F039 and F033 lcd panels exchangeable? Edit: YES

[elceedee]

Hey guys,
Working on a F039 with bleeding. I have a clean F033 movement and at first glance the lcd displays look similar (al least in layout and shape)
Part numbers differ though.
Does any of you have a clue if they are exchangeable?
I guess I will find out when disassembling both movements off course but asking in advance
Thanks ;)

[Kasper]

no they aren't...i just checked...one is just a bit bigger and 3 button layout.






Kasper

[elceedee]

Thanks for your answer and clear pictures!
What I meant were the lcd displays themselfes, not the movements. Maybe I wasn't very clear :)

[Kasper]

i can only check this if i dissassemble them so, sorry no idea

[elceedee]

Hi
I worked on both movements this afternoon and can say this:

-Both displays have the same layout and the same pin layout
-The F039 display has thicker lcd panel parts and is thus thicker as a total. The top glass plate with its connectors is slightly thicker as the F033 LCD panel
-The F033 LCD panel does not fit the F039 lcd panel frame (see picture, the F039 panel frame). But, both panel frames have the same shape (outer lines)

You can use the F033 LCD panel and its LCD panel frame on the F039 movement, they make a perfect fit
To overcome the difference in thickness and therefore the lack of proper connection to the circuit you need to replace the original connectors by some which are slightly higher (see picture). Its a simple procedure if you have the correct spares

The movement is working fine now. Its a beautiful high quality little Seiko movement with a very nice (somewhat vulnerable) build (reminds of the A259 / A359 movements with regards to the used materials and build: cracked plastics when heavy battery acid leakage has occurred) and nice (simple) features like its day/date layout. Luckily my movement is clean and had a leaking display

[elceedee]

The watch was actually wasted. It had bended metal between lug ends to the upside (almost impossible, a previous owner must have hung on some pin or something with his whole weight being held by the watch..), a scratched crystal and a bleeding display (maybe related to the other thing)

I de-scratched and polished the crystal, removed the bending and re-brushed the topside, polished the sides and pushers and de-scratched and re-brushed its strap. And replaced the LCD panel by a F033 panel

I enjoy restoring these 'wasted' watches as a hobby (it take a LOT of time, 7+ hours) and usually I use them as daily beaters afterwards (so that I wont damage my nos and mint collection). But actually this result is almost too good to wear it as a beater ;)

[simone]

Fantastic tips!!