Ok, I feel like I'm starting to get hooked (in a good way!) as all this research on watches and movements makes me want to learn more.

I know that watch making and repair is a highly skilled profession (if not art form!) but any suggestions on an old or cheap new movement (regardless of brand) that would be good to take apart and learn from??

(and I'll say it now to all you comedians out there...... NOOOO to learning on a 1967 caliber 321!!)

With two engineering degrees, 5 successfully pulled apart Audi's and all the damn appliances at my girlfriends house fixed by urs truly, I'm thinking a miniaturized mechanical hobby will suit me well but I need a place to start and practice.

Thanks for the tips people!

 

I started with cheaper Waltham and Elgin pocket watches.

 

Unitas 6497/8. Big and not much parts to play for rookie.

Or maybe even manual wind alarm clock for starter. Even bigger parts

 

ETA 6497/6498 are used in watchmaking schools for a reason. If you can’t find a genuine one for a decent pric, then a Chinese clone will do to get started.

 

I agree on the ETA 6497/6498. That’s what we used in the first watchmaking class I took at the AWCI. After that class I built 5 watches using those movements. I fully serviced and adjusted them. I then gave them to family and friends. I even dynamically poised one of them.

 

Seiko 7S26...
http://www.clockmaker.com.au/diy_seiko_7s26/chapter1.html

 

If you are looking for a '70s movement. The AS1187 was very common among the generic Swiss watch industry. Can't swing a dead cat in a room without hitting one
I have hundreds sitting in a box. If you live in the US, I can send you some for practice. (You pick up shipping).

 

Thanks for the tips guys and sorry for the slow response as I'm moving into a new house. I've looked on eBay for some of those movements and will pick up a couple once I get into my new place.

@redpcar I'm over here in California so if you have anything you think I could learn with I'd really appreciate it. I'll send you a PM so that I can provide you shipping info/costs.

Again, all info is very much appreciated people!

 

Someone else’s

 

That's how I started!



(Howz it going by the way, no problems?)

 

HI,

some good advice here already.
I had the same desire since last year, so here are my ideas;

I went through this site first and did some research on nessesary toolkits and its purpose:
https://www.timezonewatchschool.com/

Then i created an Excel list where i wrote down all the Tools and over a period of few months was researching (quality/price) and ordering those.

Then i went through this SEIKO 7s26 instructions:
http://www.clockmaker.com.au/diy_seiko_7s26/chapter1.html

Then i sourced for some information on my SEIKO 7009-876A movement and some videos.

Finally i bought a two cheap ETA 6497/6498 clone watches and did some practising on these. Even though they are worse quality than the real ETA movements, i found working on these much easier then the two SEIKOS mentioned above.

Note, a lot of the information you find online might look like a profesional advice, but in fact be a bad practice, misleading or completely wrong. So i am glad there are some experienced watchmakers here that can at least steer in the right direction.

One thing i learned is that is a long process and one has to take time researching things, especially if you dont have a chance to ask somebody straight away. Every step i did, i realised that you need some new parts/tools/etc. then you have to research, order, wait till it arrives, so might take weeks until you can actually proceed to the next step. Patience is something one has to deal with a lot But its a fun process!
Good luck!

 

Instrumental in your learning i was

I haven’t had a issue with it. Wear it fishing and during loose your arm type situations so a bit up my way.

Did have a issue sending the Sperina to @alam, Dead on arrival. Doesn’t work but sets and date sets. Any thoughts ?

 

Could be anything. Dropped in transit? Cursed by a witch?

Needs to go to "The Watchmaker".

 

Definitely the way to go the 6497/8 ETA did my BHI with these, those poor pocket watches taken apart, through the cleaner oiled and back together every week lol.
Highly recommended if you can get on one.

 

In the 20 or so vintage manual wind watches from 1900's to about 1970 that I serviced, I find in general that the older the watch the more challenging it becomes. I would stick with a watch made after 1950 as a starter movement. If you are in the US then Bulova movements is a good choice because they are inexpensive and work well.

Bulova 10AK