Anybody adjust the timing on their watch?

[A930Rocket]

My Seiko SKX007J watch gains 30-45 minutes every 2-3 weeks? Looking at YouTube videos, it seems relatively easy to adjust the timing (famous last words). Of course, the guy had a little device that measured the watch. Amazon has it for just over $100.

So, with the watch not expensive and not much to lose, anybody adjust their watch?

[masraum]

I've not done it, but it doesn't seem hard, assuming you're talking about an automatic movement. There's generally a screw that will speed it up or slow it down. On many watches, I'd assume the hardest part would be getting the back off.

How hard could it be, and what could possibly go wrong?

[wildthing]

My automatic watch used to gain 2 to 3 minutes a day, so I bought a cheap demagnetizer. Problem solved for $12. Hope it's the same for you. No I didn't buy that thing that measures the accuracy, I just observed for 24 hours.

This is what I bought but it's unavailable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CHKW4QT

It's from China so I'm sure there are tons out there that are similar.

[A930Rocket]

It’s an automatic. There are several tools to remove the backing online that are $10+. I might even have something in my toolbox that might work

What would a watch repair place charge to adjust the timing? Depending on cost, it might be cost effective to buy the gizmo on Amazon.

Originally Posted by masraum

I've not done it, but it doesn't seem hard, assuming you're talking about an automatic movement. There's generally a screw that will speed it up or slow it down. On many watches, I'd assume the hardest part would be getting the back off.

How hard could it be, and what could possibly go wrong?

[stuartj]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

It’s an automatic. There are several tools to remove the backing online that are $10+. I might even have something in my toolbox that might work

What would a watch repair place charge to adjust the timing? Depending on cost, it might be cost effective to buy the gizmo on Amazon.

Consider- the Swiss COSC standard for mechanical chronometer movements is -4/+6 secs per day. 6 secs x 21 days =126 seconds, two minutes.

The SKX is a diving watch- if you open it to have means and seal kit to close the watch and pressure test.

I just had my 20 year old SKX007 serviced by Seiko, resealed waterproofed, guaranteed, and the 7s26 movement is running like a, er, Swiss watch at +2 secs a day. Service cost $130.

[Won]

I've adjusted my SKX013 which has the same 7S26 movement as the 007. It used to gain time, which was annoying but tolerable. After 5 years it was losing a minute per day which is definitely not desirable. Borrowed my friend's all in one tool kit (the kind you get cheap on Amazon) and fixed it myself. Watched all the videos and read all the forum posts. They all tell you to only just nudge the adjuster. I had to move mine maybe double the width of the tick mark stamping. In any case, you can always go back and adjust it the other way. Just make sure you move the correct one.

On Android I found a couple apps for watch tuning by counting the ticks. They work surprisingly well and match the actual gain/loss measured (both mine and my wife's Swiss movement). I'm sure Apple alternatives exist as well. I don't dive so didn't need official re-sealing but it was good enough for snorkeling and generally being in the water all day. I mean, it's a screw down case with an o-ring, it either works or it doesn't!

Have fun!

[spuggy]

I've had a "real" watch for 20+ years. Manufacturer recommends servicing every 7-10 years. When it changes how it runs, you might want to get it serviced.

With my watch, that seems to be a pretty good indicator that it needs cleaning and/or lubricating - if they dry out inside, things wear faster than they should and need to be replaced.

So adjustment isn't the only consideration.

[ckelly78z]

Not much point in having a watch that doesn't keep proper time...either DIY it, have it serviced, or replace it would be your only options.

[Won]

That's a fair point about the irregular regulation pointing to requiring a service. I just looked it up - Seiko recommends a service every 3 years! Absolutely ridiculous. I will probably wait to hit 10 years and either get it serviced or get a new movement for $50

It's interesting how we approach a topic of $200 watch on a forum enabling us to take apart vintage sport cars which are only appreciating in value

[A930Rocket]

Won, that looks like what saw online. How hard could it be?😂

The watch is only two years old, but it started adding time after a year. Not enough to worry, but it’s gotten really bad lately.

It’s not worth putting a lot of money into it, but I’ll swing by the shop to see what they charge to adjust it.

If I end up adjusting it, as long as it works in the shower and stays dry, I’m ok with it.