Watchmaking Archives - Page 2 of 7

Flat to dome crystal swap

Hi.

I am on a project of making a custom watch, that would resemble old/vintage pieces.
I’ve found a nice suitable case, but would really like if it had domed crystal.

There are many sapphire crystals on sale on ebay (surprisingly affordable), with options to choose the diameter and edge width. I would be happy with an acrylic one as well.

Does anyone have experience with affordable ebay sapphires and cases, whether they could be swapped? Are those crystals any good?
Any logic in…

Flat to dome crystal swap

Watchmaking

Is there a type of water resistant gasket that fails more than others?

I have a new (to me) Omega coming this week. When I get an Omega that is not under warranty I always open the caseback and visually inspect the movement to make sure it is authentic and nothing is glaringly wrong. I try to have the proper replacement g…

Watchmaking

Servicing a watch in Kiev

Hi to all,

A friend has a Hamilton that is fogging up under the glass and is looking for a recommendation to have it serviced in kyiv, Ukraine.

He is leaving in a few months directly for a new post in Africa and would prefer his watch to be serviced …

Watchmaking

WOTB for 3-2-25 a couple of dress watches

Tonight I’m getting ready to finish up this fine Longines dress watch from 1959. 17 jewels, no shock protection, movement 23Z according to the markings. The parts are fresh out of the cleaning fluids and are ready to be joined together again.

Next is a Sandoz, with another 17 jewel AS 1890/92 shock protected movement. Also as you can see it has “Henri Sandoz & Fils etched onto…

WOTB for 3-2-25 a couple of dress watches

Watchmaking

Rate Adjustment Longines 844.4

Can anybody shed some light on the question of if the lever mechanism on this escapement can be used to adjust the rate of the movement, or only the beat error? Do the screws on the balance wheels only control the posing of the balance wheel or do they…

Watchmaking

Making replacement bezels/inserts, “bakelite”/acrylic & aluminium- Tissot PR516

Have hade some requests to share the method I use for producing replacement inserts in acrylic.

I am a big fan of vintage Tissot, modell PR516. A while ago I got a project diver in a watch lot bought at an auction.
It was missing the bezel and the c…

Watchmaking

Where do I even begin…

To keep it brisk, my main attraction to horology is the mechanical aspect. A mechanical aspect that I’m semi knowledgeable in, but want to dive into as deep as possible.

Anyone got any recommendations on a fully comprehensive kit/combination of kits? Not just a few screwdrivers and some rodico, I mean everything from that down to crystal pushers and pressure testers.

The end goal is to restore vintage pieces myself, for my collection and my friends/colleagues (and hey, maybe some of you…

Where do I even begin…

Watchmaking

Newbie question about watch timing and accuracy: Constellation Calibre 8700

Hi all! I’m new to owning an omega watch. An anniversary gift from 2022 in Europe. Constellation with Co-Axial Master Chronometer and Calibre 8700.

I don’t wear it everyday. Mostly for work or occasions and I take it off overnight when sleeping, showe…

Watchmaking

How Often Should an ETA 2804-2 be Oiled?

I have a Stowa flieger with the ETA 2804-2 hand winding movement that is 6 years old. It seems to be running fine and winding smoothly. Yet it’s been recommended by someone that it should be oiled due to its age and possibly having dried out. Thoughts…

Watchmaking

Curved tweezers?

I’ve been wanting to try curved tweezers for awhile, and to be honest I held back because The cost, and I already have multiple pairs of regular straight ones.

I finally get the chance to see how they feel, and I hope they are worth it. I found a set of brass curved tweezers from Italy.

Does anyone else use curved, and how do they feel compared to straight? I know the huge difference will be how to hold them and grip small items (of course). Guess I’m feeling a bit leery about my first…

Curved tweezers?

Watchmaking

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