Leaderboard

HI Blake, At the point I'd started the Timezone course, I'd done a lot of reading, watching Mark's videos and I'd already disassembled/reassembled a watch so I was fairly familiar with the parts of a simple hand wind movement. So it was pretty easy to follow along. Some of the parts were different, but their function is the same. Regarding tools, I impulsively and rather needlessly upgraded my screwdrivers earlier this year. So I've got a set of the "French Made" drivers from Otto Frei just sitting around making my wife wonder how much I spent for them. I'd be happy to send them to you if you want them and that would free up some money for your tweezer budget. Don

Assembly The rust that was on the Centre Wheel and Pinion cleaned up real nice, So the first step was putting all the Gear Train, Mainspring, Winding Gears, and the Automatic Work onto the Main Plate, and then locate all those pivots once the Bridge was placed on top ... this movement is a good test of your patience and skill :) As it's not possible to wind up the Mainspring for testing the Pallet Fork, I decided to install the Keyless Work so I could wind it up While I was on this side I also removed the shock system and oiled it. It's a very interesting system, and extremely easy to clean and re-oil ... perhaps the easiest I've come across. Flipped the movement and installed the Pallet Fork and Balance ... then cleaned and oiled the shock system on the Balance Cock. Started ticking straight away with very nice amplitude. Next was the rest of the Motion Work and Calendar Work Date Ring and Cover Plate back in place Lastly the Dial and Hands replaced. Again this movement used H3 tubes on the Dial and Hands, so very little clearance when fitting the hands. Back on the Timegrapher ... and she's purring like a kitten :) I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the wonderful gift he has given me, I really enjoy this work, and every movement is an adventure. I hope you've enjoyed it as well, and it helps those who come across this movement to service or repair.

go slow with the dremel... heat build-up= cracks

I'm with Anil on this one. I'd be reluctant to try and repair a scratch or two as it would probably be impossible to predict the end result. Btter to live with it and, at some later date, have the whole bezel professionally refinished.

Hi Blake, I tell you, I loved working on the Seiko 7S26 as per the course. It only teach you how to disassemble it and partly assemble back. The ofrei one is expensive but steers you in the right direction towards being a hobbyist watchmaker but in no way it is a complete course either. You also get an online -- and very knowledgeable -- instructor. In addition, you learn oiling techniques, cleaning and a little bit about the most important stuff. All in all, I believe you would benefit from both. All that said, I would also get a working $20 ebay Seiko and/or ETA movement for practicing. I personally hate to learn in a brand new movement considering the long road of mistakes...One thing I would do first is the Seiko which is inexpensive and buy along with the working movement some junk movements for parts in case I lose a screw, spring or anything else. I would definitely have at least one spare hairspring and invest in the proper tools, not the cheapo recommended in the Seiko tutorial. make sure, if you go that way, the junk movements are of the same type, i.e. 7S26 is not a 7S36 (although most parts are interchangeable, check section about them) and versions A, B and C are not quite exactly the same. Until you get well acquainted with these slight but sometimes meaningful differences I would stick to the same exact movement for replacement. It is also important to get the service data of the movement you work with and consider ordering new parts from suppliers if/when necessary. We have a section on tools here you can browse and several discussions on cleaning and oiling that will benefit you in order to choose the proper stuff to buy. Ofrei usually describe and clarifies uses and particularities of many items he sells: his page makes good reading. Also, it is essential to watch Mark's videos that illustrate the proper techniques and give you the inside of how to work the movements. I hope it helps, Cheers, Bob