Internet Horology Club 185
Putting Together A Movement & A Case

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/5063949457

October 31, 2010, 12:32
Bud Melless
Putting Together A Movement & A Case
Hello everyone;

Is there some special knowledge required to put together a movement and say a hunter case? I understand (I think) that the movement has to be oriented correctly for a hunter case, like lever set movments and such, but not sure as to what other knowledge is required. I'd like to learn how this is done.

In other words, could a novice like me put together something like this? If not, what should I expect a watchmaker to charge for such a job?

Thanks for any help folks.

Bud
October 31, 2010, 17:07
Edward L. Parsons, Jr.
Yes, you need to have some basic knowledge about working on watches before you try to case a movement, and some basic tools too of course.

I'd suggest you get a good watch repair book, such as "The Watch Repairer's Manual" By Fried and do some reading before you attempt it.

Casing a movement will be in the introductory, basic skills part. It's pretty simple, but there's more to it than you might think, especially if you have to change the dial and hands.

I'd also recommend making your first attempt on a junky watch of little value, so in case you goof, its no big deal.


Best Regards,

Ed
October 31, 2010, 17:16
Bud Melless
Hello Edward;

Thank you for the reply, and I sort of figured this would be the case. Of course, you're quite right, and I wouldn't attempt it on a good piece.

Thank you for the help,

Bud
October 31, 2010, 23:18
Larry Lamphier
Hi Bud,

Let me give you a prospective from someone who just started about a year ago. Wow, how time flies!! Frown

Just as Ed said, you need to have some basic knowlege. Where do you get it? Well two things I did right away was to buy some cheap pocket watches "that were working" How do you know if you did it right if it wasn't working in the first place.

Two, Do a lot of reading, I googled a lot and got some real good info that way also. But don't be afraid to take one apart, and put it back together. Don't worry, you'll break one! Believe it or not there are not that many parts to remember on the avarage pocket watch. I learned early on to stick with one make untill I got the hang of it before I went on to another kind. There are little things that can be different that can trip you up.

Tools are VERY importent. GOOD ones, like screwdrivers. Don't buy the cheap ones. They will only get you in trouble. Thanks AGAIN Lindell!! Smile

Then always remember, you are a member of "IHC185"!! Smile If you get into trouble just ASK!

Most importent, Have FUN!!

Regards,

Larry
October 31, 2010, 23:38
Buster Beck
Nice- Real Nice Info Boys Eek

I can't expound Frown

Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin

regards,
bb
November 04, 2010, 18:32
Bud Melless
Thanks a lot Lawrence, I appreciate that. I plan to take my time with it all, and especially the "repair" part. I like idea of buying a couple of "working" samples to mess around with and I can maybe learn a little bit about how they work.

It's the numerous parts that confound me the most yet to some, there doesn't seem to be so many.

Lots of fun to be sure, but I think I'm going to destroy a few before I "fix" any.

Thanks again

Bud