Vintage King Seiko crown

[Oyster Sauce]

Greetings all. Decided to wear my 44-9990 (44KS) this weekend. As you know, it is a manual wind watch. When getting the time set, and each day at wind up time, the crown has seemed more difficult than in the past to 1) pull out and 2) wind. Once running, it seems to be keeping decent time.

Love this watch and don’t want to damage it. Any thoughts on what might be going on. It it one of the earlier versions, with the shield on the case back medallion. Thanks in advance!

[Mifune]

I have to ask, has the piece ever been serviced?

[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by Mifune

I have to ask, has the piece ever been serviced?

Great question...uncertain. Bought it a few years ago from a seller in Japan.

[Old Expat Beast]

Turning the crown slightly counter-clockwise first should make it easier to pull out. Winding can get a little stiff on these with age. i've had a few serviced and they came back just fine.

[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Turning the crown slightly counter-clockwise first should make it easier to pull out. Winding can get a little stiff on these with age. i've had a few serviced and they came back just fine.

Thanks OEB...the thought of a slight turn counter-clockwise did occur to me, but wanted to let experts chime in. Might give it a try.

Also open to recommendations of folks in the States who can service vintage Seiko, in case I need to send it out.