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Clean that watch [message #7225] Tue, 06 September 2016 21:06 Go to next message
Timeticker is currently offline  Timeticker
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Registered: June 2013
Location: Somewhere in the world
Gruen Master
ok, long over due, and short on time!

1.) If you're just starting watch repair, DO NOT start on your Mother's/Aunts'/Uncle's/ or whatever, vintage highly prized watch. I suggest starting with an old parts Gruen just to familiarize yourself with the components and names of the same.
a.) Purchase a few inexpensive tools, like a set of jeweler's screw drivers, a loupe, a nice work lamp, and take advantage of what is available on Ebay. More often than not, you can get some really good deals out of the Swamp.
b.) You can buy some CD's online for beginners, and of course, there is always plenty of people here to help.
c.) I want some of the Gruenites to chime in and offer what they suggest can be purchased. I can talk forever, but there are folks out there that know this stuff as good as I do, and if not...way better!!!


People you thought were your best friends will stab you in the back to your face!

Love them anyway.
A "Paradoxical Commandment"

[Updated on: Tue, 11 July 2017 12:34]

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Re: Clean that watch [message #7235 is a reply to message #7225] Thu, 08 September 2016 02:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JackW is currently offline  JackW
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Registered: May 2013
Location: Denver
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Timeticker wrote on Tue, 06 September 2016 21:06
Purchase a few inexpensive tools, like a set of jeweler's screw drivers,
I'd say that this is the first thing that you should not skimp on... I did buy inexpensive screw drivers (Pakistan made) at first and now own a Swiss made set. For some reason, I cannot readily explain.... cheap drivers slip. This can lead to scratching a plate (best case) or damaging a hairspring (worst case).

Other things you can skimp on; not these and good drivers from the get-go will help build confidence.

My 2¢...

Other peoples 2¢...
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f6/getting-started-guide-watchm aking-tools-688276.html


All I know is based on hard work & writing by others. I can only aspire to augment this body of knowledge. If I am wrong it is because of my own failings. -me

"If I have seen farther it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." - Newton
Re: Clean that watch [message #7239 is a reply to message #7235] Thu, 08 September 2016 10:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Thojil is currently offline  Thojil
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Registered: May 2013
Location: Concorès, France
Gruen Master
JackW wrote on Thu, 08 September 2016 04:50
Other things you can skimp on; not these and good drivers from the get-go will help build confidence.

Ditto, spend money on good tools if you can. You can work on a car with cheap tools, but on something as small and sensitive as a movement you can do a lot of damage using poor quality tools.
Re: Clean that watch [message #7272 is a reply to message #7239] Sat, 10 September 2016 23:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Timeticker is currently offline  Timeticker
Messages: 568
Registered: June 2013
Location: Somewhere in the world
Gruen Master
No, if you're getting started, the whole premise is to not waste money if you're not interested. You Gents missed my point. I've seen way too many people throw money at this, then walk away disgusted because they got defeated. However, I do value your opinions as both of you carry years of experience.

People you thought were your best friends will stab you in the back to your face!

Love them anyway.
A "Paradoxical Commandment"
Re: Clean that watch [message #7273 is a reply to message #7272] Sat, 10 September 2016 23:52 Go to previous message
Timeticker is currently offline  Timeticker
Messages: 568
Registered: June 2013
Location: Somewhere in the world
Gruen Master
No see, I've been a mechanic for years, I would never dream of working on someone's car with cheap tools! Superb point Thojil!! Please keep the comments coming. Maybe we can get someone hooked!!! Jack, you're right about the driver set. The cheap ones are softer metal, and seem to wear out really quickly. Ok, new hopeful Gruenites, please DO buy a nice set of drivers. Thanks guys!

People you thought were your best friends will stab you in the back to your face!

Love them anyway.
A "Paradoxical Commandment"

[Updated on: Tue, 11 July 2017 12:35]

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