Hi,
I want to restore my great grandfathers pocket watch. It's a 12s Waltham model 1894, serial # 24102439 with a gold tone metal dial and moon hands. The plastic crystal turned yellow and has eaten away at the dial and hands. It isn't running either but it winds and the hands set.

This is my first attempt at making any repairs. I bought screwdrivers, tweezers, a movement holder, oilers, hand pullers (presto # 1,2,3,6). I'm working on finding other tools, hint, hint, if anyone has what a beginner would need.

I would like to restore it to look as close to original as possible. I've been looking on ebay for a dial but I'm not having any success. This is what the dial and hands should look like.

http://www.thepocketwatchguy.c...fill-case-circa-1921

I removed the crystal and dial. The dial feet are at approx. 18,35.5 and 56. I haven't removed much else yet. Still reading and watching videos. Can someone please tell me other sources where I might be able to find a crystal, metal gold tone dial, moon hands and possibly a mianspring for this watch other than ebay. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks
Rick

Being somewhat of a noob as well..
I can give you only one solid piece of advice...

DO NOT attempt your first watch repair on your grandfathers watch unless you have already taken and put back together some junk movements...

I would certainly not want you to destroy a piece that is sentimental to you....

buy a couple of junk movements to practice on...

Hi Rick, I agree with Lou, practice on a few Junk movements before you try your Great Grandfathers watch. As for the parts, you can find crystals here, William White and Peter Kaszubski both sell them, probably most everything else you might need as well. Keep in mind that some parts are harder to find than others, it may be worth considering buying a donor watch for parts. Good luck.
Gary

Richard I will look around tomorrow to see if I might have a dial..If you can't find a replacement you can always send it to a dial refinisher...I haven't used one in quite a while but some do a pretty good job on dials..Maybe someone might suggest one they have use...I used to use International dial in Sugartree Ohio but there are several others around..A crystal should not be a problem to find...You will have to measure your bezel to find out what size you need..Hands should not be a problem to find either..I might have some I will check..If you are planning to completely take the watch down to clean and oil it I would suggest like Lou said to find a practice watch before you attempt to clean your watch..The balance and hairspring are the tricky part on the watch and is very easy to mess up especially for a beginner..I will get back to you tomorrow to let you know if I have a dial or not and whatever else I can find.. Take cae, Gary

Thanks Lou and Gary. I have a couple of watches I'm following on eBay that end tomorrow. Unfortunately neither are currently working. I'm thinking I should try to find a cheap running watch. That way I will know if I've put it together successfully. Thanks for the advice.

Gary
I'm not opposed to having my dial refinished..didn't realize that was an option. Approximately how much does that cost?

Richard,
I am not really sure anymore. I haven't had one done in several years..A guesstament would be $40 or less..

Hi Rick,

As the others have mentioned I would not even attempt to anything on your grandfathers watch have that restored professionally and sympathetically to maintain as much of the original watch as possible, all to easy to destroy, and concentrate on scrap watches to learn a little on you will soon find out how easy it is to damage them. A dial refinish can run $50- $200+ it all depends who you send it to and if they have the screens, it will look odd new fresh paint on a old watch no longer be your grandfathers dial, and expect blurry and often misaligned stampings when compared to original can you post a picture of the dial to give us a idea, we are assuming it’s a dial that can be refinished.

Chris

I have a 1235 with your dial and hands you can have for a song... and shipping. The dial has some "patina", but is quite presentable.

My email address is on my profile page if you are interested in discussing some options off line.

I started very much like you... with a set of screw drivers and some tweezers... within a year I had spent much more on tools and my parts inventory than I had on watches. I just got sucked in, one tool, one part at a time.

The greatest advantage I have is living near another club member/watchmaker who was patient enough to show me and then observe me doing a couple overhauls. The videos are great, but you are more than welcome to call me direct if you want to talk through things that don't quite make sense between what you saw in the video and what is laying in front of you on your bench.

Welcome aboard,

Paul

Check International Dial in Wilmington Ohio for refinishing. They have done dials for me & did a good job for a reasonable price.

Do you have Donald de Carle's or any of Fried's books? They alone can guide you through the process of learning.
I agree with the others, "DO NOT TOUCH YOUR GRANDFATHERS WATCH UNTIL YOU ARE CONFIDENT IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING." For learning, size is not that important, a 16s will teach you everything a 12s will or even a 4s if you have good eyes and a steady hand.

Thanks to all that have responded. No I don't have any Carle's or Fried's book but I will make it a point to get some.

Chris, I will get some pictures up tomorrow night.

I'm going to take everyone's advise and practice on some other movements.

Paul, I sent you an email.

I'm having trouble posting the picture. I get a message saing:
Your upload (3241Kb) exceeds the maximum allowed size (222Kb).

Email it to me, Richard. I'll resize it for you.

If you'd like those hands re-blued drop me a note.

Richard's watch:

Richard send me the bezel of the watch and I will install new crystal for free if I have that size
if not you will know the correct size to order from other sources,
and welcome to the IHC185 whem ticking nerver stops.

Another picture.

Paul,
I'm trying to get in touch with you about the 1235 you have. I would like to take you up on your offer. Please email with the details.
Thanks
Rick

Rick,

This watch was frustrating me so I tossed it in my parts bin in favor of a 21 Jewel Riverside with a jeweled motor barrel... Which is now on eBay in a solid 14K white gold case...

So, this watch is yours for $20.00 delivered if you think these parts will work for you.

The dial diameter is 1.49"

Take care, Paul

Back side

wow.. the watch Paul has is a great head start on the restoration..

Wow is right. Thank you so much. This is more than I was expecting. Please send me your info and how you would like to be paid.

Rick

Peter, I sent you and email about the crystal. Thanks
Rick

Eric,
I sent you and email.
Thanks
Rick