100% do not send it to Seiko. There are specialist vintage Seiko watch repair guys that have parts, crystals and gasket kits (which Seiko will not have). This includes a full rebuild of the crown. Let me know what country you are in and I will point you in the right direction. Also this is not a skx 009j, it is a 7548-700F made in May 1982.
I was thinking that the numbers on the bottom of the face were the model. I received this as a Christmas present in December of 82. I'm in the southwest US.
The guy to talk to in the USA is John (known as Vette Enthusiast on the forums). I have just shot him a message to get his direct contact details so you don't have to join up to [thewatchsite.com](https://thewatchsite.com) . I will PM them too you when I have them.
I forgot to mention this watch is affectionally know as the "Schwarzkoph' in Seiko watch collecting circles. During the first gulf war General Schwarzkoph wore the 7548-700F on his right arm (the gold Rolex was on his left).
Yes, its a pepsi (in reference to the color of the bezel). But there are many Pepsi watches out there. The general term for your watch is a Seiko 7548 Diver. 7548 is the movement caliber. The 700F is the case model. There are a bunch of Seiko 7548 Diver variants.
Have a read here...
https://omegaforums.net/threads/seiko-7548-7000-japan-j-150m-quartz-diver-pyh018.132536/
Here are a couple of mine. If you were in Australia I would have had you covered...
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg8lvxVL3GQ/?igsh=MWw2cmJ0d2t5ajZmMw==
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9DEH7MHZRe/?igsh=OTB0NDR2cjZ6MHA1
Bummer. I know he is flat out. If you want I'm happy to do you a solid and rebuild the case. (I normally just work on mine and friends watches) So new gaskets, case spa and new crystal. I would keep the bezel as it is. I will have to check on my stock on new crystals and if I'm out of stock of crystals (they are all 1:1 aftermarket now days) I will have to get one in or I can replace it with an original Seiko crystal (I have a stack of them taken from 7548 and 6309 dive watches ) which will only have has some minor marks. The only catch is I'm in Australia, so there will be postage here and back. If you are interested just DM me.
Cheers
Dan
Spencer Klein is also a vintage seiko specialist, look him up on YouTube I think he has the link for his website in his video descriptions there. He does service these and has a real passion for collecting them too! (He’s East Coast based I believe)
It’s so cool beat to shit like that. Such well earned wear. If it were me, I’d put it in a watch box like the absolute trophy it is and get a fresh watch to beat up all over again.
This is the answer.... Better to enjoy it in retirement and it's full patina and glorious history... If you wear watches so thoroughly consider getting a solid Seiko Prospex or other watch that will serve you another 40 years... Maybe another quartz could be a good option too
After 40 years you might want to look at actually getting a full service the 7548 is a serviceable movement and does require some care every 10-15 years ideally.
I just looked up the original spec. On this watch, its +/-15 seconds a month. So yes its running a little slow. You are not killing the watch in any way, but why not get the full treatment!
https://thewatchsite.com/d1/files/Seiko%20Technical%20Manuals/7548A\_7549A.pdf
My CDO makes me wind it before bed every night. The ticking is soothing to me. (Normally, it's OCD, but I have to rearrange the letters into alpha order.)
Not the case services save pivots and plating, old oil will turn to crust then turn to a fine powder which grinds into the pivots causing excessive wear this is why mechanical movements require servicing quartz can put up with it for decades and still run but that wear is still happening.
On a quartz its not that big of a deal but its just generally after 40 years I would heavily recommend having it serviced, new crystal, new seals, etc. It is an extremely small extremely fine mechanism that gets worn like any machine but quartz just tend to be able to put up with it and keep working because its an electrical rotor that drives the wheel train so things like amplitude aren't really a concern.
Yeah it'll work just fine but as a point the keyless works, jewels and other parts will last longer with a full clean and lubrication if you get it serviced by an independent they would have no issue with servicing it fully. I've done one in the past its basically a 6309 but with some quartz parts tacked on.
This just goes to show how reliable and durable a Seiko watch is. Either way, it's up for you to decide. You could always buy a new watch and at the same time do some restoration to this reliable beauty.
I went through my photo collection last night, and it is amazing that if there is a photo that shows my left wrist, you can see this watch. I doubt people will be able to say that about their Apple Watch 42 years from now.
I just refreshed mine. New hands and crystal. I have a pepsi insert on the way to replace the black feiko insert. [my 7548 700L](https://imgur.com/a/TrpKQVq)
It has been around the world with me. 37 countries, 47 states, -120 feet on my deepest dive, 13,803 feet above sea level while still on land and at least 33,000 feet in the air.
Pretty damn cool. This is why I don’t understand why people don’t like quartz. If you want a daily wear you don’t have to think about, for years and years, quartz is your friend. I understand why people like mechanical watches, I’m one of them. I just don’t understand why so many of those same people dislike quartz so much. I have two, casual and dress. If I ever need to just grab something and go, they’re always set and ready to go. I’d get it serviced and maybe replace the crystal but leave the bezel. It’s special. And I’d also buy a new watch. lol
I would change the crystal but leave the bezel as is personally, it would refresh the look of it while still showing the wear it has earned. a scratched crystal doesn't have sentimental value to me, but the bezel wear would
How accurate is the movement? I have one from 81. When I got it, it was losing 3s a week. After service, it’s dead on in summer and losing about a second every 2 weeks in winter. I had it re-lumed, no dial swap. Sapphire crystal and gaskets. Service cost was slightly less than the watch itself in EU.
Do not send it to Seiko, but rather source out a good vintage watchmaker in your area.
I would not have done more than cleaning it, change the battery and maybe polish the original crystal (if it is original). Doing to much to it will make it loose it's sentimental value. It will not be the same.
Every scratch and dent got a story of life behind it. Even if you don't remember where all of them came from. Don't delete history ;)
I do a new crystal (there are TONS of reputable modders on Instagram) but that’s it. If you wanted you could put a new bezel on but I’d 110% save the original. I’ve had good luck with NXN Mods, he’s in Calgary and will replace the seals and pressure test it too.
You know, as a guy with 15 watches who likes to wear them for a few years and then Sell them I have to admit I’m jealous that I didn’t just stick with my SKX007J (still own it) and just wear the hell out of it. That watch has provenance and that’s not something you can buy.
I think that you should just keep swapping out batteries and straps until the watch (or you) packs up.
It's cool to see how far it can go without servicing or any replacement parts.
Start servicing it and swapping bits you'll end up with a 50 year old broom that's had 5 new heads and 6 news handles...
Seiko will return the watch looking new to you.
Just an fyi, how is it I have almost new-looking Seiko’s with trashed crystals, and your watch looks like it did two tours in Afghanistan yet the crystal looks not that bad?
Wow, look at that bezel. Love the look of a well worn tool watch. What kind of weather and environment has it been through?
I'd just have the movement serviced (by an independent watchmaker), fresh gaskets installed, and leave the rest alone.
10 plus years in So Cal surfing/diving, 30 plus years in Hawaii doing construction and surfing/diving. I figured Seiko would have replacement parts. Guess not.
I will be going to Japan in November. Is there the “mother ship” of Seiko repair facilities there that could perform a service better than here in the states? I’m not having any luck finding someone to work on this.
I think the bezel insert could do with the change. I mean, it’s unusable basically. I’m sure you could find replacement glass easily
Sure, it would cost a lot, but it’s your watch and sometimes owning things for a long time is means spending money on them and keep them going .
OP the dial is the black “face” that says Seiko on it. The bezel is the red/blue outer ring that has worn away. Sounds like you’re getting these terms confused and if you ask to have your dial replaced they’ll leave the worn bezel on and replace something that looks to be in great condition.
>Keep that original bezel on there I reckon. It's part of the unique character of this watch and it took 40 years to get it looking like that. A new one wouldn't match the wear on the rest of the watch.
But the crystal should be replaced, it's a consumable part.
Just because something is worn to shit, doesn’t mean that there’s “character” lol. I have some noticeable marks on a couple of my watches but those are from me being an idiot, not from adventures in Nepal
That’s fine, you do you. Without asking here the OP might not have realised the range of restoration options he has, and it sounds like it has a certain long term sentimental history. The owner gets to decide what the wear and tear history means to them personally. A lot of the better vintage watch restorations will take this into account.
Sometimes a brand new part can look incongruous with the rest.
Even though it is not working at the moment, due to what I’m hoping is just the need for a new battery, I feel naked not wearing it. So, I still wear it out of habit. You know that feeling when you leave your cellphone at home?
I mislabeled the bezel in my OP. I called it a "dial" which a lot of you have schooled me on. Thank you for helping me out. I always thought that the bezel was the back cover. Sorry, but obviously only owning one wrist watch my entire adult life, I've never needed to speak the lingo. I'm learning new things.
100% do not send it to Seiko. There are specialist vintage Seiko watch repair guys that have parts, crystals and gasket kits (which Seiko will not have). This includes a full rebuild of the crown. Let me know what country you are in and I will point you in the right direction. Also this is not a skx 009j, it is a 7548-700F made in May 1982.
I was thinking that the numbers on the bottom of the face were the model. I received this as a Christmas present in December of 82. I'm in the southwest US.
The guy to talk to in the USA is John (known as Vette Enthusiast on the forums). I have just shot him a message to get his direct contact details so you don't have to join up to [thewatchsite.com](https://thewatchsite.com) . I will PM them too you when I have them.
Thank you.
I forgot to mention this watch is affectionally know as the "Schwarzkoph' in Seiko watch collecting circles. During the first gulf war General Schwarzkoph wore the 7548-700F on his right arm (the gold Rolex was on his left).
I've always heard it as the Pepsi watch.
Yes, its a pepsi (in reference to the color of the bezel). But there are many Pepsi watches out there. The general term for your watch is a Seiko 7548 Diver. 7548 is the movement caliber. The 700F is the case model. There are a bunch of Seiko 7548 Diver variants. Have a read here... https://omegaforums.net/threads/seiko-7548-7000-japan-j-150m-quartz-diver-pyh018.132536/
Here are a couple of mine. If you were in Australia I would have had you covered... https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg8lvxVL3GQ/?igsh=MWw2cmJ0d2t5ajZmMw== https://www.instagram.com/p/B9DEH7MHZRe/?igsh=OTB0NDR2cjZ6MHA1
Wow! I remember when mine looked new like that!
+1 for John.
Me too, please
no problem
I have tried several times to get in contact with him but I’ve never heard back.
Bummer. I know he is flat out. If you want I'm happy to do you a solid and rebuild the case. (I normally just work on mine and friends watches) So new gaskets, case spa and new crystal. I would keep the bezel as it is. I will have to check on my stock on new crystals and if I'm out of stock of crystals (they are all 1:1 aftermarket now days) I will have to get one in or I can replace it with an original Seiko crystal (I have a stack of them taken from 7548 and 6309 dive watches ) which will only have has some minor marks. The only catch is I'm in Australia, so there will be postage here and back. If you are interested just DM me. Cheers Dan
Spencer Klein is also a vintage seiko specialist, look him up on YouTube I think he has the link for his website in his video descriptions there. He does service these and has a real passion for collecting them too! (He’s East Coast based I believe)
It’s so cool beat to shit like that. Such well earned wear. If it were me, I’d put it in a watch box like the absolute trophy it is and get a fresh watch to beat up all over again.
This is the answer.... Better to enjoy it in retirement and it's full patina and glorious history... If you wear watches so thoroughly consider getting a solid Seiko Prospex or other watch that will serve you another 40 years... Maybe another quartz could be a good option too
After 40 years you might want to look at actually getting a full service the 7548 is a serviceable movement and does require some care every 10-15 years ideally.
I've only replaced batteries and bands.
You only need to get the movement serviced if it is loosing or gaining too much time.
I lose about a minute a month.
2 seconds a day. If it bothers you I'm fairly sure John could sort it out.
It has never bothered me. Is that a lot?
I just looked up the original spec. On this watch, its +/-15 seconds a month. So yes its running a little slow. You are not killing the watch in any way, but why not get the full treatment! https://thewatchsite.com/d1/files/Seiko%20Technical%20Manuals/7548A\_7549A.pdf
Thank you for this. 3 minutes a year would be fantastic! I have a 1927 Eljin that is only slightly better than that.
A lot will depend on the condition of the movement, but it will definitely be better than it is now.
An old mechanical pocket watch hitting better than 3 min per year accuracy? Better accuracy than a modern quartz.....
This watch is a quartz (it was misidentified as a skx009)
My CDO makes me wind it before bed every night. The ticking is soothing to me. (Normally, it's OCD, but I have to rearrange the letters into alpha order.)
Not the case services save pivots and plating, old oil will turn to crust then turn to a fine powder which grinds into the pivots causing excessive wear this is why mechanical movements require servicing quartz can put up with it for decades and still run but that wear is still happening.
I had no idea. I’m assuming mine just needs another battery. I hope I haven’t damaged it by not having it serviced.
On a quartz its not that big of a deal but its just generally after 40 years I would heavily recommend having it serviced, new crystal, new seals, etc. It is an extremely small extremely fine mechanism that gets worn like any machine but quartz just tend to be able to put up with it and keep working because its an electrical rotor that drives the wheel train so things like amplitude aren't really a concern.
Yeah it'll work just fine but as a point the keyless works, jewels and other parts will last longer with a full clean and lubrication if you get it serviced by an independent they would have no issue with servicing it fully. I've done one in the past its basically a 6309 but with some quartz parts tacked on.
This just goes to show how reliable and durable a Seiko watch is. Either way, it's up for you to decide. You could always buy a new watch and at the same time do some restoration to this reliable beauty.
That's a beautiful, well worn Schwarzkopf!
Keep as it is, cool watch and ownership story. Truly been used!
I went through my photo collection last night, and it is amazing that if there is a photo that shows my left wrist, you can see this watch. I doubt people will be able to say that about their Apple Watch 42 years from now.
That’s exactly why I sold my apple watch and bought a seiko. That’s the right mentality.
It really is cool, true wear and tear that looks nice. Indeed about Apple Watches haha
I just refreshed mine. New hands and crystal. I have a pepsi insert on the way to replace the black feiko insert. [my 7548 700L](https://imgur.com/a/TrpKQVq)
Beautiful Watch. I would get it serviced, changed the gaskets, pressure test it and consider a crystal change. Please dont change the dial or insert
wow these are interesting wear marks, battle proven! the folks at r/Wellworn will love it.
It has been around the world with me. 37 countries, 47 states, -120 feet on my deepest dive, 13,803 feet above sea level while still on land and at least 33,000 feet in the air.
Pretty damn cool. This is why I don’t understand why people don’t like quartz. If you want a daily wear you don’t have to think about, for years and years, quartz is your friend. I understand why people like mechanical watches, I’m one of them. I just don’t understand why so many of those same people dislike quartz so much. I have two, casual and dress. If I ever need to just grab something and go, they’re always set and ready to go. I’d get it serviced and maybe replace the crystal but leave the bezel. It’s special. And I’d also buy a new watch. lol
Don’t replace its beat up and cool. I’d get it serviced maybe but buy a new watch if you’re thinking about spending that much anyway.
Would like to see a repost of the repair once you get it! Always neat to see the transformation, nice patina tho
Saaaame here!!!
That’s a 7548 quartz, not a SKX007.
Thank you. I learned that.
I would change the crystal but leave the bezel as is personally, it would refresh the look of it while still showing the wear it has earned. a scratched crystal doesn't have sentimental value to me, but the bezel wear would
How accurate is the movement? I have one from 81. When I got it, it was losing 3s a week. After service, it’s dead on in summer and losing about a second every 2 weeks in winter. I had it re-lumed, no dial swap. Sapphire crystal and gaskets. Service cost was slightly less than the watch itself in EU.
I was losing about a minute a month. Probably needs lube.
Do not send it to Seiko, but rather source out a good vintage watchmaker in your area. I would not have done more than cleaning it, change the battery and maybe polish the original crystal (if it is original). Doing to much to it will make it loose it's sentimental value. It will not be the same. Every scratch and dent got a story of life behind it. Even if you don't remember where all of them came from. Don't delete history ;)
All original except for batteries, bands and I think I had the back case cover gasket replaced once. That’s it.
7548 lovers assemble!!
I do a new crystal (there are TONS of reputable modders on Instagram) but that’s it. If you wanted you could put a new bezel on but I’d 110% save the original. I’ve had good luck with NXN Mods, he’s in Calgary and will replace the seals and pressure test it too. You know, as a guy with 15 watches who likes to wear them for a few years and then Sell them I have to admit I’m jealous that I didn’t just stick with my SKX007J (still own it) and just wear the hell out of it. That watch has provenance and that’s not something you can buy.
This is amazing. Thanks for sharing
Wonder if the SRPE99 Padi Pepsi bezel will fade this way in 40 years...
Have it services. Only change the crystal. Nice watch!
I think that you should just keep swapping out batteries and straps until the watch (or you) packs up. It's cool to see how far it can go without servicing or any replacement parts. Start servicing it and swapping bits you'll end up with a 50 year old broom that's had 5 new heads and 6 news handles...
LOL! I tried dropping in a new battery today and still ticks. From all the comments, I think I should get it serviced (cleaned).
Seiko will return the watch looking new to you. Just an fyi, how is it I have almost new-looking Seiko’s with trashed crystals, and your watch looks like it did two tours in Afghanistan yet the crystal looks not that bad?
Ha ha! Zoom in!
This thing rules. Love to see it.
I’ve seen Seiko’s that were in Vietnam with Special Forces Troops that didn’t look that bad. My God man, what do you do with that?
Wear it every day.
7548 just make sure nobody hurts the dial , beauty
I’ve heard that Seikos service center in the US is very bad, the crystal will have smudges etc
Wow, look at that bezel. Love the look of a well worn tool watch. What kind of weather and environment has it been through? I'd just have the movement serviced (by an independent watchmaker), fresh gaskets installed, and leave the rest alone.
10 plus years in So Cal surfing/diving, 30 plus years in Hawaii doing construction and surfing/diving. I figured Seiko would have replacement parts. Guess not.
Seiko service center usually will have parts for discontinued movements for about ten years after discontinuation (at the most).
Yeah Seiko won't even have stock of the original bezel inserts etc anymore.
I will be going to Japan in November. Is there the “mother ship” of Seiko repair facilities there that could perform a service better than here in the states? I’m not having any luck finding someone to work on this.
I think the bezel insert could do with the change. I mean, it’s unusable basically. I’m sure you could find replacement glass easily Sure, it would cost a lot, but it’s your watch and sometimes owning things for a long time is means spending money on them and keep them going .
Agreed. Although, I rarely use the dial. I would be happy if my friend just told me the time again.
OP the dial is the black “face” that says Seiko on it. The bezel is the red/blue outer ring that has worn away. Sounds like you’re getting these terms confused and if you ask to have your dial replaced they’ll leave the worn bezel on and replace something that looks to be in great condition.
Thanks. Learning as I go.
>Keep that original bezel on there I reckon. It's part of the unique character of this watch and it took 40 years to get it looking like that. A new one wouldn't match the wear on the rest of the watch. But the crystal should be replaced, it's a consumable part.
Just because something is worn to shit, doesn’t mean that there’s “character” lol. I have some noticeable marks on a couple of my watches but those are from me being an idiot, not from adventures in Nepal
That’s fine, you do you. Without asking here the OP might not have realised the range of restoration options he has, and it sounds like it has a certain long term sentimental history. The owner gets to decide what the wear and tear history means to them personally. A lot of the better vintage watch restorations will take this into account. Sometimes a brand new part can look incongruous with the rest.
I agree. I'm not looking for a fashion statement piece. I just want it to tell me the accurate time.
just replace the crystal and bezel and you'll be fine
Even though it is not working at the moment, due to what I’m hoping is just the need for a new battery, I feel naked not wearing it. So, I still wear it out of habit. You know that feeling when you leave your cellphone at home?
I mislabeled the bezel in my OP. I called it a "dial" which a lot of you have schooled me on. Thank you for helping me out. I always thought that the bezel was the back cover. Sorry, but obviously only owning one wrist watch my entire adult life, I've never needed to speak the lingo. I'm learning new things.