Start restoring watches
Take apart a mechanical watch, learn what every tiny wheel does and put it back so it ticks again. Start with a cheap practice movement and work up to vintage watches. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need to start.
Space neededA clean, well-lit desk
First projectA strap change and a look inside
Skill levelPatient beginners
Good forDetail lovers, steady hands
The video that hooks everyone
Restoring a beat-up Omega Seamaster that won't run
A beat-up vintage Omega Seamaster that won't run, and a full restoration to see what it can become. Press play and see why it hooks people.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't. Good tweezers and screwdrivers matter more than anything else. Timing machines and cleaning gear can wait until you've rebuilt a practice movement.
Starter kit
01Spring bar toolA fork at one end, a pin at the other. Changes straps in a minute.
02Watchmaker's screwdriversA set from about 0.6 to 2.0 mm, with turning caps.
03TweezersFine and non-magnetic: brass or anti-magnetic steel.
04Case back openerAn adjustable wrench for screw-down backs, plus a rubber ball.
05LoupeA 3x to 5x magnifier you hold in your eye.
06Movement holderHolds the movement steady while you work on it.
07Hand levers + a dial protectorLift the hands off without scratching the dial.
08Dust blower + lidded parts trayBlow dust away, and keep every part covered.
09Practice movement + a cheap mechanical watchA large hand-wound movement sold for practice, and a watch for strap practice.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Practicing on a valuable watchStart on a cheap practice movement. A family heirloom deserves a watchmaker until you've taken a few practice movements apart and back.
- 2Taking it apart without letting down the mainspringA wound mainspring holds real force. Let it down before you take out any wheels, or it can spin parts and break them.
- 3Losing tiny partsWork over a mat with raised edges, cover parts in a lidded tray and move slowly. Screws jump from tweezers.
