Seiko Arctura losing movement...

Wonda-Boy

I purchased a Seiko Arctura Kinetic in Florida nearly 3 yrs ago and recently it just will not keep the charge. I did leave it off my wrist for about a week recently doing some heavy building work in the house. But know no matter what it will not last longer then 12-15 hrs. If I take it off at night its stopped by the morning.

If I leave it into Seiko Ireland its gonna cost me

Watch was never in hot water (shower etc) and looked after very well....any ideas lads?

Regards.

Anjobe

Sounds like a problem with the capacitor (or LiON cell) - have a look here for info on these issues.

The capacitor based kinetic movement calibers are all discontinued at this stage, but I believe that malfunctioning capacitors (a common issue!) can be replaced by a LiON cell fairly easily. Why not contact the Timemark service centre in Ballymount and ask for a quote to get this fixed, they also operate a drop in service and can do a lot of repairs while you wait. Alternatively, try asking Fast Fix if they could handle a repair of this nature.

Wonda-Boy

Nice one....the movement on the back is still perfect so I would say it could be the capacitor. I am going on a cruise end of the month so I might have a chance to pick up a nice watch in one of the countries I visit if its knackered I would have to pick up a new watch.

Gonna fire off an email to Timemark now.....thanx a mil for the reply.

BTW,

Mine is the Seiko Arctura Kinetic 7L22-0AW0 model.

Anjobe

7L22 has a LiON battery, which aren't generally as prone to premature failure as the capacitors that Seiko used in their earlier kinetic movements. Still, it should be no problem to get the rechargeable battery replaced - good luck!

Wonda-Boy

Anjobe wrote: »

7L22 has a LiON battery, which aren't generally as prone to premature failure as the capacitors that Seiko used in their earlier kinetic movements. Still, it should be no problem to get the rechargeable battery replaced - good luck!

Rang Timemark there and over the phone the "GIRL" said that it will be €180 for a full overhaul and €50 for a capacitor if needed. Granted, that they have not even seen the watch but I dont wanna be stung for €230 if its something small like a replacement battery!!!!

I dont think the watch is old enough for a full overhaul TBH, and it was looked after very well. I also rang Fast-Fix and he said he can pop a new cell in and reseal it for €50-60....I am a tad dubious leaving it in to fast fix in case they do a shoddy job.

Its like going to the dentist for a check up and all of a sudden you are getting a root canal and €300 poorer! :rolleyes:

Anjobe

Replacing the rechargeable cell in a Seiko Kinetic is not much different to replacing a battery in a "normal" quartz watch, except that it is necessary to remove the winding rotor and gear to get at the cell.

I'd say Fast Fix would be up to it, they do have a trained horologist and offer servicing of mechanical watches so they should be able to change the kinetic cell no problem. They will guarantee the repair too.

Wonda-Boy

Left both my watches into Timemark today....told them to do nothing until I get an estimate. So we see what happens.

Wonda-Boy

Well just a quick update...timemark are curently raping me for €175 and I still have not got my watch back....the **** they spin you because you have a watch with a "High Grade Movement"!!!!

Zimmerframe

I had an Arctura, same story in every way. It was supposed to be the rechargeable cell rather than the capacitor, but regardless it had a terrible reserve, even took it to the jeweller to be recharged on the special kinetic charging machine, but did no good. Returned to Seiko repair centre in Dublin who I believe are the company you are dealing with. I declined their kind offer to replace it for something like €180.
Got a "cell" on Ebay for less than €15, replaced it myself (eyesight was better back then ), worked perfectly after that.

Wonda-Boy

Zimmerframe wrote: »

I had an Arctura, same story in every way. It was supposed to be the rechargeable cell rather than the capacitor, but regardless it had a terrible reserve, even took it to the jeweller to be recharged on the special kinetic charging machine, but did no good. Returned to Seiko repair centre in Dublin who I believe are the company you are dealing with. I declined their kind offer to replace it for something like €180.
Got a "cell" on Ebay for less than €15, replaced it myself (eyesight was better back then ), worked perfectly after that.

I would well believe that story....I am picking up my watch today and paying the €175 :mad:

But if it happens again in the next year or so they will be replacing it. Hopefully the watch is working now and I get the 5 month reserve out of it.

Eoin

I've the same issue with a solar diver I bought second hand - holds maybe 2 days charge, no matter how long I leave it in the sun.

If the repair cost is likely to be around that price, it's not worth my while so I may as well attempt a DIY job.

Wonda-Boy

UPDATE:

Got the watch back from Timemark and the watch is now holding a charge. BUT.....the chronograph is not working now, nothing when I press the 2 buttons on the side and I also notice the chronograph hand is slightly out of sync by about 3-4mm.

Rang them and asked how this could happen the watch is in a worse state now then when I left it in, was told that the watch was tested before leaving but I very much doubt it. Timemark said to drop it back up, I said I live in Meath I am not going up to them (costing me €30) when its clearly a fault on their behalf. So I am waiting for a courier to arrive to collect the piece from my home.

So much for not leaving it into a jewellers to get a professional job done!

At least I have my new Citizen Eco Drive Blue Angels Edition watch for back up.....