Now you see it, now you don't....

[Aric]

I attempted to put an old calendar wheel in a new Ronda 705 movement today. The new calendar wheel does not line up correctly in the window of the Swiss Army Delta watch that it is to be a part of. A spring fell off of part of it in the process and I tried to get it back in there. At one point, I picked it up in my tweezers just to try to flip it over so I could grip it from the other side. I was looking right at it when it disappeared into thin air. Poof! Magic!

Does anyone have any pointers on ways to avoid these tiny parts from exiting stage left when you least expect it? The pros must have some way to avoid it...or maybe a trick for how to find it again. Or do they just stock a couple of tons of extra parts?

[clockboy]

My set up that I have been using for a while is that I wear a apron & I attach the end parts of it to my work bench with quick set clamps so any fliers just land in the lap of the apron. The other tip is to have your tweezers dressed correctly this is a must. 

[oldhippy]

No floor sweeping for you.

[clockboy]

[StuartBaker104]

Get some really good quality tweezers and keep them well dressed, then practice, practice, practice. Some say brass tweezers are better for difficult parts. Others will do jobs like this inside a plastic bag... just the watch, no need to put your whole self in there!

 

[anilv]

For fiddly stuff where the chance of something flying off is high....work with the the parts inside a Ziploc bag, like your tweezers thru the plastic bag to work the parts.

Anilv

[rogart63]

A good set of tweezers is a must? And proper dressed with a little dull finish from the sandpaper. Some rodico to hold it is an other tips. 

Even the best watchmaker is on the floor with his behind sticking up from time to time  

Will go and dress my tweezers now  

Edited January 1, 2017 by rogart63

[Folkvisor]

You can always try picking up stuff with Rodico. Just make sure it doesn't get in somewhere it isn't wanted like cap jewel spring cleats, etc. Also, work very slowly and don't drink a lot of coffee.

The plastic bag idea is fabulous!

Dave

[Folkvisor]

I lost the same Novodiac Spring 3 times and found it 3 times. It was in my glasses case the last time it went flying away. I used a magnet to find it. 

That spring may turn up yet. They hide in the darnedest places.

Dave

[digginstony]

The plastic bag is a great idea but can see it being awkward but never tried it. I've just lost a calendar spring on an old Seiko 7009A. Spare parts is always a good idea. But to to help, I've found the best method of handling springs is to use 2 tweezers. 1 to hold down or press down on the non springy part whilst manipulating the spring in position.
The annoying thing that happened to me was I had the calendar wheel and spring in place. Went to put the day wheel on and somehow the hour wheel has dislodged.
Lifted the day wheel to reposition the hour wheel and must of caught the calender wheel or spring. Last seen hitting my right shoulder. Lots of hands and knees with brush but lost for ever.
Wouldn't of happened with a Seiko 7s26. Large flat spring design and much easier to find.[emoji4]

Sent from my SM-T585 using Tapatalk

[clockboy]

I have tried he two tweezer method but for me steading with peg wood works better. Covering with a bag I find really awkward and hinders a clear vision.