I would like to learn how to service (clean/lube) a movement

[JWK]

OK guys, I've been bitten bad.  I'm recently retired (took an early one - I'm still in my 50s) and I've loved watches ever since I was a kid.  I've been doing nothing but reading about watches for the past three weeks.  It started when I decided I wanted a new watch.  Then I started considering an automatic.  I had an Omega Seamaster once and it always gave me trouble.  It would just periodically just stop.  it would always start back up with some prodding (handwinding or a tiny bit of shaking) but after three different watch repairmen I gave up and sold it.  That was over ten years ago and haven't touched a mechanical since.
 
So after reading about all the DIY mods, I started digging a bit deeper and see that some people are doing a bit more than just changing crystals and hands without going to a fully certified watchmaker.  So of course this gets me to thinking...
 
I'm interested in getting a Seiko (not sure exactly which model yet) with a 7s26 and another watch with an ETA 2824.  I'm willing to invest in the necessary tools and spend time to learn all I can with the resources I have from my home: internet, books, videos, etc.  Is it possible or realistic to think I could clean and lube the 2824 in four year's time?
 
I know this is a big and perhaps difficult question to answer, but I'm just trying to get a sense of whether this would be a reasonably realistic goal or not.  Thanks for any info or advice.

[feca67]

Have a look here:
http://www.clockmaker.com.au/diy_seiko_7s26/

[JWK]

Have a look here:
http://www.clockmaker.com.au/diy_seiko_7s26/

Thank you.  I have that bookmarked and have skimmed over most of the chapters.  In fact, that's probably the site most responsible for me getting on this mission.  My initial thought is that learning how to tear down and reassemble a 7s26 might not enable me to do the same to a 2824.  I've read the 7s26 is a much more simple mechanism.  This is such cool stuff!  Has anyone here used that site to learn how to do a 7s26 for the first time?

[thanapa]

In fact, yes. I actually bought a bunch of non running 7S26 and have taken them apart as per the tutorial. I still have a couple more to work on when time permits.

[Joe Horner]

Hi and welcome to SWCF!

There's no reason at all why you shouldn't learn watch servicing the way you're hoping.  It's not as easy as having someone experienced to point you along the way, but it's certainly possible.

As well as following the tutorial, it's well worth picking up some basic manual wind Swiss stuff off EBay - try to make sure they're basically running because fault finding tends to complicate things quite a lot until you gain some experience.  Also stick to "known" makes (Limit, Accurist, Rotary are all good) because some of the unknowns are such poor quality that even seasoned pros will be tearing their hair out trying to work on them

If you go for stuff with poor cases or dials you can pick them up for peanuts, like this sort of thing:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mens-vintage-Limit-watch-gold-case-expandable-strap-working-spares-repair-/330849599847?pt=UK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item4d082c4167

Use them as practice pieces - note how they're running when they arrive (rought timekeeping check and how long they run on a wind) then pull them apart (the basic techniques are exactly like the tutorial teaches - just less parts involved), clean them, reassemble and oil and see what difference it's made.  Then pull them apart again until you can do that sort of movement without thinking.  Years ago, I used to bet a few friends that I could strip and reassemble things like that after an eveing in the pub

Once you're completely happy with basic mech stuff* automatics and calendars become a lot easier because the basic movement is pretty much the same in most of them.  So you only have to "worry" about the auto work and date mechanisms.  The ultimate aim is to be able to strip and assemble any watch, without the manual, and have it running afterwards.  The manual is useful for complications, and always advisable for things like correct lubrication / any adjustments involved, but it's entirely possible to reach the stage where the basic stripping and assembly is done using common sense and methodical working. 

Your 4 year plan should give you a fair shot at getting to that stage if you find yourself taking to it









*years ago, I used to bet friends that I could strip and reassemble things like that after an evening in the pub.  Even did one in the pub once

[d1ck_browne]

here's a (slightly controversial, maybe) thought.


There may be a good use for fake watches here - many of them are shipped with a chinese copy of the 2824 movement, or one of it's near relations, if you can pick a few non-working examples up from the replica forums, it may be cheaper than a genuine movement, and if you have the case etc, you could even substitute the dial and hands etc. after the repair to gain a watch you can wear as a bonus (without miss-spelt Rolux or Amooga markings, obviously).

[Joe Horner]

That's actually not a bad idea.  One thing to watch out for, though, is that the quality control on some of the copy movements is still about what you'd expect from a Year 7 metalwork class.  It's easy to find yourself getting no-where through no fault of your own with them, which is annoying with experience but can be confidence destroying when you're learning!

[d1ck_browne]

I'd partially agree - the quality control ain't great, but I've repaired/serviced quite a few and only ever had one which was a non-starter, as it were

[Joe Horner]

Yeah, they're certainly better than the old Chinese stuff but until you've got some experience and confidence, if you happen to hit that non-starter you need to be aware that it may not be your fault

[d1ck_browne]

Propagate the mind-set that it's NEVER your fault. That's the best advice I can give to anybody thinking of fixing watches 

[Joe Horner]

But I know that the Memostar setting lever that's disappeared on the floor by my bench is my fault     

Fortunately, it's an available part so no harm done except having to wait till the 2nd jan for the order to be dispatched.  When the dropped one turns up (as they always do eventually) I'll have one in stock for next time 

[chris141058]

I have also found it useful to take digital photographs during the strip down. Then if I get stuck with the orientation of something I can refer to the photographs. This should also give you confidence to make a start.
Chris

[JWK]

Thanks everyone!  I'm going to get started on this.  I need to start looking at tools.  The set from the tutorial site isn't going to help me much since that is Australia and I am in the US.  I think my first big question would be a screwdriver set.  I would not want to go too cheap on this.  Any recommendations on what to get and where to get it?  Any links, info, etc.
 
Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

[thanapa]

Best place to start IMHO is Otto Frei as Borel does not deal with individuals. Some tools can also be bought from the bay. If you want quality, then Bergeon is the way to go.

Check out Tiger John's tutorial on the 6309 for really good info as well.

Good luck!