Fixing a dials feet?

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Cpt_Da55ter

·Apr 28, 2023

So after months of looking for a 168.047 face for my constellation, I've found one. But the feet are missing. Are there companies who could replace them?

 

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Cpt_Da55ter

·Apr 28, 2023

Here's the link for anyone interested
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30196536...VcNve7lRyu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.

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Biezmez

·Apr 28, 2023

Its a pretty standard job for most decent watch repairers regarding the soldering of feet on the dial. If you've got a local watch repairer to you they should be able to help you out.

 

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Cpt_Da55ter

·Apr 28, 2023

Brilliant, cheers for that.

 

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Biezmez

·Apr 28, 2023

....in the UK my watch repairer charges £25 per foot for resoldering work so you have a kind of idea of what it may cost you.

 

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watchyouwant

·Apr 28, 2023

Good luck with that. Keep us updated.

 

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sonicosa

·Apr 28, 2023

I was in a similar situation and was advised to use dial dots by watchmakers on and off this forum, as soldering runs the risk of permanently damaging the dial.

I followed that advice and have been happy with the results.

 

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Biezmez

·Apr 28, 2023

...you might find this blog from watch guy helpful to understand whats involved.
https://watchguy.co.uk/how-to-re-attach-dial-feet-2/

 

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Dan S

·Apr 28, 2023

High chance of damaging the paint on the dial unless the person doing it has the right equipment and really knows what they are doing. Even then, there is a risk.

 

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Archer

·Apr 28, 2023·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

Biezmez

...you might find this blog from watch guy helpful to understand whats involved.
https://watchguy.co.uk/how-to-re-attach-dial-feet-2/

That's not the "normal" procedure for soldering. It's usually done with a resistance soldering machine made specifically for attaching dial feet...

I actually have this machine, but I have yet to get a good solder on a test dial, so I won't use it on anything for a customer.

Another method is laser welding, but I've tried that also and the heat generated was too much on the test dials I've done.

There are other methods as well - there's a jig available that machines a small shallow recess into the back of the dial for a new dial foot to sit into, and epoxy is used to hold the new foot to the dial. To be honest, that would likely be my choice over soldering, as there's no risk of heat damage to the dial.

 

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Dan S

·Apr 28, 2023

Archer

That's not the "normal" procedure for soldering. It's usually done with a resistance soldering machine made specifically for attaching dial feet...

I actually have this machine, but I have yet to get a good solder on a test dial, so I won't use it on anything for a customer.

Another method is laser welding, but I've tried that also and the heat generated was too much on the test dials I've done.

There are other methods as well - there's a jig available that machines a small shallow recess into the back of the dial for a new dial foot to sit into, and epoxy is used to hold the new foot to the dial. To be honest, that would likely be my choice over soldering, as there's no risk of heat damage to the dial.

I bought some low-temperature (138 ˚C) high-strength solder for this purpose (58% Bismuth/42% Tin eutectic) and have excess if you'd like to try it. It is in the form of 0.030" diameter solid wire, so you need to use flux.

 

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Archer

·Apr 28, 2023·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

Dan S

I bought some low-temperature (138 ˚C) high-strength solder for this purpose (58% Bismuth/42% Tin eutectic) and have excess if you'd like to try it. It is in the form of 0.030" diameter solid wire, so you need to use flux.

Thanks - that would be great.