hi everyone, Todd the beginner here,
i just want to say thank you to everyone,
i just finished my first complete COA. i completely disassembled this movement. every spring, screw and gear. it was a filthy non running mess. i received help and and advice from numerous members every step of the way. i cleaned the heck out of every part and followed the advice received and used Chris Abells' service checklist to the best of my limited skills and i just finished giving it a wind and it started right up.
pic is what it looked like when i bought it

i cannot express how much i appreciate the friendly, helpful people here on IHC. a true community. could not have done this without you.
now to clean the dial, then top off the watch with a crystal I bought from William White, i want the best after all for my 7 jewel wonder.
thanks again
Todd

Great Todd.

What did you use as a cleaner? I see all the coler is gone from the plates.

Regards,
Larry

hi Larry,
i electropated them.
is this a bad thing?
i thought it made the movement prettier.
Todd

Happy to see you got it going!

thanks Marc,
i was actually a little shocked and thrilled when it started running. the hardest part was getting everything to line up putting the plates together.
Todd

Todd,

The very first watch I brought back to life was an 18s 7J Elgin like yours. I always keep it handy and and it reminds me of the great pleasure and pride I experienced when I was able to get it running again. Way to go!

William

Good work Todd.
The satisfaction of seeing the movement you have restored first "come to life" is priceless. Now you are a true "Watchaholic"!

Polishing and electroplating the watch plates certainly gives it a permanent "Glow" as your first restored movement!

In the future all you need to do is buff the plates with Rodico, it usually cleans them right up.

thanks David,
i know now it was a bit of a mistake.
mia culpa.
new guy over ambitious.
i get it now that i should bring it back to life without harming the patina earned over years of honored existence. the skill is in making it work properly, not in making it shiny. thank you for your patience with me. i may be new to this but i am teachable and i listen.
thanks again
Todd

P.S.
i am definitely now a watchaholic!

Todd, I think you did it right polishing and plating it. It runs, and is definitely identifiable for and by you as #1.

Congrats Todd,

You are off to a fantastic start and I see no reason why you can't continue to learn and grow with your watch work. If you just stay at it with the same approach and energy you will find a lifetime of enjoyment derived from your watch work.

Rob
www.pocketwatchrepairs.net

Todd,

I still have my first watch. Yours looks great.

It might be a bit of a party foul to electroplate the movement, but, on a 7j movement, what the heck. It looks really nice.

Where electroplating may come in handy is in restoring otherwise hopeless corrosion on regulator bows, clicks and click wheels, screw heads and such.

Hey Todd, great job. I still remember the feeling of the first pocket watch that I repaired many years ago. You will not forget it ever. Congratulation! Mick B

Way to go Todd!!

Nothing like seeing that first watch come to life in your hands as a result of your efforts. Once that hook is set, it is in deep!

Well done and enjoy,

I see future in electroplating clicks,regulators and so on, are you takings job for it?
BTW great job.

hi Peter,
thank you, i am honored that you would ask.
but i am a complete amateur. perhaps later when i have gained experience and skills. but at this point i am still learning. i have only coa'd 1 watch for gods sake. i couldn't be any more green. but i intend to pursue this until i am good at it.when i am confident in my skills i will do some plating for you.
Todd