Introduction Those subscribers who are regular readers of my Friday newsletters might have noticed that from time to time, I highlight a listing for a watch that includes official Grand Seiko service papers.
The future-service viability caveat seems to be in line with other disclaimers seen on, e.g., the Seiko Service Center USA website:
"Please know that service for older, discontinued calibers may not be possible if movement parts are no longer available. Final determination will be made upon watchmaker inspection."
Which is not to gainsay the quality of the service provided here! Having gone down the rabbit hole of finding rare and OOP parts for a King Seiko 4502-7000 (keyless works, click spring, crystal, etc.) in concert with a *very* patient independent watchmaker—a search which ranged far and wide but was ultimately successful—I understand the Mothership's reluctance to even hint at guaranteeing their ability to offer further successful repairs given the dearth of spare fiddly bits with which to make any given vintage watch run like new.
Very interesting article. Not in the same league but I tried to have my 6218 Weekdater serviced at Seiko UK HQ service centre but they wouldn’t do it as they lacked the parts, though they suggested (note: not ‘recommended’) some independents, one of which ended up using. I was happy with the result, but perhaps I should have pushed for it to have been sent back to Japan, or at least tried to get a quote to do so. I will enquire for my KS first to see if it’s possible (and the cost). Seiko UK did service a very worn 7548 for me 5 years ago, at the time they stated they could not source the parts direct, however the technician had some in his personal collection that he was happy to use.
I had my 1969 6145 serviced a year ago through my local GS shop and I’m overjoyed with the result. Price in Europe is 1000+ euros (price of the watch...) but the outcome is a perfectly stable watch with a near new feel to it. I only had to retune it for accuracy - now a near perfect performer 🥰🥰
I can’t help but think a 44GS or similar would have been a better choice to send in to see if they can still lapinist it! I guess they’ve done the reissue of that so maybe some other model which had a weird combination of brushed and polished surfaces like 4520-7000 or 6145-8020?
I’ve chosen to acquire an outrageously expensive donor case to include with the sale of a VFA (should I be so lucky). Something I would never do for myself
The future-service viability caveat seems to be in line with other disclaimers seen on, e.g., the Seiko Service Center USA website:
"Please know that service for older, discontinued calibers may not be possible if movement parts are no longer available. Final determination will be made upon watchmaker inspection."
Which is not to gainsay the quality of the service provided here! Having gone down the rabbit hole of finding rare and OOP parts for a King Seiko 4502-7000 (keyless works, click spring, crystal, etc.) in concert with a *very* patient independent watchmaker—a search which ranged far and wide but was ultimately successful—I understand the Mothership's reluctance to even hint at guaranteeing their ability to offer further successful repairs given the dearth of spare fiddly bits with which to make any given vintage watch run like new.
Very interesting article. Not in the same league but I tried to have my 6218 Weekdater serviced at Seiko UK HQ service centre but they wouldn’t do it as they lacked the parts, though they suggested (note: not ‘recommended’) some independents, one of which ended up using. I was happy with the result, but perhaps I should have pushed for it to have been sent back to Japan, or at least tried to get a quote to do so. I will enquire for my KS first to see if it’s possible (and the cost). Seiko UK did service a very worn 7548 for me 5 years ago, at the time they stated they could not source the parts direct, however the technician had some in his personal collection that he was happy to use.
Probably when the time is up for maintenance for my First I’ll have it serviced in Japan too
I had my 1969 6145 serviced a year ago through my local GS shop and I’m overjoyed with the result. Price in Europe is 1000+ euros (price of the watch...) but the outcome is a perfectly stable watch with a near new feel to it. I only had to retune it for accuracy - now a near perfect performer 🥰🥰
I can’t help but think a 44GS or similar would have been a better choice to send in to see if they can still lapinist it! I guess they’ve done the reissue of that so maybe some other model which had a weird combination of brushed and polished surfaces like 4520-7000 or 6145-8020?
Just curious, what was their assessment of your watch when u sent in for servicing? Only hairline scratches?
I’ve chosen to acquire an outrageously expensive donor case to include with the sale of a VFA (should I be so lucky). Something I would never do for myself