movement stops working it’s much cheaper to buy a new movement for it, rather then getting it serviced.

[@budgierustler1]

nice to see a more affordable movement being given your magic... keep up the good work mark

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Despite the cost - they're great movements

[@barrettwbenton]

@@WatchRepairChannel This is good to hear: so often this movement seems to get "taken down a few notches" for being inexpensive and ubiquitous, even though it's also the backbone of more-exalted movements like the 6R15. Thanks so much for this detailed breakdown!

[@gregrepac6654]

Yes they are. Good on you for doing it. For the cost of these they are easy to chuck in the bin and replace the whole new movement. Loved watching the video.

[@arseniojavier4735]

@@barrettwbenton Saan matatApoa n ang enyong seiko repair shop

[@gravityskeptic8697]

@@barrettwbenton A watch with this movement can be had for less than $100. Imho not worth the time, effort and talent spent here.

[@Thebigboram]

I feel truly blessed that I can sit at work and watch such craftmanship! Not many can be paid for such relaxation.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Don't let the boss catch you ;)

[@dr.omar.insights2000]

Great work. I now respect my Seiko 5 more seeing the sofisticated work that goes into its design and assembly

[@colinubeh1180]

It's a sturdy & reliable workhorse. I just had mine overhauled last month, it is still accurate just as the day I bought it 11 years ago.

[@craig9575]

I'm not sure what is more soothing, the delicate and precise movements of your hands or the sound of your voice. Truly hypnotic. I feel like I just had a brain massage. Amazing skill set. Thank you for sharing your massive mechanic data base inside your brain, possibly the only more complex instrument than a timepiece.

[@anthonymendez4780]

Happy to see a 7S26 being serviced instead of dumped. I had mine done on my SKX009. It was my first automatic and I plan on keeping it.

[@wpherigo1]

Not many Seiko 5s get that kind of care! Nice work. Simply amazing, I wish my Seiko swatches ran as well!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Sad to say we live in a throw away society

[@aaronwalderslade]

That's right, because the Seiko 5 is bullet proof! The scratched to hell look of my working watch is a badge of honour for the engineers that designed and built it.

[@-HustleUnion-]

@@aaronwalderslade preach brotha, preach. i can't believe it works after the hell i've put mine through (i'm a building mechanic). its scratched up, shock tested daily, dunked in water, i've hit that glass face so damn hard i thought the glass would shatter, but no 4 band replacements later and she still won't give up. Seiko 4life!

[@NathanChisholm041]

@@aaronwalderslade I've had my Seiko 5 for near 30yrs and it's still going great!

[@mr22guy]

Your video helped me repair an NH35. I bought a watch from China and it arrived with a broken stem, and none of the stem was sticking out enough to grab. So I watched your video and saw that if I simply remove the calendar plates I can push out the stem remnant with a small screwdriver, and it's out! Thanks!

[@LARSENBISQUITS]

I miss these videos. Thank you for posting!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

More on the way :)

[@liangweihao7932]

Wow... Watching this gives me newfound respect to just how amazing the design of even an entry level movement is, and the extreme knowledge and skill a true professional needs to have to handle watches. Salute.

[@carlmanu]

This is about as soothing as watching Bob Ross paint!

[@VenkateshmurthyVK]

It is very pleasing to hear your calm and cool presentation. For the first time I saw how gear trains and other componants of a watch are dissembled and assembled. Truly professional job.

[@darrencady4261]

Nice video, Mark. One thing I've noticed with most Seiko 5 movements is low amplitude. I had a brand new one which started out very well at 270 degrees yet within a few months had dropped to 245. I adjusted the beat to zero error dial up and it kept quite good time to within 15 seconds per day whilst being worn. I have one to service and wasn't sure about stripping the day and date but thanks to you I now know. I like the idea of the date jumper being part of the plate so no fear of it launching into space never to be seen again... For such an inexpensive movement they are quite well constructed. The automatic winding system with its magic lever is a thing of genius although not sure how efficient it is compared with anything in the ETA stable; although IWC rings a bell as I'm certain they used something similar in one of their movements. Still, an excellent presentation from an expert who makes these services appear a lot easier than they really are especially when it comes to diashock/ diafix springs. Many thanks, Mark.

[@gunnarguggs2725]

You are a hero because you fixed that old Seiko instead of suggesting that they just replace it (having neglected it). Most Seiko 5 models do not receive such a reprieve.

[@sahrul1409]

This video makes me love my seiko watch... thanks for share this.. 🙏

[@WatchRepairChannel]

I like Seiko watches too ;)

[@jefftuttle7890]

Really like my Seiko 5 snzg09j1 field watch. Probably the best field watch at its price point.

[@dommerdom]

As an amateur watchmaker, it is truly humbling to watch you do something in seconds that it takes me ~15 minutes to do. Thanks for your videos.

[@danangadnan6520]

I think, this is the most detailed video I've ever seen. Great work.

[@raymondphilip6232]

I don't understand why i watch this for 40 minutes straight 😂😂 I'm just speechless by how satisfying this is. Great content👍👍 keep it up! 👍👍

[@shiranduarte]

This is so satisfyaing to watch. It really calms me down.

[@jason19920816ify]

He can do some ASMR watch repairing

[@mr22guy]

I find it nerve wracking because everything is so complex and so delicate... but then I remember that it's not me, it's a pro, and he's going to reassemble it, THEN I start getting calm and relaxed. :)

[@waynew6707]

Thanks for the video! I have a 7S26C movement that stopped working and the second hand would spin freely after a small drop. I went through the movement watching your video and found that the pallet fork was not properly engaged. Took me far longer to get the balance wheel back in but once I did it worked and is keeping perfect time. Thanks again.

[@thetravelsoftatsu3967]

That was an absolute joy to watch. A humble movement given a five star service. Well edited with excellent commentary. Thank you.

[@sheemondallasgeorgia]

I am amazed how cleverly inexpensive this mechanism is. I am sort of a machinist, but. Mechanical system are very universal in nature. I watched you rebuild a Rolex, and then this Seiko. The Rolex amazes with the solid, machined complexity. This Seiko fascinates with its simple, multifunctional stampings, die cast parts and sleeve bearings everywhere. Well, I saw One ball bearing, and no more than 3 Ruby assemblies. The pinnacle of the show is, of course the host. There is no doubt about the knowledge, the dexterity, and the soft spoken humble manner with which he presents all the episodes I watched. Thank you Sir, for the wonderful shows. Simple Simon

[@ajones4064]

Thanks so much for another awesome service video!!! It's a bonus to see you do service and cleaning on such a popular movement that so many of us own. Thanks again for sharing!!!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

My pleasure - thank you

[@nicksington8020]

I bought a cheaper watch with a nh35 movement which stopped working after 3 hours of ownership. Without the confidence given by watching many of these videos I wouldn't have been able to partially strip the movement down and find a looks like a small piece if mainspring floating around underneath the pallet fork and stopping it from moving... Amazing filmed and a pleasure to watch. Many thanks and please keep up the great work. Regards, Nick.

[@jefftuttle7890]

That was so interesting. I am amazed by how all the small parts of a watch work together to keep time. What a great video and instructional .Thanks for sharing and take care.

[@LuvLuvBear]

Impressive. I admire that you've learned to do all these. I've heard and read everywhere (except for may be one adverse comment) that the 7S26 is a reliable workhorse that would last me years before requiring servicing. But I've had the bad experience of it (on a Seiko 5) drying up and stopping in slightly over 1 year of use.

[@stuartmaeshiro2254]

I'm so glad I found your channel. You are the Bob Ross of Horology! I look forward to many more videos. Keep up the great work!!!

[@charliebruce7447]

I am an amature hobbyist. I enjoy working with old timex movements because they are cheap and make for great practice.. I have never successfully removed a jewel and been able to replace it. Currently I'm working on a 1964 timex electric rear crown.. Its a 7 jewel. An # 87 movement if I'm correct. Thank you for the informative video. Your demonstration of skill is impressive.

[@sharpshooter012345]

I started watching this vid & fell asleep within 5 mins... his voice is like sleep meditation for insomnia.

[@Monty-g3c]

i have everything i need to start servicing watches i am afraid to start this channel gives me hope to begin learning.

[@randynovick7972]

I really love watching these servicing videos, Mark. They're very soothing.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Cheers Randy

[@st3althyone]

It’s so wonderful watching you bring another dead timepiece back to life, I wish I had one of those Seiko’s automatics from the 70’s, so simple yet lively watches!

[@CrimFerret]

These are kind of relaxing to watch and I've learned a lot about how mechanical watches work watching them. Glad to see a new one. I don't imagine many of these ever get serviced because of the cost. If I may ask, what would you have quoted to do this service if it hadn't been a family member? Also, that moment when you install the balance wheel and the watch goes "I live!" never gets old.

[@cekfox2]

Wow ! Watching that video was truly captivating. What skill you have. I am still trying to understand how the whole thing works. Thank you

[@galaxy606]

How the hell could anyone give thumbs down to this video?

[@mentaldetecting]

They can't tell the time yet.

[@MatzeMaulwurf]

iWatch suckers

[@patricaomas8750]

Chronophobia chronomentrophobia victims

[@Ariautoace]

I wonder as well.

[@deebusoh9023]

Those seiko hater..

[@CalixaCal]

Oh. I can't find the words how very good you serviced this watch. Excellent! Pure skill, concentration, and passion went into this.

[@Laz_Arus]

Utterly fascinating! First time here, and actually first time seeing a strip down of a mechanical watch. While viewing the strip down I kept thinking to myself, I hope he remembers where everything goes back ... hehe. I've subbed and will hopefully find some time to watch some of your other uploads. Cheers from downunder ⌚️

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks for the comment - great to have you here :)

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Mine is still running perfectly after 30+ years. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@Chipchase780]

That’s a workman-like looking movement there. I very much doubt it will have such skill lavished on it again. I held my breath when the jewel was removed, the beat of a fly’s wings could have blown it off the work bench. A very happy workhorse Seiko at the end of that service. Fascinating and educational video, thank you.

[@maikelelricsengkey9988]

Now I know the complicated machine of mechanical watch. That's why I love automatic watch. 👍👍👍

[@GawdOfThunder]

Your voice reminds me of the HAL 9000 computer from 2001. Soothing, calm and relaxing, just before you jettison me into space.

[@goldensquirel]

Your relative will be very happy with the service he’s received..

[@robinj.9329]

I have always been very impressed by people with such training and skills as you are demonstrating here! Artist, musician, etc. are my usual focus of admiration. BUT YOU SIR, are CERTAINLY very impressive! And I have to respect the fact that, what we are seeing here, is the result of, not just skill, training and experience, BUT of native talent also! BRAVO SIR! BRAVO.

[@kate20_73]

Yay my favorite KZbinr uploaded a video on my birthday!! I’m saving up to buy your watch repair corse so I can start fixing some of my vintage watches that I’ve collected that need to get fixed!!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Happy (belated) birthday :)

[@steverichey7517]

I have a Seko I bought while in Viet Nam.. due to this video, I now can take it apart, clean it, and put it back together. Thank you.

[@troidesproject9631]

Finally, my favorit movement I have using 7s26 since I was in high school

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Yep - it's a great movement. Well designed

[@stephenhenion8304]

I pondered a new watch for the past 90 days. I decided on the SNK809 because of the many great reviews. It arrived today. My first New watch purchase since 1991! I'm so happy with my decision. Then to see your breakdown of the Movement. Great Karma...thanks

[@Van_Der_Lay_Industries]

Wow. I really loved watching this. Watches are fascinating. It amazes me how a machine so complex can fit on your wrist!

[@kswaminathan5439]

Superb video and very high quality professional work.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you

[@adamslarke5483]

Subscribed. After watching some of your videos - I actually bought an automatic watch. It's so relaxing watching you work - especially restoring old movements. Cheers!

[@ΑναστάσιοςΤσαγκαλιδής-κ7τ]

amazing job man cheers from Greece!

[@xXAlmdudlerXx]

Amazing to see that even such a cheap movement is such a complex machine

[@patrickdehaan3670]

Please post an update of this watch & movement with the new mainspring, I'm interested to see what additional improvements in amplitude & accuracy are achieved. Good video‼️👍🏼

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks for the comment. However, the watch has already gone back to the owner. There was no noticeable difference when the mainspring was replaced.

[@EricCPOP]

So much muscle memory goes into watch making. Incredible!

[@k81law]

Hi Mark, I’m the other cousin of your wife. Can you please service my skx007? 😂 Great video! 👍🏻

[@Mc_Nizzle]

😅😅😅

[@WatchRepairChannel]

LOL

[@alexwong-s7s]

I am wearing my SKX007 (with 7s26) while watching this professional watch service video. It does make me appreciate my relatively cheaper automatic watch more as compared to those Swiss-made watches. Thumbs up to your good effort, sir. :)

[@webkris]

Mark, I have played with dozens of 7S26 - and I've NEVER seen accuracy like this. You have to make a video on how you regulated - or is it really down to the upper and lower shock lubrication and a clean hairspring?

[@MyRetroWatches]

Kristopher Marciniak what I found surprising is he perhaps didn’t remove the shocks for cleaning. Oiling and placement of diashocks can really make a difference on amplitude but granted Marks regulation was impressive but then that’s also down to experience. A good game of cat and mouse with the stud and regulator too!

[@asmobrat]

@@MyRetroWatches sir, by the time, can you tell me maximum gain or lose of seconds for a day of this watch ? ( in maximum performance you have reached ? )

[@RenaxTM91]

In my experience, you can regulate most well functioning 7S26 movements to within a second or two a day, but they won't stay that way, a few months down the road and they'll loose accuracy. ofc you can regulate them again but I've mostly just given up and settled for +-15sec a day..

[@WatchRepairChannel]

No watch will stay that way. From the second a movement service is complete it will degrade. That's why it should be serviced regularly.

[@BassJazzMen]

@@WatchRepairChannel i have a 7s36c movement How often should a watch service be done? Ty for your videos

[@MrGenoHydra]

If there is something that learned from buying Seiko's locally and reselling them online (And occasionally giving basic service) is that to make a Seiko not tick takes a substantial amount of abuse. I've seen a couple that survived motorcycle accidents and both still ticked after a gentle Seiko shake, even though one was basically dragged through the asphalt while making some sparks(and saved the guy's arm). Probably have a few more stories but not a whole lot of pictures. Great informative video overall, and since i'm getting back and learning about "better than basic servicing" now it's a great guide to be able to rely on!

[@carljonsson9440]

mine doesnt work after 1 year and cant afford fixing it

[@glenk9567]

First I would like to say that I love the videos. Keep them coming. My question is at what point do you decide to just change the movement instead of repairing? A Seiko 7S26 movement is only $50? Unless its a labor of love, your time is worth way more than that I would imagine.

[@giulianosantana2222]

A cheap and tough machine... A precious and outstanding job by the watchmaker. Enjoyful video upon a very popular Seiko movement. Congratulations! Best wishes from Brazil! Peace

[@AtifAziz0077]

So soothing to watch and listen.

[@bezopinox]

Who could possible not like these videos?! Keep up the good work, Sir. Your craftsmanship is just superb

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you.

[@brianmackenzie4265]

A true master just amazing..

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Brian

[@jimmurphy6095]

As I sit here watching this video, I'm looking at the skeletonized watch in my hand going over the exact same parts, (Minus day/date)... The size difference between what's on my 21" monitor, and what's in my hand, is mind boggling... Well done.

[@Martin-pb7ts]

Really enjoyed your video. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@nerdly44]

I have this exact movement in a Seiko 5 that is gaining absurd amounts of time per day. Eventually I hope to be able to do some minor service on it. This video was great in that it showed me what to expect. Love your channel.

[@mikesey1]

Try a demagnetiser, you' ll be surprised at the difference!

[@nikouai]

Is it only me holding my breath when watching this?! :))

[@jpaltman706]

Me: here I will remove the case back, aaaaannnd I just broke the whole watch....

[@WatchRepairChannel]

For 40 minutes? Wow! ;)

[@CarlitoCPili]

I am!make sure my breathing coud'nt distract me.

[@nakazatotakeshi4286]

@@jpaltman706 can relate

[@jason3291]

Why?

[@rodfisher2837]

I started to watch (excuse the pun) out of curiosity. A first class tutorial - many thanks.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

How much would a service like this be? Mine is older, never serviced but still functioning!

[@RenaxTM91]

Servicing an old 7S26 will cost more than buying and professionally installing a brand new NH36 movement, witch is an upgrade so you'll get hacking and hand-winding. The only reason to service a 7S26 is if you want to spend more money than the watch is worth to keep it 100% original.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Most mechanical items with moving parts will need to be either serviced or discarded at some point, watch movements can be very durable but they're not special in that regard. The argument over whether to service or replace is a personal choice.

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

And this is a basic movement! Thanks for this fabulous documenting video AND for explaining while executing the service. I have a new respect for watchmaking and for this rudimentary movement.

[@MrThomasisashit]

And their you have it..fully stripped....and i have know idea how to put it back together!😂

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Start with glass of scotch - maybe two :)

[@DeTrOiTXX12]

haha

[@darkhorsegarage9623]

Thank you for the video. I am an amateur watchmaker . I am also a collector. Mostly Swiss watches. But have found a real appreciation for the Seiko 5 series. They have a size and resilience I appreciate. I dropped one and the oscillating weight became loose from the bearing. I have not found a parts supplier. Your video is fantastic my only wish is more information on the type of oil used . Fantastic videos I will begin watching them all. Thank you.

[@bellesbae]

It's like I'm watching the Discovery channel...

[@NicolasMedtner]

Fantastic! I just thought I'd watch only a little of this video, but couldn't stop untill the watch was completely assembled and clean. You do great work, and you are very inspirational in your craft and also your teaching! Keep it up! :-)

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Erik

[@jamiei1503]

How do you remember where everything goes?

[@ABGG55]

Practicing keep look every parts and organize them

[@diogeneslantern18]

Pretty sure John has stripped down and reassembled thousands of movements

[@TheBadGuy1974]

Breadcumbs…………….

[@phillipaspinall8745]

Very calm tension free video, I always end up turning the music and sound off and rely on written dialogue to tell me what's going on. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@douglasj1498]

If I send my watch to you by mail. Would you repair my watch? I'm in U.S

[@yellownp22541]

I would like to thank you for taking me on a trip to an unknown dimension, I love watches, I love Seiko watches however you take me to a place that I can only dream of visiting but lack the knowledge, you sir provide me with a guided tour. From the bottom of my heart Thank you very much.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

My pleasure.

[@pibblesnbits]

My 7s26 keeps 1 second gain per day

[@davidcoleman2463]

I have a Bulova automatic from 1946 that is a little fast .

[@dennisallport5704]

Ahhh.....the master returns! Techniques, skill, care = Mark! Thank you for your time & work!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Cheers Dennis

[@TheSam6141]

Amazing skill, patience, steady hands . I’m so amazed at all the work it takes and time to service a watch👌🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@YUHJKT]

excellent. My brain liked that video. You stayed on point and displayed your professional working expertise. I followed with confidence. It makes me appreciate the importance of having a good or great watch serviced by a pro.

[@stevenk195]

Watched the whole thing. Wow. While I'll never service my own watch, I can definitely say that I'll never lube my doors around the house the same again.

[@AndrewVincent]

I came because I love Seikos, I stayed because I wanted to have it put me to sleep. Unfortunately it was so interesting I ended up watching the whole thing and am now going to attempt to service my watch. I'll probably check out your training courses first. 😂

[@fabian6537]

It's so satisfying to see a timepiece being restored.

[@Thenextrealm]

Hypnotic and in a time of technology, the ingenuity of an automatic watch is often over looked. Wonderful and informative!

[@plle89]

I had to applaud after watching this video. What a wonderful job Sir. A real pleasure to see .Thank you very much!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you Pedro

[@anirbanchakraborty6569]

It's truly satisfying my soul, cause I have recently started my journey to make an wrist watch brand. I'm doing my best, and now I'm selling only my first product. I'm from India but still I want to make my brand international one day, and make some limited mechanical watches all by my myself. Love you all😊.

[@ryuk78]

What's the brand name?

[@Ceaze87]

You are the Bob Ross of watch making.

[@chrispack3131]

Wow I knew automatic watches were complicated but now I can see just how complicated they are. Kudos to you for being able to service these type of watches. Not sure I could remember how it all went back together if I was to attempt a strip down & service though!

[@rbarrientos1]

you have greatly demystified the watch movement for me, thank you

[@zagajan]

This S726 movement is my very trusty movement. Together with ETA2428 and Bostok 2416b. Very raliable movements from my experience. Very interesting video as always. Thank you.

[@SpectreOZ]

Mad skills to be sure, appreciated the concise delivery manner of deconstruction & reassembly... I'm quite fond of the Seikos 👍

[@peterperont8853]

These videos just let me decompress and calm down...thank you!!

[@TexanUSMC8089]

He's going to love his watch. Beautiful job.

[@raymondpontremoli2489]

Great job....I'm a Graduate of Bowman School of Watchmaking, Class of 1978

[@eldustinhoffman7245]

Most outstanding tutorial demonstration video with relevant minute by minute commentary! I have been so impressed that I'd like to learn how to repair and eventually mod my own Seiko. Thanks so much. You are top notch!

[@RenoLaringo]

What a wonderful job ! Your calm and self control is vert communicative. I like watching your videos as much a stress relief than for the informative content. Thanks a lot for all these good vibes and info !