Hello from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

[bernie weishapl]

Cool Gary. I know about the to many hobbies. Sometimes I wonder why but ham radio, woodturning, clock/watch repair and gardening. 😆 I sell a lot of my woodturnings at 2 galleries and a floral/craft store. So It keeps me busy in retirement.

As for watches I started doing 16s and 18s Elgins because parts were pretty easy to find. Walthams are pretty easy to get parts for.

[gary drainville]

Thanks Bernie, I’m going to keep an eye out for 16s and 18s Elgins and for Walthams on Ebay.

Gary

[gary drainville]

So I purchased an Elgin 18 Size 7 Jewel that runs for $68. This will be the watch I take apart and put back together again in order to learn the movement, etc.

[bernie weishapl]

Good choice. My first was a 18s 7j movement. I think I took that thing apart a half dozen times till I could do it in my sleep. 😆

[gary drainville]

Glad to hear that Bernie! I was trying to purchase something with more jewels in it as I read somewhere it would be better. So, I’ll have a working watch and hopefully when I’m done each time I take it apart it runs as it should.

Gary

[david pierce]

Gary,
Uncle Larry’s Watch Shop is in Canada. He is great to deal with and almost always has the best price for watch tools and watch parts. When I am looking for something I usually check his website first.
david

[bernie weishapl]

My thinking is I would rather if I ruin it do it on a 7j than a 17j or 23j. I would cry then. 😆 🙄

[gary drainville]

Thanks David, I’ll consider Uncle Larry’s next time – I did consider him but was unsure about the prices. I’ll take your advice and check his website out first next time.

Gary

[maitai11]

Hi Gary,

Just popping in for a welcome note – sorry, I don’t have the time today to get into too much detail. There are MANY, MANY posts on how to get started. I did so just about 8 months ago – you might do a search on some of my posts to find out about minimum tool setup, how it grew, etc. I still have to do another update here shortly, because I just bought a great new microscope from William here on the board.

As some mentioned, you need room for clocks. Others have started that way if they had the room, or, if you’re like my brother Joe (Tukat on this board,) you say “TO HELL WITH IT” and do both even though you’re working in an apartment!!!

I fell in love with pocket watches. And, Gary, when I say fell, I mean FELL. I had originally intended on starting with clocks. After I saw Bob’s videos on how to service a pocket watch, and SPECIFICALLY at the very MOMENT when he “twisted” the newly serviced watch, and brought it to life, I instantaneously fell very, very strongly in love with pocket watches – and I haven’t looked back. I do intend to do clocks – when time and space allow.

Today, I’m timing the very first serviced watch that I’m getting paid to work on. It is a very proud moment for me, to say the least And, it’s a Hamilton 992b, of storied railroadman lore. A true, certified, and top-shelf railroad-grade watch.

Welcome, again, to this very special group of men (and a few gals ) You have just found EVERYTHING you will ever need, because everyone here is so helpful, you’re bound to get the answer, assistance, mentoring, even APPRENTICING – Gary – you just hit the jackpot, my friend.

All the best,

Tim

[david pierce]

Tim,
Nice comment.
david

[maitai11]

Thank you David I like yours, too haha

Timmers

[gary drainville]

Thanks Tim! And I’ve already been following your posts Nice workspace by the way Tim! Thank you for the welcome. I potentially have space to do clocks – it would mean negotiating for my wife’s craft room though!

Gary

[chris mabbott]

Hey Gary,

I’m a little late to the gig but WELCOME to the forum and complicated world of time, from a fellow, yet geographically displaced Canuck..
Complicated because you will always be faced with decisions of what to buy, how much to spend, how to sneak it in past the ever glaring, all seeing eye of your better half etc etc 😆

To answer your original question of what to work on…. Why not do both? The only limit is personal preference

Main thing is to have a good time doing it…

[gary drainville]

Thanks for the welcome Chris, I might have my hands full at first but you’re right, there’s no reason why I could’nt do both. You are absolutely right about my better, more logical half – I’m very fortunate that she accepts most of my hobbies. lol

Gary

[Author]

Posts