Author Topic: Watch Restoration  (Read 4670 times)

Offline GlennTanChiaChiah

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 140
Watch Restoration
« on: February 13, 2011, 12:19:21 AM »
Dear sifus and fellow forum members,

Thinking about getting into vintage watch restoration which means I will need a decent set of watchmaker's tools. Anyone willing to point out the specific pieces I need and more importantly where to get them? Your advice is much needed and appreciated. Thanks a bunch!

Glenn

Offline Angryrodent

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 426
Re: Watch Restoration
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2011, 05:47:34 AM »
since i dun think i can post a direct lin i say google "watch school" TZ page should be the first link in the search inthere you can find what you need :)
Bergeon seems to do good stuff.. but since ive never done any myself im just going by word of mouth... hope i didnt break any rules adm and mods  :Startled:
/Angryrodent
We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.

Offline TheHobbit

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3328
Re: Watch Restoration
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2011, 07:12:07 AM »
The on-line school is divided into 2 parts. The first part is very basic, it involves disassembly and assembly of a basic eta movement. The second part involves cleaning, oiling a different ETA movement but from the same family, the first being a hand wind and the second an automatic. The school offers the tools and the movement and even the opportunity to assemble your own watch upon completion. The courses itself is not expensive but the tools and part could be. I have completed both.

It is a good place to start but I think to get into real vintage watch restoration, you will need more than just the on-line course. You will need access to parts and spares suppliers, which you can find on-line, perhaps a competent watch maker or service guy that you can trust (as a back-up) as many vintage watches are fitted with movement different (although the basic how it works remains the same).

I am not trying to pour cold water on what you want to do, but you need to be ready and mentally prepared to do this. It is just not as simple as getting the tools (which is available on-line and also in Kuala Lumpur, near PS Boutique). You will need a proper working table, light source and most important time and passion.

As pointed out by Angryrodent, Bergeon makes superb tools and I like to use good tools (part of my aviation conditioning), but also look at other Swiss brands like Horotec and A&F. You may also want to look at getting a watch winder (not the nice ones you use for your Rolex and Pateks) and a timing machine. Get some good books on watch repair as well and not just the on-lne school notes. There are also lots of forums that has technicals sections to help you in your quest.

Lastly good luck and all the best.