My First Strip Down - Helvetia

[colinh]

Wow, what a fascinating thread, and very encouraging (despite the lost screw). Perhaps get a stronger magnet, one of those neodymium monsters?

 

My first strip down will be of a virtually identical watch! I haven't started yet because my tools supplier forgot to include the Bergeon screwdriver set :-( The most expensive item it was too, mutter, mutter...

[colinh]

Hi Phil,

 

I guess this movement isn't exactly the same as yours, but it's the closest I could find on the ETA website, you might find it useful:

 

https://secure.eta.ch/CSP/DesktopModules/ViewDoc.aspx?tabindex=1&tabid=28&DocId=13&DocType=DT

[WillFly]

I use one of these... never fails... trouble, it usually picks up the fridge as well...

 

Edited September 20, 2014 by WillFly

[PhilB]

Success, well, that's the movement side done with a ticking balance wheel.

I have mislaid the crown wheel washer which makes winding a bit more like grinding.

And many thanks to Geo who kindly supplied a spare jewel holder screw.

[PhilB]

Photo of the movement

 

[Don]

Nice work!

[PhilB]

Thanks Don. I've got the calendar side back together and the date ring is turning as it should too.

[PhilB]

Its back in the case and running fine.

 

I'm very pleased with my first strip down. I've lost a screw and crown ring washer but all in all a good result.

 

Has anyone else stabbed themselves with an oiler? They might be thin but they're **BLEEP** sharp, my thumb is throbbing.

 

Phil

[Geo]

Very well done Phil, it's a great feeling when you have your first success and to achieve this with the first watch you stripped down is truly excellent. I look forward to hearing of more success in the future.

[PhilB]

Thanks for you help Geo. I have a Seiko automatic that needs a clean, but that's after I find something better to store the parts so I don't lose them.

[Geo]

I use this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JEWELLERY-STORAGE-BOX-WATCH-BEADS-GEM-CONTAINER-PLASTIC-/290388807767?pt=UK_Crafts_JewelleryMaking_GL&hash=item439c859057 for keeping the parts in.

When I remove components I keep them in sequence in the containers, then it really is pretty much a reverse process when it comes to assembly.

[bobm12]

Highly recommended (the storage)! Great job Phil, and on your first watch!

 

What happened to the crown ring? (You are talking about the bushing I believe). Did you sourced another one?

Edited September 28, 2014 by bobm12

[PhilB]

Yes I've mislaid the crown wheel washer, I've no idea if I lost it taking it from the box today, or whether I lost it last week when I put everything in the box.

[Legarm]

 

Has anyone else stabbed themselves with an oiler? They might be thin but they're **BLEEP** sharp, my thumb is throbbing.

 

Phil

 

Not the oiler..... but stabbed myself on the forehead with very pointy tweezers, whilst trying to catch a loupe falling out of my eye ......... TWICE ........... :(

[colinh]

Not the oiler..... but stabbed myself on the forehead with very pointy tweezers, whilst trying to catch a loupe falling out of my eye ......... TWICE ........... :(

 

That's so annoying when that happens: the tweezer points get bent out of shape when they hit the bone :(

 

Pro Tip: try not to poke them in your eye instead though. The eye is much softer, so the tweezers will be OK, but it's not so good for the eye.

Edited September 29, 2014 by colinh

[PadraicB]

A handy tip appears to be: put down the damn tool before fiddling with your loupe or scratching your head ;).

[noirrac1j]

Phil your doing great. I'm reading along and see you're getting excellent help from everyone. Just keep working steadily and taking those pictures! You'll definitely need them as reference later when you reassemble. Great work so far!