Beginner Clock/Watch repair.

[Time Stands Still...]

So I got to thinking of this father of a girl I used to date, and how he had a hobby of repairing clocks and watches. I've had many hobbies in the past, from wood carving, to electronics/soldering, and building gas powered remote controlled cars, also building computers, and working a lot with them software/hardware.

Hopefully I'm posting to the correct forum as I did not see one for newbies, so I can imagine most of you have quite a bit more knowledge than I in this subject, but I am really excited and want to learn how to get into this art.

Anyone have any beginner book reccomendations or some websites I may be able to check out.

Also if someone could tell me of which kit I should purchase as a beginner that can start me off with some basic clock/watch repair.

I'm more interested in learning about watches/pocket watches than clocks, but please let me know what a beginner should start on, if it's clocks so be it.

I appreciate any comments/suggestions and look forward to reading posts and getting to know you all.

A little info about me:

My name's Mike, I'm 22 years old, live in Charlotte, NC was born and mostly raised in Bern, Switzerland. I've always been fascinated with pocket watches and the coo-coo clocks I've seen in Switzerland. I currently work as a national service coordinator/technical support for a company called Muzak (totally unrealted to watches of course).

[Time Stands Still...]

So I got to thinking of this father of a girl I used to date, and how he had a hobby of repairing clocks and watches. I've had many hobbies in the past, from wood carving, to electronics/soldering, and building gas powered remote controlled cars, also building computers, and working a lot with them software/hardware.

Hopefully I'm posting to the correct forum as I did not see one for newbies, so I can imagine most of you have quite a bit more knowledge than I in this subject, but I am really excited and want to learn how to get into this art.

Anyone have any beginner book reccomendations or some websites I may be able to check out.

Also if someone could tell me of which kit I should purchase as a beginner that can start me off with some basic clock/watch repair.

I'm more interested in learning about watches/pocket watches than clocks, but please let me know what a beginner should start on, if it's clocks so be it.

I appreciate any comments/suggestions and look forward to reading posts and getting to know you all.

A little info about me:

My name's Mike, I'm 22 years old, live in Charlotte, NC was born and mostly raised in Bern, Switzerland. I've always been fascinated with pocket watches and the coo-coo clocks I've seen in Switzerland. I currently work as a national service coordinator/technical support for a company called Muzak (totally unrealted to watches of course).

[RobertG]

Mike:

Welcome to the NAWCC message board! Please give serious consideration to joining the NAWCC. The use of the library alone is worth the $50.00 per year membership fee. Click on the NAWCC Home Page link on the top of this page to learn more.

If watches are to be your main interest, I would suggest you start with them. Clocks can come later, if you wish. Clocks are easier to work on simply because they are larger, but most members have a distinct preference between clocks or watches.

Click on the "Find" button on the banner of this posting and search for "books" or "books for beginners", or some similar wording. You will find numerous postings on this topic.

There are also threads for both pocket watches and wristwatches further down the main page. The members who frequent those boards will be happy to help answer any questions you have.

There is no specific board for newbies. Everyone is welcome on any of the boards, so don't hesitate asking your questions.

RobertG

[mckpaul]

Hello and welcome from one newbie to another. Only been here a couple of weeks myself as a result of a $2 garage sale cuckoo clock, and the research that followed. What was going to be a clean up and get working thing turned into a complete dis-assembly, clean and lube, case refinish, etc. Found it to be a lot of fun. Mine isn't quite finished, it's up on the wall running with no roof, a paint brush for a pendulum, no numerals on the face, cardboard cut out hands, and a cuckoo that pops out and makes no sound and doesn't rock up and down, just kind of looks at you for a while and goes back in (parts that were ordered haven't arrived) but, IT RUNS!

Interesting to read that most members have a distinct preference. I had hopes that was the case, as I don't think I'd want to get into watch work, just too small for my taste.

Anxious to see responses here, and I'll have to searh as well in the old posts.

Anyway, good bunch of folks here. And a wealth of knowledge. And, it's good for me to know that someone may be asking questions as silly or more silly than mine :smile: Just kidding. And again, Welcome!

[Time Stands Still...]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RobertG:
Mike:

Welcome to the NAWCC message board! Please give serious consideration to joining the NAWCC. The use of the library alone is worth the $50.00 per year membership fee. Click on the NAWCC Home Page link on the top of this page to learn more.

If watches are to be your main interest, I would suggest you start with them. Clocks can come later, if you wish. Clocks are easier to work on simply because they are larger, but most members have a distinct preference between clocks or watches.

Click on the "Find" button on the banner of this posting and search for "books" or "books for beginners", or some similar wording. You will find numerous postings on this topic.

There are also threads for both pocket watches and wristwatches further down the main page. The members who frequent those boards will be happy to help answer any questions you have.

There is no specific board for newbies. Everyone is welcome on any of the boards, so don't hesitate asking your questions.

RobertG </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the welcome, I will definately search for the topics and find the information I need. Will look forward to posting here, and sounding like a complete moron for a while =)

[Time Stands Still...]

Originally posted by mckpaul:
Hello and welcome from one newbie to another. Only been here a couple of weeks myself as a result of a $2 garage sale cuckoo clock, and the research that followed. What was going to be a clean up and get working thing turned into a complete dis-assembly, clean and lube, case refinish, etc. Found it to be a lot of fun. Mine isn't quite finished, it's up on the wall running with no roof, a paint brush for a pendulum, no numerals on the face, cardboard cut out hands, and a cuckoo that pops out and makes no sound and doesn't rock up and down, just kind of looks at you for a while and goes back in (parts that were ordered haven't arrived) but, IT RUNS!

Interesting to read that most members have a distinct preference. I had hopes that was the case, as I don't think I'd want to get into watch work, just too small for my taste.

Anxious to see responses here, and I'll have to searh as well in the old posts.

Anyway, good bunch of folks here. And a wealth of knowledge. And, it's good for me to know that someone may be asking questions as silly or more silly than mine :smile: Just kidding. And again, Welcome!

Paul, thanks for the reply, good to see another newbie reply, perhaps we'll get the hang of this trade before long to at least seem like we know what we're doing right?

Hope you get your cuckoo cuckooing again and moving instead of pulling a silent frozen Ben Stein ;-)

I'd like to know your updates on the cuckoo clock as ya have some.

[RobertG]

Mike & Paul:

Don't worry, no one sounds like a moron on these boards. We all started as newbies (I consider myself only slightly past the newbie category).

Click on these links to threads on this board and you will see that we all sound less than expert from time to time:

old ref::http://nawcc-mb.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5746044581/m/8741046461[/url]

[url="http://nawcc-mb.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5746044581/m/5931057161"]http://nawcc-mb.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5746044581/m/5931057161

It is all part of the never-ending educational journey of working on antique clocks and watches.


RobertG

[Paul H]

Mike;
Hello and welcome. I was about your age when I bought my first old clock. Now I'm 45 and still having as much fun as ever with it.

I started with clocks, got into pocket watches, then wrist watches while still doing the big stuff. I found it very helpful to work on small to medium sized alarm clocks in my prelude to cleaning and repairing watches. They are the same basic design while being a bit bigger and less delicate.

I agree with the above comments to join the NAWCC. You can't imagine what's available out there, and if you join, then you'll realize.

Paul

[Time Stands Still...]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Paul H:
Mike;
Hello and welcome. I was about your age when I bought my first old clock. Now I'm 45 and still having as much fun as ever with it.

I started with clocks, got into pocket watches, then wrist watches while still doing the big stuff. I found it very helpful to work on small to medium sized alarm clocks in my prelude to cleaning and repairing watches. They are the same basic design while being a bit bigger and less delicate.

I agree with the above comments to join the NAWCC. You can't imagine what's available out there, and if you join, then you'll realize.

Paul </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So you were about my age when you bought your first clock, but how old were you when you started working on them/repairing them?

[David B Pendley]

Hi Mike, Just thought I'd mention that the Carolina's Chapter #17 will be meeting in Salisbury on Nov 20. We just had a meeting Sunday. Check out the Section of Message Board marked Chapter News. We usually have a Mart, Clock Repair class, Watch Repair class, a buffet meal and a program. We had a sparse crowd for us Sunday 83 at Mart and 60~ stayed for lunch. Email me a mailing address and I'll try to remember to mail a Chapter Newsletter since I mail about 270 each time.

[RJSoftware]

Mike; I just started to take interest in pocket watch repair too.

Bought a junker pocket watch to tinker with.

It was easy to take apart. It's all apart now.
But wow!! Talk about a challenge to re-assemble.

Tiny tiny tiny parts...

I should be posting a few threads there every now and then when I finally get the nerve to proceed with re-assembly.

Maybe if you get any good leads on how to do the pocket watches drop me a line.

It's all interesting to me.
RJ

[jsisler]

Welcome fellow newbie. I joined the NAWCC and have learned volumes just on this forum. After my Grandmother died, I inherited a lot of old clocks (4 cuckoos, a 400 day clock, an electric mantle clock and various watches. I heard that Great Granddad was a jeweler back at the turn of the century.) I joined about two years ago because I have heard that the Field Suitcase Workshops (their roaming school of clock/watch repair) would be coming to my area. I STRONGLY recommend joining and attending these seminars. The cost is reasonable and it lasts around 4 days. You supply the clock movement ($30.00 or so) and various tools you'll need (they shall have a list for you) I believe they have one for watches, too. I started with clocks because the parts are easy to see and handle. Watch movements intrigue me as well, but I'm still a bit intimidated by the small size of the parts. Fragile little buggers! I'm reading up on it, though. Some good books that I recommend on clocks are "The Clock Repair First Reader" and "Clock Repair Primer" by Phillip Balcomb. Currently, I am reading "The Watch Repairers Manual" by Henry B. Fried and find it encouraging. If you were to join the NAWCC, you would also have access to thousands of books, videos and some DVD's available through the NAWCC Lending Library. I plan on borrowing the Bob Tascione video on watch repair, which I've heard is good. Good luck and If there is any questions that you have, this forum should be the first place you look.

[Smudgy]

Hi Mike

I started working on clocks a few years ago with the intentions of also learning pocket watches, but had no interest in anything smaller. However, I find now that I even enjoy the tiny ladies watches, and rarely work on clocks. The watches take up a lot less space too. Working on the clocks to begin with is good for learning, though, because of the size and the basic principles and techniques are very similar if not the same. The watch escapement also seems a little more touchey and more difficult to adjust than the clocks. On the negative side only some of the tools can be used for both clocks and watches due to the size differences. If you're accustomed to working with small parts going straight to the watches would work fine, because it's the scale of things that really make things more difficult to start with. When I started I just ripped into an old clock I had around. I followed that with purchasing really cheap pocket watches and clock movements to tear into. My mechanical experience was such that I considered a chainsaw or motorcycle engine to be a small mechanism to work on, and the hardest thing develop was the light touch needed in this type of work (doing field repairs on heavy equipment teaches a lot of bad habits to have when working on something delicate). Needless to say I broke a few things starting out


Any of the Freid or DeCarle books are good. Here's some web sites;
Articles on Clockmaking and Repair (http://home.att.net/~jclosch/articles.htm)
Clock-Watch (http://www.clockwatch.de/)
Mark Headricks Site (http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/hall/3934/)
Wooden Clocks (http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/index.htm)
Antica Orologeria Lamberlan (http://www.orologeria.com/english/index.htm)
Horology the Index (http://www.horology.com/)
How Stuff Works (http://www.howstuffworks.com/clock5.htm)
Montres Passion (http://www.zvisuel.com/montrespassion/english/index.html)
Watchmaking (http://watchmaking.csparks.com/)
David LaBountys Site (http://www.abouttime-clockmaking.com/)
Horologia (http://www.horologia.co.uk/escapements.html)

As far as tools go,m you'll need to decide if you want to learn watches or clocks first. With clocks many of the tools that you'll need you may already have (screwdrivers, pliers, files, wrenches, vice, small hammer, etc.) but you'll probably also want at least one magnifying device (loupe or visor type), tweezers, and a mainspring winder. For watch work you'll need similar tools but in a smaller scale. You'll also need some other things like pegwood, pithwood, clock or watch oil, oilers, etc. Here's a link that has a list of tools for watch repair TimeZone (http://www.timezonewatchschool.com/WatchSchool/). They may seem a bit expensive, but the tools are good quality. In any case The list will give you a good idea of what you'll need to get started. When your buying tools you may want to get the best quality you can afford to avoid the aggrivation and damage that the really cheap tools seem to cause. It's also possible (almost nescessary in some cases) to make some of the tools if your so inclined.

[Cathy in Hawaii]

Aloha Mike,

Well, if you are Swiss, you need at least several cuckoo clocks! (I blame my own Swiss ancestors for the plethora of cuckoos here - not all of which may be clocks.)

Many folks find an old clock at a garage sale, others find them on eBay. Get one you like and one that isn't terribly expensive and hopefully a "common" type of movement so parts will be available. Then take it apart, clean it and put it back together.

I suppose the other way of choosing a clock or watch to work on would be to see what parts are available and then select one which goes along with the available parts.

Be prepared to share your house space with a LOT of clocks. Once one of them gets in the door, there will be many more creeping in behind it. I think they naturally like to live in herds.

A hui hou,
Cathy

[mckpaul]

Hey Cathy,

I think all those bites from the protruding nails in the first cuckoo case injected the bug in me. That cuckoo isn't even finished yet, running in the state mentioned in my post in this thread up above, but still waiting on parts that won't be here till tomorrow.

And what did I do yesterday during lunch? Went into a resale shop near the office and came out with another cuckoo clock. It's pretty much a cheap, newer, hunting theme thing with two doors and three chains, has a music box. Just got it "for parts and to learn and play with"....had it ticking and cuck-cooing before I went to bed (except no music box activation yet)...already had a mental list going of what parts I'd need to finis.....and had to stop and smack myself in the head, just got it so I could experiment with a more complex movement, NOT gonna replace missing pieces, NOT gonna end up being a 'project'...for real....it's just a junker.....gotta go...got parts to order :smile:

[Time Stands Still...]

What are some well known movements that I can easily get parts for if I need to?

[Time Stands Still...]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 107WestStreet:
Welcome to a great hobby.
This board is the greatest.
You can ask any question, and always get wonderful answers, it is a great education in itself.
The master watchmakers and clock makers are very eager to help beginners like us. They are the nicest people I have ever encountered.
I am new also, and have learned a tremendious amount from these masters.
The Association is great because you can borrow dvds, videos and books that will guide you in your quest to become a watchmaker. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So it pretty much offers a real time library to borrow media/books? Are there long waits on certain materials? I think the fact of that in itself would be very valuable for the $60 first year...do they have access to pretty much any of the watchmaker books that I could buy at Barnes & Noble or Amazon?

[RobertG]

Mike:

I'm not sure what you mean by "real time". It is a regular library. You send in your request for a specific book, video tape, CD, or DVD with a check to cover only the postage, and they send you the real McCoy. You then mail the item back to the library when you are done with it.

They have hundreds of books, etc., that you can check out, many now out of print. Far more than you will find at any bookstore.

RobertG

[Cathy in Hawaii]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">What are some well known movements that I can easily get parts for if I need to?


-
Mike </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Aloha Mike,

There are loads of parts available for the German Hermele movements. Since those are still "new" movements (as apposed to "antique") some clock repair folks will replace the movement instead of repairing it (or sometimes even cleaning it, it seems). Those can be picked up inexpensively on eBay. Or you can look on eBay and find a clock case then fit a movement to it or vice versa.

Hermele movements come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you choose a weight driven movement, you wouldn't have to worry about letting down springs or getting springs out of barrels or winding the suckers back in after they've gotten loose. However, most of the weight driven Hermele movements are the larger ones for grandfather, grandmother and the larger wall clocks.

Amongst the cuckoo clocks, the most common movement seems to be the one day Regula 25. That's the basic cuckoo that has two weights, one door and one cuckoo who cuckoos once at the half hour and cuckoos the hours at the top of the hour. Cuckoo clocks have a lot of ancillary repairs to cuckoo bellows, cases, gluing birds back together, cuckoo wires, etc. However, cuckoo clocks are weight driven so you don't immediately have to learn about springs.

A hui hou,
Cathy

[Paul H]

Mike;

After 2 years of owning an old clock (by then I had three or four, I found a fixer upper. My wife (fiancee at that time) said, "You don't know how to fix clocks, why do you want to buy that one." Then she said; "See that clock over there; take it apart and put it back together so it runs, then you can buy that fixer upper".

Well that was enough motivation for me. I took that first clock apart, nearly taking off a finger because I didn't know I had to contain the mainspings. I did get it back together running. I bought the fixer upper, joined the nawcc 6 monthes later and have been having fun since.

[Time Stands Still...]

Originally posted by Paul H:
Mike;

After 2 years of owning an old clock (by then I had three or four, I found a fixer upper. My wife (fiancee at that time) said, "You don't know how to fix clocks, why do you want to buy that one." Then she said; "See that clock over there; take it apart and put it back together so it runs, then you can buy that fixer upper".

Well that was enough motivation for me. I took that first clock apart, nearly taking off a finger because I didn't know I had to contain the mainspings. I did get it back together running. I bought the fixer upper, joined the nawcc 6 monthes later and have been having fun since.

Almost took off your finger? That's pretty frightening. So where exactly is the mainspring located? And could it have actually taken your finger off? I think I would like to avoid that if I could. :eek:

[Time Stands Still...]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RobertG:
Mike:

I'm not sure what you mean by "real time". It is a regular library. You send in your request for a specific book, video tape, CD, or DVD with a check to cover only the postage, and they send you the real McCoy. You then mail the item back to the library when you are done with it.

They have hundreds of books, etc., that you can check out, many now out of print. Far more than you will find at any bookstore.

RobertG </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry, I've been posting from work, and it's been a little crazy around here, I guess that's what I meant, was if it was an actual library, and how it worked. I appreciate you providing me that information, now all that's keeping me from joining is that beautiful thing called a paycheck coming up Friday. Which I plan to buy my first beginner set of tools that I may need.

Any suggestions on what kind of tools I should start out with? In the meantime, I will try the message boards search functioning, and siffer through the endless ammounts of data in hopes of finding a topic regarding this.

Thanks!

[harold bain]

Hi, Mike. Chances are you already have screwdrivers and pliers, although you might need some smaller ones. Get yourself a catalogue or two from Merrits and Timesavers, to see what is out there. And using the find feature here on the message board brings you a whole library of information on just about anything you can think of. Mainsprings are only dangerous if you don't respect them, and use proper techniques to restrain them. Keep the questions coming, we welcome newbies :biggrin:
Harold

[RobertG]

Mike:

The mainsprings are what you wind with the key. Some clocks have one--time only. Some have two--time and strike. Some have three--time, strike, and chime. The more the spring has to do, the stronger it is--generally, so chime springs are usually the strongest.

Get yourself a good basic clock book, like Conover's Basic Clock Repair and read up on how the movement is put together before you attempt to take it apart. This will also help you with the proper names for parts. When you ask questions on this board, we can give much more specific answers and directions if you use the proper nomenclature so we don't misinterpret your question or have to ask questions of you to determine what you mean.

RobertG

[Cathy in Hawaii]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Any suggestions on what kind of tools I should start out with? In the meantime, I will try the message boards search functioning, and siffer through the endless ammounts of data in hopes of finding a topic regarding this. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Aloha Mike,

Well, I just looked at the things on my desk to see what gets used the most. Needle nose pliers, flat needle nosed pliers, an assortment of dental picks, a medium sized workbench vise (not even bolted down, it is heavy enough just as is), a desk (or workbench), an assortment of small screwdrivers, an ultrasonic cleaner (that has been the most expensive tool so far), an assortment of pliers, a lamp, magnifying glass, scissors, some small files, punches and clamps. Old toothbrushes and an old shoebrush (works great on dirty cuckoo clock cases), clock oil (in a handy oiler), an old jewelry box for small spare parts and some old shoeboxes for clocks waiting to be fixed. Small cans and boxes to put parts in. An assortment of stainless steel leader wire from a fishing supply store.

There's all sorts of things you can classify as "clock tools". Go to garage sales and look for old clocks to work on. While you are doing that, get all the small tools that look like they might be useful for working on clocks. With luck, you will be able to find a clock to work on and tools to do it with and not spend a whole lot of money.

A hui hou,
Cathy

[Scottie-TX]

The second tool you should buy is a high quality mainspring winder if you think this is something that will interest you for awhile. After 30 years of restoring radios I have FAR more respect for an eight day mainspring than ever I did or still do, have for 450 volts in a radio! 450 volts'll make you cuss. A mainspring out of control will hurt you REAL bad. I still use the mainspring winder occasionally but I collect weight driven clocks now and the biggest danger is dropping the weight on yer toe. By th' way - a good way to start - weight driven clocks!

[Time Stands Still...]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Scottie-TX:
The second tool you should buy is a high quality mainspring winder if you think this is something that will interest you for awhile. After 30 years of restoring radios I have FAR more respect for an eight day mainspring than ever I did or still do, have for 450 volts in a radio! 450 volts'll make you cuss. A mainspring out of control will hurt you REAL bad. I still use the mainspring winder occasionally but I collect weight driven clocks now and the biggest danger is dropping the weight on yer toe. By th' way - a good way to start - weight driven clocks! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Mainsprings are only on bigger clocks/cuckoo clocks correct?

[RobertG]

Mike:

Any clock that winds with a key has a mainspring. They just differ in size and strength. From alarm clocks to huge clocks, they all have mainsprings if they need a key and don't have weights. Even mechanical watches have mainsprings.

RobertG

[mckpaul]

Remember I'm a newbie too, but I'll take a shot at this. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Mainsprings are on clocks that you wind up that don't have weights that hang down. On weight driven clocks, the weight pulling on the chain or cable provides the force needed to turn the movement. Cuckoo clocks are weight driven, assuming they are the wall type clocks with chains hanging down. If there are no weights, then when you wind, you're winding up a spring to provide the force, and some clocks have more than one spring, as mentioned above, if strikes and chimes are involved. Clocks don't have to be big to have a mainspring, your basic wind up alarm clock (do they still make those?) has a mainspring, wind up watches do to I suppose. I haven't messed with one yet, but I would assume that they don't have to be very large to cause damage to you or other parts if they are not removed the right way.

[mckpaul]

Man, getting slow on the typing, Robert beat me to it.

[Time Stands Still...]

So I'm assuming pocket watches typically have mainsprings?

[mckpaul]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RobertG:
....Even mechanical watches have mainsprings.

RobertG </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yep, if they are wind up watches as opposed to battery operated, there has to be a mainspring.

[RJSoftware]

For the clocks you need what is called a "let down tool".

You can make one however, All you need is some kind of handle wood. I used part of a shovel. Has nice thick handle.

Cut about 10" of thick handle off old shovel.

At one end, cut a slot along lengthwise in center with saw from one end about 2" up the handle.

Then drill hole in center a couple of inches as well.

The ideal is to stick the key that winds your clock into the slot and hole.

Sorta makes like an extended handle to the key.

Now, you un-pin the ratchet on the mainspring barrel. Don't worry it should not unwind yet.

Then with movement secure on table insert letdown with key in as you would normally wind.

Turn as to wind just a bit. This pushes the ratchet out of the cog.

Now you can remove the mainspring pressure by letting the spring undwind. You let the wood handle spin slowly in your hand. You'll get use to it.

And wha-la. Main spring is un-wound.

I wish I would have known I could make a letdown tool when I first started. I'm sorta a cheapo, so I use to remove the fly and the escape wheel. Had a few accidents that way.

I even tried one time to hold the key with my hands and let it down that way. I was ok for the first few turns, then it took off like a bat out of Hell! Ripped the skin off my thumb and finger but fortunetly did not much else damage.

Oh well, I learned the hard way...

I still have yet the need to buy a mainspring winder. Just don't see it.

Hope this helps.
RJ

[Veritas]

Rj Software, you mentioned earlier you got a cheapie watch and it looks hard to put back together.If you would like to, email me me and i have some help ful suggestions for you.