Seiko JDM SBSA057: Quality Control Issues
I have had an unpleasant experience with Seiko.
I bought the JDM version of the Seiko DressKX, SBSA057, as my first mechanical watch. I made the purchase from a Chrono24 seller. The watch was brand new with tags and a box. There was a wierd rattling noise whenever I tapped the case of the watch. I took it to a local jewellery and watch store. The watch was identified to have a loose hairspring. The jeweller quoted that watch can be sent to Seiko Canada for repair with an ETA of 10-16 weeks. I decided to return the watch instead.
I assumed it was a one-time QC issue similar to what many other people experience with Seiko watches. Then, I purchased the model again in brand new condition from an Ebay seller. However, this new watch also made wierd rattling noises whenever I tapped the case of the watch. It seems to have the same issue, a loose hairspring.
I was told by the seller that this noise could be from the rotor as well. I compared the noise with my dad’s SRPD (2 years old). I can hear the rotor noise on the SBSA as well but the wierd rattling noise is more loud and very distinct.
I live in Canada and I had to pay non-refundable duty taxes on both watches alongside shipping. After returning the second watch as well, I will have a loss of $150 CAD. I do not have the confidence to buy another Seiko online.
Was I just unlucky both times? Or are there recurring QC issues with newer entry level Seikos?
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
We just talking about that because I have that seiko luck too!! Now that Islander is my Seiko, problem solved😉
You may be slightly more unlucky than average but I’m sure plenty of people here, myself included, have had the pleasure (/sarcasm) of dealing with modern Seiko QC before.
The best bet with something like Seiko is buy from a Canadian AD. By the time you add duties most online prices from outside the country aren't any better.
Halifax Watch has been great to deal with when I bought form them in the past.
We just talking about that because I have that seiko luck too!! Now that Islander is my Seiko, problem solved😉
Got it, I am sure you miss Seiko’s QC!
You may be slightly more unlucky than average but I’m sure plenty of people here, myself included, have had the pleasure (/sarcasm) of dealing with modern Seiko QC before.
Should I try the non-JDM version perhaps? The SRPE67 model?
Time and time again the QC issues come up, yet? the Seiko enthusiasts remain loyal🤔., like forgiving a cheating spouse thinking that they will change, I just don't get it.
As well I do not have a Seiko and want to be able to get my first one, rich history, innovation and at 1 time was better than the Swiss, however, the QC issues keep coming up and I just it keeps me from buying one.
Regardless, sorry to hear about your issues. It sucks when you're all excited about something and then it just turns into shit. The good news is there's plenty of Seiko fans that will happily buy your watch as they continually forgive mediocrity, so you should have no trouble getting rid of it
We just talking about that because I have that seiko luck too!! Now that Islander is my Seiko, problem solved😉
Absolutely, the only Seiko I would consider is the non-Seiko by Islander... Literally took a rocket scientist with a passion to build a better mousetrap than the original.
Should I try the non-JDM version perhaps? The SRPE67 model?
I’ve had better experience with non-JDM Seiko watches personally, but it could just be a complete coincidence
Sorry to hear of your problems. I’ve had very good luck with my Seikos aside from a few very minor cosmetic flaws (and I have around 25 Seikos currently).
I wouldn’t give up on them completely, but try to buy locally with a good exchange/return option in case you’ve had some kind of curse placed on you.
Only problem i have with seiko is their alignment issues. Other than that, ive been pretty lucky with the pieces i bought. No catastrophic failures. Wish you the best on your future seiko purchases if youre not yet totally put off with the brand 😄
Since you say this is your first mechanical…. Im wondering if you are aware that all automatic watches like this one have a “rattle” when tapped, due to the automatic rotor spinning… it’s even more pronounced with my Swiss 7750 and 7751 movements. It’s by design and would be considered broken if it didn’t rattle. Regarding the first one, if it were a loose hairspring, then I can’t imagine it would be able to tell time or tic for that matter. As a data point, I have close to a dozen seiko movement based watches. No QC issues, but some have variances in regulation setting.
Unfortunately the reality of Seiko lately, pure lottery to get one without QC issues. Luckily this watch doesn't have a bezel as it would be misaligned and accuracy test is also questionable despite huge stated variation.
Completely agree with @Cdn_4watches comment. Owned a few, sold all and not buying anymore soon, especially with new ridiculous price increases.
Time and time again the QC issues come up, yet? the Seiko enthusiasts remain loyal🤔., like forgiving a cheating spouse thinking that they will change, I just don't get it.
As well I do not have a Seiko and want to be able to get my first one, rich history, innovation and at 1 time was better than the Swiss, however, the QC issues keep coming up and I just it keeps me from buying one.
Regardless, sorry to hear about your issues. It sucks when you're all excited about something and then it just turns into shit. The good news is there's plenty of Seiko fans that will happily buy your watch as they continually forgive mediocrity, so you should have no trouble getting rid of it
Yup, I have started the return process. I plan to preorder a microbrand watch (Clemence Munro) instead.
I was told the hairspring was not secured properly. I will see if I can visit another watchmaker before I return the watch.
Sorry to hear of your problems. I’ve had very good luck with my Seikos aside from a few very minor cosmetic flaws (and I have around 25 Seikos currently).
I wouldn’t give up on them completely, but try to buy locally with a good exchange/return option in case you’ve had some kind of curse placed on you.
Sound advice, I will consider buying locally if any other Seiko model appeals to me.
Since you say this is your first mechanical…. Im wondering if you are aware that all automatic watches like this one have a “rattle” when tapped, due to the automatic rotor spinning… it’s even more pronounced with my Swiss 7750 and 7751 movements. It’s by design and would be considered broken if it didn’t rattle. Regarding the first one, if it were a loose hairspring, then I can’t imagine it would be able to tell time or tic for that matter. As a data point, I have close to a dozen seiko movement based watches. No QC issues, but some have variances in regulation setting.
Yup, I will see if I can visit another watchmaker.
I am sorry, Seiko makes beautiful designs but the QC sucks. And not with the entry levels only. I bought a Seiko Prospex SLA055 at the AD. I took one and the bezel was misaligned, so I asked to change the watch with another one, and guess what? same issue. The third was finally ok. In my opinion it is better to buy Seiko in person, not online. I think they are selling too many watches and are unable to ensure the quality. Stll I like Seiko watches, which is why I am sorry.
I have the SRPE57 and will say that the rotor is quite loud.
The best bet with something like Seiko is buy from a Canadian AD. By the time you add duties most online prices from outside the country aren't any better.
Halifax Watch has been great to deal with when I bought form them in the past.
I also vouch for Halifax Watch Co. Top notch service.
I purchased a G-Shock from them a couple of years ago and was pleasantly surprised to open the box to discover they had set up the watch to Pacific Time, the time zone for where I live in British Columbia.
Interesting you mention this, I experienced the same thing comparing SRPE to SRPD/5KX at my local store. Winding that particular SRPE was unpleasant and a bit crunchy. Also a display model so it had seen some s***.
bugger that you've had that experience. I have 8 seikos and 7 are reliable and accurate. I must say though that I find the old warhorse 4R35 bomb proof and I'd take a 6R15 over a 6R35 everyday. (the 8th is a 6R35 of which i have owned 4 - all were less accurate than any of my 6R15's and 4R35s.) On Seiko QC - its not very good to be honest I wouldn't ever buy a seiko sight unseen excepting vintage. My bugbear movement is the SW200 - I've had 5 watches with this selita movement and all but 1 were horrible. Crunchy winding, inaccurate, poorly set crowns and stems. I prefer the Miyota 9000series movements over the SW200. I think we all end up with our nemesis brand/movement.