Can anyone help me figure out how to fix this watch? I had seen a video that said it was likely that Center screw being loose so it wouldn’t wind, but even after tightening that it won’t start ticking. Bought some simple tools and I’m willing to mess with it (I believe it was a cheap watch) I just have no clue what to do.
The calibre 7s26 is a workhorse movement and fairly simple. If you have the time and is pretty handy, you can try to follow this guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHF9xMJ7tmQ to disassemble it and check what’s wrong.
Otherwise, you can bring it to an independent watch repair shop. It would be less expensive than the swiss counterpart.
Update: I opened it up, dropped a screw, bent the second hand and poorly bent it back, and now the day dial doesn’t work right. I did not even fix the original issue. I fear I may have ruined this watch as it’s probably more expensive to have serviced than to replace.
The day dial is built into the watch movement, so replacing the movement will get you a new, working day dial. I’m not sure what model of watch you have, but there are replacement hands you can buy (for example, here: https://theyobokies.com/?mod=product&sec=item&task=list&cid=2) that might kind of match the original ones. If the seconds hand is still a little bent, you can try replacing that, too.
Putting the hands on the movement can be kind of difficult – there’s a tiny little hole in the inner part of the hand that fits onto a tiny pin in the middle of the dial. I’d recommend checking out some videos about it on YouTube before you try it. You’ll want a loupe and some tweezers if you decide to do it. Replacing the movement does mean you’ll need to remove the old hands and dial and then put them on the new movement.
You can buy a replacement movement (the guts that tell time) for probably pretty inexpensive. Someone else in the comments mentioned what the movement is (it’s a very common movement, I just can’t remember and I’m on mobile so I can’t check while typing this)
Given its a 7s26, unless you want to preserve the authenticity of the watch, its probably better to just replace the movement. its less expensive than having it professionally serviced.
How much would servicing cost vs buying a new movement?
The modern version, NH3x (the last digit varies based on features) can be picked up aftermarket for about $50. The NH (which Seiko also calls 4rxx) is a drop in replacement for the 7s26, but includes handwinding and hacking. These ones from Crystal Times (no affiliation) are also regulated so they are more accurate than what comes from the factory.
You will also need to purchase a new crown stem, and you’ll probably want a few tools as well.
A seiko service has to go to an authorized seiko service center to get parts these days, but even a basic service can run over $100
Ok, different watch, but my Seiko kinetic 5M43-0E70 got just a new movement, €135 total at Seiko Nl. I guess a 7S26 or replacement is about the same price.
Btw, the 5M43 is now a 5M83, instead of 1 - 2 weeks power reserve it’s now up to 6 months
Even if it doesn’t work, it gives you the right time twice a day 😅
