I've been checking out the Yao watches posted and decided I would like to get one.
However, checking with Mark II, I found that there's a significant wait time. On the order of 2-3 months. Seeing that I wanted the watch before March, this would
not work.
I decided to do it myself, I mean, how hard could it be right? That's when the adventure started.
I found out that the Yao dials fit Seiko watches SKX007, SKX173 and a host of others. I saw that the SCTF had an SKX007 watch for a reasonable price. Seeing that I had a 6309, I don't mind removing a redundant looking dialfor the Yao dial. By the time I went for it, it had been sold, but I was told another watch was available for sale an SKX173. $$$
Well, I got the watch and it worked for a little while - all of 9 days
The watch stopped working, doesn't matter how much you shake it etc...Oh well. You take a chance buying used. All of us know that. Strike one!
In the meantime, I started researching how to remove hands and dials. The first thing I found is there is VERY LITTLE info on how to do this. Perhaps 2 websites at the most and none with info on how to put the hands back. In addition, what I consider critical info was missing. Information such as how to set the hand positions before removing etc....
Well, I decided to try and experiment with the watch. I purchased caseback removaltools and managed to get the movement out of the case. No problem.
I decided to order a replacement movement from Chronograph.com for $58. The item arrived quickly (6 days) and I was in business!!!! At least I could have an SKX007 for a while!
In the meantime I get help from fellow forum members. I learn that I need a hand puller, and hand setter tools. I go for it, loupes, tweezers, hand puller, hand setter, etc... etc.. $$$
I order my Yao dial and hands. 300 MoD with day/date and sword hands!!! $$
I took out the SKX173 broken movement, put in the SKX007 movement and when I turned the watch over, I noticed the second hand fell off!!!!! Strike 2!
IMO, this is because of shipping. (More on this later).
No problem right????? Take out the movement and put the hand back on. Uh oh!????
The movement won't come out!!! rrrrr!!!! I try tapping, I try everything.... nothing. Finally I figure I might be able to pry it out. I use a screwdriver and I put it in the wrong place... on the stem release lever. I don't know why I did this.... stupid!!!!!!
The movement came out, I put the second hand back on. I put the movement back in, then the stem wouldn't go in! arggghhh Strike 3!
There you go, $58 down the drain.
I am not going to give up! I order another movement. Yes, I am stubborn!
I'm bummed for the next 7 days, luckily I have other things to do.
Like a dream, the Yao dials/hands AND the movement comes in the same day! I'm in business again!
I open the movement box and..... the second hand has fallen off!!!!! AGAIN! Not only that, it's bent! Strike 4!
Whatever, I'm not going to use that hand anyway.
I shake the movement and at least the balance wheel is moving.
I seek advice...
I call a fellow forum member and ... I can't find the dial feet screws.... hmmm.
They should be there... hmmmm... Oh well, maybe I am going blind!
While talking and getting advice, one thing sticks in my mind, "how much is all this experimenting going to cost"?
I realize that maybe it's worth a try to ask my local watchmaker how much it would cost to have him do it.
Well, I call a local watchmaker I've been wanting to check out and he tells me "no problem, easy". $20.
Yes, only $20!!! There's no decision here. Just do it.
In the meantime, I find out that the movement has no feet screws. The dial is held on by friction. I'm not going blind!
I go there the next morning, hand him the empty case, new movement, Yao hands/dials still in packaging. Upon opening, he says the dial/hands look "very nice". He places the movement and hands in less than 10 minutes while we are talking. The watch looks great! I shake it and....
It doesn't run!!!! Strike 5!!!!!
He says something is wrong with the movement and he will fix it. While I watch, he disassembles the movement all the while telling me it has "too much oil" and other things... He assembles the movement. He assembles the watch.
He shows me the watch, shakes it and to my astonishment, it runs!!!!! WOW!
This guy is awesome. He charges me a small nomimal fee for fixing the movement and I'm off.
Now think back, let's say I decided to do this myself. I go home, I put the dial/hands on, fit the movement in, shake it and.....
You can imagine.
...................
I have since learned that the movements from Chronograph.com come from real production watches. They take out the movements and send it to customers. THANKS
Chronograph.com for making this service available! The also offered to replace the bent second hand.
Fellow forum member Keaton has fixed my movement with the stem release problem. THANKS!
Finally, thanks to Bob for helping me and making me realize that this time, it
might be better to have a "professional" do it.
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