What Clients Say After a Visit

Challenge

A client inherited a Seiko 5 from the 1980s. The watch ran, but lost roughly 45 seconds a day. Previous owner had reportedly had it serviced about fifteen years before. The client was unsure whether the movement was worth the cost of servicing or whether the watch had a more serious problem.

What We Did

Full movement disassembly revealed heavily degraded lubricants throughout and a hairspring that had lost a small amount of its free-sprung geometry over decades. The caliber was cleaned, lubricated to specification and the hairspring regulator adjusted on the timing bench across all six positions.

Outcome

Post-service, the movement settled at +4 to −6 seconds per day depending on position — well within the normal range for this caliber. Client received the timing printout with the watch. Two months later they confirmed the watch was holding within that range during daily wear.

Timeline: 9 working days

Challenge

A client was considering purchasing a used Grand Seiko from a private seller in Bangkok. The asking price was substantial and the seller had no service history documentation. The buyer wanted an independent assessment before committing.

What We Did

We examined the movement through the caseback, ran a series of timing observations over two hours, assessed the crown operation, checked for any evidence of water ingress or moisture damage and noted the case and crystal condition in detail. A written report was produced covering all findings and flagging that the movement was likely within 2–3 years of needing a service.

Outcome

The report allowed the buyer to negotiate a price reduction from the seller that partially offset the anticipated service cost. The transaction proceeded with both parties referencing the same document. The client purchased the watch and returned six months later for the movement service.

Timeline: 2 working days

Challenge

A client purchased a watch online at a good price, but the bracelet arrived sized for a significantly larger wrist. The clasp had also been poorly adjusted by a previous owner using an incorrect tool, leaving visible marks on one of the clasp wings.

What We Did

Links were removed to achieve the correct wrist measurement. Spring bars at both lugs were inspected and one replaced after showing slight deformation. The clasp issue was noted and documented in the service record — we did not attempt to remove the existing marks without explicit instruction, but explained the options.

Outcome

Bracelet correctly sized, spring bars secure, watch wearable and comfortable same day. Client chose to leave the clasp marks as-is for the time being — a decision made with full information, which is exactly how it should be.

Timeline: Same day