Firstly, a quick comment on this new section. I decided that I needed another category in order to report on any topics that did not fit into existing titles, plus, any updates on previously covered watches or items. On the latter, I could have just tagged on a P.S. to the end of an article (and I did do just this a few times), however, I reasoned that few people would go back to re-read a piece and therefore would miss this extra nugget of info! I have also decided that where required, each post may cover more than one item in order to save on time and be a bit more concise – the title will indicate the content. I have today added two earlier posts to the section. Right, that will do so back to the matter in hand!
As readers may recall from earlier reviews, both of these watches had issues. The former I knew about – being that the stopwatch sweep hand did not reset to 12 o’clock properly. The latter was proving a bit tricky to reset the day/date display but then in fact failed totally with the crown not reseating fully.
I sent both units to my helpful watch repairer Rich at The Watch Spot (www.thewatchspotblog.com). The Avia was a pretty quick fix as whoever had meddled with the watch in the past had not only incorrectly adjusted the reset mechanism, but also the sweep hand on the post. So, as nothing was actually busted no parts were required. Rich also commented that all looked in good order and the watch kept good time.
The Seiko was a bit less straightforward. As I feared when I sent the watch off, it was the day/date quickset star cog that had broken. Being made of plastic that was now some 50 years old – and I imagine being used a fair deal, it had just given up the ghost just two weeks after I bought it! This is not uncommon with this model, and a few others that also used plastic within. Anyway, an aftermarket replacement is available from Vintage Time Australia who seem to specialise in Seikos. After brief discussion it was deemed still well worth repairing as the watch is a bit of a rarity. The part actually was sent pretty quickly and Rich fitted this fine. As on this watch you have to take apart from the front, Rich gave it all a quick clean and a check, and again reported that all was good and the watch kept very good time.
Incidentally, I did contact Seiko UK first off to see if they offered any kind of repair service or indeed just historic information. Well, apparently, they offer a big fat nothing! I find this quite extraordinary (particularly the latter) for a company the size of Seiko with their rich history.
Finally, Rich kindly found out some more about my watch. From the serial number it is from 1972. Additionally he sourced an image of part of the US Seiko catalogue for 1976 and this shows at the top their three chronometer offerings. As you can see, my watch (middle one) should be on a bracelet, so I have obtained a cheap aftermarket version and so it now looks pretty much like the picture.
I now have both pieces back and I am very happy with the work Rich did. To my mind the costs were quite reasonable with the Avia coming in at a bit over £40 and the Seiko a tad over £80 (incl postage). Both pieces are very wearable and practical, despite being 50 year plus machines.
Words: The Writer