What do you watchmakers do out there about the need for materials and parts?

I need roller jewels and staffs for a couple of Elgins. I'm learning on one class because I figured I could interchange parts that way, but every movement I've gotten has some issue or another, and I just can't seem to make a watch out of all the movements.

I am working with grade 290, because they are available for not to much money, but I know they were also an inexpensive grade, so maybe that's why they are in such dreadful shape.

I need advice so I can keep going without getting stuck until I need yet another part.

How do you stockpile parts? Let's assume I am only going to work on Elgins for the time being as I learn.

Hi Dale,

You should have a copy of The illustrated Manual of American Watch Movements by Swigart. This will have all of the part numbers you'll need. You could probably find reprints of this on e-bay. It's an old book.

Then go to Uncle Larry's at:

http://www.execulink.com/~lfoord/order.html

Unless you're doing this for a living, just order parts as you need them.

Chris

Funny enough, I just ordered that book yesterday. And I've purchased from Uncle Larry last week.

Eventually, I really would like to do this for a living. But I'm talking a few years from now!