So I've got a couple Tavannes cal. 365 movements on the bench, one with an antishock setting on the balance cock and one without. Both were running (albeit poorly) when received, and both appear to have an identical jewel setting on the base plate…
Continue readingAdvice in Opening an Omega Dynamic
Hi all. I recently got an Omega Dynamic, I believe it to be reference 166.039 with a manual wind cal. 613. I’m trying to open it up, so I can check and photograph the movement, but no luck.
Continue readingI’ve opened a few top loader Dynamics, Cosmic, and De Ville, so I wasn’t expecting any holdbacks. Pushed the crown to the 2nd position (date advance), removed it, and pushed the “male” split stem into the neutral position so it would clear the tube. Tried rotating the dial counter clockwise but it…
Watch tools
Hi everyone.
I've been a watch hobbyist for the past 2 yrs and have gradually improved my equipment. I want advice on different swiss made brands from Dumont (tweezers especially) vs Bergeon vs Horotec tools. What type of screwdriver blades work…
Continue readingNew(old)Tool day! L&R Console Watch Cleaning Machine
I've been looking for a good cleaning machine for a while, and found this 'reasonably' priced with a 'make an offer' on Ebay, and it finally showed up today!
It is a L&R Console machine, sold 'as is', and mention…
Continue readingInstalling a flat sapphire crystal with clear AR on one side—but which side?
This is my first time installing a flat, clear AR crystal, and I’d like to be sure I’m installing it correctly (AR coating down.)
I know which side was face down when the crystal was wrapped in paper. I know that typically, when they’re opened, the AR…
Continue readingChinese watch cleaning machines?
How can it be that in 2025 the best "affordable" option for watch cleaning machines are vintage units or a $600 Indian clone?
I've got this vintage Bergeon and it seems like something a Chinese factory could slap togther for $20 max an…
Continue readingLooking for a replacement movement for a women’s Timex mechanical
When cleaning out my late mother-in-law's house, I sifted through many old watches. None of them are particularly valuable, but I know my sister-in-law would like to have and wear one of her mother's watches. The best candidate seemed to be t…
Continue reading30T2 Balance Repair or Replacement- Advice Please
Hello. I’m new here and hope this is the correct area to post my question. I am a hobbyist watch repairer with coming up to 10 years experience and have only worked on a few Omega watches to date.
I was recently contacted by a gentleman who lives ne…
Continue readingHonest opinions on the state of the watchmaking industry?
How is the current job market for watchmakers?
I've inherited enough tools to probably open a workshop after I got some training.
But I have a friend that said don't even bother training because the industry is dead.
He was a watchmaker wo…
Continue readingBasic Watchmaking Tips – stems and screwdrivers
This is #12 in my series of basic watchmaking tips.
Combining two shorter topics here, because of a need I see on the forum for one, and a request was made to me via PM for the other.
First fitting a new stem. Now this is just the way I do it – you …
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