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bikerfox
·in the San Diego, CA area. i don't own an omega yet, but am receiving quite an education here.
i want to be ready when the time comes!
tia!
i want to be ready when the time comes!
tia!
Omega conversant horologist needed...
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watchyouwant
·Beware that Omega Watchmakers , that are affordable and good, are often a close kept secret. The collectors, who give you ( as an not even Omega watch owner...) that info to become a new client for their trusted Watchmaker, will find themselves rewarded for that in getting to the end of an ever growing queue for their own projects. Make your own enquiries in your area and ask here , if some had bad experiences with your choice.
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sheepdoll
·For most things I became my own watchmaker. There are a few watches (well the speedmaster.) that I do not feel comfortable with doing myself. Mostly because they require special tools that only fit one style watch.
Some of this may be the future of collecting. To be able to do basic maintenance. There are plenty of entertainment vids online which got me back into the fold after an 18 year break. Plenty of people have written books on the subject. There is also a wealth of material here in the watchmaking section for the bold.
To that end I have been sharing some of my own trials and tribulations. I like to think things are not as complex as some make them out to be.
Some of this may be the future of collecting. To be able to do basic maintenance. There are plenty of entertainment vids online which got me back into the fold after an 18 year break. Plenty of people have written books on the subject. There is also a wealth of material here in the watchmaking section for the bold.
To that end I have been sharing some of my own trials and tribulations. I like to think things are not as complex as some make them out to be.
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bikerfox
·[QUOTE="sheepdoll]
To that end I have been sharing some of my own trials and tribulations. I like to think things are not as complex as some make them out to be.[/QUOTE]
i tend to agree with that stmt. i've been watching watch overhaul videos (no, i'm not on the commode!) lately and it's somewhat similar to automotive technology, at least in my mind. there's a logical way of dealing with auto components and the same appears with watch technology.
To that end I have been sharing some of my own trials and tribulations. I like to think things are not as complex as some make them out to be.[/QUOTE]
i tend to agree with that stmt. i've been watching watch overhaul videos (no, i'm not on the commode!) lately and it's somewhat similar to automotive technology, at least in my mind. there's a logical way of dealing with auto components and the same appears with watch technology.
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Archer
··Omega Qualified Watchmakeri tend to agree with that stmt. i've been watching watch overhaul videos (no, i'm not on the commode!) lately and it's somewhat similar to automotive technology, at least in my mind. there's a logical way of dealing with auto components and the same appears with watch technology.
Not sure what videos you have been watching, but any that I have seen skip over the meat and potatoes of the actual work, and are basically just showing highlights. I've only ever seen one unedited watch service video, with every detail shown, and it was done by an amateur. There was a great deal of it that was simply done incorrectly...
Those restoration videos don't typically reflect reality when it comes to the actual work done.
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sheepdoll
·Most watch (or camera) repair videos are for 'entertainment.' Look closely and you will see the film is run backward. Often these start with a good item that is distressed. When run in reverse, it looks like they are restoring something back to new.
There are a couple I do like. They actually talk about what oil is used and how expensive it is, how long it took to get the parts. Most of the time they simply like talking about things that have nothing to do with the watch. Or the fancy tools they did (not) get for sponsors.
The best way IMO to learn is to get a bunch of scrap watches from companies like A Schild (AS) even the low end pin levers like BFG (Baumgartner) that are sold under brand names like Benrus, Helbros, Lucern, etc. Look for complete ones.
Get a book like the Henry B Fried's textbook. I also like the H Jendritzki book. Turn off the sound on the watch videos and compare to what is written.
The hardest thing is to find someone to guide you how to sit. How to hold the tools. How to hold small parts with tweezers so they do not shoot across the room.
Even using the loupe can take practice. I noticed most watchmakers place it over the left eye. Longer focal lengths have lower magnification and less eye fatigue. I personally like using stereo magnifiers like an optivisor.
The one thing I would not recommend (from experience) is to start with the nicer watches like the lower end Omegas (which were a lot less expensive 30 years ago)
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Especially in the watchmaking section.
There are a couple I do like. They actually talk about what oil is used and how expensive it is, how long it took to get the parts. Most of the time they simply like talking about things that have nothing to do with the watch. Or the fancy tools they did (not) get for sponsors.
The best way IMO to learn is to get a bunch of scrap watches from companies like A Schild (AS) even the low end pin levers like BFG (Baumgartner) that are sold under brand names like Benrus, Helbros, Lucern, etc. Look for complete ones.
Get a book like the Henry B Fried's textbook. I also like the H Jendritzki book. Turn off the sound on the watch videos and compare to what is written.
The hardest thing is to find someone to guide you how to sit. How to hold the tools. How to hold small parts with tweezers so they do not shoot across the room.
Even using the loupe can take practice. I noticed most watchmakers place it over the left eye. Longer focal lengths have lower magnification and less eye fatigue. I personally like using stereo magnifiers like an optivisor.
The one thing I would not recommend (from experience) is to start with the nicer watches like the lower end Omegas (which were a lot less expensive 30 years ago)
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Especially in the watchmaking section.
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Archer
··Omega Qualified WatchmakerWhere to start...
I can't say I've seen that - just a lot of poor watchmaking practices on display.
The best way of learning is instruction in person, because...
And also to show you the proper techniques. These older books don't reflect the latest technologies and methods. They were written at a time when pumping watches through a shop as fast as possible was the goal - Fried's books for example show some horrible techniques, that no self-respecting watchmaker would use today.
The loupe should be on your dominant eye - that's where most watchmakers wear them.
Full agreement there.
Most watch (or camera) repair videos are for 'entertainment.' Look closely and you will see the film is run backward. Often these start with a good item that is distressed. When run in reverse, it looks like they are restoring something back to new.
I can't say I've seen that - just a lot of poor watchmaking practices on display.
The best way IMO to learn is to get a bunch of scrap watches from companies like A Schild (AS) even the low end pin levers like BFG (Baumgartner) that are sold under brand names like Benrus, Helbros, Lucern, etc. Look for complete ones.
Get a book like the Henry B Fried's textbook. I also like the H Jendritzki book. Turn off the sound on the watch videos and compare to what is written.
The best way of learning is instruction in person, because...
The hardest thing is to find someone to guide you how to sit. How to hold the tools. How to hold small parts with tweezers so they do not shoot across the room.
And also to show you the proper techniques. These older books don't reflect the latest technologies and methods. They were written at a time when pumping watches through a shop as fast as possible was the goal - Fried's books for example show some horrible techniques, that no self-respecting watchmaker would use today.
Even using the loupe can take practice. I noticed most watchmakers place it over the left eye. Longer focal lengths have lower magnification and less eye fatigue. I personally like using stereo magnifiers like an optivisor.
The loupe should be on your dominant eye - that's where most watchmakers wear them.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Especially in the watchmaking section.
Full agreement there.
