What is the process for overhauling a Grand Seiko? Explaining the support provided

To keep your Grand Seiko watch in good condition for a long time, have it overhauled regularly. This is also an effective solution if a malfunction occurs or the watch stops working. We will explain the overview of overhauls and the application process.

The necessity and process of overhaul

An overhaul is the process of disassembling a mechanical product into individual parts and inspecting and repairing it. First, let's understand the necessity of an overhaul for a watch and the general procedure.

Leaving the product to deteriorate may lead to breakdowns

A mechanical watch is a type of watch that moves its hands by transmitting the strong force generated by the unwinding of a mainspring, which serves as its power source, to a wheel train, which is a collection of gears.

As a mechanical watch continues to be used, its parts wear out and the lubricant deteriorates. If left untreated for a long period of time, the watch will lose accuracy and stop sooner than usual.

In particular, the part of a mechanical watch called the balance wheel rotates back and forth hundreds of thousands of times a day, and hundreds of millions of times a year, so deterioration and drying of the lubricating oil are unavoidable.

The same is true for quartz watches, which are powered by vibrating a crystal. Over time, wear and tear on the gear train and deterioration of the lubricant can cause the watch to stop working sooner than usual.

Condition Maintenance

An overhaul is a procedure to keep a watch in good condition for as long as possible, and is like a regular health check for a human being.

To maintain good condition, it is important to check the oil retention and corrosion inside the unit, loose screws, and rust caused by dirt and sweat as soon as possible, and take appropriate care.

An overhaul will remove sweat and dirt that can cause malfunctions, and will also replace worn parts and gaskets, returning the watch to a condition close to when it was first purchased.

In particular, with mechanical watches, for a while after purchasing a new one, lubricating oil stains and fine metal dust are likely to appear due to friction. Therefore, the first overhaul after purchase is a very important task to ensure long-term use.

General overhaul procedure

Typically, a quartz watch takes two to three weeks to be overhauled, and a mechanical watch takes three to four weeks. The general process for an overhaul is as follows:

1. Check the condition of the watch in detail
2. Ultrasonic cleaning of cases and belts
3. The watch is disassembled down to the movement and all mechanical parts are cleaned.
4. Replace or repair worn out parts
5. Reassemble the movement and oil each part
6. Check accuracy, adjust and inspect
7. Replace the packing
8. Assemble into the case and attach the belt
9. Check the finished product and perform a waterproof test
10. Run it for a certain period of time and check the final accuracy

Grand Seiko overhaul

Grand Seiko offers a service called the "Complete Service," which includes maintenance work and other services. Let's take a look at the details.

What is a complete service?

Grand Seiko's complete service includes interior repair, overhaul, and light polishing.

A complete service for a mechanical watch involves 11 steps and 28 checks.

Quartz watches and Spring Drive watches, which combine mechanical and quartz movements, require some different processes, so they are made using a different process than mechanical watches.

What is Light Polish?

The light polish included in the complete service is a service that smooths and polishes the surface of the case and band.

The degree of light polishing varies depending on the shape and condition of the case and band. If the exterior or band is deteriorated or has been plated or treated, light polishing may not be possible.

If you don't need a light polish, you must request this at the time of check-in. However, please note that the complete service fee will remain the same even if you do not choose to have a light polish.

Light polishing may not be able to remove dents and scratches. If you want to fix these, you will need to request a separate polishing repair.

Please note that light polishing alone is not available as a standalone service.

Complete service contents

We will explain the general flow of the complete service, which involves numerous checks. We will also check the costs and application process.

Complete service flow

In the complete service, work is carried out while checking 28 items in the 11 steps listed below.

1. Check the medical questionnaire, which is a unique medical record for each watch.
2. Check and diagnose the condition of the clock in detail at the time of acceptance
3. Remove the movement and disassemble it into individual parts
4. The parts are cleaned with special liquids and ultrasonic waves, and then dried.
5. Movement assembly, oiling and adjustment
6. Apply a light polish
7. After replacing the packing and casing, check the operability and duration.
8. Air pressure/waterproof air testing and underwater pressure testing
9. Checking the finished product and conducting a comprehensive inspection before shipping
10. Create a repair completion report
11. Repair details are registered in the repair history database

Cost starts from approximately 4 yen. Duration is 3 to 6 weeks.

The estimated cost of a complete service is approximately 40,000 yen for a quartz watch, 55,000 yen for a mechanical watch, and 60,000 to 80,000 yen for a Spring Drive watch.

These fees include the cost of some interior parts, batteries, gaskets, and waterproof inspections, and fees for other parts will be added separately.

The total cost will be the complete service fee plus shipping. Shipping costs vary depending on the payment method, but if the repair is within the warranty, round-trip shipping is free.

Please allow 3-6 weeks for the repair to take place from the time your watch is dropped off until it is returned to you, but it may take longer depending on the condition of the movement and the watch.

Get quotes and check repair status online

At Grand Seiko, you can check the approximate price online before placing an order. Simply enter the watch information and specify the request details, and the estimated price will be displayed.

If you know exactly what you want repaired, choose the exterior part of your watch that you want repaired or replaced, excluding the mechanical parts. If it's a battery-operated quartz watch, they will also replace the battery.

However, please note that to use the online quote service, you must meet three conditions: you must reside in Japan, you must know the watch's model number or model number, and you must have an email address and be able to be contacted by phone.

You can also check the repair status on the dedicated page, which shows the progress of the work along with the request date and estimate start date.

Grand Seiko Online Repair Reception | Seiko Watch Corporation

Flow from application to return

Once you confirm the estimated price and apply for the complete service, a shipping kit will be sent to your specified address.

Pack the watch in the shipping kit and request collection from the carrier listed on the enclosed shipping slip. You can also bring it to a convenience store that accepts the delivery carrier.

When sending the product, shipping is COD, so there is no need to pay for shipping. After the repair is completed, when you return the product, you will be charged the round-trip shipping fee along with the complete service fee.

If the cost is likely to exceed the amount quoted online after you have shipped your watch, you will receive a confirmation email before work begins.

Other Grand Seiko support

Grand Seiko also offers a battery replacement service for quartz watches. Here we will introduce the details and application process.

Battery replacement

Replacing a Grand Seiko battery is not simply a matter of replacing the battery. It is a meticulous process that involves 10 steps and 24 checks.

The inspection begins with checking the watch itself, including its appearance, movement of the hands, the operability of the crown, and its precision, and then goes on to clean the case and strap, adjust the strap, adjust any loose screws, and even replace the gaskets and conduct a water resistance test.

The repair period is approximately one to two weeks from the time you leave your watch until it is returned to you. Please keep in mind that if an abnormality is found in the movement or other parts during inspection, it may take longer.

Please note that even within the three-year warranty period, there is a charge for battery replacement, but other repairs and adjustments are free of charge within the warranty period.

The process is the same as the complete service.

The process for requesting a battery replacement is almost the same as for a complete service.

Enter your watch information on the online quote page, specify battery replacement, and an estimated price will be displayed. Complete the request and return your watch using the shipping kit provided.

You can track the progress of the work online, and once it's finished, you'll pay the invoice and get your watch back.

The total cost of the battery replacement is the battery replacement fee plus shipping. If the bill is likely to exceed the estimated amount, you will receive an email informing you of this.

Long-lasting use with proper care

Grand Seiko overhauls can be performed by applying for a complete service, along with light polishing and other procedures.

Overhauls are essential to keeping your watch in good condition. To ensure your favorite watch lasts as long as possible, be sure to perform regular maintenance.