Seiko Movement Swap / Service

[rw16610]

I stumbled upon this opinion piece of sorts from Fartello Watches and it got me thinking. I've heard of this before (for other brands as well), and think for a percentage of owners from the general public, it makes no difference. As if is ultimately cheaper for Seiko to replace the old movement with a new one vs. disassembling, cleaning, rebuilding, etc. 

However, for me if a watch was gifted, or represents something more than just being a beater piece, I would be more inclined to find independent watchmakers to increase the probability of the original movement remaining in the watch.

Not sure what impact the movement swap service system has on individual parts availability, but it does make me wonder what they do with the old components. If they later get rebuild and put into someone else's watch this makes a bit less sense to me. For a multitude of reasons though it's more efficient for them to simply swap.

What are your thoughts on this? Am I missing something here? Either way it's an interesting topic and one I'm thinking about because I'll 1000% sure be adding more Seiko watches to the collection. Although it wouldn't be for a LONG time, I'll some day have to get one or the other serviced. They're workhorses though and the movement from my Orient served me so well for a long time with zero issues. Bet it would got for a much longer time too.

Check out some pictures from the article below followed by the link.
















www.fratellowatches.com/why-budget-mechanical-watches-dont-make-sense/

[Baco Noir]

The movement swap makes pure financial sense. I’m sure there will always be someone who can service them if you have a special piece, but for 99+% off Seiko watches, a swap is the right move. Even if the movement gets swapped, it’s still your watch that you are passing down IMHO.

[muckymark]

I agree a movement swap makes sense for these watches. Even if it’s a watch to mark a special occasion, it’s the whole watch and the event that make it special. Now for high end pieces it may be a different story. Nobody cares if the engine was replaced in your workhorse F150 but it’s different story in certain muscle cars and exotics. It can devalue them significantly.

[rw16610]

Baco Noir & muckymark Agreed, in fact the concept has grown on me for that category of watch. Just means I can wear it much harder and worry not, and to me this is an appealing factor.

The comments in the original article are interesting as well and many are on the same page.

[Baco Noir]

Jun 16, 2023 18:10:03 GMT -6 rw16610 said:

Baco Noir & muckymark Agreed, in fact the concept has grown on me for that category of watch. Just means I can wear it much harder and worry not, and to me this is an appealing factor.

The comments in the original article are interesting as well and many are on the same page.

Even an ETA movement is affordable to swap. I did an ETA swap in my former Zodiac and it was cheaper than service.

[rw16610]

Baco Noir That's amazing, I wish more manufacturers would offer this as a service option. In addition to saving costs, the turnaround times can hopefully be much quicker.

[aerome]

May be an excellent time to begin your watchmaking journey by getting a movement and trying it yourself. A swap should be an easy thing. But, these movements are cheap as hell and although the swap (I use Seiko in Mahwah, NJ) is the best economical approach, if you find someone who can service the movement, I think they'll take better care of the job because who knows, the swap may not last that long, either.  ---And, Seiko doesn't do any polishing!

[rw16610]

aerome Great points there! I've done battery changes but would totally be willing to buy an old beater Seiko and practice removing the movement, hands, dial, and crown so I can one day do this. I've seen some learn how to mod Seiko's and ultimately do other stuff too and that would be a nice way to take the hobby to the next level.

[ramizk]

Jun 15, 2023 23:26:19 GMT -6 rw16610 said:

I stumbled upon this opinion piece of sorts from Fartello Watches and it got me thinking. I've heard of this before (for other brands as well), and think for a percentage of owners from the general public, it makes no difference. As if is ultimately cheaper for Seiko to replace the old movement with a new one vs. disassembling, cleaning, rebuilding, etc. 

However, for me if a watch was gifted, or represents something more than just being a beater piece, I would be more inclined to find independent watchmakers to increase the probability of the original movement remaining in the watch.

Not sure what impact the movement swap service system has on individual parts availability, but it does make me wonder what they do with the old components. If they later get rebuild and put into someone else's watch this makes a bit less sense to me. For a multitude of reasons though it's more efficient for them to simply swap.

What are your thoughts on this? Am I missing something here? Either way it's an interesting topic and one I'm thinking about because I'll 1000% sure be adding more Seiko watches to the collection. Although it wouldn't be for a LONG time, I'll some day have to get one or the other serviced. They're workhorses though and the movement from my Orient served me so well for a long time with zero issues. Bet it would got for a much longer time too.

Check out some pictures from the article below followed by the link.
















www.fratellowatches.com/why-budget-mechanical-watches-dont-make-sense/

Your inclination to seek out independent watchmakers when a watch holds sentimental or symbolic value is entirely understandable and often a wise decision. Independent watchmakers typically offer a more personalized and hands-on approach to watch servicing and repair. They are often more likely to take care to preserve the original movement, thus maintaining the watch's unique character and sentimental significance. This approach ensures that the watch retains its history and the special connection it holds for you or the person it was gifted to. It's a sentiment that many watch enthusiasts share, valuing the story and heritage of a timepiece along with its function.

[rw16610]

ramizk Very well said and welcome to the forum!

[Baco Noir]

Welcome to the forum ramizk. Great first post. Please start your own thread and introduce yourself and tell us more about your watch interests and collection.