How to Speed Up a Seiko Automatic Watch

Seiko automatic watches are renowned for their reliability and craftsmanship. However, sometimes these timepieces might run slower than desired. If you’re noticing that your Seiko automatic watch isn’t keeping time as accurately as it should, there are several methods you can use to speed it up. This guide will walk you through these methods, providing detailed explanations and tips to help you get your watch back to optimal performance.

Understanding the Basics of Seiko Automatic Watches

Before delving into the methods for speeding up your Seiko automatic watch, it's essential to understand how these watches work. Seiko automatic watches are powered by a movement known as an automatic or self-winding mechanism. This means that the watch is powered by the motion of your wrist, which winds the mainspring and powers the watch. The accuracy of an automatic watch can be influenced by several factors including the position of the watch, the amount of winding, and even the age of the watch.

Common Reasons for Slower Timekeeping

1. Lack of Proper Winding: If your watch is not worn regularly, it may not be sufficiently wound. Automatic watches need regular motion to keep accurate time.
2. Magnetism: Exposure to strong magnetic fields can affect the watch’s accuracy.
3. Temperature Extremes: Extreme temperatures can influence the timekeeping precision of your watch.
4. Aging and Wear: Over time, parts of the watch can wear out, affecting its accuracy.
5. Positioning: The position in which you leave your watch overnight can impact its timekeeping.

Methods to Speed Up Your Seiko Automatic Watch

1. Regular Winding

One of the simplest ways to ensure your Seiko automatic watch keeps accurate time is through regular winding. Even if you wear your watch daily, giving it an additional manual wind can help it maintain consistent performance.

• How to Wind: Gently turn the crown clockwise until you feel resistance. Avoid over-winding, as this can damage the mechanism.

2. Position Adjustment

The position in which you leave your watch can influence its accuracy. Here’s how different positions can affect the timekeeping:

• Dial Up: Generally results in a more accurate timekeeping.
• Dial Down: Can slow down the watch.
• Crown Up/Down: May either speed up or slow down the timekeeping.

Experiment with different positions to see which provides the best accuracy for your watch.

3. Demagnetization

If you suspect that magnetism might be affecting your watch, a demagnetization service might be required. Magnetized components can affect the accuracy of your watch’s movement.

• How to Demagnetize: Take your watch to a professional watchmaker who can use a demagnetizer to eliminate any magnetic fields affecting your watch.

4. Professional Servicing

Regular maintenance by a professional is crucial for keeping your watch running accurately. During a service, the watchmaker will clean, lubricate, and adjust the movement as needed.

• Service Interval: Typically, a watch should be serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on its use and age.

5. Adjusting the Rate

Seiko automatic watches often have a regulator that can be adjusted to change the rate of the watch. This adjustment should be done by a professional watchmaker to avoid damaging the movement.

• Regulation Process: The watchmaker will adjust the rate at which the balance wheel oscillates, thereby speeding up or slowing down the watch’s timekeeping.

6. Avoiding Extreme Conditions

Keep your watch away from extreme temperatures and magnetic fields to maintain its accuracy.

• Temperature Range: Try to keep your watch in a temperature range of 5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F) to ensure optimal performance.

7. Use a Watch Winder

If you don’t wear your automatic watch every day, consider using a watch winder. A watch winder keeps your watch ticking and maintains its accuracy even when you’re not wearing it.

• Watch Winder Settings: Ensure the winder is set to the correct number of rotations per day (usually 650-800 turns for most automatic watches).

Summary

Speeding up a Seiko automatic watch involves a combination of regular winding, careful positioning, demagnetization, professional servicing, rate adjustment, and avoiding extreme conditions. By understanding and implementing these methods, you can ensure that your Seiko automatic watch remains a reliable and accurate timekeeping companion.

Additional Resources

For more detailed instructions on watch maintenance, consider consulting Seiko’s official service center or a professional watchmaker. Many watch enthusiasts and forums also offer valuable insights and tips.

Table: Watch Position and Accuracy Impact

Position	Impact on Accuracy
Dial Up	Generally more accurate
Dial Down	May slow down
Crown Up	May speed up/slightly slow down
Crown Down	May speed up/slightly slow down

Note: Adjustments and servicing should be performed by professionals to ensure the longevity and accuracy of your watch.