Seiko Mainspring Database?

[jaycey]

I was wandering...

 

As many Seiko complete barrel/mainsprings are beginning to command a kings ransom, has anyone seen or thought about an online resource for calibre/mainspring sizes when replacing just the mainsprings?

With a little care, just the mainsprings are replaceable & it would be a lot easier to look-up the spring size rather than measuring it.

 

I'm about to service a 4R36 so will be measuring that...

 

[jdm]

First question, how do you know that the MS is to be replaced? It is not a mandatory item at each service interval.

Now, this isn't the first topic opene on the viability of replacing Seiko MS in their sealed-for-life barrels. You can read more about that including the MS reference.

 

[WatchMaker]

Hi @jaycey - I've not worked on a Seiko before but I still read most forum postings no matter what the topic as, assuming I can't answer a particular question, I can still add to my knowledge base!

What I've interpreted from your query and Seiko mainspring postings in general is that if a new mainspring is required then by design it should be a barrel-complete job but getting hold of these is not easy. However with some care it is possible to open a 'sealed barrel' to replace the mainspring.

In this case I would say that a ready reference for springs required per calibre is a great idea! It would be interesting to see what Seiko aficionados think. 

[jaycey]

1 minute ago, WatchMaker said:

Hi @jaycey - I've not worked on a Seiko before but I still read most forum postings no matter what the topic as, assuming I can't answer a particular question, I can still add to my knowledge base!

What I've interpreted from your query and Seiko mainspring postings in general is that if a new mainspring is required then by design it should be a barrel-complete job but getting hold of these is not easy. However with some care it is possible to open a 'sealed barrel' to replace the mainspring.

In this case I would say that a ready reference for springs required per calibre is a great idea! It would be interesting to see what Seiko aficionados think. 

Nail on the head exactly!

 

I mostly head over to the Roland Ranfft movement database when ordering mainsprings (which I replace as a matter of course with every service)

Although he has the Seiko movements in the database, he lists only the part number for the barrel/mainspring complete.

I will probably try and contact him regarding adding to those part numbers with actual spring replacement measurements.

In the meantime though, it would be great to just have 'place' where we can collate the information for him and others to feed off whilst it builds.

 

It will just make life a lot easier for all watchmakers in the future.

[aac58]

WatchGuy has a mainspring database here where with some Seikos, although not all are listed. Sometimes you have to figure out what movement have the exact same spring.

[jaycey]

20 hours ago, aac58 said:

WatchGuy has a mainspring database here where with some Seikos, although not all are listed. Sometimes you have to figure out what movement have the exact same spring.

That's perfect & exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

 

Anyone else who's changing Seiko mainsprings, contact WatchGuy if you replace a spring not listed. The 4R36 should be added soon