THE best book

[GandalfPC]

Hard to say which is the absolute best - probably can have quite a debate about that...

The first book to get should either be Fried's "Watch Repairer's Manual" or DeCarle's "Practical Watch Repair." Either one should get you through your basic cleanings and repairs.

I have heard good things about the military manual - but have not obtained a copy yet.

In the end you will probably want all three in your library along with Fried's "Practical Bench Practices for Watch and Clockmakers" (after that there are a host of other books to grab up dealing with lathes, staking sets, watchmaking, etc...)

Jason Goldman
Apprentice Watchmaker

[Kenny D]

Hi Kemp,
There are many possible reasons why your movement doesn`t run.
Learning how the watch movement works is the first necessity. With this knowledge you can check to see if the power is going from the mainspring, through the train wheels to the escape wheel and fork. If so the problem is likely in the balance assembly somewhere.
"The Watch Repairers Manual" has a section on troubleshooting which is very helpful.
Sometimes the problem is simple. You did oil the movement after cleaning I presume?
If you post back with more info on your observations (does the balance swing freely, does the escape wheel turn when you rotate the balance wheel, etc.) we can probably help you pinpoint the problem.
Good luck,
Kenny D

"You don`t waste time; time wastes you" - Kenny D

[GandalfPC]

Very important: Be sure to take the power out of the mainspring before dissasembly... I assume you know this, but just wanted to be sure - you can cause a lot of damage if you dont...

Jason Goldman
Apprentice Watchmaker