Starting Out

[AlexC]

So, just signed up and having read some of the post i fancy buying a broken watch off e bay and seeing if i can get it going again.

 

Any recomendations on what i should buy ? Ideally should be a simple a movement as i can get, plentiful and cheap to buy, really easy to work on !!

 

Cheers

[Geo]

I think you should buy an old movement that actually works, strip it down, re-assemble and see if it still works before tackling something that is broken. Once you can do that buy a watch that doesn't work and try and fix it.

[bobm12]

I second Geo's advise. I'll even say, if your funds allow, buy a new watch and do Geo's recommendation with it.

 

Make sure it is a popular and regular to big size movement (11 1/2 ligne or bigger) they are better to start with. Good candidates are: ETA 6497, 6498, 2801 family (2801, 2804, 2824, 2836) and similar, Seiko 7S26 family and more modern equivalents, Citizen 8200 and similar. In fact, something with service data available so you can follow the diagram of where every thing goes, oil schedule, etc. (you might be cleaning and oiling later down the road). Be prepared to mess up your first hairspring (so parts should be available to replace the broken one), some pivots, etc. If you don't good, if you do, no problem as long as the part can be replaced and the error learned.

 

You can also take an online class and most important, whatever you do, watch lots of related movies (youtube) specially Mark's movies (link on this site's top bar) which are perfect and to the point. Most recommended is his servicing an ETA 2824-2 in two parts: good for beginners and experts alike.

 

Also, buy good tools mostly good tweezers and good screwdrivers, that's where your money should go first. Otherwise you will be frustrated and very disappointed. Tweezers are paramount and should be learned and used as an extension of your body...those are your hands in watchmaking.

 

Suppliers like cousinsUK, ofrei, borel, esslinger and similar -- depending where you are hailing from -- are your main support...and don't forget ebay!

Edited November 23, 2014 by bobm12

[clockboy]

In my humble opinion & I know some might disagree but start by stripping and re-assembling a clock. The parts are much bigger but the principles are exactly the same. 

Edited November 23, 2014 by clockboy

[canthus]

I too took up this hobby about 2 years ago.   I purchased cheap movements from ebay etc but found most were broken and struggled to find the faults then didn't know how to fix them!!.  After many old movements and still no working one I tried a different tack!   I purchased some low cost NOS movements in pairs or triples.  This allowed me to mess about with one but still have a good copy when things went wrong.

 

Try

www.globalwatchstraps.com  who have an ebay shop [email protected].

 

They are based in Netherlands but service is good and quick delivery.

Edited November 23, 2014 by canthus

[AlexC]

Thanks for the pointers guys. Looks like i will buy something cheap but working and see if i can get it to bits and back together again.

Will report progress as i go along

 

Cheers

[Gary]

I am thinking I need to go with the purchase those that are working. I am not sure on finding faults yet. I started about 3 months ago trying to purchase a tool here and there. 

I apologize to the Benrus and Westclox watch company for doing that to their watches. But I haven't given up!

 

Start with something working and move up!