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I could be wrong here but that looks an awful lot like a fibreglass scratch brush, in which case I would recomend extreme caution in respect to exactly what you brush with it. This type of brush is extremely aggressive and as such it is great for removing rust from steel parts or for imarting a fine grained effect on softer metals. However, if you use it on movement plates that are plated there is a good chance that you will go through the plating, and if you are trying to clean parts that have anything other than a brushed or straight grained finish to them, then you could very easily end up damaging the finish. A good half way point between the very gentle artists brush and the aggressive fibreglass brush can be found in the toileteries aisle at the supermarket. Tooth brushes, especially the smaller childrens brushes, are great for hand cleaning movement plates, and for the more fiddly bits have a look for interdental brushes. These are like miniature bottle brushes and come in a variety of sizes from 0.4mm up to about 1.1mm (size of the wire core) and have relatively stiff nylon bristles, so they are really good for getting into all of the nooks and cranies. And of course you can get your tooth picks at the same time.

http://www.amazon.com/Jewelers-Work-Bench-Metal-Drawer/dp/B0011565KC?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 This is the bench I got. Arrived today and after assembly I am fairly impressed.

Ordered some laboratory hourglasses. They are 1.7-1.8mm thick. Just finished the domed glass for the Roskopf from one of them. The final diameter is 40.05mm. First, 45-46 mm middle was cut. Here is the finished crystal, the old plastic one, the front bezel and the tools i used. Desired diameter was reached with the diamond disc. 1000 Grit sandpaper, 3000 grit and finally 10000 grit diamond paste was used on the edge. Perfect heat-fitting. No fancy cement or glue However, i added some diluted UV glue on the edges after fitting to make sure it wont fall off. It will cure tomorrow on the sun Now i am waiting for the thin flat glass for the back bezel.

thanks to all that assisted, the Lacroix is beating away nicely

"Cleaned & Oiled with New Battery & Band" I can't believe he said that in the ebay add! NOTE: 17 jewels from the 60's! Cheers, Bob

Great advice! My jewelers bench should arrive today, so I will have a better working surface to practice on. I will be on the lookout for a brush like the one you described oldhippy, THANKS!

I've asked the seller for a good close up picture of the movement. I'll let you know what I get, more then likely a picture of another watch.

He suggested lighter fluid and a soft artist brush to clean, and isopropyl alcohol for the rinse. Using sharpened toothpicks to clean the jewels. That is the way I would also suggest you go about starting. There is nothing out there better then a good proper watch cleaning machine.

3AX125FEASB or 3AX125FEASM Even if from a popular model is not guaranteed at all you can find it easily. Try asking Dagaz or Yobokies if they have one left from mods. Or place a replacement hand and have him come back when you have it.

this is an enjoyable thread. my main hobbie outside of watch collecting (and an attempt at repairing them,) is leatherworking, photography and motorcycles. i have been leatherworking for about 18 years and i really enjoy it. i do most of my work during the winter months when i am snowbound, but since moving to durham, NC, i'm not so snowbound. but i still keep at it. i have made motorcycle chaps, holsters, business card holders, watch straps and assorted other stuff. photography is something that i've done for about four years and i've got a long way to go to be even the slightest bit happy with my progress. thank god for digital cameras because it is way cheaper than film. i've been riding motorcycles for about 20 years. i graduated from a HD sportster custom to an aprilia falco. i bought the falco new in '03 and still love it. you can't beat V-twin torque. i haven't put it on the road yet this year, but i'm getting closer to riding it.

I'm not exactly sure what specific uses this could have but I'm sure it would come up, and now I want one and I think this is one of the most awesome bits of horological kit I've seen. I really like it.

My main hobby is rock climbing and has been for nearly 8 years, I like to climb 2-3 times per week. Outdoors if the UK weather allows, if it's raining or too cold (six months of the year!) then the indoor walls. My wife and I spend most of our holidays climbing in Europe, off to the Dolomites in six weeks, wahoo! I also enjoy motorbikes and I'm eagerly awaiting my new Ducati monster being delivered. The dealer reckons it should be here in three weeks, it's an early 40th birthday present from the wife. Ten months early but better off getting it in the summer! I was also learning to fly but it was pretty expensive and suitable flying weather rarely coincided with time off from work, so I've put it on hold for a year or two. As you can see I like to do everything outdoors so I had to find a hobby to get me through the depressing winters, very pleased to have found watch repairing and I will be adding a lathe this winter as well to keep me busy.

Finally the cannon pinion was wrapped in 2 layers of soft red copper and pulled off with plyers. One problem solved, three other discovered after cleaning the mainplate. Balance and 3rd wheel jewels are cracked. 4th wheel just chipped off a bit but will do. One dial retaining screw simply dont have threads just a tapered and and was pushed in his hole. A friend of mine who has a batch of ~200 jewels will search proper pieces for cheap. The jewels are wrapped in the baseplate metal, now i have to make that hole opener and closer tool.

I used to fly a lot but can't anymore. I liked every airplane I've ever flown but the 172 is my favourite by far. I did a little gliding but it was more expensive that powered flight!

All the parts are nicely soaking in lighter fluid at the moment - I don't want to contaminate my expensive watch cleaning solution.