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JimInOz
··Melbourne AustraliaI'd been watching this one for a while, and due to its condition and the fact that the seller stated that all functions were correct, I took a chance.
These are great watches. They use a monocoque case and the self-winding mechanism is integrated into the movement, resulting in a very thin auto movement.
They do have an Achilles heel though. The tiny star wheel used to advance the day/date wheels is made of plastic, and after time and incorrect use have taken their toll, the teeth usually break and render the quick-set function useless.
However, there are many 5606 movements that still function correctly, and unfortunately they are often bought for one single item, the star wheel, which is then harvested to repair similar movements in King Seikos et al.
Not wanting this one to be gutted simply for a replacement part, I took a chance.
(Seller's photo)
I've already cleaned the bracelet to remove accumulated "stuff" and will service the rest of the watch later.
BTW, the fragile star wheel has a solution. Adrian from Vintage Time Australia has replacements in stainless steel, these replace the plastic star, so that can be a solution if needed.
However! It needs to be fitted by a watchmaker, or somebody with the necessary skills and equipment, but I have that covered 😉.
These are great watches. They use a monocoque case and the self-winding mechanism is integrated into the movement, resulting in a very thin auto movement.
They do have an Achilles heel though. The tiny star wheel used to advance the day/date wheels is made of plastic, and after time and incorrect use have taken their toll, the teeth usually break and render the quick-set function useless.
However, there are many 5606 movements that still function correctly, and unfortunately they are often bought for one single item, the star wheel, which is then harvested to repair similar movements in King Seikos et al.
Not wanting this one to be gutted simply for a replacement part, I took a chance.
(Seller's photo)
I've already cleaned the bracelet to remove accumulated "stuff" and will service the rest of the watch later.
BTW, the fragile star wheel has a solution. Adrian from Vintage Time Australia has replacements in stainless steel, these replace the plastic star, so that can be a solution if needed.
However! It needs to be fitted by a watchmaker, or somebody with the necessary skills and equipment, but I have that covered 😉.
