Building a watch to learn more about them?

[boomtime]

I've always been interested with watches, and recently my interest in their inner workings have grown. What do you guys think of trying to build a rolex from ebay parts or other sources? How complicated would this be or even economical? Just looking for some opinions on the idea. Thanks for the input guys.

[Lol-x]

Well it would be difficult firstly because of the number of parts involved, so you might have to be engaged in a multiplicity of auctions and win them. That is quite likely to cost more than the watch purchased as a whole item.
Secondly you need the skill and tools, to build and service.
Thirdly, you will end up with a franken watch that is particularly undesirable for most potential buyers with knowledge about the Rolex brand.

If you have the tools and know how, buy a Rolex, any model you wish and dismantle and reassemble that :cheers: :2:

[coddger]

Well it would be difficult firstly because of the number of parts involved, so you might have to be engaged in a multiplicity of auctions and win them. That is quite likely to cost more than the watch purchased as a whole item.
Secondly you need the skill and tools, to build and service.
Thirdly, you will end up with a franken watch that is particularly undesirable for most potential buyers with knowledge about the Rolex brand.

If you have the tools and know how, buy a Rolex, any model you wish and dismantle and reassemble that :cheers: :2:

Amen:clap::clap:I can not put what Steve said into better words. Only thing I will add is, when you buy a Rolex, find a decent pre-loved/used one, then you can dismantle and reassemble:chuckle::chuckle:

[cody p]

it's always way more expensive to buy something bit-by-bit, whether it be cars, bicycles or watches. i agree with Steve, buy it whole and then have your way with it. if you are learning, it might be better to start with an eta caliber rather than a rolex. heck of a lot cheaper if you mess up.

[Triplock]

Take the watchmaking course at Timezone.com if you want to learn. Complete both courses and you'll be able to service an automatic movement. Rolex parts are not easy or impossible to get unless you are authorized, so ebay will probably be your only source, but there are SO many parts that I think this is not practicable or possible. Before tackling such a project you should at least have several restorations and repairs under your belt. Watchmaking is immensely complicated and extremely delicate work beyond comprehension. It's also one of the most satisfying hobbies I've ever pursued and there's no greater feeling in the world than taking an old, broken watch and see it's heart beat and keep time after many years.

[tomee]

do the watch course on Timezone.
i recently completed the level 1 course with a ETA 2750 movement.
level 2 has the otehr ETA movement with date function.

the amount of stuff you learn from doing it is great i though.
the course is $50, and then you buy the tools and movement.
it cost me around $380 AU for the tools
tools
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/tomee7/Watches/watch%20school/IMG_7902.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/tomee7/Watches/watch%20school/IMG_8060.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/tomee7/Watches/watch%20school/IMG_7910.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/tomee7/Watches/watch%20school/IMG_8045.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/tomee7/Watches/watch%20school/IMG_8065.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/tomee7/Watches/watch%20school/IMG_8079.jpg

[bodybump]

Very nice...i love this thread...you learn a lot everyday!!

[tthopp05]

Im all in!signing up tomorrow.Great Thread,great pics,great idea.Thanks.

[Dalton]

I say buy a japanese movement and diassemble it, and then try to reassemble it. The mistakes are much more memorable than the success of completing the reassembly part.

[DSJ]

I say buy a japanese movement and diassemble it, and then try to reassemble it. The mistakes are much more memorable than the success of completing the reassembly part.

Yes, a Miyota movement is an inexpensive, yet good movement.

[delldeaton]

very nice...i love this thread...you learn a lot everyday!!+1 !!!

[cody p]

just got my TZ watch school kit. eta 2801. wish me luck! :concerned

[gregdolley]

Good luck! :cheers:

[sheldonsmith]

Just be careful, after completing the TimeZone courses I was taking on projects like this one..

http://www.minus4plus6.com/images/7750-2824/stem/tn_baseplate.jpg
ETA 7750

http://www.minus4plus6.com/images/7750-2824/handscase/tn_facehands.JPG

http://www.minus4plus6.com/images/7750-2824/complete/tn_7750-2824.JPG

Here is the 7750, along with a 2824 watch I made for my son's 12th birthday. My son's watch case, face, hands is sourced from Otto Frei and the ETA 2824 movement from TimeZone's SalesCorner.

The 7750 project is posted at http://www.minus4plus6.com/7750-2824.htm

The TimeZone courses are fantastic. Be prepared to lose parts, have springs fly across the room, but after a while you learn the behavior of each part. Too bad there is not a Level III course or something that NAWCC has put together.

After a while, you will find yourself working on other watches from pawn shops.

Then there is the tool collecting....

http://www.minus4plus6.com/images/regulation/microstella/tn_timing4.jpg

http://www.minus4plus6.com/images/regulation/tools.jpg

Yep, worthwhile, but be aware that once you have finished Level II, there are plenty of more projects to tackle...

-Sheldon

[mikeyatc]

I just enrolled in the TZ watch school. And ordered the level one kit.

[cody p]

I just enrolled in the TZ watch school. And ordered the level one kit.
:thumbsup: just finished it myself - awesome experience: to take it apart (eta 2801) and put it back together and have it run. wow! makes you really appreciate mechanical watches even more. i want to do level 2 now!

[tomjansen]

Hello all,

I see some more people here who have the timezone kit.

I bought the case from someone and an ETA 2824-2 movement.

I have problems installing the movement, is the movement ring alone enough to keep it in place?

No screws needed?

Any help much appreciated!

TIA,

Regards,

Tom

[sheldonsmith]

yes, the snap ring, and the caseback hold the movement in place...

-Sheldon