Getting ready to regulate my 3135!

[LordNinja]

I'm not a watch maker however I do love it as a hobby. I've recently been gearing up [No pun intended] for handling a microstella wrench to regulate my 16610.

It's been a lot of fun. Granted, if I do damage the watch I am prepared to pay for any damages done.. though I find it unlikely as I progress. I've even ordered an extra 3135 to practice on.

So far it's mostly just getting a feel for the tools and working on cheaper movements. Really excited about my progress so far. I just started reading a book on the subject to avoid some bad habits!

Looking forward to bugging you guys for info/posting pictures of what I'm up to/answering question to others.

[sleddog]

Good for you Chris....
It looks like you've got a good set-up to tackle the task!
Watchmaking is a trade of meticulous workmanship..I wish you well!

[LordNinja]

Thanks man, my biggest enemy right now is dust on my crystal and dial...i want to known how to clean the dial and face. I've been using Rodico putty with some success but there is a spec of what looks like lume on the underside of my crystal... was there before i started, tried attacking it with Rodico, still lives on... i assume a ultra sonic cleaner? I am sure the gaskets would come off prior.. The question is: After the sonic, what about air drying leaving marks? Otherwise even microfiber seems to leave behind lint... hmmm I ranted for a moment.. anyway, I have not yet tried ultra sonic.. any tips anyone?

[LordNinja]

Thanks Chris, I'm working on it! Not something to do after 5 cups of coffee that's for sure. I've been lucky to get some instruction here and there so far. I basically bought a whole ton of tools all in one go to avoid attempting a job without the right tool.. For the most part I have all the bases covered.

Next up timing machine and microstella wrench for regulation.

[Bugsy123]

Considering that I am new to the world of Rolex, how will this help improve your time piece?

[LordNinja]

It will allow me to adjust how much time it gains or loses.

So that it is more accurate.

[Bugsy123]

Sounds complex ..from what I picked up so far from some of the threads, if you are able to master this, it would be cheaper than sending it to the RSC.

[LordNinja]

Just as an update, I have a LG case opening on the way and a timing machine! The Microstella wrench is alluding me because I want original Rolex part.. not the generic! Soon!

[BNA/LION]

WOW Brother! You are diving deep. Good for you. I just send my watches into the watchmaker when they need a tune up. Best of luck!

[08pirate]

Awesome! I undertook this feat w my pams.. Just the 6497 movement bunch... Can't say I'm balsy enough to do so w Rolex, good luck and it looks like your off the the right start.

[08pirate]

I forgot, post pics of step by step? I love that. Cheers!

[LordNinja]

I'll be posting pics step by step once I get the nicer case opener [LG] and the timing machine coupled with the microstella wrench. Easing into it to really get the sense of the weight and feel of the tools. Rikki has been wonderful giving me some tips every so often and suggesting things like movement holders.

If I fail and damage something like the balance staff it will be after much preparation and hard work.

It's interesting because rolex of course uses a Breguet overcoil so you cannot just turn a dial as on some movements and adjust the rate. Very interesting stuff indeed.

[LordNinja]

Update: Rikki suggested the Bergeon 4040 movement holder, as my Horotec is only meant for the 3035 and will not be interchangeable with a 3135 after all!

I picked one of those up and also got a LG Openall and got away from the T style bergeon 5537.. which is good because in the picture, you should note the 5537 broke! The little ball popped out of the side from wear, the same day the new opener arrived! Haha.. it knew it's time had come.

I found the 5537 slipped even with even and true pressure applied.. looking at the teeth it's no surprise... I took one of the die from the LG and set it on the back of my 16610.. gave it a little turn with my hand and found absolute resistence that impressed me after seeing how poorly formed the 5337 die were.... So there you go!

As for the No. 4040 movement holder? It's fantastic.. looks like a solid crafted holder that I will trust going forward.

I'll upload another complete list of my tools/pics after my timing machine gets here.. :smoking:

Thanks again Rikki for all your advice and patience! The study continues.

[Johny]

great stuff chris. very interesting.

[LordNinja]

Thanks Johnny, I know a lot of people pop open watches but I am in it for the long haul.. Even going for the certification a lot of our fine forum watchmakers have.. the cent. 21 one.

I'm finding it exceptionally fulfilling and challenging. Also, I feel like I am 'closer' to my watches if that makes any sense.

[brkanand]

It is a fantastic hobby and I congratulate on your new found passion. Keep posting.

[LordNinja]

Indeed!

Update: Timing machine should arrive the 28th? And I just purchased a Microstella wrench from Otto Frei & Jules Borel Inc.

I wanted the original Rolex Ref2019 however they are very hard to find.. So I bought the highest quality 'generic' I could.. So all things are in place just have to wait for the orders to arrive.. then it's go time.

[Rikki]

Just curious what kind of timing machine? Rikki

[LordNinja]

A cheaper one Rikki, but it does include a reading for amplitude:

Timing Machine Multifunction Timegrapher 1000

I am not sure if you've used it yet but I'll let you know how it works.. Chances are you have something more industrial but after reviewing the differences beyond the mic sensors it's subtle. So we will see.. stay tuned for what I buy for a pressure tester :o

[LordNinja]

It also does six pos.

[LordNinja]

http://www.timegrapher.com/tymc/mtg_1000.html

"measuring of beat rate [s/d]
measuring of beat error [ms]
automatic beat number detection (can also be set manually)
measurable beat numbers: 18.000, 19.800, 21.600, 25.200, 28.800 and 36.000 a/h
acoustic watch beat simulation (can be switched off)
measuring of amplitude [°]"

[LordNinja]

Pic from site

[handsfull]

Wow Chris.....I'm envying ya!

I've been slowly buying my tools (I never buy cheap tools/I'm a mechanic by day) and they aren't cheap! I've also been looking at that Graph for about a year now, please let me know your honest opinion on it.....Great thread BTW.

[britincali]

I love this thread!!!

[LordNinja]

I'm glad you guys are enjoying my journey. :) I'll keep posting.

[Rikki]

Looks like it covers most of the bases and running a little fast lol

[LordNinja]

What my journey? Haha...

[LordNinja]

Rikki, if you mean my pace, that's how I am in everything I do. Life's too short to bank on the future for too long...I believe if you can do it today without hurting anyone, and you have a passion for it... Go for it full spirited! Hahaha...

[LordNinja]

Or did you mean the graph! LOL. The slope of line? Spiked in the picture.

[handsfull]

I think Rikkis referring to the graph.