Seiko 6309 bezel click spring and ball problems

[relaxdontdoit]

Hi, I have a Seiko 6309-7040 with the bezel spring and ball setup. The bezel has been difficult to turn so I've had it apart and done a few things (I'll list them below) but the problem remains. The ball bearing is no longer captive in the case like it would be from the factory and it seems to me that the pressure of the spring pushing the ball up unimpeded into the bezel is making it much harder to turn than it should be. My question is, will cutting down the spring slightly shorter fix this? The original spring is in good condition and I have a new spare aftermarket one on the way too.

The bezel has a new silicone lubricated gasket, the bezel area and spring hole are nice and clean, and there's a new 1mm steel ball bearing in place. The bezel spins freely without the ball bearing in place. Thanks for any advice.

 

[clockboy]

This vid should be helpful.. From 48 mins of the vid.

 

 

Edited August 20, 2024 by clockboy

[AndyGSi]

Are you sure the sleeve is completely clear and the spring hasn't stretched?

Photos of sleeve and spring side by side would answer this.

[relaxdontdoit]

2 hours ago, clockboy said:

This vid should be helpful.. From 48 mins of the vid.

 

 

Thanks, the click ball on that one looks like it’s nicely cinched into the case and contained inside like they were from new. Apart from that I’ve put everything back together in the same way.

1 hour ago, AndyGSi said:

Are you sure the sleeve is completely clear and the spring hasn't stretched?

Photos of sleeve and spring side by side would answer this.

This watch doesn’t have a sleeve, the spring just sits in the case hole. The hole looks clear and clean. When the spring is placed inside the top is about level with the top surface of the case (in its uncompressed state, and before the ball bearing is placed on top). Not sure if that’s how high it should sit. I should add a bit to my earlier statement about the bezel spinning freely without the ball in place. I can feel the spring rubbing ever so gently against the bezel teeth.
 

Thanks I hadn’t considered the possibility of the spring being stretched. I’ll compare it against the new one when it arrives.

Edited August 20, 2024 by relaxdontdoit

[AndyGSi]

The spring should sit just below the case and can be cut or filed down till you get the bezel rotating correctly.

You're best doing it a little at a time but if you cut too much you can use a spring bar spring but can't remember what size.

[relaxdontdoit]

9 hours ago, AndyGSi said:

The spring should sit just below the case and can be cut or filed down till you get the bezel rotating correctly.

You're best doing it a little at a time but if you cut too much you can use a spring bar spring but can't remember what size.

Righty-o I’ll give filing it down a go. Thanks