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Old 14 March 2011, 11:58 AM   #2
crhfish
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 159
I don't think you will find much on the net. There are a few vids that show the movements, but you need to have done other watches before too really use them.

If you have not done one before, get and old bulova, elgin or other windup to start with. You can try and hand clean, but it does not really get the job done very well on something really dirty. Old acrylic crystals are easy and cheap. Saphire or mineral crystals are a bit harder and have to be done right. You will need oilers, watch oil, cleaner, rinse, screwdrivers, good closeup eyewear and the other items you mentioned. Once you have done 20 or cheaper watches and feel confident, you might try a rolex.

The hard parts to me are hand removal (get a good tool and protect the dial), tiny springs, and some of the real tiny screws some movements have. Be patient and be prepared to do what all watch makers do, get on your hands and knee's to find some little part you dropped.

Also, real watch repair that involves hair springs, jewel replacement, pivot replacement, pallet reapirs, etc is best left up to the professionals so you can only go so far on your spare time. I just clean mine and oil them, I've done hundreds now but anything else I send it off.

One last thing, do it for fun. You won't really save any money. You will tear up enough to offset any savings you think you might have.
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