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Posted

Hi all,

 

Thought I'd introduce myself, I've been watching Mark's video's for a few weeks now and it's given me the confidence to have a go myself at repairing mine. It's a bit of a long story really, but basically I bought a used Omega Seamaster off ebay, went to The Watchlab as it wasn't running right, they told me it needed servicing, they then said it was very rusty inside and they couldn't get the parts needed... I then sent it to a watch repairer online, who apparently serviced it... The next one was a jewellers in Chester, he also apparently serviced it and charged me twice for a new crystal... The next one was another local jeweller in Wallasey, who boasted of being on the business since 1957, eureka I thought, as he told me it was the original crystal, despite being charged for new one's... He fitted a genuine crystal alright, but forgot to service it, oh and while he was there he lost my Rotary watch that was given to me for my 21st birthday; he denies me ever bringing it in now (a court case awaits...)

 

The last one was The Watch Guy, Christian, who is very honest and trustworthy, he's told me a few things about my Omega and I'm going to try and learn as much as I can and repair it myself.

 

And here I am  :D

  • Like 1
Posted

Adam,

Welcome to the forum. Happy to help where we can.

Can I suggest that you buy a few scrap movements off eBay as they are very cheap and if you mess up then it's all good experience.

Omegas are nice to work on but you can even buy scrap omega movements off eBay for 10 or 20 quid.

I hope you get to enjoy watch servicing as much as I do.

All the best.

Mark

Posted

Thanks for the welcome Mark, I'll have a look on ebay for some old movements, save buggering up my Omega  :lol:  I do have a question or two, which I'll be posting soon.

 

I've also got my eye on a few repair tools to add to my collection, I'm determined to learn as much as I can!

 

Adam.

  • Like 1
  • 7 months later...
Posted

Hello Adam,

 

Welcome to the forum.  I had some experience of problems with local watch repairs when I took an old Tissot my late mother had given me to get it fixed.  To cut a long story short I ended up fixing it myself and developed the "Bug". 

 

I personally decided to restrict myself to two makes under the mistaken premise that It would be easier to learn about two vintage types, Tissot and Bulova.  Little did I know that there are loads of different movements under each brand name and Bulova in particular is a peculiar animal, especially on the Accutron side of things. 

 

I do sometimes get caught up in it, and though I have refrained from buying new (old ) watches to make up a collection, the temptation is immense.  All the tools are wonderful things and my addiction is to the old tools for Bulova's.

 

I am however happy with my new hobby and I am sure that you will enjoy it.  There is nothing quite like a good repair job even if you find yourself cursing while you work.

 

There are some wise heads in the forum that have helped me out.

 

Cheers,

 

Vic

Posted

Welcome to the forum from Scotland!

I've been a member since March and find it a very friendly and knowledgable place with members from all over the world willing to help. Horology is a great subject, it is so deep that you will always learn something new. Study Mark's videos before barging in and breaking something, I wish I had found them before I started.

Nice Ganada by the way. :-)

Posted

Well thank you for those nice messages, I last posted on here last December and I've been busy ever since I'm afraid to say...

 

I'm back to being a full-time Dad and watch repairs has taken a back seat somewhat, but recently I did manage to refit the mechanism from my Omega into the new case I bought last year; I'll make a proper post in the relevant area though ;)

 

Thanks again!

 

P.S: I have a Granada Blog that you might be interested in:

 

http://adamsgranadablog.weebly.com/

  • Like 1
Posted

What a cracking old car. I just love the mobile phone, it's so big it needs a Ford Granada to transport it! :-)

Posted

Thanks again for the warm welcome, I'm glad you like my blog and my car phone! :D 

 

I'm impressed with your collection of watches Will, especially those pocket watches, I expect they're easier to work on due to their size? great site ;)

Posted

I'm impressed with your collection of watches Will, especially those pocket watches, I expect they're easier to work on due to their size? great site ;)

It's a mixed blessing. Yes, their greater size is a help when dealing with them. The main problem is parts, with most of the specialist suppliers being in the US. I've found two or three very helpful suppliers, and I have an Amish friend who specialises in Hamiltons. So, for example, it's comparatively easy to get a Hamilton mainspring - and, luckily with Hamiltons, one size fits all - but balance staffs are like hens teeth. Swings and roundabouts.

Posted

Welcome Adam,

                            Marks advice is very sound (buy some cheap movements from Ebay to practice on)  an Omega is not really the place to start learning, It's a bit like taking up servicing cars and starting with a Bugatti Veyron.

 

Plenty of wise heads on the forums so any questions you have should get an answer.   :thumbsu:

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

Hi and welcome! Sounds like you have your hands full with Daddy duty :)  I'm sure free time is rare these days, I can relate to that!   If you ever need help with some basic watch repair questions I'd be happy to give you some web links for a ton of helpful step by step how to articles and videos.  Just let me know....  Take care

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