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Hello Im collecting pocket watches

Jimmy2shoes
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Jimmy2shoes New Member

Jimmy2shoes

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I am looking to learn about pocket watch collecting and amateur repair. 

 

I want to learn pocket watch repair only and how to use the equipment. I have some questions. Will I really learn enough from online repair courses and what course is out there that is focused on pocket watches? Who should I choose? Tick tok ?

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MrRoundel Super WRT Addict

MrRoundel

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Welcome, Jimmy2Shoes.

I can tell you one thing, if you're getting into American pocket watches right now you're getting in at a very good time. Your pocket watch dollar goes a lot further than it did 5-10 years ago. You can buy some amazing quality American PW movements, without cases, for very little money today. With gold prices being pretty high right now the "meltables" are coming out of the woodwork. While it's best if you can get your hands on the complete watch, sometimes you/we get there a little late to save the case from melting.

I learned to work on pocket watches about 20 years ago. I purchased a set of VHS tape lessons that were made by a guy named Bob Tascione. He's still selling his courses, only now they are almost exclusively done online. But I'll bet you can still get a set of DVD courses from him. Sometimes you can even find them second hand on the auction site.

On the WatchRepairtalk site here, you get a mix that is mostly guys who work on wrist-watches. That's not to say they don't know pocket watches, just that they have chosen to work on wrist-watches for now.

I am just a hobbyist type. Most repairs I do are relatively simple, i.e., don't require great lathe, or other specialty tool, skills. Get good with screwdrivers, tweezers, etc., and you'll be on your way. Oh, and try to use your head as you go. You want to see problems happening before they occur, and thereby avoid creating them.

Good luck with your collecting and repairing journey. That's a nice looking Rockford. And it's in a sturdy Silverode/Silveroid/Nickelsilver case with a nice thick crystal. Even your holder is cool. Enjoy. Cheers.

 

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watchweasol Distinguished Member

watchweasol

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Hello and welcome to the forum,  I dont think I know of any courses specifically for pocket watches  but the same principals exist when repairing wrist watches only on a grander scale, so learning the wrist watch theory and practice will put you in good stead for pocket watches. Marks videos on the site and his courses will set you up well. I have attached the glossary of terms which applies across both disciplines.

TZIllustratedGlossary.pdf

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FLwatchguy73 Super WRT Addict

FLwatchguy73

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Welcome aboard @Jimmy2shoes. I'm not sure if you're aware of the site or not, but the Pocket Watch Database is an excellent resource for American pocket watches. All you need is the brand and serial number to begin investigating your watch. Plus, you can add your watches to their archive. I've uploaded 9 of my watches already. Here is the link: https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/

BTW, don't be shy, feel free to ask any questions you may have, we're all friendly and between us all, we have enough knowledge and experience to answer nearly any question you may have.

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