Havig bought a wonderful set of screwdrivers, yesterday I took care of a minor issue with one of my favourites...

Before:


See that spot between 10 and 11, just below "Le"? It's the only blemish on that lovely dial and I've long suspected that it would brush right off...

So out came the screwdrivers and voila! :



I didn't take a photo of the dial when it was out of the case, but I really should have - it's absolutely gorgeous

A fun little experiment and I now completely understand if watchmakers live in constant dread of the "pliing" sound of something tiny and expensive in a movement that has launched itself into the unknown!

 

Very nice job and watch. I particularly like that second hand.

 

Sure will!

Here's the rest of the workshop - tools and parts washer:

 

If you have to ask you can't afford him.

 

Hilarious, wife demanded I tell her why I just burst out in laughter.

Hey Bill, what is that watch in your avatar??

 

You can "service" them yourself in far less time - doesn't take long for 4 swings of a hammer.

Seriously though, good on ya ConElPueblo. There might be stress in handling small parts at first, but over time you realize that lessening that stress actually helps you not ping things away...properly dressed tweezers and lots of practice help that too. The big thing to learn is how much force to use - dropping the part from too little force is far better than pinging from too much!

Cheers, Al

 

They're not too bad, actually. I aim for getting 75-80 watches in the 'shop at a time, otherwise I'm just wasting space in the dishwasher

Cheers

I am just fooling around (sensibly!) a bit, I'm not trying anything too crazy. Yet.

It was a case clamp that went off into the void in this case. Luckily it landed a meter or so away from my dimly lit dining table. I am going to get a proper desk with good lighting next, and then perhaps some other tools... This is going to get expensive, isn't it?

 

Properly dressed tweezers...

Black tie? Collared shirt and khakis?

 

There are some beautiful old watchmakers desks in antique shops for $8-1200 US. I picked one up with a lathe and staking set for $750 but had to drive a few hundred miles. Vintage lights are also available quite reasonably, $100 US for an articulating......now as for the tools, Lord help us!

 

Remember the day you said that! You are in big trouble now...

 

Very nice!
So if I have issues next time I change a balance staff, I can ask you advices!

 

Very cool!

 

good job and a beauty of a watch!! ...can you share the details of your cleaning technique?