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Mechanicality is the name of my game

MartinF

By MartinF
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MartinF Member

MartinF

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Hi all.

Engineer (the B.Sc.E.E. kind), 59 years old and living in Denmark.

One day while searching AliExpress for an electronic gadget I came upon a strange round technically looking object of a clearly mechanical nature. A 'movement'. Besides being involved with embedded software (which is as close to 'real world' you can get in that context) I happen to be interested in mechanics. From Lego via car-repair to 3D-printer modding - it's fun to tinker and gain an understanding.

That movement sure looked interesting...

This was three months ago. Last week I assembled my first NH38-based watch from pre-made bits bought off of AliExpress.

And I have more stuff coming. This time the aim is disassembly-reassembly of a cheap 2813 movement to learn the ropes.

Because I'd like to be able to service my own little collection of mechanical watches, acquired over the last decade or so.

Surely I'll get myself into trouble - that's where you learn the most, wiggling yourself out of a tight spot.

I'm here to read and - when things go pearshaped - ask for knowledge and direction

Let the festivities begin!

  • Like 3
SwissSeiko WRT Addict

SwissSeiko

Posted
Posted

I share your same sentiment as a former machinist. Tinkering is what gets us all into this. With an engineering background, you will do just fine with servicing and probably wont find it too difficult. My only advice for someone just starting out, is that nothing in watchmaking should be forced. The parts are small, and through a loupe or microscope, we can forget just how small they are. So if it isn't fitting quite right, take it out and try again. Glad to have you!

MartinF Member

MartinF

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Posted
2 hours ago, SwissSeiko said:

<snip>

My only advice for someone just starting out, is that nothing in watchmaking should be forced.

Right. Applying force is a no-no.

Don't know about you, but I've recently taken up vintage car restoration. Here, judicious application of brute force is needed from time to time. And heat. And a big fat prybar. And a bronze mallet. A fair amount of cursing will also help.

Why, oh why did I opt for a 80'es Citroën CX with all the electric doodads?

Oh well. I'm 80% done. Electrics and a bit of hydraulics.

RichardHarris123 Distinguished Member

RichardHarris123

Posted
Posted

Occasionally you need to apply force but as in most things, it's knowing how much. Watch the videos of @Jon hammering like hell to remove a bezel.  One thing to look out for is left handed screws, particularly on ratchet wheels.

  • Like 1
oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

Posted
Posted

Thank you for your introduction and welcome to this friendly forum.

We all look forward to your contributions and continued involvement. 

If there is anything we can help you with don’t be afraid to ask. Nice clear photos can help a lot.

VWatchie Distinguished Member

VWatchie

Posted
Posted

Welcome @MartinF! Nice to see more Scandinavians. I myself live in Sweden but have Denmark in my heart.

On 7/12/2024 at 10:43 PM, SwissSeiko said:

My only advice for someone just starting out, is that nothing in watchmaking should be forced.

I couldn't agree more. Never use force. Get a bigger hammer! 😉

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      Aw come on Andy, it was just a comparison between spending 30 quid and tackling a tricky piece of work. You appeared to be volunteering,  i volunteer for stuff all the time it gets me into all kinds of trouble.
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