King Seiko Winding Direction...

[Speed]

OK. Dumb question... but I guess the only dumb question is the one not asked.

I have an eBay find King Seiko - circa 1960/70s. The watch is set by moving turning the crown clockwise.

Now, when winding clockwise, I fee a slight give back at each turn. If I wind counterclockwise, the feel is more like other watches - Rolex etc - when I wind it. It "feels" like its actually winding in this direction, via Clockwise...

My 1960s Grand Seiko sets by turning the crown counter clock wise...but winds clockwise - and "feels" right that way.

Anyone know for sure the winding direction? I don't want to ruin the mainspring of course.

Thanks

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Speed

OK. Dumb question... but I guess the only dumb question is the one not asked.

, , ,

No, that is a myth. There are frequently some very dumb questions asked.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Tools

No, that is a myth. There are frequently some very dumb questions asked.

Ouch.

I guess I asked for it, didn't I?

At least I didn't ask what average discount was for Vintage watches...

Any idea on this one Larry?

I did not have any box / papers / books with this watch. But I know you don't place much value on them - but a manual would come in handy here...

[Tools]

The crown is geared to the mainspring. When winding on many models you will feel the push-back of the mainspring torque, most noticeable when slow winding.

Not familiar with your particular model, but it sounds like it winds clockwise and free-wheels counterclockwise. As to setting, even Rolex has many movements that set opposite from the more recent ones. Even the very newest 32xx movements are now opposite from the 31xx movements we are most familiar with.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Tools

The crown is geared to the mainspring. When winding on many models you will feel the push-back of the mainspring torque, most noticeable when slow winding.

Not familiar with your particular model, but it sounds like it winds clockwise and free-wheels counterclockwise. As to setting, even Rolex has many movements that set opposite from the more recent ones. Even the very newest 32xx movements are now opposite from the 31xx movements we are most familiar with.

Thanks Larry,

The manual wind King Seiko "freewheels" clock wise...i.e. when you increase the time. But when winding, the push back happens clockwise...but I think you are saying clock wise should be the winding direction, yes?

I personally dont have any watches that wind counter clock wise...

[Tools]

Yes, if you feel the push-back.

Seiko has some movements, especially from the 60/70's, that do not wind with the crown at all, they can only be auto-wound. I have a couple and it seems dumb to have to shake the watch after setting to give it some power.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Tools

Seiko has some movements, especially from the 60/70's, that do not wind with the crown at all, they can only be auto-wound. I have a couple and it seems dumb to have to shake the watch after setting to give it some power.

True. I own 5 Seiko (4 vintage and one modern) and none of them can be hand-wound.

[Old Expat Beast]

Is it a 28,800 or 36,000bph KS? The 36 has a thicker mainspring that does offer more resistance to the winding than 'normal' movements. Clockwise winding is right, anyway.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Is it a 28,800 or 36,000bph KS? The 36 has a thicker mainspring that does offer more resistance to the winding than 'normal' movements. Clockwise winding is right, anyway.

Hi Adam.

The King in question is a 28,800 with the “Hi Beat” designation. Definitely no rotor in this one. It’s a proper winder.

Thanks for the confirmation. I should have PM’d you and avoided the burn by Larry

[Old Expat Beast]

All my KS models are 28,800 but automatic so I can't compare, but clockwise is right for winding. The 28,800 qualified as Hi-Beat alongside the 36,000 in those days as most Swiss movements chugged along at 21,600 or less.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

All my KS models are 28,800 but automatic so I can't compare, but clockwise is right for winding. The 28,800 qualified as Hi-Beat alongside the 36,000 in those days as most Swiss movements chugged along at 21,600 or less.

Understood on the High Beat designation. Love my King...but the 36,000 VBH on the Grand is quite sweet.

Thanks for the advice. I normally wind clockwise...but today, I had a bug up the rear and it just felt better winding the other way. Will let it run down and do it clockwise from now on.