Jump to content

Recommended Posts

I started working on watches the backwards way.  Bought tools and bench and supplies WITHOUT tinkering first.  Then bought a series of videos put out by a gentleman on Pocket Watch repair/ rebuild, service etc….  Well known dvds.  Didn’t realize when I purchased them that they are ALL about pocket watches.  Fussee movements and all.  Though they have been a help, there are tons of gaps in his teaching.  Plus he never says you need a good, working pocket watch to be a part of the videos.  He teaches by taking apart, cleaning, and rebuilding a working movement.  With the dozen movements I have coming, I am hoping to dig in and get some repaired.  I also just bought out a large vintage watch part lot.  Still sealed in factory packs.  Crystals to Complete Omega 3 wheel sets.  I’m excited.  Also like someone’s “watch breaker” comment 🤣

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’m finding by fiddling with the crown while front is open, I can get the movement to drop down enough to see the battery.  I haven’t committed yet to actually pulling.  I haven’t run across another so don’t want to break the movement.  If this model was the cheap throw away, then I am assuming the stem and crown are original to the watch.  I just can’t bring myself to start yanking.  I can’t believe this exact model sold in 69’ for $110.00 🤣

Alright.  Took the plunge and put some real force on the stem.  As you can see, it IS a split stem.  I am impressed by how clean it looks.  Thank you again for all the suggestions and input.  I will post my progress in it as I go.  

image.jpg

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Update!  Finally got the battery needed for the movement, and is running superbly.  Dial has a few chips off the paint, the case is still rough, but cleaned up nicely.  Crystal is not in the best of shape, but personally believe it’s original. Also found an old magazine ad that touted this model as Wylers first delve into electronic watches.  Not sure if I am reading it correctly.  Sold for 110 dollars in 1969.   If anyone could confirm or deny Ide be greatly thankful.  

DCA57CEA-E103-4504-97D3-F3EB1C2D286F.jpeg

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • I'll have a look for it, but don't hold your breathe. Failing that I'll make another video when another bezel needs to be removed.
    • The UK lots can be a 404 hit or miss, 6 - 10 watches can come in anywhere from 20 - 50 quid. I once had a 404 division of 8 watches for a fraction over 30 quid, one of them was a Smiths Astral model National 17 an absolute certainty for winner contender. The crystal was scrached up to the point of being very difficult to see the brand, something triggered a gut feeling in me and it paid off.
    • I just picked up this Mondaine quartz watch on tradera.com for £11. It's a non-runner so I will replace the Ronda movement (£10.95 at Cousins), polish the case, replace the case-back gasket, and replace the mineral crystal. Now, the problem is finding a suitable crystal. The original crystal is slightly domed (2.4mm thick dome), measures 36.4mm in diameter, and is 1.3mm thick at the edge. The closest I can get on CousinsUK is 36.5mm in diameter, 3.1mm thick dome, and 1.5mm thick at the edge. I think the replacement crystal would look OK, but the problem is finding a suitable glass gasket. The case diameter for the glass gasket is 36.9mm and the closest glass gasket I can find on CousinsUK is either 36.8x36.0mm or 37.0x36.2mm. I guess one of those glass gaskets could work but as you can see there's no way the 36.5mm domed crystal would fit the inner diameters of those glass gaskets. I guess I will have to give up on a domed crystal, no? So, the backup plan is to use a (1.5mm) thick flat mineral crystal as the diameters come in increments of 0.1mm. But, what glass gasket would be the better option? The one with an outer diameter of 36.8 (0.1mm too small) or the one with an outer diameter of 37.0mm (0.1mm too large). Again the case diameter for the glass gasket is 36.9mm. I believe I read or heard that the crystal diameter should be 0.1mm wider than the inner diameter of the glass gasket. Is that correct? I'm sorry for all the numbers. I've tried to make it as clear as I could. So, I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. BTW, measuring and sourcing crystals and gaskets is extremely time-consuming! 😓
    • Lots to choose from... Just sayin'.
    • Thank you for your introduction and welcome to this friendly forum. We all look forward to your contributions and continued involvement. 
×
×
  • Create New...