I'm done with Swiss movements.

Every single watch I have with swiss mechanical movements, with the exception of one with a valjoux 7753, have problems ranging from feeling finicky or fragile to down right broken. Most recently I had a relatively modern Rolex time only watch that locked its hands up just setting the time. It still runs if you give it the old "seiko shake" but I can no longer manipulate the hands to set the time in either direction without receiving enough resistance that I'm afraid I'll break it.

All of my Japanese movements have never even had a hiccup.

Am I the only one experiencing this? Do I just have terrible luck? Can anyone help?

Reply
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Quartz. 

Better reliability, shock resistance, price, features, accuracy, weight and convenience.

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It's the cure for everything. 

It can probably fix world hunger.

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In a good titanium case it can feel more comfortable and premium than the expensive crap.

With quartz you own the watch. With fragile luxury crap the watch owns you.

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CitizenKale

Quartz. 

Better reliability, shock resistance, price, features, accuracy, weight and convenience.

Image

It's the cure for everything. 

It can probably fix world hunger.

Image

In a good titanium case it can feel more comfortable and premium than the expensive crap.

With quartz you own the watch. With fragile luxury crap the watch owns you.

I'm a big quartz fan, but even then, I've had problems with swiss quartz. Japanese? Only with a solar Seiko that only liked unfiltered sunlight and nothing else.

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Perhaps a visit to a trusted watchmaker will sort out the consistent problem? This to say you will give the associated warranties for your timepieces.  

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CitizenKale

Quartz. 

Better reliability, shock resistance, price, features, accuracy, weight and convenience.

Image

It's the cure for everything. 

It can probably fix world hunger.

Image

In a good titanium case it can feel more comfortable and premium than the expensive crap.

With quartz you own the watch. With fragile luxury crap the watch owns you.

Or a cat, because everything is better with cats and there is nothing that can't be improved by the addition of a cat or two.

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Once I read posts from an old watchmaker (35 yrs) saying that miyota movements are very dependable. And criticizing ETA movements. He noted that miyota is very dependable and always enjoyed working on them. 

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The Swiss are clearly targeting you… fear the cross!

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Sorry to hear about your bad luck! I haven’t had any issues personally but I may have just been on the luckier end of the spectrum (knocking on wood). Lots of great watches with Japanese movements, so still a lot of sandbox to play in! 🍻

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ckim4watches

Once I read posts from an old watchmaker (35 yrs) saying that miyota movements are very dependable. And criticizing ETA movements. He noted that miyota is very dependable and always enjoyed working on them. 

I've heard the same about Seiko movements but then I've also heard the opposite as well. I think it depends on the watchmaker.

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Catskinner

Or a cat, because everything is better with cats and there is nothing that can't be improved by the addition of a cat or two.

Can't have cats, too many watch dogs

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Oneski

I've heard the same about Seiko movements but then I've also heard the opposite as well. I think it depends on the watchmaker.

I am 61 and I believe I can say I am a Seiko fanboy as having owned probably about 15 or so over the years , Ive never had a drama with one nor ever needed to even service one ! I have a Sinn with a Selita movement and so far so good it’s excellent ! I just sold a Stowa 2804 ETA and again no real drama other than the hand wound movemen in it needed very few winds before over tightening if not gentle . Just my two cents worth … 

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If I’m completely honest, I have had to send back three Swiss watches (1 Rolex, 2 Tudors) due to them running outside COSC standards. But I am also preparing to send in my Grand Seiko White Birch with the new 9SA5 Hi-Beat movement because it is running way outside of thier -1/+8 range at +11 And that was quite depressing to find out since I was completely overjoyed with how well the my Spring Drive worked.