Getting started

[OCB]

Hi all,

 

I introduced myself back in the intro forum, so hello again

My basic aims for the next 3 months are to:

1. Try and figure out what’s wrong with my Seiko5. Probably it’s a Feiko, but I still like it. It didn’t cost much from fleabay, but it got left too close to the sink for a day, I saw humidity on the inside of the crystal, I dried it out - but since then it just won’t keep a charge. It was already pretty poor in that respect, only keeping going for 12 hours or so. I presume at least the capacitor needs replaced.

2. Go through a lot of dud watches I bought from eBay, and simply change the batteries and see what happens. There are a bunch of LCD that I like, and probably they just need batteries.

3. Get myself set up with tools and decent learning material. Many years back (as in the late 80s), I started fixing my own car, then my folks, then friends cars etc. I learned a bunch of lessons from that - one being “right tool for the job” and another being “know what you’re doing”. Sure, I could bodge with the best, and get by with the wrong kit. 
 

I’ve seen mention of a video training course, talk of what tools to get first etc - but to be honest I’m getting a bit overloaded. Where should I start? Is there someone else like me, but a bit further down the line, who can point me in the right direction.

I do miss being a “fixer”. I’m an IT guy by profession, I fix things all the time, but nothing “real” any more.

I’d happily have a workshop with loads of old cars etc, but I don’t have the space/money - and tbh I don’t miss freezing my wotzits off, ripping knuckles off rusty manifolds, being covered in oil/grease etc. 

Nothing quite like taking something mechanical/electro-mechanical and getting it working again though, even when others have given up! I guess that’s why I’m getting into watches. They certainly take up a lot less space

[VWatchie]

If you don't want to worry about pinging and destroying watch parts (which can happen even when you're seasoned) get yourself some Vostok calibre 2409s to begin tinkering with. Extremely affordable and plenty on eBay, for example these which look pretty intact (but don't take my word for it). You might find my Vostok 2409 Service Walkthrough useful where I also explain why this movement is so special to me. Good luck and see you around!

[watchweasol]

Hi welcome, watchie is spot on, get plenty of playthings to learn on and have a close look ay Mark' videos on the site, you can learn a lot from them. Also get some good reference books.

[OCB]

Cheers.

I had a look for books last week, first on Amazon, then here and a couple of other forums.

I’m a bit lost what “good reference books” I should get 

The Fried book, I’m a bit worried it’ll be too advanced for a complete beginner, for example.

[vinn3]

get a couple,  one for vintage and one for modern watches. get a stack of repair videos. what ever it takes to learn.   good luck;  vin

[watchweasol]

Hi  Books By Donald De Carle, Practical watch Repairing. are a good starting point There are many to choose from, On this site Mark has produced many dood and instructional videos (uTube). Give them a close look and move on from there. 

[OCB]

 Bought my first book:
”Repairing Quartz LCD and Analog Watches Volume 3”

I also like the look of the early 80s “books” from Zanoni called “Digital Watch Repair Manual” and “Quartz Watch Repair Manual”. I saw from one comment on YouTube that they aren’t repair manuals, just manuals explaining the principles of how they work.

I’ll also get stuck into the “David” videos

I will also order the de Carle books.

 

[watchweasol]

Hi   there are some books that just explain the theory and do not venture into the nitty gritty of repair. They are good to read to understand the principals. have a look on this site under resources there is a heading for books most of these are of the practical nature

[OCB]

I got some eBay “basic” tools through the post. I will upload details and photos at the weekend.

At the very least, I’ll be able to open the case backs, and change (or at least remove) a bunch of batteries! That, and see how bad things are with my Seiko/Feiko...

Numpty question of the day #1 - where to buy batteries? Reluctantly I went with one of those  A4 blister pack cards with the various sizes. 50 or 60 batteries cost less than one single battery at my local specialist shop!

Numpty question #2 - how many on here have “formal/professional” qualifications? I’m not seriously thinking about enrolling for the BHI course - although I guess their training material should be good?

Saying that, I’m hitting a half century- maybe starting (another) career track that could see me busy until I pop my clogs might not be such a bad idea

 

[jdm]

On 1/5/2020 at 5:24 PM, OCB said:

I’d happily have a workshop with loads of old cars etc, but I don’t have the space/money - and tbh I don’t miss freezing my wotzits off, ripping knuckles off rusty manifolds, being covered in oil/grease etc. 

^^^ This