Internet Horology Club 185
Total hinge replacement project

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9826095371/m/891108333

September 01, 2010, 16:59
Leon Harris
Total hinge replacement project
This is a Keystone 16 size hunting case that Mary Ann Scott sent me to repair. I have took several pictures of the process of removing the old hinge and replacing it. This first picture is of the case.

16 size Keystone hunting case

September 01, 2010, 17:14
Leon Harris
this picture is of the bad hinge.

damaged hinge

September 01, 2010, 17:15
Leon Harris
and another of the bad hinge.

bad hinge 2

September 01, 2010, 17:17
Leon Harris
This picture is of the really deep scrapes in the case frame. To make the hinge replacement look good when done. I decided to fill in the deep scrapes.

deep scrapes in case frame

September 01, 2010, 17:19
Leon Harris
this one shows where I added some metal to fill in the deep scrapes on the case frame. In this picture you can see where the old hinge has been removed. Case is ready for the new hinge.

lasered up bad scrapes

September 01, 2010, 17:27
Leon Harris
This one is of the lasered case frame polished and ready for the new hinge

polished scrapes and hinge removed

September 01, 2010, 17:28
Leon Harris
this one is the case and front lid with the old hinge gone

hinge removed

September 01, 2010, 17:31
Leon Harris
this one is the new hinge has been cut, and ready to be tacked weld

new hinge with front cover

September 01, 2010, 17:35
Leon Harris
this picture is of the new hinge tacked to see if it will need to be moved or adjusted

new hinge tacked

September 01, 2010, 17:39
Leon Harris
With the new hinge all welded up and polished and a new hinge pin installed

new hinge

September 01, 2010, 17:40
Leon Harris
different angle on the new hinge. It is close to original hinge.

new hinge 2

September 01, 2010, 17:42
Leon Harris
finished case cleaned and lightly polished. What do you think Mary Ann?

If anybody has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Thanks for your time.

finished case

September 01, 2010, 17:48
Steve Middlesworth
Beautiful job Leon......looks like new again.

Steve
September 01, 2010, 18:39
Edward L. Parsons, Jr.
That's an amazing transformation Leon, you saved that case from the scrap pile.


Best Regards,

Ed
September 01, 2010, 19:23
Steven Ford
Very nice job Leon!
Is the case solid gold or gold filled?

Steve
September 01, 2010, 22:14
Mary Ann Scott
Leon - the case turned out wonderful! I am so pleased and can't wait to get it back! Big Grin

The transformation is incredible. What was once a beat up broken case now looks like it was just made!

It is gold filled, is original to the movement and has a very nice inscription, so I wanted to restore it. I am glad that I did. I highly recommend Leon and the work that he does! Thank you!
September 02, 2010, 07:43
Phillip Sanchez
Leon, You are the Master. I still want to go over there and be your apprentice. Smile
September 02, 2010, 07:51
Edward Kitner
Incredible job Leon, you are indeed a master!
September 02, 2010, 15:07
Keith Klimkowicz
WOW nice job...
September 05, 2010, 07:53
Vincent Pullara, Jr.
5 stars to Leon. Not only for his excellent craftsmanship, but taking the time to share his expertise with us. Thank you Leon.
September 05, 2010, 11:42
Robert V. Jones
Great job Leon as you have done for me in the past. That is why I highly reccomend you to anyone who asks me. Thanks for sharing the step by step pictures.


tymekeeper005
November 20, 2010, 19:46
Peter L. Belmonte
Leon,
That's a beautiful job. Did you grind the old hinge away, or did you use a sep disk, or ??? Those laser welders are nice, that's for sure.
Thanks for showing this project. I'd like to see more of your case work.
Pete Belmonte
November 22, 2010, 15:28
Leon Harris
Hi Peter, I have 30 years as a jewelery repairman. So yes I did grind the old hinge away, and yes I did use a sepereting disc in a hand piece. I have reworked a Hamilton model 2 case that I need to get the pictures on the 185.
November 23, 2010, 08:53
Peter L. Belmonte
Leon,
I'd love to see the pictures for the Hamilton model 2 case. I used to work on watches, but a few years ago I decided to concentrate on making jewelry (although I still "dabble" in various watch areas), so I like to see this kind of work. I worked part-time as a bench jeweler and I got to assist the jeweler in a similar case repair -- it was a lot of fun to see how it shaped up. Thanks again,
Pete
November 23, 2010, 10:20
Ernie Loga
Great job, Leon! Some people have talent but Leon has more than that. He indeed is a master!