I have a soft spot for transistorized electronic watches so I could not resist this super cool Seiko EL 370.
The watch is running but the date does not change as it should.
Lovely looking movement.
Movement out of the case.
I start by removing the electronic unit very carefully as I do not want to damage the coil.
Underneath the electronic unit you can see the hacking lever.
To prevent backlash in the movement there is a tension spring that engages with the escape wheel.
Removing the train bridge reveals the gear train.
I now turn the movement over to start on the date and setting mechanism.
I remove the day date spring revealing the date mechanism.
Removing the plate for the date mechanism you finally get to the setting mechanism.
The parts have been cleaned and the movement is ready to be put back together.
I start by putting the balance jewels back in place.
I turn the movement around and fit the center wheel.
I then put the setting mechanism back in place – notice the long spring that provides tension for the date quick set. The plate for the date is also back in place.
I now put the gear train back in place.
The pallet has a little magnet attached to it. This cool feature is to create draw towards the banking pins that are made out of metal.
Here you can see the recoil spring engage on the finely cut wheels on the escape wheel.
The balance is put back in place.
The day disk should be riveted onto the star wheel that engages with the spring, but it is loose and causes the disk to move out of place every time the date changes. I do not want to try and re rivet this, as the disk is very thin and delicate. I align the date correctly and use s small amount of super glue to fix the disk onto the star wheel.
The movement goes back in the case and is looking good.
I made a little isolation cap so the battery fits a little bit more snugly, I suspect it should have had one and that it is missing.
I really like the dial design of this watch.
The case diameter is a little large for my wrist, but with a leather strap and the hidden crown it just about makes it wearable;)
Hi! Would you know the diameter of the Dial? Thanks!
Sorry, but I don’t.
I bought the vey same model and dial color as the one shown here. It cost me $80.00 at a pawn shop in California. Battery was dead so it was quite a risk to pay that much but it turned out to be o.k.. Run very nicely. Accuracy is ” Iffy”.Runs a little fast if just left sitting on a shelf: better if it is worn. Battery life is not very good, but they are cheap and easy to replace thru the back battery hatch. Very cool antique watch. I love wearing it on special occasions or out for the evening. I was just very lucky to find/buy this because at the time I knew nothing about these. I just saw it was an odd Seiko and in pristine condition!
Hi, could you tell me how to remove the crown?
Hi Diego,
There is a setting lever pin that you press down while you pull out the stem. Its next to the screw on the electronic unit.
i just got one what type of battery thanks john
Congrats on a nice watch! Renata 357
just tried a energizer 357 not working sad but maybe sell on ebay any idea of value thanks
I suggest you look at sold listings on e-bay for an idea of value.
I like the newest one Seiko Prosper Kinetic – it’s also electric
http://luxtime.pl/seiko_sun051
I had no idea Seiko did this type of movement, thanks for the educational post!
I found the exact same watch at a market earlier this year.
Dates to 1972.
The movement is quite complex – it has 16 jewels.
Very expensive when new, but of course outdated by quartz.
Mine shows good accuracy on a timegrapgher, but stops after a few hours.
I guess after 43 years it’s time for a service..
Here is a link to Seiko’s electric watches:
http://electric-watches.co.uk/makers/seiko/
Your full of surprises aren’t you.
Didn’t even realise / know that Seiko had got involved with Electronic watch’s.
You learn something every day don’t you.
Luv the simplicity and colour of the dial and the movement looks very presentable.
If its doesn’t fit your wrist , it will fit mine I’m sure.
Carry on the the good work .
Barry.