Beginner to watch repair

[thewraith1971]

So I just started getting into this hobby of collecting and repairing watches.  Currently tinkering with modern vintage stuff.  

 

I just got this Seiko h557-532a in a free box of part watches.  I am noticing the LCD panel needs replacing obviously and the hands do not move when you spin the crown.  Is this a watch that is easy to get parts for and would it be worth using for trying to learn watch repair on?

 

Another watch that was included is this old fossil watch with floating gears that appears second hand fell off and air must have gotten in and oxidized the gears etc...  is this serviceable?

 

 

[AndyGSi]

3 hours ago, thewraith1971 said:

I just got this Seiko h557-532a in a free box of part watches.  I am noticing the LCD panel needs replacing obviously and the hands do not move when you spin the crown.  Is this a watch that is easy to get parts for and would it be worth using for trying to learn watch repair on?

Welcome to the forum.

Some parts are still available for the H557 but they aren't cheap.

Have you removed the back to see the condition inside?

[mbwatch]

On that Fossil, I have to imagine the liquid filled chamber is encapsulated away from the dial and hands. It doesn't look like the seconds hand is floating around in the fluid, does it?  Or if it is floating around, are you sure it isn't supposed to be?

I just found this similar or same model on auction and it looks like the seconds hand is intentionally floating around with the gears. The handful of these I've seen photos of all have a bubble like yours. I would bet that if you open the back and remove the movement retainer ring, the dial will just drop out as a normal 2 hander.

(P.S. - I can't help but notice that's an escape wheel from a pin pallet movement sloshing around in there)

Here's another one, although it is a 3 hander, there's still a seconds hand floating loose. (and an escape wheel from a Swiss lever escapement this time)

Edited November 12, 2024 by mbwatch

[thewraith1971]

Yes it appears to be the case with the fossil watch the needle intended to float around.  I am just wondering if it's the liquid or crystal causing the clarity issues.  I am not sure if polishing it will help or maybe heating the liquid up etc...

I have not opened the case up on the Seiko still waiting to get my first tool kit etc...

However going through the bin of free watches I received I found another vintage Seiko 

 

[clockboy]

Welcome to the forum, enjoy., Tinkering around with vintage watches is great way to learn the skills required for your horological journey.. However finding parts for vintage watches is challenging to say the least. 

[oldhippy]

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.