Seiko 6R15 Automatic Mechanical Watch

Characteristics of Mechanical Watches (Automatic)

Mechanical watches operate using the energy from a mainspring. If the watch has stopped, manually wind the crown approximately 20 times to start it.

Unlike quartz watches whose accuracy is measured monthly or yearly, the accuracy of mechanical watches is indicated by a daily deviation (slow or fast per day).

The accuracy of mechanical watches can vary depending on various conditions such as wearing time, ambient temperature, and the degree of mainspring winding.

Exposure to strong magnetic fields can temporarily affect the watch's timekeeping. If parts of the watch become magnetized, demagnetization may be required. Please consult the store where the watch was purchased.

Names of Parts

The watch typically includes:

• Hour hand
• Minute hand
• Second hand
• Date display
• Crown (winding stem)

Crown Operation:

The crown is used for winding and setting the watch. It may have different positions:

• a) Initial Position: For manual winding of the watch.
• b) First Click Position: For setting the date.
• c) Second Click Position: For setting the time.

Screw-Lock Crown: Some watches feature a screw-lock crown for enhanced water resistance. To use it, unscrew the crown by turning it counter-clockwise. After setting, screw it back in by turning clockwise and pressing gently. If it feels too tight, turn it counter-clockwise once before trying again. Do not force the crown, as this can damage the threads.

How to Use

How to Wind the Watch Manually

Your watch is equipped with both automatic and manual winding functions. When worn on the wrist, the mainspring is wound automatically by your movement. If the watch stops, manual winding is recommended.

1. Slowly turn the crown clockwise (towards the 12 o'clock position). Turning the crown counter-clockwise (towards the 6 o'clock position) does not wind the mainspring.
2. Continue winding until the mainspring is fully wound. The small second hand will start moving.

Note: It is not necessary to stop winding when the mainspring is fully wound, though it may continue to turn without damage. A fully wound watch will run for approximately 45 hours. Inconsistent winding can affect accuracy; wearing the watch for at least 10 hours a day is recommended. If using it as a desk clock, wind it daily at the same time. If the watch has stopped, manual winding may not immediately start the second hand due to the nature of mechanical movements; gentle shaking can help.

How to Set Time and Date

Ensure the watch is running before setting the date and time.

1. Pull the crown to the first click position. The second hand will continue to move, maintaining timekeeping accuracy.
2. To set the date, turn the crown counter-clockwise. Turn it back to display the previous day's date. For example, if today is the 6th, set it to the 5th first.
3. Pull the crown to the second click position when the second hand is at the 12 o'clock position (this stops the second hand). Turn the crown to move the hands until the date changes to the next day. The time is currently set to AM. Continue moving the hands to set the current time.
4. Return the crown to its initial position in sync with a time signal.

Warning: Do not set the date between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM, as this may cause the date to change incorrectly, potentially damaging the movement.

Note: The mechanism of a mechanical watch differs from a quartz watch. When setting the time, advance the minute hand 4-5 minutes past the current time, then move it back to the correct time.

Date Correction at the Beginning of the Month

Manual date correction is required at the end of months with fewer than 31 days.

Example: Setting the date to the 1st after a 30-day month.

1. If the watch shows '31' instead of '1', pull the crown to the first click position.
2. Turn the crown to set the date to '1', then return the crown to its initial position.

Warning: Do not set the date between 10:00 PM and 1:00 AM, as the date may change incorrectly, potentially damaging the movement.

To Maintain the Quality of Your Watch

Care for Your Watch

The case and band come into contact with your skin. Keep them clean to prolong the watch's life and reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Immediately after removing the watch, wipe off moisture, sweat, or dirt with a soft, dry cloth. This helps preserve the case, band, and gaskets.

Leather Strap:

Gently blot moisture from the strap with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing the leather strap, as this may cause damage or color loss.

Metal Bracelet:

To keep the bracelet clean, use a soft toothbrush dampened with clean water or soapy water. Be careful not to let water enter the watch case.

Skin Irritation

Adjust the strap to allow a small gap between it and your wrist for ventilation.

For some individuals, close contact with the watch may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Possible causes include:

• Allergic reactions to metals or leather.
• Rust, dirt, or sweat accumulated on the watch or strap.

If you experience any allergic symptoms or skin irritation, stop wearing the watch and consult a doctor.

Water Resistance

No Water Resistance: If the words "WATER RESISTANT" are not written on the case back, your watch is not water-resistant. Protect it from moisture, as water can damage the movement. If it gets wet, take it to the store where it was purchased or a SEIKO SERVICE CENTER for inspection.

Water Resistance (3 Bar): If "WATER RESISTANT" is written on the case back, your watch is designed to withstand up to 3 Bar pressure and resist accidental contact with splashes or rain. It is not intended for swimming or diving.

Water Resistance (5 Bar): If "WATER RESISTANT 5 BAR" is written on the case back, your watch can withstand up to 5 Bar pressure and is suitable for swimming, water sports, and showering.

Water Resistance (10/15/20 Bar): If "WATER RESISTANT 10 BAR", "WATER RESISTANT 15 BAR", or "WATER RESISTANT 20 BAR" is written on the case back, your watch can withstand up to 10 (15, 20) Bar pressure. It is suitable for bathing and shallow diving, but not for deep-sea diving. For diving, SEIKO Diver's watches are recommended.

Note: Before using watches with 5, 10, 15, or 20 Bar water resistance in water, ensure the crown is fully screwed down. Do not operate the crown while the watch is wet or in water. If exposed to seawater, rinse the watch with fresh water and dry it completely.

When showering or bathing with watches rated for 5 Bar or higher, avoid exposing the crown to soap or shampoo. Exposure to warm water may temporarily affect accuracy; accuracy should return to normal once the watch returns to ambient temperature.

Important: Bar pressure ratings are test pressures and do not correspond to actual diving depths, as swimming movements can increase pressure at certain depths. Exercise caution when diving with your watch.

Where to Store Your Watch

• Avoid storing watches at temperatures below 5°C (41°F) or above 35°C (95°F).
• Do not leave watches in places exposed to strong magnetic fields (e.g., near televisions, speakers, or magnetic bracelets) or static electricity.
• Do not leave watches in places with strong vibration.
• Do not leave watches in dusty places.
• Do not expose watches to chemical substances or gases (e.g., organic solvents like gasoline and thinner, nail polish, cosmetic sprays, detergents, glue, mercury, and iodine antiseptic solutions).
• Avoid direct contact of your watch with hot water.

Notes on Technical Inspection

This watch is a precision instrument with many moving parts lubricated by special oil. Insufficient lubrication or wear of parts can lead to inaccurate timekeeping or stoppage. Therefore, periodic inspections are necessary.

Warranty and Repair

For repairs or inspections, please contact the store where the watch was purchased or a SEIKO SERVICE CENTER.

For service within the warranty period, please present the warranty certificate when contacting the SERVICE CENTER. Warranty terms are detailed in the warranty certificate; please read it carefully and keep it.

Troubleshooting

* For any other problems, please consult the store where the watch was purchased.

Accuracy of Mechanical Watches

The accuracy of mechanical watches is indicated by daily figures, typically averaged over a week.

The accuracy may deviate from the specified range due to slowing or acceleration caused by usage conditions, such as wearing time, arm movements, and mainspring tension.

Key components in mechanical watches are made of metals that expand or contract with temperature, affecting accuracy. Mechanical watches may run slower in high temperatures and faster in low temperatures.

To improve accuracy, it is crucial to regularly supply energy to the balance wheel, which controls the escapement's speed. The driving force from the mainspring is not constant; it is less when the spring is nearly unwound. Consistent accuracy is best achieved by frequent wear for automatic watches, and daily full winding at the same time for manual-wind watches.

Exposure to strong external magnetic fields can temporarily cause mechanical watches to run slow or fast. Watch parts may become magnetized depending on the field's strength. In such cases, consult the store where the watch was purchased, as it may require repair, including demagnetization.

Technical Specifications

* The accuracy indicated above is as set at the factory. Due to the nature of mechanical watches, actual accuracy may fall outside the specified range depending on usage conditions such as wearing time, temperature, arm movements, and mainspring winding status.