Are you a watch driver or a watch mechanic?

I've got a new interest in the mechanics of watches. I'm learning a lot about the work involved mostly through some very helpful videos on YouTube.

It would be good to learn how many others here are into that side of this hobby.

If I’m sick I see my doctor. If I have tax matters I see my accountant. If I’ve got legal issues I see my legal practitioner. If I’m willing to throw the watch away then I’m ok to work on the watch otherwise I’m seeing a specialist.

Wise words were spoken 👍

In a cool world I would go apprentice with a master watchmaker. But since that's not an option, self-learning off the Internet is the next best thing.

Thankfully I am willing to throw away the pieces I choose to lay my hands on, so one major hurdle crossed there!

FWIW - I asked very similar question a while back, if you’re interested in more data…

https://www.watchcrunch.com/NotThatNeil/posts/wearer-repairer-modder-watchmaker-44074

Your poll is missing a level between swapping a strap and full-on taking a movement apart. There are lots of modders who can customize a watch to their liking or assemble a watch from parts but won't mess with movements because that's a whole other level.

I only wear ‘em, I don’t know what makes ‘em work!

Watchmaking is an exacting skill that takes years to master. You Tube is a poor teacher, but might keep real watchmakers in business by having them fix mistakes.

Unless the watch is an absolute POS the back is only removed by a trained professional.

Strap changes and most battery changes are not things I see as needing a mechanic.

I drive the hell out of my watches!! 😂

Yeah, I'm inclined to agree with you.

I wish this had come up when I did my search before posting!😮

Shown up in the search results, I mean.

Zero worries. Glad I’m not the only one who’s curious about it.

I bought an inexpensive POS movement for the purpose of learning and can verify you are correct. 👍🏻😅

I agree with you for the most part.

Strap changes and most battery changes will still require the use of rudimentary tools, hence the generous interpretation of the term mechanic.

Is it fair to say that changing your watch battery is similar to changing the oil in your car?

A car battery can be replaced without using any tools, but not so to modify or replace the bracelet/strap of your watch.

What went wrong, in your case?

This is exactly correct. I only clicked on the movement since I have serviced digital watches and gave the tools to work on a a mecha Quartz and mechanical watch, but no experience whatsoever.

I can fully service a basic watch. I’ve never tried a chronograph or multi-complication watch, but an automatic with just date is no problem.

First I started doing mods and assembly work, then I learned servicing on Chinese 6497 clones, then moved on to NH35s then to Chinese 2824 clones.

Doing mods and restoring vintage watches is my favorite part of the watch hobby. I rarely buy anything new these days.

The watchfix.com video courses are how I learned. I broke several on my journey, but it was all part of the process. There is a reason most of the video courses instruct you to buy a bunch of cheap Chinese clones to learn on.

You aren’t kidding about it taking years though. It’s a lifelong hobby, not something you will master in a few months. I’m several years in and would still consider myself a novice. I refuse to touch anything too expensive.

Learned to be more careful handling microscopic parts with tweezer under magnification. I fumbled and dropped things; easy to find. If a screw snaps out from tweezers, no clue where it can go. Searched carefully with magnets for hours but lost click wheel screw, one of few unique screws. No real loss and served purpose I intended.

I have totally been-there-done-that! I once had to open my laptop to change something inside, and the same things happened...screws flying around, getting lost, etc.

That's when I learned...like really learned...that having the right tools for the job is the difference between success and making an ass out of yourself!😊

Did you find the WatchFix.com video course to be a good investment, both time and money?

In watchmaking, when in doubt, use rodico!

Om somewhere between 1 and 3. I will touch everything except the movement. My eyes arnt good enough and my hands shake sometimes so ill pass on the breakdown and cleaning of movements. I do still have fun modding though

Sign up for the free trial. Eventually you will get an email offering g it at a big discount.

I found it very helpful and worth it.

That's awesome, thanks a lot!

Got myself a sample size of rodico off eBay. Looking forward to seeing how it lives up to the hype!

I’m actually between A (everything listed in A) and B. I’ve built a couple, changed dials cleaned some dirty insides. But wouldn’t do a real tear down.