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Serica 5303...

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I am torn AF about this watch:

Visually love the design cues, size and wearability but the movement and/or crown interaction with said movement is leaving me icy cold.
Well-documented first run issues with the crown not engaging when unscrewed so I waited for the second run (and ironing out of the issues) only to have face-planted in new issues ~ hacking not engaging 75% of the time as well as a liberal amount of hand-float when setting the time and pushing the crown back into the 1st position.
Also, the clasp on the Milanese bracelet requires approximately five adult hands and 14 child sized fingers to dial in for a perfect fit.

... otherwise I like it.

20221116_185556-01.jpeg 20221116_185602-01.jpeg 20221116_185612-01.jpeg 20221116_185617-01.jpeg
 
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redpcar redpcar
I can dig the style. A little pricey for the details provided on their site. What's a Newton?

https://www.serica-watches.com/en/product/serica-5303-black-dial/

upload_2022-11-16_20-19-5.png upload_2022-11-16_20-21-44.png

Made by Soprod...

https://www.europastar.com/the-watc...s-bet-a-new-entry-level-swiss-mechanical.html


https://www.calibremagazine.com/news/soprod-newton-breaking-new-grounds/

...from the folks I've spoken to it's supposed to be the Free-Range variant of an ETA insofar as it will be available to indie watchmakers.
I just know this, the hacking issues and floaty hand bullshit is really pissing me off at $1200.00 when my lowly little $325.00 Hamilton Khaki is rock solid.
 
asloper6001
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Yeah, that would get old. Gorgeous watch though, sucks about the movement handling.
 
W
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Unfortunately recently bought one of their 5303 watches with exactly the same issues.Tried to contact them for over 2 weeks now to have issue fixed under warranty with no response. have a bad feeling the problem is not going to be resolved, did you contact them about the issue and receive any response?
 
fiberguy
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I find the bezel makes the actual watch face look too small, plus I too have read about all of the issues the watch is experiencing. Its bog NO for me.
 
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W Whattheheck
Unfortunately recently bought one of their 5303 watches with exactly the same issues.Tried to contact them for over 2 weeks now to have issue fixed under warranty with no response. have a bad feeling the problem is not going to be resolved, did you contact them about the issue and receive any response?

As far as I know they are no longer doing repairs on the movement and have taken the stance that the issues are a "quirk" and "feature" of the movement. Which of course is ridiculous.
The best I've read about (or experienced personally) is:
A. You can send it back for a refund but be aware many folks report you'll have to eat custom's fees and exchange rates... Serica will not square up on that because they feel the movement is great and the purchasers should already be aware of the quirk/feature of the movement before purchasing (I guess because of either ESP, a crystal ball or all the disappointment that's well documented across the internet about the Newton movement).
B. Keep it and stay pissed off but with a lesson learned. *What I've opted for by the way*
C. Sell it and either disclose the issues and thusly discount it and eat a loss but keep your karma intact - or - be one of the many bullshitters out there selling theirs proclaiming it has no issues (which is impossible because, after all, the issues are really quirks & features native to the movement and if yours had none, and worked perfectly, it would in fact be broken and not working, right?) and destroy your rep & karma in the process.

If you aren't aware, here's a very honest video of the issues (which Serica isn't pleased about because the YouTuber has a significant following)...

 
W
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Thank you for a very detailed and quick response, I did see the video and still bought one, how stupid am I (extremely)?

Had the watch a couple of weeks now and not sure how to proceed, I've probably worn the watch for about 2 hours because of being so disappointed that a company would sell a product they know is defective and expect to get away with it. I will definitely try to pass on message on other watch forums and groups to make people aware of this watch company and total lack of customer service, mistakes are made it's how we react to them that defines us..
 
W
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I'll probably give them a call next week
and see what they say and if there is any interest update then.
 
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W Whattheheck
Thank you for a very detailed and quick response, I did see the video and still bought one, how stupid am I (extremely)?

Had the watch a couple of weeks now and not sure how to proceed, I've probably worn the watch for about 2 hours because of being so disappointed that a company would sell a product they know is defective and expect to get away with it. I will definitely try to pass on message on other watch forums and groups to make people aware of this watch company and total lack of customer service, mistakes are made it's how we react to them that defines us..

Don't feel too bummed on yourself... I fυcked up too, countless others as well. It's a good looking piece and Jérôme (the founder) has a solid design eye -and- is pretty great with spinning words too.

We Live/We Learn.
 
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W Whattheheck
I'll probably give them a call next week
and see what they say and if there is any interest update then.

Update after you call, curious to see how that goes.
 
Slevin kelevra
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I like the Serica design aesthetic, especially the new GMT but had no idea about this issue. Makes me want to run away very quickly!
 
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Slevin kelevra Slevin kelevra
I like the Serica design aesthetic, especially the new GMT but had no idea about this issue. Makes me want to run away very quickly!

Agreed.
The watch wears superbly and I truly love the design... I just wish I could say the same about the movement.
 
W
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Don't feel too bummed on yourself... I fυcked up too, countless others as well. It's a good looking piece and Jérôme (the founder) has a solid design eye -and- is pretty great with spinning words too.

We Live/We Learn.
You're definitely the person

I would happly have a pint with, I am very near your forgive and move on nature, however also think people need to know what they are purchasing and Jérôme definetly needs to list these watch movement characteristics in the watch movement details and at this time in my life mid 60's and member of a few watch forums feel I need to ask a few questions.
 
redpcar
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The watch runs fine. According to the video, the other "features" are what is suspect. I do like the looks.
 
Faz
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That indices of the dial look odd to me. It reminds me of what I see when I try to read my watch after 6 drams of Lagavulin
 
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