Grand Seiko is a Japanese luxury watch brand that was born from Seiko in 1960 and became independent in 2017. To enjoy your precious and memorable watch for a long time, overhauling it is essential. Here we will introduce how to overhaul a Grand Seiko quartz watch.
About Quartz Overhaul
A watch is not just a way to enhance the look of your wrist; it is also a tool that tells you the exact time with its hands. The power source needed to move these hands is the movement, and Grand Seiko offers three types of movements: mechanical, quartz, and Spring Drive.
Regardless of the movement, overhauling is essential to maintain accuracy and ensure long-term use. Here we will explain how to overhaul a quartz movement.
The need for a quartz overhaul
Quartz is a type of crystal that has the property of vibrating regularly when voltage is applied. Quartz watches are powered by the regular vibrations that occur when an electric current is passed through the "quartz crystal oscillator" inside the watch.
The watch is powered by a battery, so if the hands stop moving, simply replacing the battery will get them moving again. However, the gears that move the hands will wear out and the lubricant will deteriorate over time, so they will need to be overhauled.
This involves removing internal dirt that is difficult to see from the outside and checking for worn parts. If necessary, parts are replaced, making the product less likely to break down and allowing it to be used for a long time in good condition.
Frequency and cost estimates
The recommended time for an overhaul is 3 to 5 years for mechanical watches, while 7 to 8 years for quartz watches. However, if you notice that your watch is not getting battery changes as frequently as before the recommended time, or if it still stops working even after battery changes, it is probably a good idea to have it overhauled.
The cost of a quartz watch overhaul is expected to be over 5000 yen for Japanese brands and over 1 yen for foreign brands. The more complex the watch's mechanism, the higher the maintenance costs. For example, a chronograph with a stopwatch function will likely cost over 2 yen.
Learn about Grand Seiko services
Grand Seiko offers such comprehensive after-sales service that it has a workshop called the Grand Seiko Service Studio that specializes in watch repairs.
The watches we receive are thoroughly inspected by specialized repair technicians, and because we have genuine parts in stock for a long time, we can replace them as needed, so you can rest assured.
Let's take a closer look at Grand Seiko's comprehensive service offerings.
Complete service process
The complete service includes interior repairs and overhauls, as well as a light polish to restore the car's beautiful shine. The complete service is carried out as follows:
- A detailed check of the watch's condition, including its appearance, movement, and accuracy
- Ultrasonic cleaning of the case and bracelet
- The watch is completely disassembled, including the movement, and each part is ultrasonically cleaned.
- Check each part and replace or repair deteriorated parts
- Assembling the movement
- Lubricate each part using a microscope
- Precision adjustment and waterproof testing
- Light polishing of watch case and bracelet
- Final check of appearance and functionality
Price guide
The estimated cost of overhauling a Grand Seiko quartz watch starts at 36,000 yen. However, the price varies depending on the condition of the watch. With a complete service, an estimated cost is provided in advance, so even first-time users can rest assured.
In the unlikely event that the cost exceeds the estimated amount during the work, a confirmation email will be sent in advance, so there is no need to worry about incurring costs without realizing it.
Service usage flow
Here's how to use the complete service, which includes an overhaul and light polish.
- Accept the application through the application form
- Place the watch in the shipping kit provided and send it via the designated shipping company.
- Rough estimate confirmed
- Start work
- Once the work is completed, the watch will be returned to your registered address.
- payment of fees
Use legitimate services
Overhauls are available not only at authorized service centers but also at private companies. However, because watches have very delicate structures, it is safer to use authorized service centers with specialized knowledge. Let's explain the benefits of authorized service.
Peace of mind by leaving it to the professionals
While private companies are cheaper than authorized services, the quality of the repair technicians varies. The advantage of authorized services is that the work is performed by specialized technicians, so you can be sure they are reliable.
Watch repair technicians are nationally certified, with levels ranging from Grade 3 to Grade 1. At Grand Seiko Service Studio, over 8% of technicians have attained Grade 1 certification, which requires a high level of knowledge and skill.
Warranty period
With official service, if a malfunction occurs within the warranty period and under normal use, repairs and adjustments can be made free of charge.
However, please note that the warranty only covers the movement, the case, the watch body, and the metal band. Any other parts are not covered by the warranty.
In addition, free repairs and re-repairs within the warranty period do not include the "light polish" that is included in the complete service.
To ensure that you can enjoy your Grand Seiko for many years to come
Grand Seiko is a luxury watch brand that Japan is proud of around the world. By overhauling a watch, you can restore its brilliance not only inside but also outside.
To ensure that you can enjoy a watch that keeps accurate time for a long time, not only should you take care of it every day, but you should also make sure to perform regular maintenance.
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