Watch School

[cedargrove]

I signed up for the on-line watch school at TimeZone. I don't plan on becoming a certified watchmaker, but rather am just interested in how a watch works. So far I'm having fun, and learning a a lot. I got a pretty good tool kit along with an ETA 2801 movement. In the two most recent lessons I took apart the motion works and the keyless works. I really hope I'll be able to put it all back together. Definitely will never attempt to work on my good watches.

[kilyung]

Don't worry Rich, after several dozen times you'll be ready to tackle most movements. I'm pretty comfortable on most ETAs and have been thinking of getting an older Rolex movement for practice.

PS: the equipment gets REAL expensive fast!

[WatchTimes]

Sounds cool!
Congrats and keep us updated!

[sleddog]

All the best in that endeavor Rich....

[liptonnr]

I am interested in how you make out in your endeavor. Sounds like a cool project/learning experience.

[B. Doggy]

Sounds fun!

[eric23]

Rich, how much does the kit cost and where can I order it from?

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by eric23

Rich, how much does the kit cost and where can I order it from?

The on-line course is $75. With this you get the lessons (printable and available on-line) and internet access to the instructor (he is very responsive) and access to a forum / chat site for all other students.

The base tool kit was around $330 plus shipping. It includes the following:
- ETA 2801 movement
- movement holder
- dust blower
- nine screw drivers with turntable and replacement screw heads
- two tweezers
- 4x and 10x loupes
- loupe holder
- 2 compartment trays
- movement cover
- box of watch paper
- bundle of pegwood
- pithwood
- cleaning putty

Most of the tools are Bergeon and seem to be very good quality.

I think there was a cheaper option (low $200s) that used a cheaper movement and possibly fewer and/or less expensive tools.

Shipping to Canada was around $40 so I used it as an opportunity to get some other items such as an extra ETA movement and a Bergeon 6111 springbar tool.

Everything was done through the TimeZone.com website. There is a link to the TZ School, which also takes you to a link for the Tool Shop. There are many other tools also available.

[eric23]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

The on-line course is $75. With this you get the lessons (printable and available on-line) and internet access to the instructor (he is very responsive) and access to a forum / chat site for all other students.

The base tool kit was around $330 plus shipping. It includes the following:
- ETA 2801 movement
- movement holder
- dust blower
- nine screw drivers with turntable and replacement screw heads
- two tweezers
- 4x and 10x loupes
- loupe holder
- 2 compartment trays
- movement cover
- box of watch paper
- bundle of pegwood
- pithwood
- cleaning putty

Most of the tools are Bergeon and seem to be very good quality.

I think there was a cheaper option (low $200s) that used a cheaper movement and possibly fewer and/or less expensive tools.

Shipping to Canada was around $40 so I used it as an opportunity to get some other items such as an extra ETA movement and a Bergeon 6111 springbar tool.

Everything was done through the TimeZone.com website. There is a link to the TZ School, which also takes you to a link for the Tool Shop. There are many other tools also available.

Thanks Rich, I think I am going to sign up after my holidays in a few weeks

[gwalker]

Sounds neat. Keep us posted.

[slcbbrown]

Great idea. Hope you enjoy the class. Let me know when you'll be ready to work on my Sub.

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Don't worry Rich, after several dozen times you'll be ready to tackle most movements. I'm pretty comfortable on most ETAs and have been thinking of getting an older Rolex movement for practice.

PS: the equipment gets REAL expensive fast!

ill bet the mistakes do too ,,,, well done though , ill bet its a rewarding course

[dysondiver]

just a thought , it would be great if they included a case too , then you would have a complete watch ,,, providing you get hands and a dial ,,, but it would be a thing to be proud of at the end .

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

just a thought , it would be great if they included a case too , then you would have a complete watch ,,, providing you get hands and a dial ,,, but it would be a thing to be proud of at the end .

Actually you can buy cases, dials, and hands through their the TZ Tool shop, which I did. Fairly inexpensive too.

Except now I need a case back tool, and a tool to cut the crown stem. As kilyung pointed out, it's the tools that add up fast.

[dysondiver]

ah well , at least at the end you will have a very personal watch , well done .. i may have to look into it all deeper ,

[dysondiver]

good grief ,,, be glad you dont need a lathe

[cedargrove]

Thanks all for your interest and encouragement. Tonight's lesson was removing the Novodiac shock absorbers, jewels, and balance cock and balance wheel assembly. The shock absorbers and jewels are tiny, and the hairspring on the balance wheel is delicate, but all went well. Next I need a lesson on re-sizing and posting better pictures.

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Great idea. Hope you enjoy the class. Let me know when you'll be ready to work on my Sub.

Send it to me and I'll give it a try.

[kilyung]

So when are you adding the timegrapher and pressure tester?

[cedargrove]

For those who were interested, today I removed the pallet bridge and lever, and the wheel train and escapement wheel. These parts are much smaller than expected. I included a picture with a dime (same size as an American dime).

[MrJ320]

That's really neat! Can you sign up for the course at any time or are there set schedules?

I would love to do that once I have some time. We just had a new baby so not much spare time to learn to take apart watch movements till he gets a bit older :)

Cheers,
James

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by MrJ320

That's really neat! Can you sign up for the course at any time or are there set schedules?

I would love to do that once I have some time. We just had a new baby so not much spare time to learn to take apart watch movements till he gets a bit older :)

Cheers,
James

You do it at your own pace, whenever you feel like it.

I usually wait until my kids go to bed, but today they were around and wanted to do two things - see the tiny parts, and play with the dust blower - a dangerous combination.

[Baco Noir]

That is very cool but like others have already noted, if you add in the other tools, an ultrasonic cleaner, oils, etc. I can see where that would add up fast. Still, it must be cool to do it as a hobby. Might be worthwhile just to change out dials on some Seikos for fun.

[HL65]

Pretty cool Rich!

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by Yellowdog

That is very cool but like others have already noted, if you add in the other tools, an ultrasonic cleaner, oils, etc. I can see where that would add up fast. Still, it must be cool to do it as a hobby. Might be worthwhile just to change out dials on some Seikos for fun.

Sure there's a cost to it, but I have spent way more on watches. Knowing a little more about how they work makes me appreciate my watches even more, hence there is some added benefit.

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Pretty cool Rich!

Thanks.

[zocsos]

Keep up the good work Rich and I will send my Rollie to you for my next overhaul! :-)

[hdrazor251]

Great thread Rich.

I'm thinking I would need to give up caffeine to steady my hands before even thinking about attempting something like this.

[kilyung]

Well done Rich! Having been in your shoes, I'd recommend spending time just getting comfortable with your tweezers and small parts. I spent a lot of time looking for parts until I learned how much pressure to apply. The tendency is to squeeze too hard and that causes parts to pop out. I'd also recommend a rubber mat to work on - it'll dampen the bounce of parts and protect your tools. Rather than buying the Bergeon watchmakers bench mat, you can use a simple kitchen rubber place mat or rubber sheeting from a hardware or craft store.

[MrJ320]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

You do it at your own pace, whenever you feel like it.

I usually wait until my kids go to bed, but today they were around and wanted to do two things - see the tiny parts, and play with the dust blower - a dangerous combination.

Thanks for the info. LOL, I guess maybe I should start Lesson 1 and try and complete it before my kid learns to walk and start grabbing things!