Proper usage of aluminum movement holder

[ManSkirtBrew]

I'm working on a Rolex 2135 movement, and I figured for $15 I'd buy the Horotec movement holder specifically for that caliber.

Having never used one like this, I feel kind of dumb making this post, but I have to be missing something.

The bottom side here has a rabbet (or rebate) around the inside, and the movement fits nicely into it. The problem is that it's not held in by friction in any way, making it difficult to work on the movement, since it's always slipping around.

 

The top side has no shoulder/rebate, but the movement doesn't fit inside. There is a ridge around the edge of the main plate, but for the life of me I can't get it to fit, and even then I'd only be working on the dial side.

What am I missing here?

[Kalanag]

Good question!

[JohnR725]

11 hours ago, Kalanag said:

Good question!

I found a video and is it helpful not really. Usually the center things that are adjustable are for supporting things when you're putting the hands-on. But it would be so much more helpful in a video like this if somebody would put the watch in the holder

https://youtu.be/AjtldGQyA9I

 

 

[Kalanag]

2 hours ago, JohnR725 said:

…Usually the center things that are adjustable are for supporting things when you're putting the hands-on…

That means that this side of the holder is intended to be used with the dial up. Most likely the ridge around the edge of the main plate rests on the holder.

 

Edited October 16, 2022 by Kalanag

[ManSkirtBrew]

5 hours ago, JohnR725 said:

I found a video and is it helpful not really.

Thank you! I found all of those JEWELLERYTRADE videos, and came to the same conclusion.

[Klassiker]

When you are working on the movement side (1st picture), put the stem in. At least then the movement won't turn in the holder when you are turning the screws.

[ManSkirtBrew]

8 hours ago, Klassiker said:

put the stem in. At least then the movement won't turn in the holder when you are turning the screws

I also thought that, and it turns out the movement sits just high enough that the stem doesn't sit in the hole. Ah well.

What I've been doing is using the clamp holder for the movement side, and the Horotec one for the dial side. Seems silly, but feels a lot safer.

[Klassiker]

I think the holder is either faulty, or the wrong one for this movement.

[JohnR725]

3 hours ago, Klassiker said:

think the holder is either faulty, or the wrong one for this movement.

I wonder if these things ever get cloned and sold on eBay?

then sometimes hard to find discussions because of their peculiar titles. We had a discussion the other day about movement holders and there's a catalog page you can download a picture. The round reversible holder with knob as described might be a better option for this watch. There definitely nice holders if you have around movement and because the knob allows you to open the holder dropped the movement in and that it closes over the edges or closes and touches the edges is better it then holds the movement securely

https://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/24594-technique-for-cannon-pinion-dial-and-hands-for-an-automatic-watch