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Posted

Thank you for allowing me to join this forum.

I have been an electronic technician, repairing industrial controls for over 30 years. 

I'm very interested in learning more about clocks and watches, I'm fascinated by movements. I am looking for older clocks in need of repair, I think I would enjoy that very much. Is there much of a market for restoring them and reselling them?

I see a lot for sale on ebay, but in the electronics world I have to be very careful with them. I was wondering if ebay is a good place to buy older clocks to work on, or are there better places?

I really appreciate your wisdom and advice, and hopefully I'll learn enough to be able to answer some questions myself.

Ayron

Posted
15 hours ago, ayrond said:

I see a lot for sale on ebay, but in the electronics world I have to be very careful with them. I was wondering if ebay is a good place to buy older clocks to work on, or are there better places?

Welcome to another electronic aficionado (I am an EE).

Regarding Ebay and tools, I suggest that you purchase the basic fundamental tools (screwdrivers, tweezers, etc.) new from a retailer.  Somewhere on this forum, there is a list of the basic tools.  Ebay is a crap shoot for these kinds of things.

Watchmaker tools are very hot on Ebay, and sellers will hawk almost anything as a "watchmaker's" tool, so be very diligent about reviewing pictures and ask the seller questions.

I recently purchased a collection of lathe tools from a seller.  It consisted of collets, gravers, and several other tools that attach to the lathe.  The gravers were advertised as NOS--they were not.  I don't think the seller was intentionally deceiving...he was just clueless.  The collets, on the other hand, were simply incredible.  I swear they are (for the most part) brand new.  I could not believe my eyes when they arrived.  So, in this instance, it was a mixed bag, but a successful purchase.

If a seller lays out the tools carefully so that you can inspect the pictures, I think your chances are better.  If they pile them up where you cannot see missing parts, move along, these are not the watchmaking tools you are looking for.

Of course...all this advice applies to anything (power supplies, computer parts, etc.)

I am relatively new to the forum, but what I have found is that the members are super helpful and knowledgeable.  Do not hesitate to bounce off ideas of tools you want to buy.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Hi guys.

I was referring to old clocks, but I'm really starting to think I'm more into watches.

I don't see many places other than estate sales and eBay to purchase these. I'm hoping for some that aren't working properly, so that I can repair them.

Is eBay a good source, and what things should I look for to let me know if something is worthless or if it might be a gem?

Your input is valuable to me, and as soon as I'm able to be proficient I'll gladly help others with what I learn.

Posted
5 minutes ago, ayrond said:

Hi guys.

I was referring to old clocks, but I'm really starting to think I'm more into watches.

I don't see many places other than estate sales and eBay to purchase these. I'm hoping for some that aren't working properly, so that I can repair them.

Is eBay a good source, and what things should I look for to let me know if something is worthless or if it might be a gem?

Your input is valuable to me, and as soon as I'm able to be proficient I'll gladly help others with what I learn.

Why don't you show pix of tne the watch & its movement. 

Considering the cost of spare parts, I recommend getting two similar pieces, lots of ST96 for sale on ebay India and real inexpensive, you would have a spare for any parts you might need.

Posted

Here is what I have purchased this weekend. The pictures show the movement first, then the face.

Apparently, all of these need work and most of them were between $45 to $80.

The Hamilton was a little bit more, but I really liked it.

 

Screenshot_20210314-102355_eBay.jpg

Screenshot_20210314-102336_eBay.jpg

Screenshot_20210314-102251_eBay.jpg

Screenshot_20210314-102229_eBay.jpg

Screenshot_20210314-102111_eBay.jpg

Screenshot_20210314-102052_eBay.jpg

Screenshot_20210314-102203_eBay.jpg

Screenshot_20210314-102144_eBay.jpg

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