Hi to all from sunny (most of the time) Riyadh

[LMS]

I've very much enjoyed Mark's courses 1-3 and am at the very start of what I hope will be a long and enjoyable watchmaking journey. 

Although it is difficult to find time between work and personal commitments, after some honing I now think I've hit the optimal balance to build my watchmaking skills of 70% Ebay/Ali Express/Cousins, 29.9% youtube/oneline courses and 0.1% playing about with watches.

I'll report back when I manage to finally get the back off the first watch I've been working on, although this may be slightly delayed as I think setting up the vintage watchmakers lathe I've bought is probably a higher priority.

I look forward to engaging with you all on the forum. 

Lee

 

[RichardHarris123]

Hello and welcome from Leeds, England. 

[rehajm]

Hi Lee from USA. Congratulations on committing early with the lathe! 

Pictures are very important here

[LMS]

Thanks for the welcome. Of course I'd like to reply by saying I'm only joking, as if I'd be silly enough to buy a lathe before removing a back off a watch... Regrettably please find attached photos requested (OK maybe I'm slightly exaggerating about not taking a back off a watch, but I'm several light years off legitimately needing a lathe). 

[CYCLOPS]

welcome, that is a nice lathe to have, good luck......

[watchweasol]

Hello Lee and welcome to the forum. You will be surprised how soon you will use the lathe. Looks quite comprehensive.

[LMS]

Thanks for the welcome. Of course I'd like to reply by saying I'm only joking, as if I'd be silly enough to buy a lathe before removing a back off a watch... Regrettably please find attached photos requested (OK maybe I'm slightly exaggerating about not taking a back off a watch, but I'm several light years off legitimately needing a lathe). 

Edited July 26, 2024 by LMS
Posted in error it's a repeat post

[LMS]

That's interesting and would be a +. I've actually focussed back on the good old 6497 (St3600) today and trialing the Elma red the Mrs bought back from Blighty.

I bought 3xSt3600s, I thought one may get ruined in early stage watchmaking practice (tick), and I'm hoping the other 2 will survive my servicing and regulating to make it in to a flieger style watch I have planned with a twist (one each for my 2 sons). 

I next have an nh35 to attack. The plan is then to move into vintage, start with scrap movements, then look to service some vintage movements in incremental level of care about them (from 1 jeweled and work my way up). 

I then have a a good stock of vintage pieces to go at. Mixture of runners and some non runners. I will again work up from a value perspective. I don't have anything too expensive at the moment (and I intend to stay well away from either my or my Mrs actual watches until there is some level of verifiable competence/confidence). 

Anyhow, that's the plan I'd be very interested if anyone has had a similar journey and thinks if this is a sound approach.