ROLEX WATCH REPAIR, OMEGA WATCH REPAIR, BULOVA WATCH REPAIR, GRUEN WATCH REPAIR, & SEIKO WATCH REPAIR ARE A SPECIALTY!
FROM VINTAGE AMERICAN POCKET WATCHES TO THE FINEST SWISS WATCHES OF TODAY, LET ME HANDLE YOUR WATCH REPAIR!
ROLEX WATCH REPAIR, OMEGA WATCH REPAIR, BULOVA WATCH REPAIR, GRUEN WATCH REPAIR, & SEIKO WATCH REPAIR ARE A SPECIALTY!
FROM VINTAGE AMERICAN POCKET WATCHES TO THE FINEST SWISS WATCHES OF TODAY, LET ME HANDLE YOUR WATCH REPAIR!
PRICES AND INFORMATION IN EFFECT FEBRUARY 8, 2009
Seiko Kinetic
AS OF 10/18/03 THE OLD STYLE CAPACITORS FOR SEIKO KINETIC WATCHES HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED. SEIKO IS NOW SUPPLYING A "RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY" SIMILAR TO THE ONES USED IN CITIZEN ECO-DRIVE WATCHES FOR INSTALLATION IN THEIR KINETIC WATCHES. ALL FUTURE KINETIC WATCHES SENT IN FOR A CAPACITOR OVERHAUL WILL RECEIVE THIS NEW BATTERY.
NOTICE
I have seen that some other watchmakers on the internet have copied this page, and others on my website, nearly verbatim. I guess when you have a good idea, and service, others want to copy it even if that is wrong. My website has been up for over five years, and I have been offering the Kinetic overhaul service for far longer than the others have (even before I had the website). I will do all in my power to make a customer happy and work with them one-on-one if needed. Stick with the oldest and the best, you will not be sorry!!!
"My Seiko Kinetic won't hold a charge."
· What usually goes bad in these is the capacitor. If your Kinetic runs, and keeps time, but goes dead often (usually after sitting overnight), it is most likely because the capacitor is not holding a charge.
· To be sure if the capacitor is bad or not, charge the watch ALL the way up (it takes a LOT of motion to charge these things, 1,700-2,000 HARD shakes of the wrist), if the watch then goes dead overnight or within a few hours or minutes, the capacitor is most likely bad. If the watch won't run at all after following the above procedure then there could be (and most likely is) another problem, or problems, in the watch. I have had capacitors that leaked so badly that they fouled the gears, etc. in the watch and the movement had to be replaced.
· The older capacitors, especially the first generation ones (denoted by two holes in the capacitor strap), are also prone to leaking (accompanies failure to hold a charge in some instances).
· Also, be aware that some people are just not active enough to keep a Kinetic watch charged. As I said, it take a LOT of motion to charge a Kinetic watch all the way up. The best way to find out if the capacitor is bad is to try the test I outlined.
As this has become a popular repair (there have been millions of Seiko Kinetic's sold), I have created a special pricing package for Seiko Kinetic owners!!! Compare the services in this package and its price to that of your local service people or service center, I think you will find it more than competitive!!!
Seiko Kinetic capacitor overhauls starting at $80
This package and price includes:
A new lithium-ion rechargeable battery kit.
New case-back gasket.
Testing for water resistance. If your watch fails this test you will be informed of where it leaks, how badly, and what it will take to restore your watch to water resistance if possible.
Cleaning of metal watch bands in ultrasonic tank.
All Kinetic overhauls now include "cyclonic cleaning" of the watch movement! This spins the gear train at high-speed and breaks-up dirt in the gear train making the watch function better in some instances.
Cleaning of watch case.***
New stainless steel spring bars (if applicable).
Return shipping with $200 insurance.
***Note: Excessively dirty watches will incur an extra charge $5-$10 for cleaning. Sorry, but as more and more watches come into the shop in bad shape I have to do this to maintain the low price I charge for this package. Please see the watch care page at the following link for tips on how to keep your watch from ending up in this category: Watch Care & Advice & Facts You Need To Know
Other items that may need repair when your Kinetic is in for service
Screw lug repair: There have been a number of these lately, so I thought it best to put info about it here on the website. Basically the problem is that someone (or some machine) at one of the factories where they make the Kinetic watches over-tightens the screws holding the capacitor strap down. What this does is "spin" one or both screw lugs that the screws holding the capacitor strap screw into. It is nearly always the left-hand screw lug holding the capacitor strap down that is broken loose in the movement when it occurs. It is sometimes difficult to even get the screw out to remove the capacitor. These screw lugs are just pressed into the plastic movement body, and easily damaged. I have figured out a way that I can often glue these from the top without having to tear the movement down. If I can repair it this way the charge will be $10. If I have to tear the movement down to repair the lug then the charge will be $40-$50. Will yours be bad? There is no way to tell until I try to get the screws out. Sometimes I go a month or more with none of them, other times I have three or four in one repair cycle. Often, if the watch must be torn down to fix the lug; I will just suggest a movement replacement. In the event of a movement replacement the $80 capacitor overhaul fee will be applied to that work. There is no way to properly fix your watch (or make it function correctly) without correcting this!!!
ANY watch that comes into the shop that requires a water resistance test during service that has a glue-in crystal will have the crystal re-glued for a flat $15 charge. Why? Because these watches almost always fail the water resistance test with the result being that the crystal blows out in the tester and I have to dry out the movement and re-glue the crystal anyway. This operation is mandatory on ANY watch that comes in that is to be water resistance tested with a glue-in crystal (on Seiko Kinetics these are usually the watches marked merely "water resistant" with no BAR rating, and most have a sapphire crystal).
Maybe 10% of the “two-hole” original capacitors leak. I can generally clean the “goo” out of the watch with patience, a small screwdriver, Rodico, and my trusty air compressor (water trap on compressor). In cases where I cannot get the materials suitably removed, I replace the movement; it is much cheaper, easier, and faster to replace the movement than attempt to remove the residue if the movement is that far gone. Thus far, I have only replaced a couple movements due to leakage.
Another thing I am seeing go bad is the charging rotor bridge, stator, and rotor; one must replace all three pieces to insure the watch will function properly. The easiest way to diagnose this is to use the old method of testing an automatic weight; the weight should stay at the bottom no matter what position the case is in (when held vertically), if it does not, the bridge and rotor/stator are probably bad.
IMPORTANT POINTS
· "Turn-around" on Kinetic capacitor overhauls is around 4-12 weeks. I have been swamped with Kinetic watches off and on, PLEASE be patient.
· Keep in mind that the "charge indicator" on the Kinetic watches is notoriously inaccurate. Seiko recommends charging the watch, check the charge indicator, then check it again in an hour for a more "true" reading. Many people mistakenly believe they are getting the watch all the way charged when in reality they are not. The best indication is how long the watch will run on a full charge!
· Your watch will be tested for water resistance if applicable when the overhaul is done. About 70%-90% of the Kinetic watches fail this test (usually leaking at the crown, pusher, bezel, crystal, or all of the above at once). If your watch fails the test I will tell you where it failed, it will then be up to you to decide if you want to pursue future repairs to attempt to restore the water resistance of the watch. If your watch is a "dive watch", rated at 15 BAR or more I will generally contact you and recommend repairing the watch to its water resistant state, Water resistance is NOT guaranteed. It is NOT recommended to wear water resistant watches in hot tubs or the shower, the great swings caused in surface temperature can actually cause the watch to leak and the chemicals can deteriorate the gaskets. Also keep in mind that certain activities such as water sports or streaming water such as from a garden hose can create pressures, which exceed the water resistance of the watch. Water resistance should be checked every 1 to 2 years. Water resistance is not a permanent condition, it must be maintained!
· There is a 6-month warranty on Seiko Kinetic capacitor overhauls on the battery only. Please understand that I do not make the batteries, I only install them, and I receive NO warranty on the batteries from Seiko or my suppliers. Out of the hundreds of these overhauls I have done only a very few people have found that the watch still would not hold a charge after the capacitor was replaced. More often than not, if the watch still will not function properly after a new lithium-ion rechargeable battery is installed, the fault is NOT the battery but another problem such as the circuit in the watch, or the coils. If it does turn out to be a bad battery in the first 6 months after the overhaul then I will change it again for the return shipping charge (currently $7.40). If, after 6 months, but less than 12 months have elapsed since your Kinetic overhaul, and it does turn out to be a bad battery, I will change it again for minimal fee and the return shipping charge (currently $17,40). Thank you!!!
· Please follow the procedure under SHIPPING below and include a check/money order for $80 with your Kinetic. If any additional parts or charges are needed you will be notified. The $80 price is for the capacitor replacement outlined above only; all other work will be extra (including water resistance repairs).
· If your Kinetic is an "Auto-Relay" type then please allow a full 8-week for return of your watch. I do not stock batteries for these models so they will be ordered with my monthly order if one is needed.
· New movements are not available for the 3M22/23 family of Kinetic watches any longer (these are usually the ladies watches). At present I can still get some parts for these watches. Getting the batteries for these watches is no problem; I just will not be able to replace a complete movement in these watches any longer. If you have one of these watches please treat it with care, including annual water resistance testing, to ensure it lasts a long, long time!
OTHER ITEMS THAT YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER FOR REPLACEMENT WHILE YOUR KINETIC IS IN FOR SERVICE
If your Kinetic has a crystal that is badly scratched (usually mineral glass) why not have it replaced while your watch is in for service? A new crystal would make your watch look a LOT better! Most Kinetic watches can be fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. In cases where the watch is sent with a request for a sapphire crystal and one cannot be fit, then a standard mineral glass crystal will be fitted instead. Click here for crystal pricing: Crystal prices
If your crown is badly worn, I can replace that when you have your Kinetic in for service!!! The crown is the part that you use to set the time and date or wind a mechanical watch. In cases where the stem is also badly corroded I will suggest it also be replaced. If I replace both the stem and crown at the same time then the charge will be $40 for both (a savings of $10). Cost for crown replacement starts at $30
If your charge indicator pusher is sticking, is not working right, or is badly worn, I can replace that while your Kinetic is in for service!!! Cost for indicator pusher replacement starts at $30
If I replace both the pusher and the crown you will receive a $5 discount on each one, that is a $10 savings!!!
I offer refinishing of stainless steel watch cases and bands!!! If your band has gold plated links in it I cannot refinish it (I will be able to do the clasp). The charge will be by the hour, and any gold-plated elements on the case cannot be refinished (the gold plating in use today is very thin and any type of abrasive action would destroy it instantly). This service will also most likely require a new bezel gasket be installed on most stainless steel watches. If interested in this service please e-mail.
I am now offering refinishing of titanium watch cases and bands!!! If your band has gold plated links in it I cannot refinish it (I will be able to do the clasp). The charge will be by the hour, and any gold-plated elements on the case cannot be refinished (the gold plating in use today is very thin and any type of abrasive action would destroy it instantly). This service will also most likely require a new bezel gasket be installed on most titanium watches. If interested in this service please e-mail.
If your Kinetic has a leather band, and it is worn, why not have it replaced while your watch is in for service??? A new band really goes a LONG way in setting a watch off on your arm! Please see the "Bands" page for more information. I can get SOME factory Seiko bands, but they are VERY expensive. If you insist on a genuine Seiko band then expect to pay in excess of $100 for it. Sorry, but I have no control over the pricing of these items.
Complete overhauls of Seiko Kinetic watches starting at $245. This will include a new movement with new rechargeable battery, new crystal, new crystal gasket and bezel gasket and case-back gasket, new indicator pusher, and new crown. Obviously this is only practical in the case of very expensive Kinetic watches such as the titanium models. This does not include a new dial, hands, bezel, band/clasp, or case (I may be able to buff the case if it is stainless steel). If you want this package just follow shipping instructions below and send a check/MO for $245 with a note saying you would like "the works". Please allow extra time for this package as some of the parts will need to be ordered.
SHIPPING AND ESTIMATES
PLEASE read, agree to, and follow the procedure below for sending your watch for estimate/repair. The steps below are for YOUR safety and that of your timepiece! I take in many watches for repair and without the proper information I have requested I can not track your watch or return it to you! SIMPLY HAVING THE INFORMATION ON YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IS NOT ENOUGH. I AM SOMETIMES NOT THE ONE THAT OPENS THE PARCELS OR CASHES THE CHECKS/MONEY ORDERS. PLEASE PROVIDE THE INFORMATION I ASK FOR BELOW! THANK YOU!!!
I hate to add this, but after years of asking, people still are sending their watches in envelopes, padded envelopes, and uninsured. That being said, ANY watch that is received in an envelope or uninsured WILL be refused at the post office and returned to the owner at their expense. I am sorry, but if I accept the package and there is damage I then become the responsible party. please ship you watch in a box and insure it. thank you!!!!
1) BEFORE sending your watch you must first e-mail me for approval of your repair. No watches except Seiko Kinetic will be accepted for repair without prior approval. Once your repair is approved by me you will be provided with my complete shipping address. THERE IS NO SHIPPING ADDRESS ON THIS PAGE AS ALL REPAIRS EXCEPT SEIKO KINETIC OVERHAULS AND BATTERY OVERHAULS MUST BE PRE-APPROVED BEFORE ACCEPTANCE.
2) Wrap your watch in BUBBLE WRAP and place it in a BOX (the US Post Office gives away Priority Mail boxes for free (request the small video box). DO NOT SHIP TO ME IN A PADDED ENVELOPE (yes some people HAVE done this!)! ANY WATCH RECEIVED IN A PADDED ENVELOPE WILL BE REFUSED AT THE POST OFFICE AND RETURNED TO ITS OWNER AT THEIR COST. Shipping in a padded envelope is just inviting your watch to be destroyed!!!
Fill the box completely with packing material so your watch doesn't become damaged in shipment! I have had people using 1 small piece of bubble wrap in a large box. The result is the watch comes out of the bubble wrap and bangs around for thousands of miles in transit. PLEASE, use an adequate amount of packing material to fill the box, it will be cheaper than buying a new watch!!
PLEASE do not use "Styrofoam peanuts" to pack the watch! The result will be that the watch will settle to the bottom and be unprotected for most of the trip to my Post Office!
Taping is OK, just don't "tape it to death"! I had one watch come in that was lucky to survive the unwrapping process because the owner used half a roll of package tape over the bubble wrap and on the watch! PLEASE, do not put tape on the watch itself!
DO NOT SHIP WATCHES TO ME IN A PADDED ENVELOPE (yes some people HAVE done this)! ANY WATCH RECEIVED IN A PADDED ENVELOPE WILL BE REFUSED AT THE POST OFFICE AND RETURNED TO ITS OWNER AT THEIR COST! Shipping in a padded envelope is just inviting your watch to be damaged or destroyed!!!
Make a note of the serial number and case number of your watch before you send it and write it on the index card you enclosed with the watch. If something does happen this will make sure your proper watch is returned to you safely. The serial # is a 6-digit number on the lower case back.
3) Enclose a card (index cards are great for this, they fit right in my repair envelopes) with your name, address and telephone number including area code AND e-mail address (I like to give estimates by e-mail, produces a written record for both of us). Please write on the card what you would like done to your watch.
DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! I MUST HAVE THE INFORMATION TO ENSURE YOUR WATCH IS RETURNED TO YOU!
4) Include a check or money order in the amount of $80 to cover the Kinetic Overhaul fee
No work will be done without the overhaul fee. I do not do work on "approval."
5) Ship your timepiece by USPS Priority Mail
Scott A. Ekleberry-Watchmaker
PO Box 22
Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351
Insure your parcel for at least $100.
Put Delivery Confirmation on the parcel (that way you can check to make sure I received it on-line). The e-mail situation is getting overwhelming and I no longer e-mail when watches are received.
Mark the package "FRAGILE".
DO NOT SHIP BY UPS OR FED-EX, THEY CANNOT DELIVER TO MY PO BOX ADDRESS.
IMPORTANT NOTES
I do not do work on "approval", watches will be held until the bill is settled, or the watch can be sent C.O.D.
You may check the progress of your repair at any time AFTER I have responded with your initial evaluation (it does no good to ask me about the repair status of a watch I haven't even had the chance to look at) by e-mailing me.
If you do contact me about your repair, PLEASE be specific, I can have other watches in the shop and can't remember ever one.
Ohio residents must add 7% sales tax.
Please take the following as a guideline for repair times
Kinetic Overhauls take 4-12 weeks; if you have not heard from me at the end of 12 weeks, then please e-mail me.
PLEASE, allow me time to do the work, I can't estimate/fix every watch that comes in within 4-5 days, it is just not possible, especially during the "busy season".
PAYMENT METHODS
Personal check
Cashiers check
Money order
I do not take any credit card payments. Sorry!
Please make all checks or money orders payable to Scott A. Ekleberry
If you still feel you have any unanswered questions after reading through my website, please feel free to e-mail questions. Thank you!!!
AFFILIATIONS
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