Possible Automatic Watch Damage

LouisanaJeeper · 10-01-07, 05:27

I bought a Seiko diver 200m automatic from overstock.com

It came in a 8"x8"x8" box and a 2"x3"x2" watch box with 1 small sheet of bubble wrap in there, so the small watch box was free to slam around inside the larger box

Anyway, I have it out now and it seems to be pretty noisy, a slight ratcheting noise when I move the watch around (more than normal for my other auto's I have had for a while). If I hold it vertical (12 o clock towards ceiling, 6 oclock towards floor), and vibrate it side to side, I can feel someting moving around (I would think the rotor would be pretty stationary at this point)

I have other auto's including an oder seiko diver that are not that noisy, but might have been this way when brand new. But then again, the packaging job for this was pretty bad for a fraglie item.

What do you think, return it or try it for a week.

Mikhail · 10-01-07, 05:51

Try for another week, and check how accurate they are. If they are inaccurate (+/-) more then 90 second per 24 hours, return them.

Spilchy · 10-02-07, 02:55

That Seiko is a pretty tough watch and should handle transport. It is not delicate. I've had delicate vintage watches repaired and shipped cross country.

The noise you are hearing when you move it around is most likely the rotor that rotates as you move your wrist in order to wind the mainspring (hence the automatic feature). They can be noisy. I have a Seiko Premier Automatic and an Orient Automatic and they make noise when rotated.

Wear it everyday for a week and then check accuracy against a digital watch. It should be +/- 60 seconds.

Or maybe you have a damaged part

TigerMike · 10-02-07, 03:08

I would send it back to the big O and ask for another one (if they have any). I recently picked up an automatic Seiko diver (the White Knight) from Overstock and I absolutely *love* it. I have autos more expensive, but I just love the WK and it is becoming my favorite. Very sturdy, accurate, and looks great, even with a suit. I don't hear anything when I move my WK.

The 7S26 movement in the Seiko is fairly accurate although maybe not +/- 60 seconds accurate IME. I have seen some that run several minutes fast. They come unregulated I believe so the accuracy can vary from one to another. My WK was running fast initially, but it has settled in and now running spot on. I have another 7S26 that consistently runs fast and needs regulation, but that would probably cost more than I paid for the watch!

So, I'd send it back, it doesn't sound right to me. The O is pretty easy on returns, so I've heard, and I've ordered a few watches from them without problem.

LouisanaJeeper · 10-02-07, 08:13

yup, I already have a black seiko diver, a somewhat less common version with the "block" hour markers and the jubilee band. Yeah, unregulated.. running 10+ sec/day

I just adjust monthly. If I get it serviced, I am going to get that fixed, I know alot of them run fast though.

The old one is still running strong, but wanted another to put on a rubber divers strap. The new one from O is the red/blue version. (I keep them in a timed/automatic bidirectional winder)