I've recently become obsessed with pre 1950s mechanical watches and am considering trying my hand at watch repair. Anyone have any experience with this? It seems like it could be fun/rewarding/profitable.
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"We praise or find fault, depending on which of the two provides more opportunity for our powers of judgement to shine." -
What are the most common causes of old watches not running? What does a shop usually charge for that repair?
Those are the two questions I would ask myself first.
Find a cheap broken IWC? ;)
It would be cool to get an old trench watch running again.Originally posted by Gruelius -
I have never needed to repair any, but I have opened a few cases and cleaned and lubed a few.
Its a skill that can take many many years and time to develop. Its a trade to say the least, and while it can be very very rewarding I am sure of that be prepared to destroy a few and have a good watch maker befriended to help you fix your screw ups.The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money. -Alexis de TocquevilleOriginally posted by Fusion
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This^Originally posted by mrsleeve View Post
I think it is more of a trade than a hobby to be honest. But I am not knocking the fact of trying new stuff out. I love watches personally!~ Puch Cafe. ~ Do business? feedback ~ Check out my leather company ~
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my grandfather was a watchmaker/ jeweler his whole life. He made watches for Bulova, accutron and sears. he tought me how to take bridges out, fix pallets/stones, fix balance wheels, replace jewels and all those goodies. he has a box of Pre-war gold Omega sea masters that just need to be put back together. I think its a great hobby!'90 325is DD, 5 spd swap-H&R springs-Euro Headlight Fully Built OBD1 M54b30. Ox Blood interior, 3.46 LSD with Z3M Diff Cover. Custom shifter, every bushing replaced.
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The funny thing is I never wear watches. In fact, the watch I bought today is my 2nd watch - my other one I think I've worn once.
I plan on buying a basic set of watch repair tools, a book or two, a ultrasonic parts cleaner and some lower end broken watches to try to repair. Something like a lot of 5+ off of ebay. I'm going to avoid watches with "complications" at first, obviously."We praise or find fault, depending on which of the two provides more opportunity for our powers of judgement to shine."Comment
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watches with complications are the best, well if you have the replacement parts. the hardest part is remembering which gears go where once you put everything back together. but if you need any tips let me know!Originally posted by Turf1600 View Post'90 325is DD, 5 spd swap-H&R springs-Euro Headlight Fully Built OBD1 M54b30. Ox Blood interior, 3.46 LSD with Z3M Diff Cover. Custom shifter, every bushing replaced.
'86 325e- Donor car for swap/parts car
'00 323i- BBS 197s Totalted
'89 740 turbo Volvo- Donated
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sounds cool.
I have owned and collected a few.
I had to move the herschede grand father clock I inherited.when it is serviced only one guy I will use.They charge 400.00 up.
small watches like the rolex I have can be costly too.
I say cool hobby to save some money for yourself if you want to collect nice watches.If you want to make money on the side could pay off too.
Have fun!!!!!!!Comment
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You'll probably appreciate this - the watch I bought was a 1940s Wittnauer. As I understand it Wittnauer was purchased by Bulova who still manufactures them. So, how hard is the stuff you're mentioning? Pressing in jewels, replacing springs and what not.Originally posted by BMWerke View Post"We praise or find fault, depending on which of the two provides more opportunity for our powers of judgement to shine."Comment
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There are lots of resources available for horology and in particular automatic watch movements. Hope you have a steady hand and LOTS of patience. It's a very skilled trade leaning towards craft that takes a long time to learn, maybe you can land a job in Switzerland someday ;)
Have a few Omega's myself as well as a Patek Philippe I'l inherit someday. Would love to own a Brequet someday just for the history around that company, they've transcended several centuries and are still going strong.Comment
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Yes I looked into it once becasue I am also fascinated with the internals of automatic movement. But I dont have a steady hand unless I smoke a pound of weed, I have a.d.d., 0 patience. But there are some inexpensive kits that include tools and movements online (<$120)Ma che cazzo state dicendo? :|Comment
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Wittnauer is a great company, My next watch must be a pre-wwII chronograph and i dont care who its made by I just like the styling. And fixing broken parts isnt hard but just as others have said you need VERY steady hands and lots of patience.'90 325is DD, 5 spd swap-H&R springs-Euro Headlight Fully Built OBD1 M54b30. Ox Blood interior, 3.46 LSD with Z3M Diff Cover. Custom shifter, every bushing replaced.
'86 325e- Donor car for swap/parts car
'00 323i- BBS 197s Totalted
'89 740 turbo Volvo- Donated
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Not that i have a lot to add, but i had a stepdad once who repaired watches for a living. I was 10, but it was fascinating. He was the one that got my family into e30s and i got to meet the man that invented the etch-a-sketch (he repaired his watch). He had a whole room full off watches, parts, tools, desks and glasses/magnifying glass (lights).Comment
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