Non Running Watches?

Hello,

I’m slowly getting into watch servicing and was wondering if the forum had any advice on finding watches that are not running because they need servicing.

Want to start with stuff that if I make mistakes learning I will not be to heart broken.

The few guys I follow all seem to just say buy them off eBay. But the question I have is the eBay listings all just say for parts or not running. How does one know it there are missing parts or just need a service! Or are you just gambling? And advice would be appreciated thanks.

if you can familiarize yourself with the movements in photos prior, you can at least gain a better understanding of
n if you’re ordering something that looks complete. You’re never gonna really know for sure until you have it in your hands, but thats how it goes. Also, something can look or be claimed complete and running, but be full of broken or non-serviceable parts, etc. You just need to take the jump and start learning by doing. Best of luck!

Hi!
You can try this.

He encontrado esto en AliExpress: ¡Ayúdame a escoger!
Movimiento mecánico ST3600, 36,6mm de diámetro, 48H, reserva de energía, reemplazo del regulador Etachron. Reemplace el mecanismo ETA 6497
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EjyOIKA

That’s a great idea thank you very much.

On eBay, you won't know exactly what is wrong with the watch, and yes, to some extent it is a gamble.

If the movement is shown in the listing, you might even be able to recognize a Swiss made ETA movement. You can look up some of the most commonly used calibers on Ranfft and try to hunt for one of those. That way, a missing or broken part can usually be tracked down easily, and even if you give up on the repair, you might be able to get your money back after correctly identifying the movement and selling it for parts yourself.

I also wouldn't go for anything with obvious water damage. Besides that, part of the fun is figuring out why the watch doesn't run in the first place.

If you filter for automatic vintage watches under $20/€20, you can't really go that wrong.

Also, try keywords like "defect," "as is," or "for restoration" rather than "for parts."

Ok thank guys great feedback thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Stick to known companies. Bulova, Caravelle, Waltham, Elgin, Hamilton etc. Japanese. Maybe Seiko. Easier to find parts rather than buying little to no name watches and not being able to find parts

Good point!