Jump to content

Building New Wristwatch


Recommended Posts

I'm looking for advice on building my own watch using an ETA 6498 or 6497 movement.

 

Is it a straight forward case of buying the bits on Ebay and assembling them or there any pitfalls to avoid.

 

What is the difference between the 6497 and 6498.

 

There is a 6498 on Ebay which looks a good deal but the seller says he has had it in his desk for a while and never got round to using it. He has also sold similar items previously so I'm a bit wary as it's only £90 BIN which seems cheap.

 

Sorry I don't know how to do a direct link but here is the item no.111900328604

 

 

The movement has no branding, just "Swiss'', is this ok.

 

Any advice on how to move forward would be welcome.

 

Thanks, Mike

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Mike,

 

First look under the balance wheel and you will see the ETA logo and movement number: that's your brand and model. Also, the seconds hand should be at 6 o'clock for an ETA 6498 and at 9 o'clock for an ETA 6497 (since those were originally pocket watch movements we are considering the wristwatch normal crown at 3 o'clock). Chinese clones are pretty much the same: clones! They are all at least fairly precise according to finish, version, use, etc.

 

Regarding the cases, if made for this movement they should not have any problems other than quality: some better than others. Make sure the selected dial is made for this movement and has the proper dimensions to fit the case. Also, some movements, to fit correctly in their cases need an extra ring that restrict play (called movement holder, this is most frequent on those ebay "Panerai" cases). In most cases, the rings might be missing or not supplied.

 

Most parts among the original 6498/97 and the 6498/97-1 versions including Unitas original, are interchangeable with some exceptions given by, version (notable balance bridge among others) and "orientation" (98 vs 97). The higher bit version -2 is "less" interchangeable parts wise.

 

Also, do a search in our forum to find out more about this movement and its builds. I believe we have a lot of "experience" shared in here.

 

Hope this works for you,

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • I would cut my losses, keep it for parts. Buying a balance complete would be a Sunk cost fallacy. 
    • I recall a video on YT from Steffen Pahlow where he talks about getting himself a Chronometre (for which he paid more than he would have liked), but in his words "I had to. It is a Chronometre." I am wondering if you have more watch there than what you are aware of? Especially with what @Neverenoughwatches mentioned about two springs.
    • If you are having counter tops ( i think thats the amercan term ) and some cupboards underneath where you dont require working legroom then that corner doesn't have to be a difficult access void. Lazy susans , we ( kitchen fitters ) call them cabinet carousels or you could just have two adjacent doors with a corner post fixed to one of them, though it does make for a long reach to get to the very corner. But a carousel is a good access solution, also there are sliding steel baskets available but these are bloody expensive and typically problematic, i really think they are a crap idea. What i like about fully fitted worktops, very tidy looking, no loss of space, and sidewards pinged parts are hopefully going to stay worktop side and not end up crunched on the floor.
    • Aren't corners of rooms a bugger though as it is really difficult to use the space underneath the intersection of the two benchtops. Lazy Susans are an idea I suppose. Somewhere to be able to put tools/soldering iron/testing machines that aren't needed on the bench top all the time. It is a bit tight in there, but at least I won't have to move great distances to get to another area. I need to get hold of another chair to have at the cleaning bench. I'll stand all the time at the lathe and I already have the stool for the workbench. Need to get the power sorted now and move the LED lights for over the workbench. There are four downlight in the ceiling that are currently halogen bulbs. Really quite bright so that's good. Ceiling fan as well. What else could one hope for?
    • So all that glitters is not gold when it comes to buying from ebay ( in fact very very rarely) i bought this as554 a few months ago. It was it's dial that attracted me to the joblot, which turned out to be printed on a postcard, that was the first red flag. During disassembly many faults were discovered as listed above,  but i was prepared to soldier on and see what i could achieve. I managed to make a setting lever for it which was a great learning experience and also correctly shape and de rust the hairspring.  Turning my attention to the balance assembly i have hit a road block. The staff broke when removing the roller but that wasn't so much of an issue as it was quite deformed anyway.  I also had several AS554 staffs that I could replace it with, problem is they dont measure up the same. I thought i had identified the movement correctly but what i think has happened is some heavy modification has taken place to make an incorrect staff fit. A nos staff is a slack fit on the balance wheel, the roller and the collet. The balance wheel has also been filed to within an inch of its life. I'm starting to doubt my identification of the movement either that or someone has converted the movement into a pure nugget of trash. Bit disappointed as i managed to get the train to spin lovely and put a good few hours into the setting lever. A balance complete might be the only option if one is available but you know when you are just wasting money. My thoughts are to make and modify something else to fit and work if that is possible, any ideas anyone ? 
×
×
  • Create New...