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As a long time equipment mechanic I deal with how small things have gotten over the last 25+ years.  After watching hours of video it seemed to me watch repairs/tinkering might help me keep my small assembly skills in tune.  Makes me feel old having to wear a magnifier or loupe now when "back in the day" we used a breaker bar and hammer to fine tune that .03mm clearance.

I'm currently looking at a ST2130 movement for a first inexpensive build to get me rolling before I dive in deeper.  Basics first. 
I've also had my eye out for an inexpensive, even broken, movement to play with but haven't had much luck yet.  Any recommendations on an easy/cheep movement to start with?

Cheers 

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eBay has a plethora os movements, with case still attached, for next to nothing.  Horological schools usually recommend a particular movement for class work and practice.  However, if you simply want to pull it apart to see how it works and then try to put it back together, buy anything that ticks.  You can pick up a “dollar watch”, times, etc or other vintage unmarked movements for next to nothing.  Seeing things move together is far more important, IMHO, than a specific movement.

do be careful!  You may spark a new expensive hobby! :-)

cheers from Texas

John Allen

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4 hours ago, NavinRJohnson said:

I'm not a big fan of eBay so I think I'll just continue to scout the thrift shops for a pocket watch or even clock. Was also my thought a larger movement should be my first go.

Ebay (or AliX for new items only) are definitely your friends, be it for a new watch build, parts or restoration project without the hassle of driving around just to find that IF there was something interesting for a good price it has been taken already. 

Watch this video by our host Mark Lovick and consider enrolling the online course for a complete, gradual education and certification. 

 

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