Seiko watch repair on a Seiko SQ100 Kinetic.

Seiko Kinetic watches really are quite the object. When you move your arm, a weighted rotor, connected to a motor, charges up a capacitor (a bit like a battery) thus providing a power source. These capacitors, however, do lose their effectiveness over a period a time, and need replacing periodically.

Seiko SQ100. Bi-Colour in titanium.

This particular watch was also had a grinding noise coming from the rotor. On closer inspection I discovered the mechanism was in need a clean.

The movement stripped of its rotor and cover.

The larger gear was sligtly gunged up, and the pivot holes were full of old oil. So cleaned it out and now it runs a lot smoother!

I resealed the watch as it was missing a back seal, and pressure tested to 30 meters.

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Seiko's history began in 1881 with Kintarō Hattori opening a watch and clock shop in Tokyo, evolving into a global powerhouse with innovations like the first quartz wristwatch (Seiko Quartz Astron) in 1969. 

Here's a more detailed look at Seiko's history:

• 1881:

  Kintarō Hattori, a 21-year-old entrepreneur, opens a small shop called "K. Hattori" in Tokyo's Ginza district, specializing in selling and repairing watches and clocks. 

• 1892:

  Kintarō establishes the Seikosha factory, where he starts manufacturing wall clocks, reflecting his goal of producing high-quality timepieces. 

• 1913:

  Seikosha produces Japan's first wristwatch, known as the Laurel. 

• 1924:

  The Seiko brand is officially introduced, marking a shift from clock-making to wristwatches, with "Seiko" meaning "exquisite" or "success" in Japanese. 

• 1929:

  Seiko is appointed as Japan National Railway's official "Railway Watch". 

• 1956:

  Seiko introduces the Diashock, a shock-resistant mechanism, enhancing the durability of their watches. 

• 1969:

  Seiko introduces the world's first quartz wristwatch, the Seiko Quartz Astron, revolutionizing the watchmaking industry. 

• 1986:

  Seiko unveils its first Kinetic prototype, the first watch to convert kinetic movement into electrical energy. 

• 1988:

  Seiko introduces the AGS (automatic generating system), the world's first quartz watch with an automatic power generating system. 

• Present:

  Seiko continues to innovate and produce a wide range of timepieces, from affordable quartz watches to high-end mechanical marvels, with manufacturing facilities in various locations worldwide. 

• Seiko's legacy:

  Seiko is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and technological innovation, with the Grand Seiko line renowned for its ultra high-quality mechanical movements and exquisite finishing.