My first vintage watch, and doesn't work.
While antique shopping, I say this Benrus sitting in a display. Definitely old, but came with the original clamshell case. They had it marked $25. I offered $15 and they snapped at it. DAMN! I should have offered $10. Oh well.
It doesn't run but that's why I offered $15. This will be the first attempt and a vintage watch repair. If I mess it up, then I'm out $15 plus any parts I might get for it. Plus, this gives me a reason to pick up more tools.
So maybe you guys with more experience might give me a clue to what might be wrong. When I wind it, I can see and hear it wind. But the balance wheel doesn't move. In addition, when I pull out the crown. The hour and minute hands move freely but the second hand moves with them.
Thanks in advance. I can't wait to dig into this guy.
I started wearing watches due to an OCD with timing. I've never had alot of money for watches. For along time, I wore Timex and Casio. I fell in love with the way watches look and work. Because I'm ch...
Likely just needs a servicing, take it to your local watchmaker and it should work fine
Likely just needs a servicing, take it to your local watchmaker and it should work fine
I plan on doing the work myself. I'm hoping that's all it needs to get working. If I get it running, then I'll move on to the crystal.
That is a good looking watch with a lot of promise. Friendly advice - set this aside and buy two really cheap watches off eBay and practice on them first. Once you have some skill and knowledge then service this one. No matter how careful you are you will destroy the first couple watches you learn on and or you will send parts flying off since you have not built up your tweezer touch. I received this same advice when I started learning. I thought I knew better and had good mechanical skills and rolled my eyes but took the advice and so glad I did.
When you talk about moving freely? I know if I tap it, it will move freely. I can here that gear sound when I wind it. But there's no power coming from the windup. I'll need to just find out. Unfortunately, I have to wait. I found it while on vacation.
Please take us along on your repair journey!
Cool, Good luck 👍
Get use to it! 😎👍 Vintage collecting will be 75% Repairing & 25% Caring. Vintage watches are undoubtedly cool and nostalgic, that's why I had my phase with them. However, more often than not, they will have missing, broken or loose parts that will need repair or replacing. And they will constantly need to be babied and seriously taken cared of. I just didn't have the patience to wait for the parts only for something else to go wrong as soon as I repaired the previous issue. It will be an expensive hobbie, unless you learn to service them yourself (which is what I did). This is not to discourage you, but rather to let you know the rabbit hole you're getting into (it will become an addiction 🥲). Good luck and enjoy 😁