Build/Mod
I've been into watches for well over 30yrs now but in that time I've never once tinkered with the guts of the machine. It's long overdue but where do I start? Do I buy an old movement n take it apart n rebuild or do I start by replacing Crystal's, Bezels & Inserts?
Any advice guidance will be very much appreciated.
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George
56yr Auld Fat Scotsman, Married, 4 weans, 4 Grandkids, 2 Dugs, 2 Cats, 100 fish n lots o Watches 🏴
Linlithgow, Scotland, UK
Member since
Last active: 11 hrs ago
19.30 cm
Something simple, try quartz first and get used to the regular tasks like stem removal, movement removal, crystal replacement etc then work your way up to mechanical watches
Start with changing straps 😜….but honestly it really starts from there and bezels , crystals dials them hands … it’s all downhill from there lol… I would like to open up a movement one of these days but if you like to tinker on one but a $20-$25 nh35 or nh36 open it up and YouTube up the instructions that’s a good start 😜🍻
I would start with modding. It is still easier compared to handling small movement components. You will need to train yourself to be very careful and deliberate with every single step in order to retain parts when working on a movement. (You will fail more than once.)
The NH35/36 can be a bit of a pain in the butt in the sense that you can put the keyless works together wrong and not realize it in time. Getting the tension of the retaining plate right on the front of the movement is not obvious. It has the advantage that it is well-documented, and aside from the balance it's not that easy to do damage, other than the obvious risk of losing parts.
Right there with you. I did find $19 vintage fixer upper on eBay. Runs but inconsistently. Got lucky in that the movement was loose in the case and a minor adjustment to the movement ring secured it. Now it runs better. Still hope to dismantle and clean/lube but discovered the tools I have are not sufficient quality for the job. So, of course, spending far more on tools than the watch is worth.
I’d suggest as others here have: get comfortable opening a case, pulling crown and movement out, seeing how case parts fit. Mod if you like. Work your way onward from there.