Seiko kinetic modification

[jimKRFC]

Hi,

My old (20yrs) kinetic diver is starting to lose lots of time. I assume the movement is dying as it won't hold a charge and even if I wear it then it loses time.

As I now have a few automatics I was wondering if it's possible to swap the kinetic movement for a quartz. It would keep the case how I want it (a bit battered) but allow me to wear whenever and not need to keep adjusting it.

Does anyone know if it's possible? Who might be able to do it (no time/skills/tools to DIY it)?

Cheers!

[Wildfire]

Not too sure where you are, but I took my kinetic back to Seiko in Maidenhead and they serviced it, with a whole new movement and capacitor for around £100.

[baysis]

It’s most likely the capacitor that’s gone, they are available to buy online or most good watchmakers should be able to order a replacement for you.

[-Cappo-]

I changed the capacitor in my Kinetic myself. Cost about £15. It’s not difficult at all, just small fiddly bits.

[glazbagun]

baysis said:

It s most likely the capacitor that s gone, they are available to buy online or most good watchmakers should be able to order a replacement for you.

This is most likely. It's slightly more involved than a battery change but not very difficult.

[Clockwork Cupcake]

I have a Seiko Kinetic that slowly got worse and worse at charging. Just before it died it would tick 2 seconds every 2 seconds to save power. Then it wouldn't hold charge at all.

Apparently the capacitor in them out-gasses and it clogs up the mechanism. They need to be stripped down, cleaned, and the capacitor replaced with a modern equivalent which is like 10x the power of the original.

Unfortunately I was quoted £100-odd (years ago) for a watch that was worth £300 at best (at the same time) so never did it and it is in a drawer now.

[r159]

-Cappo- said:

I changed the capacitor in my Kinetic myself. Cost about £15. It s not difficult at all, just small fiddly bits.

As above straight forward, if you don’t drop the battery clamp screw into a 2” pile rug…

[bazza.]

if you wanted a watchmaker to do it for you I could

[jimKRFC]

Apologies for the slow follow up, been preparing for the family holiday.Bazza, drop me a PM with details and I'll give you a bell when I'm back!

Thanks!