The parts are made with no general controls. Then thrown together. Ther can be gaps and distortions. So even if they have all the gaskets it still won't matter if the parts are misfit. The only way to get around is to hand select the parts and make sure they go together right.
TJ. That pool water looks kinda scary.
When I build something it's one thing. But if I have to pour hundreds into something as soon as I get it then it's not worth buying. Just my .02.
On the main question though. The dealers don't see the watches much less assemble them. So it's kinda hard to warranty the stuff much past it running when you get it.
The only way it could be done is if the winners were selected in a way that completely removed them from the decision making process. It would be the only way to eliminate any accusations of impropriety. I think lanikai said it best.
Ok you can fix this. Well I don't know if you want to do it but it can. Take off the back. Stick a screwdriveer in the tube and push the stem in all the way. Unscrew the movement holder and take it out. Then remove the internals by tilting them at an angle. Then you are free to release the stem. From there all you need is a new one. Probably a new head too unless you can get that piece out.
They didn't care about seconds. If they were bothered by anything it was the manual winding which is what most people had. And they praised the day the quartz came out. You'll find most older people do not wear autos.