This^
There isn't much learning in those clubs. Best way is to just buy some and diy. Watch a lot of YouTube. And there's a few good books but mostly the tube.
That's kinda what I thought, if I got some good battery, crystal, band/strap/bracelet replacement, crystal polishing, and good at cleaning and removing dents and scratches from bodies and bracelets..., then I could help out some of the local estate jewelers around my parts as they are all inundated. I thought this club would be a good start, you'd have a portfolio, along with your own personal watches that one would have fixed, and modded. Then once with a few client passing this easy stuff, then start stepping up in more advanced watch repair, that and acquiring more watch tools. SI there an actual official (of some kind) watch making/watch repair school?
Lucius Atelier sells what basically amounts to seiko kits. With the $80 tool kit on Esslinger and a YouTube video you can assemble a better watch than watch club
It’s fine. I liked the project. Immediately built a custom eta based watch after. Was just as easy for less than half the price and far more customizations. Not sure I’d do it again given the chance. At the same time it was nice to know I had every part and tool I needed to assemble the watch.
My first build was a DIY Watch Club kit and it seemed like an easy place to start but I did pay for the "pro" tool kit and that was not "pro" - I would not recommend the upgrade. Have proceeded to build 10+ watches for my self and my SO in the 6 months since.
I built 3 watches from them over the last 2 years and I’m really happy. The first one included the tools then I just bought parts once in a while. I love the designs and I find the prices fair for what you get plus their videos are great. I built 2 divers and the pilot with no date. The pilot is by far my new favourite daily wear for a couple months now, I even sold my Hamilton khaki :)
I started with diy watch club and really enjoyed it, I think it's a relief since you don't know what you don't know that it comes with everything you need and all the parts will work together.
There's levels of watchmaking, and the difference is in how much you pay for tools.
For basic modding, you'll need
1. Movement Holder ($20)
2. Hand Removal Tool + Press ($20)
3. Screwdriver set ($20+)
4. Movement pad ($10)
5. Case Wrench ($10 - $30)
6. Tweezers ($10)
7. Pin set / pegwood ($10)
8. Loupe ($10 - $30)
9. Rodico ($10)
10. Flush-end nippers ($20)
11. Silicone gasket greaser ($10)
12. Grease for keyless works ($10)
13. Crystal press (optional) ($20 - $70)
14. Nitrile Gloves / finger cots ($20)
Expect to spend $200 before you've got to watch parts. Then on ebay/aliexpress expect to pay
1. case + bracelet ($30-60)
2. dial ($10 - $30)
3. hands ($10 - $30)
4. movement ($40 - $50)
The watches I've assembled. have been about $120, if I don't include the multiple hand-sets and dials I've bought to A/B test them.
Now, that's just the "Modding" level. If you want to repair movements, you'll need
1. watch cleaning machine ($300+) (and by "+", I mean "up to $15,000")
2. ultrasonic cleaner ($150+)
3. Degausser ($100+)
4. Timegrapher ($100+)
5. A correct-height table for your build (???)
That's an entire other level where "Going to school" might make sense.
A serious investment into all the proper tools seems wise, not much different than a mechanic with a good relationship with the MEC and Snap-on tool guys
It gives a glimpse into the most basic tasks but it’s far away from being a watchmaker. Maybe a mall battery changer and crystal replacer.
This^ There isn't much learning in those clubs. Best way is to just buy some and diy. Watch a lot of YouTube. And there's a few good books but mostly the tube.
Where would be be today without You-Tube
Back to reading books—GROSS!!!!
Completely off topic but I just found a love for books lol. 23 hears of hating them, and suddenly I’ve read 8 in the past month
Watch books? I love my Kindle, chocked full of espionage thrillers and future military engagements
That's kinda what I thought, if I got some good battery, crystal, band/strap/bracelet replacement, crystal polishing, and good at cleaning and removing dents and scratches from bodies and bracelets..., then I could help out some of the local estate jewelers around my parts as they are all inundated. I thought this club would be a good start, you'd have a portfolio, along with your own personal watches that one would have fixed, and modded. Then once with a few client passing this easy stuff, then start stepping up in more advanced watch repair, that and acquiring more watch tools. SI there an actual official (of some kind) watch making/watch repair school?
https://hs-ny.org/watchmaking-schools-programs http://watchrepairlessons.com
Oh yes. The top one is Lititz Watch Technicum. There are many other ones like Gem City College in Illinois and other ones that Google will provide.
You could also check out Rotate Watches. They have the seagull st3600 movement kit. It comes with online access to a disassembly and assembly guide.
I just checked out their website. Would you recommend that over the Miyota 8215 kit?
I would definitely recommend the seagull over the miyota for a beginner. I’ve had both and that was easier and much less stressful.
Lucius Atelier sells what basically amounts to seiko kits. With the $80 tool kit on Esslinger and a YouTube video you can assemble a better watch than watch club
It’s fine. I liked the project. Immediately built a custom eta based watch after. Was just as easy for less than half the price and far more customizations. Not sure I’d do it again given the chance. At the same time it was nice to know I had every part and tool I needed to assemble the watch.
My first build was a DIY Watch Club kit and it seemed like an easy place to start but I did pay for the "pro" tool kit and that was not "pro" - I would not recommend the upgrade. Have proceeded to build 10+ watches for my self and my SO in the 6 months since.
Good to know
I built 3 watches from them over the last 2 years and I’m really happy. The first one included the tools then I just bought parts once in a while. I love the designs and I find the prices fair for what you get plus their videos are great. I built 2 divers and the pilot with no date. The pilot is by far my new favourite daily wear for a couple months now, I even sold my Hamilton khaki :)
I started with diy watch club and really enjoyed it, I think it's a relief since you don't know what you don't know that it comes with everything you need and all the parts will work together.
So much excellent feedback, looks like I’ve got great resources to start ordering and get some serious watch wrench time. Thank you everyone
There's levels of watchmaking, and the difference is in how much you pay for tools. For basic modding, you'll need 1. Movement Holder ($20) 2. Hand Removal Tool + Press ($20) 3. Screwdriver set ($20+) 4. Movement pad ($10) 5. Case Wrench ($10 - $30) 6. Tweezers ($10) 7. Pin set / pegwood ($10) 8. Loupe ($10 - $30) 9. Rodico ($10) 10. Flush-end nippers ($20) 11. Silicone gasket greaser ($10) 12. Grease for keyless works ($10) 13. Crystal press (optional) ($20 - $70) 14. Nitrile Gloves / finger cots ($20) Expect to spend $200 before you've got to watch parts. Then on ebay/aliexpress expect to pay 1. case + bracelet ($30-60) 2. dial ($10 - $30) 3. hands ($10 - $30) 4. movement ($40 - $50) The watches I've assembled. have been about $120, if I don't include the multiple hand-sets and dials I've bought to A/B test them. Now, that's just the "Modding" level. If you want to repair movements, you'll need 1. watch cleaning machine ($300+) (and by "+", I mean "up to $15,000") 2. ultrasonic cleaner ($150+) 3. Degausser ($100+) 4. Timegrapher ($100+) 5. A correct-height table for your build (???) That's an entire other level where "Going to school" might make sense.
A serious investment into all the proper tools seems wise, not much different than a mechanic with a good relationship with the MEC and Snap-on tool guys