Installing watch hands without a movement support, and other questions

[ifibrin]

Ok, I managed to disassemble my ETA 7001, and reassemble it, and things are working great. I want to try installing hands on the movement now, and I was wondering how do you install the hands without a movement support to support the center wheel jewel. Is this even possible? I read somewhere that the center wheel jewel may crack without a support, if you try to install hands using a generic movement holder like the Bergeon 4040.

Also, if I were to purchase a (new) set of watch hands for the movement, would I have to broach the new hands? If so, what kind of broaching files should I get? I also noticed from the technical specifications sheet for the ETA 7001 that the minute and hour hands are 0.8mm and 1.3mm respectively, and most sets available online are 0.7mm and 1.2mm.

[watchweasol]

Hi As long as the plate is supported and hand fitting tools are used with sufficient pressure to fix the hands it will be ok, There is no need for excess pressure just be careful.

Broaching hands sucessfully you will need the apropriate hand holding vice and a set of cutting broaches (5 sided) in watch sizes

[LittleWatchShop]

On 5/15/2021 at 4:48 AM, watchweasol said:

Hi As long as the plate is supported and hand fitting tools are used with sufficient pressure to fix the hands it will be ok, There is no need for excess pressure just be careful.

Broaching hands sucessfully you will need the apropriate hand holding vice and a set of cutting broaches (5 sided) in watch sizes

Today, I had to broach a second hand I bought from Esslinger.  I am showing all of the tools I have for this job.  Then I show the setup I finally used.  It gave me the most control with less fear of breaking the hand.  Also gave more visibility than the round clamp gives.  I put the hand on a bench block and stabilized it with Rodico.  Holding the base of the hand pressed toward the bench block with tweezers, I inserted the broach and did its job.