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Thread: Seiko UK service and repair prices

  1. #1
    Craftsman
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    Seiko UK service and repair prices

    I had a quick search and could not see already on here, but if it is apologies.

    I was looking for some information on Seiko in UK and came across this in case its of interest.

    http://misc.seiko.co.uk/PriceList-Se...lic-201904.pdf

  2. #2
    Master
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    I notice GS and “special calibres” are POA. This is what they quoted me for my spring drive diver -

    The cost to just service your watch is £325.00 and the cost to service and refinish is £635.00. We can do just the service here but should you require the refinish we would need to send the watch to japan for that.

  3. #3
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    I suspect they’re putting replacement movements in, probably the most cost- effective way and doesn’t require the same skill level. Nothing wrong with that IMO.

  4. #4
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    Thanks for posting this.

    I have a SARB017 Alpinist whose 6R15 movement loses 5 minutes a day so I think I'll send it to them and see what happens. If I interpret the price list correctly, they will fix it for £84 :-)

  5. #5
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    Looking at that list - I assume the 8L35 calibre movement comes under 'special calibre' - though as it's a mono bloc case design this would be have to be sent to Seiko Japan?

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by gex23 View Post
    Looking at that list - I assume the 8L35 calibre movement comes under 'special calibre' - though as it's a mono bloc case design this would be have to be sent to Seiko Japan?
    ‘It’s my understanding that the movement servicing is done in the UK, but case refinishing has to be done in Japan (I guess due to the Zaratsu polishing)

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by gex23 View Post
    Looking at that list - I assume the 8L35 calibre movement comes under 'special calibre' - though as it's a mono bloc case design this would be have to be sent to Seiko Japan?
    Seiko UK serviced my old SBDX001 a few years back, can't remember what the cost was though.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by 459GMB View Post
    Thanks for posting this.

    I have a SARB017 Alpinist whose 6R15 movement loses 5 minutes a day so I think I'll send it to them and see what happens. If I interpret the price list correctly, they will fix it for £84 :-)
    Glad to be of assistance.

    I have just ordered a Seiko Alpinist SPB121J1 with 6R35 from Hilliers, January sale 25% discount down to £487.50 :-)

  9. #9
    Craftsman trott3r's Avatar
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    I had my sportura kinetic battery changed and my impression of seiko uk is they are very much stuck in the 90s.
    Awful website and you have to pay via credit card over the phone rather than on their website.

    Still got the job done

  10. #10
    my 2 youngsters are getting into watches and fancied giving them a first serious watch each.So my skx013 for my son and a seiko 5 snzf11j1 for my daughter ,both need a service so will have to get a quote from seiko ,see if its cost effective.Would be nice if £90 each for the service

  11. #11
    That plus vat. £107.00
    Not sure about that for a 6r15 but the 4r36 is £107.00 for service via movement exchange.
    I'm still waiting on mine being finished but it's in the workshop now so not to long I guess.
    Quote Originally Posted by 459GMB View Post
    Thanks for posting this.

    I have a SARB017 Alpinist whose 6R15 movement loses 5 minutes a day so I think I'll send it to them and see what happens. If I interpret the price list correctly, they will fix it for £84 :-)
    Sent from my SM-N960F using TZ-UK mobile app

  12. #12

    Is a 6r15 caliber really worth £1000?

    Hi guys.

    Slightly off the main topic, but is the 6r15 caliber really worth the price tag? The watches are between 700-1200 but the 6r15 doesn’t really seem to be of the “caliber” that associates with that price tag in my mind ??

    The 8L35 is now in watches of 2500 upwards, which I suppose makes sense when comparing to the 6r15 price bracket (mm200, 1968 remake etc) but for a grand shouldn’t we get more than the second rate work horse? The MM used to be had for about £1000 and had the 8L. Which at least had the de tuned grand Seiko pedigree thing.

    I’ve even read it he 6R is a 7s re done to hack but surely that’s the 4R line?


    I have a MM300 which runs perfectly on the wrist but on the shelf it looses hopelessly. . . . Most likely needs a service but. . . .

  13. #13
    Master trisdg's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sickie View Post
    That plus vat. £107.00
    Not sure about that for a 6r15 but the 4r36 is £107.00 for service via movement exchange.
    I'm still waiting on mine being finished but it's in the workshop now so not to long I guess.

    Sent from my SM-N960F using TZ-UK mobile app
    It does state that prices are inclusive of VAT

  14. #14
    Even their work sheet shows the price as £84.00 plus vat £107.00
    If you want to be certain I would call them.
    I highly doubt they'd do a service for a total of £84.00 as that would make it around £70.00 plus vat which seems awful cheap to me.

    Sent from my SM-N960F using TZ-UK mobile app

  15. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by neppip View Post
    Hi guys.

    Slightly off the main topic, but is the 6r15 caliber really worth the price tag? The watches are between 700-1200 but the 6r15 doesn’t really seem to be of the “caliber†that associates with that price tag in my mind ??

    The 8L35 is now in watches of 2500 upwards, which I suppose makes sense when comparing to the 6r15 price bracket (mm200, 1968 remake etc) but for a grand shouldn’t we get more than the second rate work horse? The MM used to be had for about £1000 and had the 8L. Which at least had the de tuned grand Seiko pedigree thing.

    I’ve even read it he 6R is a 7s re done to hack but surely that’s the 4R line?


    I have a MM300 which runs perfectly on the wrist but on the shelf it looses hopelessly. . . . Most likely needs a service but. . . .
    My understanding is that the 7S, 4R and 6R all share the same architecture and represent an ongoing evolution.

    The 4R added hacking and hand-winding.

    I think the 6R15 had some component refinement

    The 6R35 has a longer power reserve.

    The stated accuracy improves modestly between generations but nothing near COSC.

    Whether or not it’s worth it, is subjective. I don’t think I’d notice the difference day to day or wish I had a 6R movement inside a 4R watch. For me, I just buy the seiko I like the look of and accept that whatever movement is inside it is sort of fine but not amazing.

  16. #16
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    When I sent in my Orange Monster it definitely got a new movement - I only sent the case, hands and dial and got back a complete watch...

    Dave

  17. #17
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    From the depths.

    Just spoke to Seiko UK on the phone: service pricing is based on the movement as no refinishing will take place, they don’t allow it. Refinishing is done by Japan only and on Grand Seiko and above only-can’t pay extra to get it sent over apparently.

    8L35 movement: £285
    6R15 movement: £200

    Estimate of 4-6 weeks at the minute. Forgot to ask about postage costs, sorry.

  18. #18
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    Seiko UK service and repair prices

    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    From the depths.

    Just spoke to Seiko UK on the phone: service pricing is based on the movement as no refinishing will take place, they don’t allow it. Refinishing is done by Japan only and on Grand Seiko and above only-can’t pay extra to get it sent over apparently.

    8L35 movement: £285
    6R15 movement: £200

    Estimate of 4-6 weeks at the minute. Forgot to ask about postage costs, sorry.
    Did you just buy the early MM300on SC?
    Not that bad when compared other brands. Although it isn’t deemed a luxury brand so maybe that’s why. As per a previous post a couple of weeks ago they don’t do any refinishing on any of Seiko Zaratsu stuff, not even in Japan so sourcing a Uk refinishing specialist might be fun if it gets scratched . Treat that new M300 gently:)


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Stilgoe1972; 28th June 2022 at 16:02.

  19. #19
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    That what I paid in March last year
    I also paid £35 for a capacitor replacement which I though was very good.

    They do give you a nice service case though
    Last edited by Sinnlover; 28th June 2022 at 17:49.

  20. #20
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Stilgoe1972 View Post
    Did you just buy the early MM300on SC?
    Not that bad when compared other brands. Although it isn’t deemed a luxury brand so maybe that’s why. As per a previous post a couple of weeks ago they don’t do any refinishing on any of Seiko Zaratsu stuff, not even in Japan so sourcing a Uk refinishing specialist might be fun if it gets scratched . Treat that new M300 gently:)


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    It was for the other one on SC an hour back! Never had an SBDX001 and everyone says they’re the best of the bunch (doubtful as the SLA021 is pretty much perfect). I’ve had an SBDX017 and two SLA021’s so will give the original one a go too.

  21. #21
    Grand Master Onelasttime's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sinnlover View Post

    They do give you a nice service case though

    Quick, get it on SC. They're worth £30 apparently.

  22. #22
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    I had a minty 2017 version too actually at the same time as the newer blue version which I still own. The 2017 went after a month or so as the newer version seemed IMHO like a nicer piece .
    The one that you’ve just purchased will be very nice when sorted. Aesthetically it may be worth leaving as it’s kind of cool like that and at least you won’t have to be concerned about dings and scratches.


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  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    I suspect they’re putting replacement movements in, probably the most cost- effective way and doesn’t require the same skill level. Nothing wrong with that IMO.
    I hate the idea of this personally. I seem to recall someone saying Tudor do this too. I'm all for replacing parts where needed to maintain a good working watch, but just switching movement at a service feels like you're receiving a different watch back to me.

  24. #24
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by M1011 View Post
    I hate the idea of this personally. I seem to recall someone saying Tudor do this too. I'm all for replacing parts where needed to maintain a good working watch, but just switching movement at a service feels like you're receiving a different watch back to me.
    On the Kenissi movements this is true, yes-BB Chrono, BB Pro, stuff like that. The ones where you hear about the Breitling collab movements. Doesn’t seem to be true on the ETA movements. Not sure what the movement is in the modern Pelagos.

  25. #25
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Onelasttime View Post
    Quick, get it on SC. They're worth £30 apparently.
    I am shameless but not that shameless…

  26. #26
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by M1011 View Post
    I'm all for replacing parts where needed to maintain a good working watch, but just switching movement at a service feels like you're receiving a different watch back to me.
    Yes, I feel this way too. It pains me that Seiko do it too, and if they cannot replace the movement then they just offer a discount on a new watch[1].

    But I want my watch back, fixed!




    Footnote:-
    1: Source: Seiko servicing website. Might not say that now, haven't looked. Certainly used to.

  27. #27
    Quote Originally Posted by M1011 View Post
    I hate the idea of this personally. I seem to recall someone saying Tudor do this too. I'm all for replacing parts where needed to maintain a good working watch, but just switching movement at a service feels like you're receiving a different watch back to me.
    It’s funny how different people feel, that wouldn’t bother me in the slightest.

  28. #28
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Idontgram View Post
    It’s funny how different people feel, that wouldn’t bother me in the slightest.
    I agree, it would not bother me at all.
    That said I do wonder that if it’s cheaper to replace the movement, is it’s design supposed to disposable, what corners have been cut to keep costs down.

  29. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sinnlover View Post
    I agree, it would not bother me at all.
    That said I do wonder that if it’s cheaper to replace the movement, is it’s design supposed to disposable, what corners have been cut to keep costs down.
    It wouldn't bother me either. If I took my car in for a service and they said, oh, we've put a new engine in for the same price id be over the moon.
    On the subject of cut corners, probably none. The movements will likely come off an automated production line at the rate of one every few seconds. Compare that to the cost of a company technician stripping the used movement, inspecting, replacing parts as appropriate and reassembling.

  30. #30
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    Manufacturers are killing the repair trade by refusing to make parts available, eventually they’ll have complete control and the owners will have no choice but to pay whatever they choose to charge for service/ repairs. Swapping movements seems completely wrong unless the movement is severely damaged, but if that’s what they decide there’s nothing the owner can do.

  31. #31
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ruggertech View Post
    On the subject of cut corners, probably none. The movements will likely come off an automated production line at the rate of one every few seconds. Compare that to the cost of a company technician stripping the used movement, inspecting, replacing parts as appropriate and reassembling.
    The car analogy is how I think about it and agree that cost wise there is probably nothing in it, the cynic in me says that they might reduce quality in an effort to get more back for servicing but I am probably over thinking it.
    Last edited by Sinnlover; 29th June 2022 at 10:06.

  32. #32
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    The movements are swapped, but not new.

    Apparently the movements take quite a deal of time to service so in the interest of time they swap-they originally had a stock of new movements acting as a float whereas now they have a stock of old movements from previously serviced watches.

    If you took your car for a routine service which was low miles and looked after and the engine was transplanted from a Hermes courier van which was ragged and in because it stopped working with 20x more miles on it you’d be raging. But in this instance you wouldn’t know.

    Definitely puts me off.

  33. #33
    Grand Master Dave+63's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    The movements are swapped, but not new.

    Apparently the movements take quite a deal of time to service so in the interest of time they swap-they originally had a stock of new movements acting as a float whereas now they have a stock of old movements from previously serviced watches.

    If you took your car for a routine service which was low miles and looked after and the engine was transplanted from a Hermes courier van which was ragged and in because it stopped working with 20x more miles on it you’d be raging. But in this instance you wouldn’t know.

    Definitely puts me off.
    If the movements are not new then they’ll have been serviced prior to fitting. If the Hermes courier engine had been stripped and rebuilt to as new specifications then there wouldn’t be an issue whatever the previous mileage.

    Omega used to routinely swap movements at service; I sold a 1964 Speedmaster for a friend which he’d had from new. On inspection the movement (correct for the model) had a serial number dating it to 1974 which coincided with a service at Omega.

  34. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    The movements are swapped, but not new.

    Apparently the movements take quite a deal of time to service so in the interest of time they swap-they originally had a stock of new movements acting as a float whereas now they have a stock of old movements from previously serviced watches.

    If you took your car for a routine service which was low miles and looked after and the engine was transplanted from a Hermes courier van which was ragged and in because it stopped working with 20x more miles on it you’d be raging. But in this instance you wouldn’t know.

    Definitely puts me off.
    Not a good analogy.

    Provided the mainplate and bridges aren’t damaged on a fully jewelled movement they can be reconditioned to as- new condition by replacing worn jewels. All the train wheels and moving parts can be replaced by new, the end- shakes can be adjusted where required, with a new balance fitted the movement us essentially remanufactured to as- new condition.

    Much as I dislike the concept of replacing original movements on a routine basis I don’t think there will be problems with the quality of the replacement, manufacturer’s service centres will get it right.

  35. #35
    I imagine that if they have their manufacturing cost down (which they probably have for the 4r and 6r movements), it would be much more efficient to churn out 100 movements from a production line than have a few watch makers strip 100 down, work out what’s wrong, replace parts and rebuild. Certainly efficient in time, probably in cost, though the environmental impact is probably worse.

    Equally, for the sake of efficiency, they could have a team of minimally skilled workers take a movement out, replace it from a pool and reassemble the dial, hands, case etc to get it turned around quickly. The movements could in theory be worked on elsewhere, and cycled back into another repair pool later. Most customers wouldn’t know or care, so long as their watch is running well

  36. #36
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    4R and 6R movements will be cheap as chips to produce, I can see the logic in replacing these movements rather than servicing. At the risk of upsetting the Seiko purists I see no difference in performance between the cheaper Hattori versions and the Seiko branded stuff. Cheaper Seikos aren`t my favourites, but they're robust designs that stand up to wear and tear. Isochronism isn`t great, state of wind has a very significant bearing on the rate. They're a real pain to regulate owing to the lack of fine adjustment, I wish I could have a tenner for every time I've uttered the words 'f*****g Seiko' whilst trying to regulate one, I could make good use of a swear box in my workroom when doing this task! Provided all's well with regard to positional agreement (or as well as can be expected for a given watch) I aim for +6 dial-up as a good starting point then time the watch on both a cyclotester and in the dial-up position over a minimum of 8hrs respectively. This works out conveniently as overnight in the dial-up position. Adjustments are then made accordingly, ideally there's little difference between the 2 rates but that's not always the case. Comparing the rates on the timegrapher between full wind and 50% wind is another test, ideally there should be v. little variation but with lesser movements and vintage watches there usually is a difference and that's when judgement has to be used. There's no substitute for a few hours on the wrist, that indicates what the watch is really doing, but even that's subjective because it depends how active the wearer is.

    A lesser quality or vintage watch is a whole lot harder to regulate than a 5-6 year old quality movement. Anyone who thinks it's simply a case of putting a watch on a timegrapher and adjusting till the right number comes up is mistaken!

  37. #37
    Grand Master Onelasttime's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    From the depths.

    Just spoke to Seiko UK on the phone: service pricing is based on the movement as no refinishing will take place, they don’t allow it. Refinishing is done by Japan only and on Grand Seiko and above only-can’t pay extra to get it sent over apparently.

    8L35 movement: £285
    6R15 movement: £200

    Estimate of 4-6 weeks at the minute. Forgot to ask about postage costs, sorry.
    I contacted them yesterday and they told me an 8L35 service is £350, although that includes VAT and return postage so maybe that's the difference?

    The price also includes any required movement parts.

    No finishing was a disappointment but I reckon Cape Cod could sort that out

  38. #38
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Onelasttime View Post
    I contacted them yesterday and they told me an 8L35 service is £350, although that includes VAT and return postage so maybe that's the difference?

    The price also includes any required movement parts.

    No finishing was a disappointment but I reckon Cape Cod could sort that out
    That must be the difference.

    Worth it if they'll put a nice saphhire on the SBDX001 but the person I spoke to didn't like that model number and got a bit funny when I asked so I had to say SLA021 instead. That's when I found out it was done on movement and not model.

  39. #39
    Craftsman Caminos's Avatar
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    Thanks for the info. Very useful


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  40. #40
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    Spring drive service is £325 plus VAT. Thankfully not too regular an occurence...

  41. #41
    Good info this. I've got an SNXA11 which has had a broken stem for a while.
    The watch works, but it is not possible to set the time.

    Was quoted £200 by a local repair shop to service the watch.
    But that was four times what I paid for the watch.

    The £95 Seiko UK have quoted, is still double the cost of the watch.
    But I like the watch, so happy to pay it.

    Just sent it in today.

    They are not going to repair the movement. They are just putting a new one in.

  42. #42
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    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    On the Kenissi movements this is true, yes-BB Chrono, BB Pro, stuff like that. The ones where you hear about the Breitling collab movements. Doesn’t seem to be true on the ETA movements. Not sure what the movement is in the modern Pelagos.
    Kenissi same as the normal boackbays


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