Any mechanical watch tinkers?

[psidriven]

I want to get into working on and maintaining mechanical watches as a hobby. Anyone else here into horology and can share some tips on getting started and where to get equipment?

 

[Turkeysammich]

Look on YouTube. I see people restoring rolexs all the time. They sell tool kits and have classes too.

 

[Qckslvr]

I want to get into working on and maintaining mechanical watches as a hobby. Anyone else here into horology and can share some tips on getting started and where to get equipment?

My father was an armature horologists. He would pick up old clocks to restore, I have a couple that are well over 100 years old. For my father it was a great hobby.

I can say from experience stay away from the watch kits on Amazon. I tried a couple and the small screw drivers and fine tools are pure garbage. Couldn’t even change the battery on a Tag due to the screw driver in the set being so poorly machined.

 

[L/B Block]

I second @Qckslvr On buying cheap kits- some horrible reviews -see if I can find the article of someone who bought it -meant to be hysterical in her frustration. I do know the NY horological society was/is holding some classes and may be a source in finding a decent starter kit-

See if I can discover anything more about it. I have thought about it but I don’t have the space to leave it out without threat of something be ing disturbed

I have a huge interest in watches -I think grew during the period without a reef tank..
now I have swung back to reef tanks..

Slightly cheaper than nice watches these days

 

[psidriven]

Glad to see fellow horologists. Think watches have higher upfront costs than reef tank but way cheaper long run, haha

 

[L/B Block]

That is true!