Skills Tested, Patience Tried: The Grueling Repair of a 1971 Seiko UFO Chronograph
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- čas přidán 12. 11. 2023
- Join me as we tackle the meticulous repair of a 1971 Seiko UFO Chronograph, testing my ability and patience to the limit. This vintage timepiece presented daunting challenges, including broken jewels, a broken operating lever, an out-of-adjustment chronograph, among other issues! Witness the remarkable transformation as we breathe new life into this classic chronograph, proving that even the most intricate repairs can be triumphantly conquered with dedication and patience.
Seiko Model # 6138-0017
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Enjoy the video! - Jak na to + styl
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CZcams suggested this video after I watched Wristwatch Revival.. I have a Seiko 5, I have no intention of collecting mechanical watches... I'm a mechanic, have been all my life, but I have big fat sausage fingers, I admire the delicacy here.. I work on 50 ton machines and keep them going! Subscribed!
Thanks so much.
Another great watch. You say you’re not a professional but I’d wager you are probably more thorough than a lot of professional watch repairers. I love seeing these old timepieces given a fresh leash of life. Good job 👍🏽
Thank you very much. I'm committed to ensuring thoroughness in my work. I've encountered watches with substandard repairs in the past, and although I'm not a professional watchmaker, it's apparent when corners are cut. I try my best to be detailed in every watch I handle, whether it's showcased in a CZcams video or not. Knowing the job was done right gives me confidence that the watch is ready to be worn without any compromises. I suppose it's like that old saying: "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right". At least I try to!
Great job:enjoyed watching 😊
Thanks a bunch.
Great restoration, thank you for sharing: 👍👏👌!
Thank you very much.
😂nice restoration and a very good outcome thank you for taking us all along for the ride.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Adam - You have definitely gotten all the nuances of these 6139/6138 movements down pat. Very well done on your part. John S
Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.
Very nice work, great vid.
Thank you very much.
A UFO is a flying spacecraft. Very nice Seiko UFO Chronograph watch vintage watch. Seiko are wonderful watches.
I agree. I love their vintage models.
Fantastic video mate!
Thanks a lot!
Witam wszystkich serdecznie życzę miłego dnia Tobie oraz wszystkim którzy szanują Twoje umiejętności zegarmistrza Dzięki za to że Jesteś zdrowia życzę I powodzenia w dalszym działaniu Dzięki Stary Baca który kocha zegarki ❤❤❤
Thank you.
Very pretty watch, enjoyed watching you work on this watch. Thank you!
Great video. Love the narrative, and in particular, your close-up shots under the microscope. Very helpful.
Another incredible video, Adam! Thank you for taking the time to explain the details of what you're doing! I learned some things that I didn't know about default jewel placement from this one. I hope that your channel continues to receive the promotion and growth that it deserves from the almighty CZcams algorithm!
Awesome, thank you! I'm very glad to hear that you found the video useful. I never really found anything that talked about default jewel placements, but getting them flush with the back side of the plate, at least in my experience, has been a good place to start. End shake is easily adjusted from that point if necessary, and it establishes an easy visual starting point so you can see how much adjustment has been made. At least that's my thought process behind it.
I enjoy your channel as well. Keep doing what you do, and I will also! All hail the almighty CZcams algorithm!
Good video , and nice watch. I had one back in the 70s - which I moved on many years ago. Then lucky enough to find another in good condition about 10 years ago. It's good to see that he keeps the chrono movement operating .. SEIKO chronograph movement should always be left running.
Awesome timing. I’ve got my UFO on the bench ready to go :)
Ah yes, good timing indeed. Have fun with that watch!
@@WeekendWatchRepair Will do, I just wish the hands and dial were as good as this one :)
Quick questions if I may.
For the eccentric-screws, you mention about checking if they're 180' out ... but how do you check?
Mine ticks nicely with the chrono running, but the whole watch stops after about 5 seconds when the chrono is disengaged. I wondered if this might be due to one of those screws being 180 degrees out?
Thanks!
There’s a larger side and a smaller side to those eccentric screws. For example, on the hour recording wheel stop lever, the fat side of the screw head needs to face towards the lever, thus applying more pressure to the spring. Inspect the screw heads closely and you’ll see one side is larger than the other. In your case, I would think there could be a couple causes, but I would check the engagement of the coupling levers into the chronograph wheel. When the chronograph is stopped, those coupling levers go inwards and engage the clutch on that wheel. If perhaps those levers are not engaging properly and causing the wheel to stop, that would cause your watch to quit running. Make sure they are engaging the clutch properly, and not interfering with the movement of the wheel itself.
Thoroughly enjoyed this restoration video. The amount of parts involved was scary but must be so satisfying when finished. Love your work and commentary, you are the Bob Ross of the watch world.
Haha! Thank you. I believe that title has already been given to another watch tinkerer on CZcams (and rightfully so IMO), but I really appreciate the compliment! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Excellent work,very entertaining, love the oiling and the 2 for 2. Your friend is lucky to know you.
Thank you. As I was doing the voiceover work I couldn't remember if I had messed that up or not, so as I was recording I didn't know if I'd get all the way across without slipping. I was legitimately surprised, haha! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
i love your videos they are super cool and chill keep up the great work
Thank you very much.
Great Seiko
Thanks. I think it turned out really well. It's owner seems to be enjoying it.
I’m sure someone has said this already, but you sound like Marshall from WWR! I thought that was who I was listening to. Lol
Awesome! Now I’ve got someone else to watch! Thanks, Adam!
Thank you for watching. Yes, I have heard that several times now. I honestly do not hear any similarities, but I suppose everyone hears their own voice differently. I don't what to tell people when they make that comparison. I have a cheap microphone plugged into my computer when I'm recording my voice. I'm not running any elaborate sound equipment. That just what my voice sounds like. I am a fan of WWR's channel, so I'm taking that as a compliment!
@@WeekendWatchRepair for sure! You do a great job! Don’t change a thing. Look forward to many more videos!
finally saw the Whole video . thank you
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.
Great enjoyable video and your attention to detail is very impressive. Thanks for taking the time recording and editing the videos for us to watch. 👍
Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
You are the better man for tackling this watch. I've yet to get into one of these. I don't want to try one of these until I've become way more knowledgeable than I am. The chronograph wheel is the heart of that watch. If it's bad, well, you've got a parts watch. Nice service and repair of a classic.
Those are certainly a critical part, and nearly unrepairable if they are broken. I was certainly nervous when I tackled my first chronograph, but there is no better way to do it than to jump in. I had the technical manuals and I read them cover to cover a few times so there really wasn't anything that was surprising. Once you are in there though, you'll get a feel for things and in the end you'll look back and realize that it wasn't as bad as you might have made it out to be. The good things about these Seiko chronographs is that there is some good videos out there detailing the teardown & assembly (not necessarily speaking about my own videos, but there are others as well), but there are some Seiko & watchmaking forums that you can always reference if you get stuck on something.
Fantastic job again. Repairing vintage watches is definitely the best hobby for people who like to play hide and seek with microscopic, vital parts that yearn to soar through the air.
Oh definitely. Nothing beats watch repair if that's what you are looking for! Haha!
It is nice to see these seikos getting the service that it deserves
Thanks. They are among my all time favorite watches.
Congratulations, Adam. That was absolutely one of the very best videos on the 6138 that I have seen. I've worked on a few myself, and I still learned several things from watching you. Keep it up.
Thank you very much Mike.
Your shots are incredible Adam and I really like the red arrows that clearly indicate the nerve points of the mechanism. Very useful and informative! I can't wait for the next video! And what a journey this Seiko has been!
Thanks so much. I really appreciate that. I had wondered if people really wanted to see that kind of stuff, but I somewhat geek out over that kind of info I figured I'd just put them in there.
This Seiko was my first watch that I bought for myself. 1977 I bought it. It died a few years later and I was quoted more to fix it than I paid for it. It disappeared at some point. I miss that watch. 😢
I"ll bet, I'd miss it too.
Beautiful piece of machinery.
Been watching your channel for a while found I really like this watch your restoring gonna end up saving up for one
I get so envious every time you release a video. I want to take a crack at a Seiko chrono so badly but am not yet to the point where I feel ok spending more than $20 on an absolute jalopy to restore
I started there as well. Just keep at it and you'll be doing them before you know it.
Many thanks for this class. The explanations were great, the video and sound quality perfect! I will have this video as my own master class when I have the "spirit" to dare with one of those great timepieces. Cheers.
Very kind of you to say. Thank you.
Great work I’ve been watching your channel from the start and do the same work as yourself. I serviced my UFO around 6 months ago it’s a 1970 resist/proof and have just picked up a 1976 JDM UFO in need of a lot of work like this one you have here just waiting on parts before starting the restoration. Great camera work also. Regards from New Zealand 🇳🇿
That is awesome! I appreciate it very much.
Excellent video !
This is the first video I have watched on your journey. I would have to say it is the best watch repair video I have seen on CZcams. Thank you.
Wow, thanks!
wow - what an awesome video and a brilliant watch!!!
it is so much fun to watch - better than any movie!!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for such a great video! I've seen many but most channels focus mainly on Rolex and other brands, but this is the first I've seen for the Seiko.
Amazing job! I have a UFO just like the one you repair here. It used to be my dad`s watch.
Thanks. Never sell that watch!
First watch re-do/ refresh I was able to watch to the end. Great demeanor, great knowledge and skill. Was fascinating watching as you entertained me, LOL. As an old off road, motorcycle racer, + on road shifter kart racer, I turn a lot of wrenches, and your knowledge, skills and demeanor was fascinating to me as you tweaked and lubed all those tiny, tiny parts. Subbed also. 👍
Very good video, and detail!
Thank you very much.
Awesome watch. I've always wanted a automatic watch but haven't been able to get it yet.
Awesome video as well. 👍👍👍
Thank you very much.
Such an amazing video and I really enjoyed every minute of watching it. Thank you so much. Greetings ftom Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you very much.
Came across your video by accident and an hour and a half later, you have a new subscriber. Well done!
Thanks so much!
Looks great as always! I'm gonna be honest. These Chronographs scare me! They are also my favorite seiko watches. I've purchased a bunch of cheaper tools to start and about half a dozen cheap/junk seikos with 7009 movements. I am going to try my hand at servicing these movement calibers. Once I'm comfortable with those, I will jump into something else. If I find I have a nack for it and enjoy it, I dont mind investing in nicer tools.
That was my path as well. Certain tools are somewhat of a necessity sooner rather than later. Poor screwdrivers or tweezers make the experience much less enjoyable. If you're going to give it a try, I'd recommend at least getting a decent set of screwdrivers and tweezers, as well as some sort of sharpening stone (Arkansas stone) so you can dress those tools properly.
@@WeekendWatchRepair what screw drivers/tweezers do you recommend?
@@colescrustycars If price was not a concern, I'd recommend Bergeon screwdrivers and Dumont tweezers. I found that I like Viola tweezers as well, and they can be picked up for much less than Dumont.
I watch yourself and Joe "Naked Watchmaker" (not really naked😮💨)anyhow, I watch to get a bit more accuracy in my life. I've always been a bit of a "shoot from the hip" guy with an rather impressionistic approach to projects. I appreciate your attention to detail.
Thanks. Greg
Thanks Greg. I really appreciate it.
Awesome job my friend! I've noticed an upward trend in not only the quality of your videos, but also the quality of your work. I guess practice does make perfect. Thank you for another incredible upload.
Thank you very much!
I collect quality watches. This is a very interesting watch. Nice job on the refurbishment. I will keep my eyes peeled for one. Seiko was the brand of my first keeper watch, and the quality offered at a reasonable price, in my opinion, is the best value a new watch enthusiast will find.
Thanks for watching. I agree with you on the value for money aspect.
Wow, that was long, but I watched it all, nice watch. Wish I knew more about finding a bargain without being caught out getting less than described.
A beautiful watch
Wristwatch Revival brought me here! subbed 😃
Thanks so much.
Fantastic content. Its going to help me on an upcoming bullhead service. Thanks Appreciated and happily subbed.
Thanks for the sub!
Great job. It’s most enjoyable to watch you work. Maybe you should consider doing a Lamborghini, like an old Countach or Jalapa🤣. Yes, I’m being sarcastic. But I’d definitely watch a rebuild on one of them too.
Haha!
You've got such a nice, kind voice. I feel relaxed listening your explanation.
Thank you so much.
Even though this is a very lengthy video, your enthousiasm you show is entertaining. I really like watching this although I just wear a Garmin....
Thank you very much.
If I tried to do this repair and somehow was able to get the watch back together for sure I would have several parts left over.
haha
Complimenti per il video he' stato impeccabile direi Eccellente
Grazie!
Most older Seiko's aren't my cup of tea. This one is really cool, though. Would love to wear this.
It's a great watch for sure.
Hi Adam, big fan here, great work! Getting my first Seiko 6138-0030 shortly…so some of your tips to have checked are a great help here! Also have had some successes in servicing previous Seikos of mine…which have been greatly assisted under your video presentations, thank you for that. Regards from Sydney.
That's really great to hear. Thanks so much.
I have a similar watch but mine is 6138-0011 and it really needs some service
I knew it was gonna be one of the UFOs when you made the community post. Another absolutely incredible video. Love to see you improve. I wasn't kidding, let me know when you get that PO box set up. I'd love to send my 6319-6012 for you to do the jewel upgrade on, no one else I trust. Doing the work now of replacing the tachy, crystal, and a few of the other pretty things. Runs really well after my service based on your pogue video and some sleepless googling. Well, good enough for an entry level hobbyist. Who knows, your videos give me the pluck to consider repainting all the markers back on the dial. My dream watch, and the one the kids'll have to fight over after I pass. Took it from ebay junk to a running piece thanks to you. They can just have all the others I've repaired. This one goes to the one I like the most, haha.
That's fantastic. I'm so glad you were able to get yours running. I will definitely let you know when I do eventually get set up to accept commissions. Thanks so much.
Love the look of those, even in the unrestored state, and i'd agree with your stance on reviewing products, great if it's something you genuinely use or want to use, not ideal if it's just an advert (although i don't blame people who fund their channel that way as long as they report genuine observations)
I do as well.
Beautiful watch, I like his dial color better!
His dial really was nice. It is a bit misleading in the video because his watch was tilted towards the camera and mine was laying flat. It look much more deep black than it really is. But yes, his was still better.
It looks bluish/grey. After looking around, I noticed all the dials I was able to see were black.
With the manufacturing month being September-October, I'd consider this watch ⌚️ a 1972. That stands 🧍♂️ true 👍 to cars 🚗, but I have no idea with watches. Your friend, Jeff.
When you mention staking the minute recording wheel where the heart and wheel is separating. Is this just pushing it back into position, or push into position and mechanically lock it in by “staking process” like is used in large mechanical world? Really enjoyed this one!
I am not a seiko fan but this is an absolutely gorgeous watch
I agree, the watch is really good looking. Several of their 70's chronographs are really spectacular.
@@WeekendWatchRepair I will agree since watching your video a couple other seikos popped up in feed that are nice looking. Do you feel the Japanese movements or Swiss are made better? I’ve always been curious about that.
@@Lovetheducks I don't think there is a simple answer to that. There are obviously very well made Swiss movements. When you think of Swiss watches it is synonymous with the thought of quality, and generally I think that holds true. There are also Swiss made movements that might be less than desirable. I think there is a big difference (on a general level) in the philosophy of Swiss watchmaking and Japanese watchmaking. In general, you'll find that many of the larger and more common Japanese movements tend to have more focus put towards engineering, design, and efficient production. You'll see levers and springs designed into a single part, etc. Embellishment seems to be less of a thought on Japanese movements (with certain exceptions of course). Seiko manufacturers some very reliable, robust, and dependable movements, but they may not win a beauty contest. It's just a different thought process behind watchmaking, and I don't really think I can say one is better than the other. They both excel greatly at what they are trying to accomplish.
@@WeekendWatchRepair well thanks for the response it’s kind of what I thought. One of the many things I’ve always loved about Japanese culture is their efficiency. Anyway thanks for the response I’m a new follower and look forward to more videos. Have a great holiday season.
Realizas unos videos impresionantes gracias artista
Thank you.
Can you tell us about what microscope you're using? Is our view the same as your view?
Always a pleasure to see you work, and to learn from your experience.
It is an AmScope - SM-4NTP. The eyepiece has about a 25% larger field of view than what I get through the camera. It is crystal clear through the optics and quite easy to work on a watch using it, but the camera still leaves a bit to be desired in my opinion. I'm just using a cheap microscope camera I picked up on Amazon. I didn't know anything about cameras at the time and bought what I thought would work. I'd like to see if I can find one with a slightly larger sensor size, but the camera does what I need it to do for now.
"I'm not a professional"... only a professional would say that! :D
ALWAYS remember to power down the mainspring before taking this section of the watch apart. You do NOT want an exploding 🤯 movement, damaged gears, or mainspring. Tip, do NOT use a magnet 🧲 to hold your watch parts. Although convenient, this method will magnetize your gears, affecting the performance 🎭 of your watch. I found this out when I was much younger. This method is fine, however, if you’ve got a watch demagnetizer somewhere in reach. Your friend, Jeff.
Very nice video with loads of patience. Regards to you!
What do you think of the quality of engineering in this model from 1 to 10 (10 for best)? Any comparison with a modern popular watch?
It is difficult for me to access the quality of engineering in this watch. I can say that it is very thoughtfully designed. I think that if they jeweled the barrel bridge arbor port from the factory it would've addressed the only real weak spot in the movement. That being said, overall if I had to give it a score, I would say it's around an 8. I don't really work on many modern watches so I wouldn't know anything to compare it to.
This was my father's watch when I was a toddler. I used to play with it when close to father. Due to its oddly circular shape and being too big when I was teenager, I didn't wear it much (used other Seiko's, Casio's). Strangely, I worn a Grand Carrera quite for long (again a bit too circular big watch). I remember very characteristic winding noise from UFO.
Great video and excellent commentary. Just a thought, and it's my opinion only, the case is not in original condition, looks like someone has tried with a scotch brite. So I would try a soft polishing just to get it looking a little better... just my opinion.
Could be. To my eye it looked like a very worn but honest case, but you may be correct. I wouldn't have been opposed to it but the owner of the watch requested that I keep the case as it was.
What jewel size did you use for the barrel jewel? Did you order the kit from VTA? I've done a few of these and the mechanism is a joy to work on but the barrel bushing is always out of round and worn
I use VTA jewels, or sometimes I'll get them from another eBay seller (based in the US) that also carries them.
Lift angle for that movement is 54.5 degrees.
Is the winding pinion sometimes called the clutch wheel? Or am I confused 😊
Haha, awesome! I appreciate your support of the channel. It really means a lot.
I’ve heard the sliding clutch also called the clutch wheel. The winding pinion is the gear that is attached to the stem that turns against the ratchet wheel to wind the watch. The sliding clutch is the piece that moves back-and-forth from the yolk to engage the time setting function.
You sound remarkably like Marshall. It's messing with my mind a bit😮.
Haha. I keep hearing that from people. I don't hear any similarities. I suppose everyone hears their own voice differently though. I'm not running any fancy equipment. Just a USB microphone plugged in to my computer. That's just what my voice sounds like! If people think they are similar, I'll consider that a compliment as I think WR does a great job with his voice work.
How can I get hold of you, I have a Patek Phillippe replica that needs some work, it means a lot to me.
Unfortunately at this time I am unable to accept commissions that aren't local (friends & family). For privacy reasons I am not comfortable giving out my home address for people to send watches to. I'm sure you can understand. I'd need to get a PO Box and a few other things put into place before I can accept such requests.
Hi sir I am an amateur watch mechanic and would like to have you opinion on one of the watches I’m fixing . May I ask how can I contact you ?
Hello, I am new to the channel and I was wondering what kind of watch cleaner machine you have I did not see you have any tools listed so I figured I would ask.
The machine shown in the videos is an Elma Solvex SE.
@@WeekendWatchRepair Thanks
wow, that is a super expensive system it must be really good.
What is the original finish of the case UFO ,-0011 ,-0012...?
Just as anaside where did you get the new crystal from ? I have the same watch and the only crystal we could find came ftom France and has quite a deep bevelled edge not at all like the original.
Seikosis.com
😊
What should a standard service cost? I have a 1924 Elgin that probably needs one but I never had one done
Since I do this myself, I honestly don't know what a standard service would cost.
My reset is not working properly......Seiko said they won't adjust it
Time is a dead god Cronus 💐🌑👍 rest in the good news 🌷 okay bye
i have a Hamilton pacer that I would love to see be given another life. if you’d be interested, feel free to reach out to me
What does a job like this cost?
To be honest I don't really know. I've always done my own service & repair work. I've heard of prices ranging all over the place, but that would also depend on how thorough and detailed the person doing the work is. To be done properly, there can be a significant amount of time put into the watch.
@@WeekendWatchRepair Thanks! I asked because I was thinking of purchasing and seeing if I could have you restore.
@@davidsridharan202 I see. Thank you for thinking of me, but at this time I am not able to do commission work. There are a some things I need to get sorted out before I can accept such requests. I appreciate very much though. Perhaps one of these days I'll have everything ready to accommodate these types of requests, but I'm just not there yet.
Bello peccato la cassa nn è è uguale meglio un altra