Seiko Turtle Bezel Action Terrible

[AF_Rob]

Hi all, I picked up a Seiko SRPE03 a year ago, or so. I figured the bezel would eventually break in, but it hasn’t.

It’s hard to turn and generally unpleasant to use. When the watch is wet, it works just fine.

Would purchasing an aftermarket bezel and insert have any impact? Any input is appreciated, thanks.

Photo added because posts with photos are always better!



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[RW16610]

I have a similar issue with the King Samurai, which really is a shame. Interested to see what the solution will be for yours and hope it comes soon.

[Dan Pierce]

You might be able to take it to a watchmaker for a slightly thinner bezel gasket. As one who has modded many a Seiko, including the Turtle, the difference one size up or down on those seals can have a big impact. Also, I remove the click spring as I prefer a click-less bezel. YMMV.
dP

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

You might be able to take it to a watchmaker for a slightly thinner bezel gasket. As one who has modded many a Seiko, including the Turtle, the difference one size up or down on those seals can have a big impact. Also, I remove the click spring as I prefer a click-less bezel. YMMV.
dP

Thanks, Dan! I was hoping you would chime in! I was thinking about picking up a lumed insert and coin edged bezel ring. We'll see. I got one for my SKX years ago and was pretty happy with it.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

Thanks, Dan! I was hoping you would chime in! I was thinking about picking up a lumed insert and coin edged bezel ring. We'll see. I got one for my SKX years ago and was pretty happy with it.

Did the same to my Turtle, as well as dome sapphire, and MM handset, and so on and so on........
dP

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Did the same to my Turtle, as well as dome sapphire, and MM handset, and so on and so on........
dP

That’s a cool looking watch

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

That’s a cool looking watch

Thanks, mate!
dP

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Have you tried removing the bezel assembly and cleaning it?

Yeah, seiko quality and overall QC isn't up to par given the premium they demand today. Very disappointing...

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Did the same to my Turtle, as well as dome sapphire, and MM handset, and so on and so on........
dP

Always a fan of what you post. Where do you get your parts?


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[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

Have you tried removing the bezel assembly and cleaning it?

Yeah, seiko quality and overall QC isn't up to par given the premium they demand today. Very disappointing...

I haven’t. When it’s wet, it works perfectly fine, the way I’d like it to be. I picked it up new and it’s always been this way.

I intend to swap out the bezel and ring anyway at some point, so we’ll see. Never thought of Dan’s idea of a thinner gasket. Did didn’t know that was an option.


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[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

Always a fan of what you post. Where do you get your parts?


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Thanks, Rob! The Turtle coin edge bezel [gasket included] came from CrystalTimes, the lumed sapphire insert from LCBI. I'd be happy to list the rest of the parts in you're interested.

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I haven’t. When it’s wet, it works perfectly fine, the way I’d like it to be. I picked it up new and it’s always been this way.

I intend to swap out the bezel and ring anyway at some point, so we’ll see. Never thought of Dan’s idea of a thinner gasket. Did didn’t know that was an option.


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Having done many mods over the years I have plenty of different size gaskets on hand. I prefer to remove the click spring and have smooth bezel action which works best with a tighter fit, and it allows for perfect alignment. Sometimes an aftermarket bezel won't work w/ a thicker gasket so I use a thin one and make sure the click spring is bent enough to give more tension. You never know until you get under the hood.
dP