You know you're into repairing watches when...

[VWatchie]

...it's New Year's Eve and you're sitting reading and writing on WRT.

...you start your timing machine before you start the coffee maker.

I guess there are many other ways to know, so please fill in with more signs that you are stuck in the repair quagmire

Edited December 31, 2023 by VWatchie

[RichardHarris123]

We are, we don't have a life?  But who gives a f£^k? Hehe.  Posted before, we're probably not normal.  I'm no way sober.  Happy New year to all. 

[HectorLooi]

My mentor warned me not put my watch repair bench in the bedroom. He often gets ready for bed, then decides to fiddle a little more and before he knows it, it's 3am.

I sometimes get up to go to the bathroom, then end up in my workshop assembling a movement. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

10 hours ago, HectorLooi said:

My mentor warned me not put my watch repair bench in the bedroom. He often gets ready for bed, then decides to fiddle a little more and before he knows it, it's 3am.

I sometimes get up to go to the bathroom, then end up in my workshop assembling a movement. 

I do exactly the same , my watchroom is in the room next to my bedroom, I've often stayed up till 2 and 3am then finally toddle off to bed . Its an addiction, a good addiction mentally but can get out of hand. We are just guys that love to fix stuff and proudly show off what we can achieve, its that recognition thing we get a buzz from positive feedback, who doesnt ?

Edited January 1 by Neverenoughwatches

[oldhippy]

This does not apply to me I'm retired. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

34 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

This does not apply to me I'm retired. 

Happy new year OH. But it must have surely in your earlier years, and you are here with us every day bantering and helping us learn. I know you get something out of that.

[oldhippy]

The same to you Happy New Year. Oh yes I really enjoy being on here still learning and I so much like helping. The difference for me there is no pressure in getting work finished I can relax and I do.  

[Waggy]

.... your YouTube homepage suggestions all have pictures of watches

... your wife calls you out for thinking about "why that click spring won't fit under the ratchet wheel" when she is in the middle of a conversation with you about her sisters new curtains

... you see something in a store that you immediately think how to repurpose it for using it in watchmaking

... you find yourself shaking your head and rolling your eyes when you friend expounds on their great new smart watch, and they are confused when you don't share their enthusiasm as they thought you 'like watches'

... you get in trouble for all those little bits of rodico bunging up the washing machine, vacuum cleaner etc...

... your family don't find it unusual to find you on your hands and knees with a magnet swearing at the floor and mumbling about springs/screws

... your family know better than to use those 'little screw drivers' to change the plug on the kettle

... your family know exactly what they are getting for every birthday/christmas gift

... you don't have any idea what time it is, or that 5 hours have elapsed since you started that 30 min quick fix despite being surrounded by watches and clocks

... your family start a conversation with the words "it's ok you don't have to look up..."

 

I'm sure I will think of more as the day goes on!

[rehajm]

I get caught digging around in the wife’s ‘beauty ‘ drawer where the makeup and kit are…and she knows exactly what I’m looking for…

…The nieces and nephews come for Christmas and instead of favourite Christmas movies want to watch  Kalle Slaap watchmaker from the Netherlands and Ed Sheeran on Hodinkee

4 hours ago, Waggy said:

your YouTube homepage suggestions all have pictures of watches

‘Why can’t you be normal and watch porn and Ozzyman?’

…you have to try and explain to the Brazilian lady that cleans your house why there are magnets on the bottom of the mop…

Edited January 2 by rehajm

[Waggy]

1 minute ago, rehajm said:

Kalle Slaap watchmaker from the Netherlands

ha ha, my wife likes watching him too, especially when he has his 'fish and chip' watches

[VWatchie]

4 hours ago, Waggy said:

.... your YouTube homepage suggestions all have pictures of watches

 Yep!

4 hours ago, Waggy said:

... you see something in a store that you immediately think how to repurpose it for using it in watchmaking

 That's how I survive an afternoon of shopping with my wife.

4 hours ago, Waggy said:

... you don't have any idea what time it is, or that 5 hours have elapsed since you started that 30 min quick fix despite being surrounded by watches and clocks

 "It'll only take a few minutes!" Three hours later: "Soon done!"

4 hours ago, Waggy said:

... your family start a conversation with the words "it's ok you don't have to look up..."

I wish 

4 hours ago, Waggy said:

I'm sure I will think of more as the day goes on!

Please! 

[Neverenoughwatches]

2 hours ago, rehajm said:

get caught digging around in the wife’s ‘beauty ‘ drawer where the makeup and kit are…and she knows exactly what I’m looking for…

Haha i bet loads of us do that, mine gets worried when she sees me looking at brushes, tweezers and sponges in the make-up aisle.  " do you have something to tell me hun " 

[rehajm]

3 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

do you have something to tell me hun " 

I do get side eye when the coupons from Sephora come in the mail…addressed to me.

[VWatchie]

...when you buy a specialized tool costing five times as much as the watch you're working on and that you will likely never have any use for again.

[oldhippy]

2 minutes ago, VWatchie said:

...when you buy a specialized tool costing five times as much as the watch you're working on and that you will likely never have any use for again.

In that case don't take on the repair.

[Neverenoughwatches]

Your day revolves around # wondering what the lads on WRT are discussing #

When your first thought of the day as you wake up is  # where the bloody hell did that spring go ? #

[JackH]

You are disappointed that the non-running watch you purchased on Ebay is running out of the box.

[Neverenoughwatches]

15 hours ago, JackH said:

You are disappointed that the non-running watch you purchased on Ebay is running out of the box.

I have mixed emotions about that one, initial elation, "yey bonus i got a runner" then disappointment  " boo now i have nothing to work on " then  curiosity  " lets fix what ain't broke " lastly anger " grrrr i broke what didnt need fixing ". The trials and tribulations of an amateur watchmaker 

[VWatchie]

you're listening to Turn To Stone by Electric Light Orchestra and immediately come to think of a rebanking balance.

 

Edited February 3 by VWatchie

[KarlvonKoln]

On 1/26/2024 at 12:03 PM, JackH said:

You are disappointed that the non-running watch you purchased on Ebay is running out of the box.

That happened to me two days ago.  I bought a donor watch, advertised as "non running", to use for parts on a Postala that has a Roskopf movement.  It arrives and, as I always do, I give the crown a couple turns...and it springs to life and ticks merrily away.  And I think "Great.  Now what?"

Turns out the donor Postala was easier to get serviced than the one I'd been working on.  Needed a bit of dial and case restoration, but otherwise in excellent running order in all positions.  Wonder why they thought it didn't run?