ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
18 September 2020, 12:40 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Real Name: Eric
Location: wisconsin
Watch: Submariner
Posts: 44
|
Watchmaking
My dad and I are wanting to explore the watch making world. Is their a particular make and model of automatic watch that is easy to work on. We would want the watch to be inexpensive. Also any tools that would need to get started . We have no experience with watchmaking just Rolex enthusiasts. Thanks 🙏
|
18 September 2020, 07:18 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Real Name: Vance
Location: North Coast
Watch: GMT II
Posts: 1,438
|
I have the same interest - curious what you find. Esslinger is a good site for tools - that have everything you might need.
|
18 September 2020, 08:07 AM | #3 |
TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,037
|
Time Zone has an on-line course to do and learn at your leisure.
Otto Frei sells complete tool kits that include a movement to work on if you are taking one of these on-line courses.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member |
18 September 2020, 03:41 PM | #4 |
TechXpert
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Earth
Posts: 23,471
|
I would start with an ETA 6897, or Chinese equivalent. It is cheap, easy to work with and easy to see and understand the workings. It is the first movement most watchmaking schools start with.
|
18 September 2020, 06:25 PM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Real Name: Rich
Location: US
Posts: 487
|
I started with modding seikos and citizens. Find them cheap on ebay in any condition. Anything is possible with sites like yobokies or dagaz for hands and dials, esslinger and ebay for the tools. Have fun!
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk |
18 September 2020, 08:11 PM | #6 |
TechXpert
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Scott
Location: London
Posts: 2,238
|
I agree, the seagull clone of the 6497/6498 cost under £40 each and for tinkering or practicing they are a great movement.
|
19 September 2020, 02:53 AM | #7 |
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Colorado
Posts: 323
|
I'd also check out Mark Lovick https://www.watchrepairlessons.com/ and also this guy (a graduate of Mark's classes) Wristwatch revival https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD8...a4K682CQDGwEKQ
Mark's video classes are very good, and everything he says are also in print. Have fun! |
19 September 2020, 03:22 AM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Real Name: William
Location: Houston Texas
Watch: Rolex Datejust II
Posts: 761
|
I have been playing with 2414-A movements along with a few others, they are cheap and built like tanks, I got a lot of my stuff from Esslinger and ebay
__________________
Citizens Eco-Drive BL1258-53L Rolex DJII 116334, Tudor Heritage Black Bay 79230R Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT 231.13.43.22.02.004 Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur 1183.310/40 MAS Irukandji Vostok Komandirskie B&R BR0392-D-G-BR/SCA Vostok Komandirskie (Tank) South Bend Model 1 #716632 Vostok Amphibia (Sub) |
21 September 2020, 02:29 AM | #9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: Thomas
Location: London, England
Watch: rolex,seiko,Omega
Posts: 189
|
Yep 6497/8 is the way to go, best of luck. First watch I ever took apart was a Waltham traveller which had a similar large scale movement inside. Though that watch had an overcoil hairspring Which I would avoid when taking apart your first movement.
|
26 September 2020, 12:11 PM | #10 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: New York, NY
Watch: 16750 & 5513
Posts: 193
|
Quote:
I second Mike Lovick's videos. They are great and really show you step by step how to take apart and rebuild many movements. I'd also suggest getting the book The Theory of Horology as well as Henry Fried's "The Watch Repairer's Manual." Both are excellent and must reads. I'd also recommend joining AWCI and taking their classes. Right now, they are doing webinars, but they are also doing their "Explore Watchmaking" series from home. If you choose, you can purchase everything from them (including a 6497 from ETA or Chinese version), and a nice tool kit from Bergeon that contains a few extra things they throw in. Parts 3 and 4, I hope, will be forthcoming and cover lubrication and timing adjustments, respectively. (Parts 1 and 2 were basic assembly and escapement). Once Covid is over, they have on-site instruction that's excellent. Another avenue is to try to find an experienced watchmaker that will mentor you (this is what I have done, along with joining AWCI and getting books). A lot of watchmaking is book knowledge, but it's practice and practical tips and knowledge that make the difference. The more you practice under supervision, the better you'll get. To get all the tools you'll need, be ready for some sticker shock. Some of these things can be expensive (screwdriver set, tweezer set, an adequate bench, bench lighting, case cushion, movement holder, oilers, different oils and greases, ultrasonic cleaner...etc). But, you may be able to get some things used from a watchmaker who is retiring, or otherwise find a good deal. It's totally worth it even if you never do it for money - these things last a long time and you'll get a lot of enjoyment either servicing your own watches or putting watches together from various parts. And, if you go on eBay and see something you like listed as "parts only" or "not running," you'll be able to get it anyway and fix it . (Note: getting parts that are broken for some vintage pieces can be tough, but not impossible). |
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.