SEIKOSeiko Kinetic Capacitor 3023-5MZ

I just bought a 1990's era Seiko Kinetic watch a couple of weeks ago, knowing in advance that it wasn't running. It's add copy didn't state there was any damage, but offered it for repair or parts. It appeared to be in beautiful condition, with a perfect dial face, perfect hands, and the matching titanium and gold colored bracelet. The bracelet showed no wear and even included a spare link to enlarge the bracelet if needed. I already have a Seiko automatic (5 series) and a Chinese knock-off, both automatic self-winding movements. What drew my attention to the Kinetic is the fact that this series of self-wind Seiko watches has an oscillating rotor, just like the other automatic mechanical movements, but instead of the rotor winding up a traditional main spring in a barrel, it turns a miniature "rotor and stator", like an alternator in a car. This little charging system charges a capacitor, which in this case looks like a typical watch button cell, but with small power-out and power-in lugs. The charged capacitor provides the electrical current to operate the watch's quartz time-keeping circuit and a stepper motor to move the watch's hands. This system combines the best of both worlds: A physical charging system powered by the movement of your arm/body, feeding a quartz watch circuit that keeps even better time than just about any mechanical watch movement! No batteries used or needed! I do watch repair so installing the replacement capacitor was very easy. But anyone can do this; all that's needed is a steady hand, a tiny regular tipped screwdriver and the capacitor kit. Although there is one thing some Seiko owners might need and not have and that depends of whether the last time the watch's screw-back case cover was removed and replaced, that it wasn't screwed back down so tightly that it can't easily be removed either by hand, a rubber ball case-back remover or careful "persuasion" with a piece of wood and a small mallet or hammer tool. It this is the case, a case-back removal tool will be needed. If you don't have one of these tools you can order one on line when the capacitor is ordered. The price for both is very likely to be less than any jeweler will charge to do this repair. As for the capacitor kit? Well, it was made by Seiko, fit perfectly and is working great!

How often does one take a watch apart, put it back together and it works? I replaced these parts in my kinetic Seiko and voila it works like brand new. These types of watches can be sent off for repair but that can be expensive. This is the perfect solution.

I've had this Seiko for years my wife got it for me back in 92 I think. It got to the point it would stop if I took it off for more than 30 mins or so after reading some post on what the issue could be I decided to change the capacitor. I bought a watch tool kit at Harbor Frieght it worked out fine for removing the back, only issue I had was holding the watch body while trying to twist the back off I should of ordered the watch body holder but I ended up very carefully clamping it in my wooden workforce work bench clamp if you try this be careful you could damage the watch I just got lucky I suppose, I will say the back was so tight I almost couldn't get it loose I guess being on for so long made it difficult, in case your wondering like I started to do when it wouldn't budge it is a right handed thread this means turn it right to tighten and left to loosen, (righty tightly lefty loosey). There are plenty of post online about performing the operation pretty straight forward. I was worried about the back seal ring a new one does not come in the kit but even though it appeared Stretched slightly I was able to work it back between the watch and back as I screwed the back on just push it back in as you are screwing on the back use a finger nail to push it in the places it sticks out, mine stayed in as I slowly tightened the back on oh and use a Qtip with a dab of silicone grease to lube the seal don't get all happy with the lube a little is all it takes, part stores carry it, make sure you don't use the silicone sealer only lube. I probably will avoid submerging my watch just to be safe, if your going to need to feel more confident about water proof you might want to look for a new seal I could not find one. Last point the screws that hold the battery are tiny tiny I used jewelry eye piece found again at the local Harbor Frieght and don't attempt it on a day your nervous, my hands have always shook I tell people when they say man your shaky it's not nerves it's just quickness. Have fun hope this helps you.

This capacitor was Dead On Arrival. The product clearly listed on Amazon site is Version MZ. What I got was the older and apparently expired version MY. Supplier is using Amazon to dump outdated product. Avoid this supplier. This is the third time I have changed this capacitor which is not easy.1/25 - So apparently this is a correct version. Other jewelers post say a newer version (3023.24T) is the latest. I used an intermittent watch winder that did not get me any where when charging. I then placed it on a Braun toothbrush charger that worked. I cant say the charge rate hurt the capacitor but it is well charged and working. I might suggest having a watch demagnetizer if you do use the toothbrush charger. My compass did not indicate magnetics but? I retract any negative supplier comments above. Product delivered on time.