FEIYASHI Fit & Alignment Issues — Watch Case Review

Data basis: I analyzed dozens of buyer reports and repair notes collected Jun 2023–Jun 2024.

Sources: Most feedback came from written reviews, supported by video demonstrations and user photos.

Will the movement fit correctly or require heavy filing?

Primary regret: Many buyers find the movement does not seat cleanly without modification.

When it appears: This shows up at first install and during test-fitting under the dial.

Why worse than normal: Typical mid-range cases usually accept standard movements with little to no adjustment, while these units often need trimming.

Do I need extra tools or are parts missing?

• Early sign: Movement rocks slightly when pressed into the case during the first fit check.
• Frequency tier: This is a secondary issue that appears commonly across reports.
• Cause: Tolerance mismatch between case tube and movement holder is often cited.
• Impact: Buyers spend extra time filing or sourcing shims to secure the movement.
• Fixability: Fix requires watchmaking tools and patience; not plug-and-play for beginners.

Does the case keep water out as advertised?

• Primary pattern: Water-resistance claims frequently fail without gasket replacement or retesting.
• Usage anchor: Fails after pressure testing or normal wrist use during showers or rain.
• Why worse than normal: Mid-range alternatives usually include pre-fitted gaskets and clear sealing points.
• Early sign: Difficulty closing caseback snugly or visible gaps around the crown tube.
• Attempts buyers make: Many add third-party gaskets or use silicone grease to attempt a seal.
• Hidden requirement: Professional pressure testing is often needed to confirm water resistance after fix.

Will the finish and alignment disappoint over time?

• Pattern statement: Surface scratches, uneven brushing, and bezel misalignment appear across multiple reports.
• When it worsens: Imperfections show immediately and can worsen with normal handling.
• Category contrast: Typical mid-range options show better finishing and fewer visible tool marks out of the box.
• Impact on value: Visible defects reduce resale value and pride of ownership.
• Repair attempts: Buyers try polishing or re-brushing, adding cost and skill requirements.
• Long-term risk: Small alignment gaps can let dust in, increasing service needs later.
• Fixability: Some issues are cosmetic and fixable, but require tools and time.

Illustrative excerpts

Illustrative: "Movement needed shaving to sit flush; wasted an hour and a dab of glue."

Pattern: This reflects a primary installation failure pattern.

Illustrative: "Caseback felt loose after shower despite claimed depth rating."

Pattern: This reflects a secondary water-resistance pattern.

Illustrative: "Bezel not centered; brushing had visible tool marks."

Pattern: This reflects a secondary finish-quality pattern.

Illustrative: "Needed extra gaskets and a press to finish the job right."

Pattern: This reflects an edge-case hidden-requirement pattern.

Who should avoid this

• Beginners: Buyers without watchmaking tools should avoid this due to installation tweaks.
• Water-use buyers: Those who need reliable water resistance should steer clear unless prepared to pressure-test.
• Perfectionists: Buyers seeking factory-finish cosmetics will likely be disappointed.

Who this is actually good for

• Experienced hobbyists: Those comfortable with trimming, shimming, and gasket swaps can accept fit issues.
• Budget builders: Buyers looking to practice case modification who accept extra work can benefit.
• Non-water users: People who will use the watch as a dry-wear project can tolerate seal uncertainty.

Expectation vs reality

Expectation: Reasonable for this category is a simple movement drop-in without major changes.

Reality: These cases often require shaving, shims, or extra gaskets to reach that baseline.

Expectation: Reasonable is a watch case that matches advertised water depth with factory seals.

Reality: Buyers commonly report needing to replace gaskets or perform pressure testing to trust the rating.

Safer alternatives

• Choose pre-tested cases: Look for sellers that state factory pressure testing to avoid seal risk.
• Buy fitted cases: Prefer cases advertised for direct-fit to NH34/NH35 movements to reduce trimming.
• Check included hardware: Confirm gaskets, stem tube, and caseback screws are included to avoid hidden purchases.

The bottom line

Main regret: The most frequent trigger is movement fit and seal failures that add time and parts.

Severity: These problems exceed normal category risk because they demand tools and testing to fix.

Verdict: Avoid this case if you lack watchmaking experience or need reliable water resistance.