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Good article Geo! Personally I would never be able to make a new hairspring like some watchmakers - I know my limitations. But depending on how damaged it is I can usually get one back in shape as long as it has not broken too short. Here's one I posted up on my blog which turned out OK. http://www.watchservices.co.uk/blog/2012/05/22/new-balance-staff-new-jewel-and-repair-hairspring/ Manipulating hairsprings is all about technique and following the 90 degree rule, and then it is all about practice. And the best way to practice is by getting some old balance springs, distort them out of shape and then practice re-shaping them. As per your request I will do a vid at some point on how I do this and show the 90 degree rule and which tools I use and how I use them. I have also had a rather large number of requests for a video on the Seiko automatic and it's service so it looks like I am not short of ideas :) I don't mind requests - I might not be able to do them straight away as it's just little ol' me but I will definitely try my best :) I do have one video I have published which shows how to use a jeweling tool to fit a new jewel - adjusting the height of the jewel (end-shake) is done with the same tool. Personally I have never used a Horia but I do like the look of it. I do not like the Seitz having used one, the one I prefer is the Favorite set.

And a free comic relief nose......... :)

Just bought this M.K.S almost complete with 110 pieces and little used. Only need to replace 3 balance staffs against replacing the complete balance and it's earnt it's keep. Just hope it will do the job.

Do you want to put it back together and make sure it works, then take it apart again and so on... ? Or do you want to put it back together to wear it ? If it's for practice, I say use basic oil to practice oiling properly, to make sure it's lubricated enough to run a bit, but don't use it for long periods of time. I'm probably going to get smacked for saying this.... If it's for good, then, you have to invest I'm afraid... And it might seem expensive, but this little tiny container of oil will last a looooooonnnng time. Do you have an oiler yet ? How did you end up cleaning it btw ?