Hi from Oakland, CA

[docrpm]

Greetings!

I'm a tinkerer getting started with vintage and neo-vintage watch restoration, as well as being a bit of a collector. I've been at it for about 8-10 months, and am still on the steep part of the learning curve, but it's been both fun and gratifying so far.

My first big project was to restore my Grandfather's old Hamilton 974 pocket watch (ca. 1910, 17j, 16s). I started off with a Seagull ST36 to get used to breaking down and reassembling movements, and once I'd done it a few times, I dove in. After purchasing a core set of tools, I started acquiring NOS parts to replace bits that were either missing or damaged (crystal, second hand, fourth wheel, tired mainspring). I oiled it, re-assembled everything, messed up plenty of times, and then it didn't work. I was so frustrated, but I didn't give up, and was eventually able to identify the culprit for a misbehaving escapement: a broken pivot on one end of my escape wheel. Once I replaced that, I wound it up and it runs pretty well, all things considered. 

I'm looking forward to engaging with the community as I continue my horological journey!

[Knebo]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your perseverance with this Hamilton 

[RichardHarris123]

Hello and welcome from Leeds, England.

[Pigskinfanboy]

Beautiful Hamilton ! Welcome to the forums ! I’m fairly new also, looking forward to you sharing your watchmaking journey. 

[Nucejoe]

Welcome to the WRT forum.

 

 

[oldhippy]

Thank you for your introduction and welcome to this friendly forum.

We all look forward to your contributions and continued involvement. 

If there is anything we can help you with don’t be afraid to ask. Nice clear photos can help a lot.

The hour hand on that P/ W is not the right one. 

[watchweasol]

Hello and welcome to the forum.     Enjoy