Servicing my rolex myself

[johankoke]

I'm in the same boat as the OP and also want to learn to service mechanical watches.

My approach so far has been to buy old ladies watches and movements from the Bay. I've destroyed a load of hairsprings with my fat fingers but I figure if I can confidently dissemble a ladies movement and put it together I should be ok with a larger one.

So far I've managed to service a Swiss ETA and Omega Cal.245

Just last night I destroyed another hairspring after removing it from the balance wheel to manipulate back into shape. Spent best part of 5 hours on this movement and it's going in the bin.

Starting to reevaluate if it's a good use of my time as the wife gave me loads of dirty looks last night whilst I sat hunched over our dining table cursing at tiny gears.

Best of luck pal but I wouldn't go down that road to be honest. :)

[nicked]

Craziest post I've read in a while.

[Highland Ranger]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Come on Vanessa it's just a spring , some screws and wheels . . .

Pretty sure he can do it ;-)

We'll I want to become a pilot

So I am just gonna buy a plane . . .

Don't see the need why they have schools for both professions . . . .

You get one of those balls on amazon - $3 so you don't mess up case back.

Can of WD40 and can of compressed air to blow out the wd40 . . . . $20 bucks all in and you're in business.

(but please post pictures)

[lew07]

Originally Posted by DubaiWatchGuy

Ive always been interested in taking things apart and this summer I would love to learn how to take apart and put back together my sub c. Could you guys point out what tools I would need? Im going to start with my old tag and maybe order a clone 3135 movement.


I was considering ordering this tool kit by bergeon and a water proof tester. I figured I could also save a few bucks servicing it myself over the years and the equipment would pay for itself. Is there anything else I need? different oils ?


http://www.ofrei.com/page1228.html

http://www.ofrei.com/page260.html



thanks guys !

If You have to ask us this then I dont think You should attempt it

[freefly]

It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you are looking to "DIY" a complete overhaul I'd say no way. However, if you are simply wanting to R&R a bezel/insert, dial, crown, or seals, then those types of jobs really aren't that difficult. YMMV.

[perpetual92]

There are alot of pitfalls along the way in servicing movements, of which, are never discussed or are edited out of youtube videos.

Yes, one can take apart and put back together a 3135 but broken pivots, parts shot into never never land, incorrect oiling, botched mainsprings and stretched hairsprings, a flying incabloc escape jewel spring, misplaced parts, etc.... are many times the outcome and never foreseen as a possiblity.

Without a parts account, taking apart a Rolex can be a bit like alpining solo.