Newbie from the Midlands

[Juniorp72]

Hello, new member here from the Midlands.

I've been a keen watch collector for some time and I like to wear a nice watch and have a small collection of modern watches. Then a few months ago I started looking at vintage watches and bought a couple, one specifically for my birth year (1972). Then.... this happened! I became a casualty of Covid and I have been made redundant. So with plenty of time on my hands and the need to keep myself mentally active i've decided to engage in the hobby further. I don't have transferable skills directly from my career but I am willing to give this a shot and see where it takes me.

I ordered the equipment required to get started and completed Levels 1&2 of Mark's courses.

My first major frustration was when removing the balance end stone the shock spring some how didn't hinge and came out, I picked it up with the tweezers and away it flew! So after an hour (or 6 ) looking for the spring and trying to find one to order I felt quite demoralised and gave up looking. The following morning whilst having a coffee at my work station I could not believe my luck, there it was blending into the work top. So all ended well this time but a real test/realisation for me as I embark on this journey.

I've now started practising and yesterday dismantled my first project, which appears to have gone well with no flying parts... but there is a date complication so will be a new challenge in reassembly. I've added a little more equipment and today I should take delivery of a watch cleaning machine (without a manual ).

Happy to be here and look forward to learning more and progressing my skills.

[Nucejoe]

Welcome to the forum.

[watchweasol]

Hello and welcome to the forum    when working with small parts which are prone to flight cover the area with a clear plastic bag or work inside the bag errant parts will not escape then. As you get more profficient with the tools etc and your confidence increases dispense with the bag.  do not get frustrated put down the tools and walk away to try later when calm. Bear in mind I should like to guess that 95 Percent of us have been in the same situation more than once, I certainly have and freely admit it . You are not alone.

[oldhippy]

Thank you for your introduction and welcome to this friendly forum.

[clockboy]

Welcome to the forum, your are experiencing the joys and frustrations of horology. Thats what makes it compulsive for many, enjoy.