Seiko Watch Maintenance Tip
Seiko watches are built to last, providing dependable service for years and even decades. Whether you have a mechanical Seiko 5, a tough Prospex diver, a solar-powered model or a traditional quartz dress watch, appropriate care will help keep it accurate, looking good and valuable.
Fortunately, you don’t need expensive equipment or professional experience to take care of your Seiko watch. A few basic behaviors can minimize excessive wear and keep your watch looking and operating at its best.
This book will walk you through all that you need to know to look after your Seiko watch, covering cleaning, storage, servicing, batteries, water resistance and common mistakes to avoid.
Searching for the Best Seiko Watches? Explore our Best Seiko Watches Under $500 USA guide.
Why Proper Care of Your Watch Matters
Like any precision equipment, a watch works best when properly maintained.
Regular care helps;
- Lengthen the period of the movement
- Keep good time.
- Maintain water resistance
- Keep out of water and dirt damage
- Keep case and bracelet looking like new
- Guard your investment
With the right care a Seiko can be passed down for generations.
Clean Your Watch Regularly
Your watch is subjected to: Everyday wear
- Sweating
- Dusting
- Oils from the skin
- Sunblock
- Dirt
- Water Content
Regular cleaning will help to prevent build-up that can dull the appearance of your watch and affect comfort.
For Stainless Steel Versions
Use:
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Soft toothbrush
- Gentle soap
- warm water
- Wipe dry with a gentle towel.
See also Related guide:
Cleaning a Seiko Stainless Steel Watch
For leather belts
Leather should not be soaked with water.
Rather:
- Wipe with a dry microfibre cloth.
- Don’t leave it wet for too long.
- Should the strap get wet, allow it to air dry naturally.
Resin or Rubber Straps
Occasionally wash with:
- Gentle soap
- Gentle brush,
- Water, Fresh
This will help remove sweat and prevent odor build-up.
Water-Resistant Protection
Many Seiko watches are water-resistant, but this does not mean they are waterproof
Remember always:
- Make sure the crown is pressed in all the way.
- If your model has a crown, take it off.
- Do not use the crown under water.
- Rinse the watch in fresh water after swimming in salt water.
- Water-resistance seals do age naturally.
If you swim or dive on a regular basis, have your seals checked from time to time.
Avoid Strong Magnetic Fields
Magnets can impact the accuracy of a mechanical watch.
Keep your Seiko away from:
- Speakers
- Phone Accessories Magnetic
- Tablets
- Magnets for Laptops
- Magnetic Mobile Cases
- MRI machines
Magnetization can be the culprit when your automated watch begins gaining or losing a substantial amount of time.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures, both high and low, can also affect lubricants and battery performance.
Don’t take your watch away:
- In a heated car dashboard
- Near hot sources
- In direct sun over extended durations
- In cold conditions for long periods
Storage at room temperature is best.
Protect Against Hard Impacts
Most Seiko sports watches are sturdy, however heavy knocks can damage:
- Crystal
- Hands
- Crown
- Movement
- Bracelet
And if you’re doing anything that involves heavy impacts, take your watch off. Unless it’s a purpose-built sports model like a Seiko Prospex.
How to Wind Automatic Watches Correctly
If you have a Seiko automatic watch:
- Use it frequently.
- If it has stopped, wind it before using.
- Do not apply too much force when turning the crown.
Modern Seiko movements do have overwind protection but it is still recommended to wind smoothly and gently.
Related Guides:
Caring for Quartz Watches
Quartz watches are very low maintenance.
Basically:
- If the battery needs changing, change it.
- Keep the watch clean, wipe it.
- Never leave a dead battery in the watch for long periods of time.
Leaking batteries can ruin the movement.
Related Guide:
How to Change Seiko Watch Battery
Care for Solar Watches
Solar models need some light exposure now and then.
To get them to work well:
- Use them a lot.
- Put them occasionally near a bright window.
- Don’t keep them in total darkness for months.
Standard indoor light helps to keep the charge up.
Related Guide:
How Seiko Solar Powered Watches Work
Store Your Watch Correctly
If you don’t have your watch on:
Keep it in:
- Watch case.
- Soft Watch Bag
- Comes in original Seiko box
- Drawer dry clean
Avoid humid areas such as bathrooms.
If you own more than one watch, store each one separately to avoid scratching each other.
Know When Your Watch Needs Service
Even the best Seiko watches will need to be serviced now and then.
If you see these signs your watch may require some attention:
- Losing or gaining too much time
- Water inside the crystal .
- Difficult to place the crown
- Lowered power reserve
- Spooky sounds
- Bracelet or loose clasp
Fixing small problems early can save more extensive repairs.
Protect the Crystal
Don’t lay your watch face down on hard surfaces.
If your watch has:
- Hardlex glass
- Sapphire crystal
It will be more scratch-resistant than mineral glass but no crystal is scratchproof.
Keep the Bracelet Safe
Routine inspection:
Spring bars
- Buckle
- Screws in the bracelet
- As well as pins.
A loose band may cause the watch to fall out suddenly.
Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Recommended Frequency |
| Wipe with microfiber cloth | Weekly |
| Deep clean bracelet | Monthly |
| Check crown and clasp | Monthly |
| Inspect water resistance (if used in water often) | Periodically |
| Battery replacement (Quartz) | As needed |
| Light exposure (Solar) | Regularly |
| Service automatic movement | According to Seiko’s recommendations or when performance declines |
Some of the Common Mistakes
Don’t do these things:
- Automatic watches: changing date from 9 PM to 3 AM
- Throwing away a quartz watch stopped dead
- Swimming with a leather strap
- With powerful household cleaners
- Exposure to strong magnetic fields
- Not screwing down the crown
- Watches stored in humid conditions
- Banging the watch against a hard surface
How Long Can a Seiko Watch Last?
With the right care:
- Quartz watches can survive for decades.
- If an automatic watch is serviced periodically, it can endure for decades.
- Solar watches allow you to enjoy many years of reliable performance with very little maintenance.
Many of the old Seiko timepieces from the 1960s and 1970s are still ticking today.
The Bottom Line
Seiko watches are built to last, but even the best need a little TLC from time to time. A few simple things like cleaning your watch, guarding it from impacts and magnets, storing it properly and following the prescribed maintenance techniques will go a long way in increasing the lifespan of your watch.
Proper care of your automatic, quartz or solar Seiko can assure accurate performance and help keep your watch looking great for years to come.
Questions & Answers
How often should I clean my Seiko watch?
Most owners only need to do a quick wipe down once a week and a thorough cleaning about once a month.
Can I shower with my Seiko watch?
Only if your water-resistance rating is compatible with your model. That being said, repeated exposure to hot water, detergent and shampoo is generally not suggested as it can affect gaskets over time.
How often should I service a Seiko automatic watch?
Service intervals vary according to model and usage. If there is any change in accuracy, power reserve or operation, follow Seiko’s recommendations or have the watch inspected.
How should I store my Seiko watch?
Store it in a clean and dry area such as a watch box or soft bag, away from direct sunlight, humidity and strong magnetic fields.
Can magnets damage my Seiko watch?
Yup. Strong magnetic fields can interfere with the mechanical motion and cause inexact timekeeping.
