Hi Gents... As I'm going to try my hand at servicing and cleaning I really appreciated the tidbits of information you guys have freely given.
What I'm hoping to do is we can have them all in one post. Sort of a reference for ham handed beginners like me.
If everyone whose a watchmaker/hobbiest can just give a few "best practices" or little tidbit they've learned over the years to help us rookies forgo some of the mistakes you've learned from. I'd be really appreciative.
Here is some advice already given:
Watchmakerskid:
Get yourself a cheap set of jewelers screw drivers, a screw driver sharpner, jewelres visor and a couple pairs of tweezers, as well two pencils with erasers on the end, you can stick sewing needles in the ends and sharpen one to a flat head, and the other to just a fine point, these work great with hairspring removal and jewel cap removal.
The only way to learn is to start, just buy a few cheap junk watches to practice on.
Stephen is right, I used a good digital camera when I first started, take good shots each step of the way then you can work backwards from the photos.
Pick up a good movement holder as well, they are fairly cheap.
You will need a screwdriver sharpner and a good stone, I use a diamond stone.
The thing is you need to remember is Rome was not built in a day, it took me 37 hours to repair my first movement with springs and parts flying across the room, then taking an hour or two hunting them down.
Now that part is a lot of fun:>)
I like what Edison said when he was asked what the secret to his success was he replied 98 percent perspiration and 2 percent inspiration.
Small steps, if you get frustrated just push your self away from the table and go do something else and come back another day or in a few hours.
Screw drivers when using them, very crucial to hold them straight up and down, watch for your hand holding them at an angle, this will cause the screwdriver to slip and scratch your movement and mess up the end of the driver.
Looks like you will get lots of tips from some of the watchmakers on the forum here.
Remember small steps, you will find after doing a few it will become quite easy to work on them.
Many say start with pocket watches, if you find the wrist watch movements too small, try a pocket watch.
Stephen Olleman:
Just take things nice and slow.
Never force anything.
Slight finger pressure only
Small sharp screwdrivers!!!
Photograph the movement in various stages so you have a reference of what went where.
Look and think, then look again.......before you leap.
Best buy some junkers to practice on first.
In reply to Cheap screwdrivers will only by FifthAvenueRes…
Maybe that's something someone could post.
What are about the minimum standards for equipment?
IE... obviously I'm not wanting to buy the bestest/most expensivest equipment right now... but there's a million tools (mostly all from china) on the ebays for jewelery/watchmaking.
Can you guys come up with a list of some passable stuff? Maybe some links to said stuff?
A few important items no one has mentioned:
1. A parts cleaner. - must have.
2. Some sort of parts organizor.
3. A clean and well lit work area.
I've been restoring Bulova for quite some time now and still prefer to have My watchmaker service the movements. After all, He is the watchmaker and I am not an idiot.
: )
All great suggestions. A watchmakers bench is a must. Trying to work on a movement while hunched over is not the best idea. I've seen small benches that sit on top of a regular height desk. They are very reasonable in price and work very well. If you get a bit frazzled while working, stop and come back later.
In reply to All great suggestions. A by vintagebulova.com
In reply to Very good point to consider. by Stephen Ollman
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In reply to Now you're talking...I could by Stephen Ollman
These guys have the table top bench and a nice full size bench, both at good prices.