Seiko 5 replacement crystal
Discussion
You'll need the right tools, but it isn't hard to do. Depends on how much your local watch guy charges.
To DIY, you'll need a caseback opener and a crystal press, plus a magnifier of some kind so that you can see what you are doing. You can improvise the crystal press with a vice and a couple of pieces of wood for flat crystals.
Remove bracelet/strap, caseback, crown/stem, and pull out movement.
Press old crystal out from the back. Take care not to lose the gasket.
Press new crystal in from the front.
Refit all the bits.
To DIY, you'll need a caseback opener and a crystal press, plus a magnifier of some kind so that you can see what you are doing. You can improvise the crystal press with a vice and a couple of pieces of wood for flat crystals.
Remove bracelet/strap, caseback, crown/stem, and pull out movement.
Press old crystal out from the back. Take care not to lose the gasket.
Press new crystal in from the front.
Refit all the bits.
A proper service and a new crystal won't be cheap. Probably better to just buy a new watch, since it's "only a seiko 5".
On an expensive watch, I'd agree that a service is the thing to do if the crystal has smashed, but on a £100 watch? I'd just blow it out to remove any glass fragments. However, it's more likely that the crystal has just cracked or chipped, rather than shattered. It's mineral glass (Hardlex), not sapphire.
BTW, I've got a few Seiko 5s, and they are terrific value for money. One thing to check - does it still keep time? It's not unknown for the balance spring to get hooked up on the regulator after a big shock. Easy fix while the caseback is off.
On an expensive watch, I'd agree that a service is the thing to do if the crystal has smashed, but on a £100 watch? I'd just blow it out to remove any glass fragments. However, it's more likely that the crystal has just cracked or chipped, rather than shattered. It's mineral glass (Hardlex), not sapphire.
BTW, I've got a few Seiko 5s, and they are terrific value for money. One thing to check - does it still keep time? It's not unknown for the balance spring to get hooked up on the regulator after a big shock. Easy fix while the caseback is off.
Thanks for the info... difficult to say if any shards went into the case but probably not as the damage is right at the edge of the crystal, which remains intact (almost looks like it has deformed without chipping; it's odd).
Seemed to be working ok after but it has wound down now
How does the crown wheel come off; I might have a go at pulling it to bits for the heck of it?
Seemed to be working ok after but it has wound down now
How does the crown wheel come off; I might have a go at pulling it to bits for the heck of it?
It might be worth getting it repaired, especially if it has sentimental value.
I've had a Seiko 5 for 26 years, my dad bought it me for my 16th. birthday for the grand sum of £28.50. It's been through some tough times with me culminating in a worn out clasp, missing crown and cracked Plexi.
A local chap fixed up the whole thing, including service, although he did say it would have to have a generic clasp as due to the age it was unlikely I'd get a signed Seiko one.
But when I got it back, wow, like new (minus some wabi) with a Seiko clasp! I have to say I was very happy with it. Only cost £58.00. Not bad really, yes double what it originally cost, but worth it, when you consider its only 4 pence a day for some TLC and 26 years service.
I've had a Seiko 5 for 26 years, my dad bought it me for my 16th. birthday for the grand sum of £28.50. It's been through some tough times with me culminating in a worn out clasp, missing crown and cracked Plexi.
A local chap fixed up the whole thing, including service, although he did say it would have to have a generic clasp as due to the age it was unlikely I'd get a signed Seiko one.
But when I got it back, wow, like new (minus some wabi) with a Seiko clasp! I have to say I was very happy with it. Only cost £58.00. Not bad really, yes double what it originally cost, but worth it, when you consider its only 4 pence a day for some TLC and 26 years service.
Pupp said:
How does the crown wheel come off; I might have a go at pulling it to bits for the heck of it?
If you fancy pulling it apart - this gives you a step-by-step for a Seiko 7S26 movement.http://www.clockmaker.com.au/diy_seiko_7s26/index....
Thanks for the further comments... no sentimental value at all as it was actually a new watch inspired by the £50 thread; only worn once before I banjo'd it on the kitchen floor 
On the basis it goes against my Scots half to bin stuff before I've had at least 20 years out of it, I have bundled it off to a maker/repairer in Scarborough who came recommended. Typical that a nice strap and deployment turned up from TSS this morning just as the watch sailed off...
On the basis it goes against my Scots half to bin stuff before I've had at least 20 years out of it, I have bundled it off to a maker/repairer in Scarborough who came recommended. Typical that a nice strap and deployment turned up from TSS this morning just as the watch sailed off...
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