Repairing watches can be extremely cool and super helpful. No matter if you’re a avid watch collector or just beginning, knowing how to tweak your watch is crucial for keeping it operating smoothly and having a longer lifespan. In this piece, I’m going to explore five major subjects about Repairing watches, sharing my personal experiences and tips while I’m at it.
2. Common Adjustment Techniques
4. Specialized Adjustment Tools
1. Types of Watch Movements
The initial consideration you gotta think about when you’re trying to fix a watch is what kind of type of movement it has. There are three primary types: mechanism-based, quartz-powered-powered, and automatic winding winding.
Mechanical timepieces need to be wound by manually wind or self-wind, but quartz timepieces operate on a battery and a small electrical component. Automatic watches, though, just self-charge with the wearer’s movement. Each type each has its unique method of being set, and recognizing what you are observing can greatly simplify life.
2. Common Adjustment Techniques
Adjusting a watch usually involves ensuring the hands are correctly aligned with the current time. You can do this by manipulating the minute hand, the hour hand, or both hands.
A common method for this purpose involves using a specialized watch tool to delicately rotate the hands until they are correctly positioned. An alternative method entails using a specific hammer to softly tap the hands into their proper place. It is essential to be extremely careful and maintain patience during this process so as not to damage the watch.
3. Servicing and Maintenance
Besides just setting the time, you also gotta maintain your watch with routine care. That means cleaning the interior, replacing components that are damaged, and making sure everything operates smoothly.
Routine care can make your watch have a longer lifespan and keep you from having to incur high repair costs later. As someone who loves watches, I’ve learned that routine care is a very important from my own experience. I had a watch that ceased functioning after a few years, and it turned out that just a brief cleaning and some oil could have prevented it from being discarded.
4. Specialized Adjustment Tools
Repairing a watch can be quite delicate, and you usually need specialized tools to do it right. Tools like specialized screwdrivers, mallets, and chucks are some of the things you’ll need.
Picking up a adequate set of watch tools can make repairing watches a lot easier and more fun. I still remember when I got my initial set of professional tools; it felt like I was officially joining the watch enthusiasts’ circle.
5. Learning from Experts
The best way to improve in repairing watches is to learn from the experts. You can acquire knowledge from online clips, training sessions, or such as working with a master watchmaker.
I got to go to a workshop taught by a really famous watchmaker, and it was extremely useful. I not only picked up some fresh techniques but also got a whole new respect for the craft of creating watches.
If you want to gain insight into repairing watches, explore these resources:
- <a href='https://www. Watchmaking.
Org/’>The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute
- JCK Magazine
- Reeds Watchmaking