Crytsal Refinish Before/After
Refinished the hardlex on my vintage King Seiko 5625-7113. Used sandpaper from 400-3000 grit, and finished with cerium oxide powder. The cerium oxide is what gave it that nice final polish, but it did take some elbow grease. I was worried that I would need a Dremel for the cerium oxide, but that turned out to not be the case. Fun fact, Cerium oxide operates by using heat to create microcombustions, so in this case, friction was enough to trigger the reaction. I did notice the crystal and cloth get noticeably warm, which was interesting.
King Seiko has some awesome history, and the 56KS design is incredible. This watch was made in the Suwa-Seikosha factory, the same factory as the Grand Seikos of this era (1974), and it shows in the quality of the watch. True craftsmanship, heritage, and history for a budget-friendly price.
I chose this reference in particular because it is a late-model KS produced shortly before the line was discontinued in 1975. These late models are often in better condition and lack the gold medallion that many overpay for. Additionally, this is the date-only model, which in my opinion looks way cleaner than the day-date version. The 7113 features the screw-down case back added with the 7111 reference and is the last model with the signed KS crown, which was dropped in the 8000/8001 of 1975.
This watch predictably does not quick set, but this is a problem that can easily be solved with VTA's metal replacement part. Still holding off on sending this guy off to service, as it is running surprisingly well. Going to rock this on leather soon, but I am surprisingly enjoying the random metal bracelet it came on that doesn't quite fit the lugs.
Committed Seikohaulic.
🔥
Is this just a mineral crystal?
Is this just a mineral crystal?
Yeah, hardlex
That's impressive. Looks like new on the pictures 👍
Yeah, hardlex
I need help with this
Well done, would you do the same on a case?
Have to say, fantastic job sir! Once again proving why "scratch" resistance shouldn't be the only factor in owning a watch. If one have the know how or money to have this service done, 👌🏻🤙🏻.
TBH, still prefer acrylic, mainly because Polywatch and 15.67-ish seconds, mas o menos and it's back to new, YMMV of course. 🦄
That's impressive. Looks like new on the pictures 👍
Thank you!
Well done, would you do the same on a case?
The case process would look different, you would want to use a polish specific to metals. I have touched it up with a light metal polish, but for now I’m going to leave it as I like the character that the scratches add. Although noticeable in the close up shots, they aren’t bad at all from farther than 12 inches.
Have to say, fantastic job sir! Once again proving why "scratch" resistance shouldn't be the only factor in owning a watch. If one have the know how or money to have this service done, 👌🏻🤙🏻.
TBH, still prefer acrylic, mainly because Polywatch and 15.67-ish seconds, mas o menos and it's back to new, YMMV of course. 🦄
I agree with you. On advantage of hardlex here is that it allows the cool domed box shape that wouldn’t be possible with acrylic.
The case process would look different, you would want to use a polish specific to metals. I have touched it up with a light metal polish, but for now I’m going to leave it as I like the character that the scratches add. Although noticeable in the close up shots, they aren’t bad at all from farther than 12 inches.
Cool, thanks 👍🏼
I need help with this
Very doable, cost me $20 bucks and a little elbow grease.
Very doable, cost me $20 bucks and a little elbow grease.
Yes mine is not hardlex though it’s regular mineral crystal
Yes mine is not hardlex though it’s regular mineral crystal
Oh well in that case it is way way easier. Just grab some polywatch and an old t shirt and that should get it taken care of asap. Even toothpaste might work.
Oh well in that case it is way way easier. Just grab some polywatch and an old t shirt and that should get it taken care of asap. Even toothpaste might work.
I have Polywatch and I tried both, they don’t work on regular mineral crystal
I have Polywatch and I tried both, they don’t work on regular mineral crystal
They should, that’s what they’re made for if I’m not incorrect. Are you sure you don’t have hardlex? Hardlex is a mineral crystal, just a much harder mineral crystal and is often labeled mineral crystal which is confusing
Great job refinishing the Crystal! Looks brand new!