Opinion on Working on Several Watches at Once

[arutha]

Great advice already and I am only backing up what the others have said.
It is addictive, you quickly forget about the watches you have as everyday you spot new bargains on e-bay. I fell into that trap when I started out. I now have somewhere in the region of 50 clocks of my own that all need work, 20 wrist watches and around 20 pocket watches. The thing is I am so busy with customers clocks I never get the chance to work on them.
Save your money for tools and books or you will end up with 100 watches, stuffed in draws and no idea on how to repair them or the tools to repair them with. Pick one watch from what you already have that doesn’t need too much work and get it done. The satisfaction you get from those first finished watches is fantastic. There will always be “bargains” on e-bay, don’t worry about that
Paul.

[bernie weishapl]

😆 😆 Paul how funny. I think we all start out that way especially if we don’t have anyone to talk to about it. Back when I started and probably a lot of others on here there was no internet at least for me back in 1980 when I started. I didn’t add that I have 84 clocks and 11 anniversary 400 day clocks. Had to laugh Paul most of mine like yours are still sitting on the shelf exactly where I put them back in the 80’s when I bought them. All with the intention of fixing and selling to make big bucks. I keep saying I am going to retire from doing clocks and watches for customers but then a sweet little old lady talks me into doing her clock and retiring doesn’t happen. 😆 Someday Paul I am going to though and go thru all my stock to get them ready to be sold as the wife and kids don’t want them. My son just wants his great-great-grandmothers 3 clocks. So guess the rest will have to go.

[bernie weishapl]

😆 😆 Paul how funny. I think we all start out that way especially if we don’t have anyone to talk to about it. Back when I started and probably a lot of others on here there was no internet at least for me back in 1980 when I started. I didn’t add that I have 84 clocks and 11 anniversary 400 day clocks. Had to laugh Paul most of mine like yours are still sitting on the shelf exactly where I put them back in the 80’s when I bought them. All with the intention of fixing and selling to make big bucks. I keep saying I am going to retire from doing clocks and watches for customers but then a sweet little old lady talks me into doing her clock and retiring doesn’t happen. 😆 Someday Paul I am going to though and go thru all my stock to get them ready to be sold as the wife and kids don’t want them. My son just wants his great-great-grandmothers 3 clocks. So guess the rest will have to go.

[bernie weishapl]

😆 😆 Paul how funny. I think we all start out that way especially if we don’t have anyone to talk to about it. Back when I started and probably a lot of others on here there was no internet at least for me back in 1980 when I started. I didn’t add that I have 84 clocks and 11 anniversary 400 day clocks. Had to laugh Paul most of mine like yours are still sitting on the shelf exactly where I put them back in the 80’s when I bought them. All with the intention of fixing and selling to make big bucks. I keep saying I am going to retire from doing clocks and watches for customers but then a sweet little old lady talks me into doing her clock and retiring doesn’t happen. 😆 Someday Paul I am going to though and go thru all my stock to get them ready to be sold as the wife and kids don’t want them. My son just wants his great-great-grandmothers 3 clocks. So guess the rest will have to go.

[chris mabbott]

Boyz, that is funny, I think we all stepped in the same hole 😆
I’m now making a concentrated effort to complete my first back log, some of which go back …. longer than I care to admit 😳
Basically, I didn’t start repairing watches until the past few years, stoopid me, I wait till the price goes up!

Still, when I see some that I need to fill a gap, I still pounce, or ya know, those sad challenging ones that just cant be passed up

[chris mabbott]

Boyz, that is funny, I think we all stepped in the same hole 😆
I’m now making a concentrated effort to complete my first back log, some of which go back …. longer than I care to admit 😳
Basically, I didn’t start repairing watches until the past few years, stoopid me, I wait till the price goes up!

Still, when I see some that I need to fill a gap, I still pounce, or ya know, those sad challenging ones that just cant be passed up

[chris mabbott]

Boyz, that is funny, I think we all stepped in the same hole 😆
I’m now making a concentrated effort to complete my first back log, some of which go back …. longer than I care to admit 😳
Basically, I didn’t start repairing watches until the past few years, stoopid me, I wait till the price goes up!

Still, when I see some that I need to fill a gap, I still pounce, or ya know, those sad challenging ones that just cant be passed up

[maitai11]

Hi Guys,

Why does it feel like and seem like I have half a dozen or more “uncles” (and one brother ) all surrounding me and all saying the same thing?

Well, it’s obvious to me that you guys care about a lot of things, not the least of which is quality, training, discipline, reason, and many, many others to go along with it – but I really believe you hold one thing higher than even that of horology – and that is, your fellow man.

Yesterday, while on eBay going for a screw assortment (got that one pretty cheaply – and thank you, Paul,) I bought three watches – one that I want to keep for myself, and two for repair and sale. I told my brother that eBay is like “being addicted to crack cocaine…” – we had a chuckle over it, but the point was made. I’m going to stop right here on the sales end of things (buying.) This will leave me with seven watches, which I find to be rather fulfilling for the time being. Thanks for all those stories about the ones sitting on shelves, etc., ahaha.

Already, I’m looking at a nine or ten blade screwdriver set from Bergeon – I’ll pick it up maybe in the coming weeks. There are so many to choose from, though. I really have to boil down what I want to get.

Back to the pace – I feel that my pace has actually been pretty slow – I’ve had that first watch disassembled for a month now, and am only now deciding to push forward with completion – but the point is well taken regarding notes and photos, etc. Thanks Randy. I actually made a good list of notes on procedure, as well as location (a 28 sectioned covered and locked pill box) of all parts. That has helped me immensely, especially when I was dealing with the jewel challenge.

Thank you all for you heart-based response. You have no idea what it means to me, but just to give you an idea as to how I have benefited, my brother Joe and I have never – and I mean NEVER – been closer. This drew us in like a supercharged electromagnet. We are speaking, texting, emailing, or messaging every, or every other day. To me, that is some kind of special. And it’s watchmaking that did it.

However, I am not lost on each individual person’s contribution – there are literally dozens of hues of differences and viewpoints, respect and support, as well as the desire to help and guide. I do hope you know the impact you’ve not only made on me, but I also know my brother, as well as everyone else here on the forum. I wish we all lived in the same town.

Last note on books, etc. I have never been one to read all about a subject before putting my hands on something. In fact, as far back as the age of 6 or 7 – or even younger – I have had a passionate desire to take things apart. Not put them back together, but just take them apart. Then, in my teens, I started working on cars with the help of my two brothers. I had a book, but getting my hands on it was the first – almost uncontrollable – urge I had. So, there was a mixture of the Chilton manual and me working on things, everything except rebuilding the insides of an engine. Regarding watchmaking, I go through spurts on the books. I also take “strategic pauses” during watch servicing – so I am trying to attain the right mix of hands-on and hands-off book work to compliment. All those years I was taking stuff apart, I wasn’t just taking stuff apart – I was learning. So, I do, to a certain extent, have a rather thorough working knowledge of mechanics – but I absolutely do not think that is any substitution for a good Fried or DeCarle book. So, I thank you all, especially Randy, for “taking my hand,” so to speak, to show me the way – the right way to approach this beautiful, wonderful, passionate, and fulfilling journey in watchmaking. And, doing it all with a great bunch of guys!

Best regards,

Tim

[maitai11]

Hi Guys,

Why does it feel like and seem like I have half a dozen or more “uncles” (and one brother ) all surrounding me and all saying the same thing?

Well, it’s obvious to me that you guys care about a lot of things, not the least of which is quality, training, discipline, reason, and many, many others to go along with it – but I really believe you hold one thing higher than even that of horology – and that is, your fellow man.

Yesterday, while on eBay going for a screw assortment (got that one pretty cheaply – and thank you, Paul,) I bought three watches – one that I want to keep for myself, and two for repair and sale. I told my brother that eBay is like “being addicted to crack cocaine…” – we had a chuckle over it, but the point was made. I’m going to stop right here on the sales end of things (buying.) This will leave me with seven watches, which I find to be rather fulfilling for the time being. Thanks for all those stories about the ones sitting on shelves, etc., ahaha.

Already, I’m looking at a nine or ten blade screwdriver set from Bergeon – I’ll pick it up maybe in the coming weeks. There are so many to choose from, though. I really have to boil down what I want to get.

Back to the pace – I feel that my pace has actually been pretty slow – I’ve had that first watch disassembled for a month now, and am only now deciding to push forward with completion – but the point is well taken regarding notes and photos, etc. Thanks Randy. I actually made a good list of notes on procedure, as well as location (a 28 sectioned covered and locked pill box) of all parts. That has helped me immensely, especially when I was dealing with the jewel challenge.

Thank you all for you heart-based response. You have no idea what it means to me, but just to give you an idea as to how I have benefited, my brother Joe and I have never – and I mean NEVER – been closer. This drew us in like a supercharged electromagnet. We are speaking, texting, emailing, or messaging every, or every other day. To me, that is some kind of special. And it’s watchmaking that did it.

However, I am not lost on each individual person’s contribution – there are literally dozens of hues of differences and viewpoints, respect and support, as well as the desire to help and guide. I do hope you know the impact you’ve not only made on me, but I also know my brother, as well as everyone else here on the forum. I wish we all lived in the same town.

Last note on books, etc. I have never been one to read all about a subject before putting my hands on something. In fact, as far back as the age of 6 or 7 – or even younger – I have had a passionate desire to take things apart. Not put them back together, but just take them apart. Then, in my teens, I started working on cars with the help of my two brothers. I had a book, but getting my hands on it was the first – almost uncontrollable – urge I had. So, there was a mixture of the Chilton manual and me working on things, everything except rebuilding the insides of an engine. Regarding watchmaking, I go through spurts on the books. I also take “strategic pauses” during watch servicing – so I am trying to attain the right mix of hands-on and hands-off book work to compliment. All those years I was taking stuff apart, I wasn’t just taking stuff apart – I was learning. So, I do, to a certain extent, have a rather thorough working knowledge of mechanics – but I absolutely do not think that is any substitution for a good Fried or DeCarle book. So, I thank you all, especially Randy, for “taking my hand,” so to speak, to show me the way – the right way to approach this beautiful, wonderful, passionate, and fulfilling journey in watchmaking. And, doing it all with a great bunch of guys!

Best regards,

Tim

[maitai11]

Hi Guys,

Why does it feel like and seem like I have half a dozen or more “uncles” (and one brother ) all surrounding me and all saying the same thing?

Well, it’s obvious to me that you guys care about a lot of things, not the least of which is quality, training, discipline, reason, and many, many others to go along with it – but I really believe you hold one thing higher than even that of horology – and that is, your fellow man.

Yesterday, while on eBay going for a screw assortment (got that one pretty cheaply – and thank you, Paul,) I bought three watches – one that I want to keep for myself, and two for repair and sale. I told my brother that eBay is like “being addicted to crack cocaine…” – we had a chuckle over it, but the point was made. I’m going to stop right here on the sales end of things (buying.) This will leave me with seven watches, which I find to be rather fulfilling for the time being. Thanks for all those stories about the ones sitting on shelves, etc., ahaha.

Already, I’m looking at a nine or ten blade screwdriver set from Bergeon – I’ll pick it up maybe in the coming weeks. There are so many to choose from, though. I really have to boil down what I want to get.

Back to the pace – I feel that my pace has actually been pretty slow – I’ve had that first watch disassembled for a month now, and am only now deciding to push forward with completion – but the point is well taken regarding notes and photos, etc. Thanks Randy. I actually made a good list of notes on procedure, as well as location (a 28 sectioned covered and locked pill box) of all parts. That has helped me immensely, especially when I was dealing with the jewel challenge.

Thank you all for you heart-based response. You have no idea what it means to me, but just to give you an idea as to how I have benefited, my brother Joe and I have never – and I mean NEVER – been closer. This drew us in like a supercharged electromagnet. We are speaking, texting, emailing, or messaging every, or every other day. To me, that is some kind of special. And it’s watchmaking that did it.

However, I am not lost on each individual person’s contribution – there are literally dozens of hues of differences and viewpoints, respect and support, as well as the desire to help and guide. I do hope you know the impact you’ve not only made on me, but I also know my brother, as well as everyone else here on the forum. I wish we all lived in the same town.

Last note on books, etc. I have never been one to read all about a subject before putting my hands on something. In fact, as far back as the age of 6 or 7 – or even younger – I have had a passionate desire to take things apart. Not put them back together, but just take them apart. Then, in my teens, I started working on cars with the help of my two brothers. I had a book, but getting my hands on it was the first – almost uncontrollable – urge I had. So, there was a mixture of the Chilton manual and me working on things, everything except rebuilding the insides of an engine. Regarding watchmaking, I go through spurts on the books. I also take “strategic pauses” during watch servicing – so I am trying to attain the right mix of hands-on and hands-off book work to compliment. All those years I was taking stuff apart, I wasn’t just taking stuff apart – I was learning. So, I do, to a certain extent, have a rather thorough working knowledge of mechanics – but I absolutely do not think that is any substitution for a good Fried or DeCarle book. So, I thank you all, especially Randy, for “taking my hand,” so to speak, to show me the way – the right way to approach this beautiful, wonderful, passionate, and fulfilling journey in watchmaking. And, doing it all with a great bunch of guys!

Best regards,

Tim

[bernie weishapl]

Tim I know there are a lot of us on here that are very caring people. A lot of us and I don’t know everyone’s background (well maybe Chris) but I know in my 30 + years I have made mistakes that cost me and but on everyone I have learned. I think we all just don’t want to see all of you who are beginning this journey to fall into those black holes, pitfalls, etc. that we did along the road. So Tim take your first watch you have apart and while you are reading either Fried or De Carle and getter done. 😆 Once that one is done and you are satisfied then start another one. Have fun and enjoy the passion/fun of watch repair.

[bernie weishapl]

Tim I know there are a lot of us on here that are very caring people. A lot of us and I don’t know everyone’s background (well maybe Chris) but I know in my 30 + years I have made mistakes that cost me and but on everyone I have learned. I think we all just don’t want to see all of you who are beginning this journey to fall into those black holes, pitfalls, etc. that we did along the road. So Tim take your first watch you have apart and while you are reading either Fried or De Carle and getter done. 😆 Once that one is done and you are satisfied then start another one. Have fun and enjoy the passion/fun of watch repair.

[bernie weishapl]

Tim I know there are a lot of us on here that are very caring people. A lot of us and I don’t know everyone’s background (well maybe Chris) but I know in my 30 + years I have made mistakes that cost me and but on everyone I have learned. I think we all just don’t want to see all of you who are beginning this journey to fall into those black holes, pitfalls, etc. that we did along the road. So Tim take your first watch you have apart and while you are reading either Fried or De Carle and getter done. 😆 Once that one is done and you are satisfied then start another one. Have fun and enjoy the passion/fun of watch repair.

[maitai11]

Bernie – that just brought one hell of a smile to my face

Tim

[maitai11]

Bernie – that just brought one hell of a smile to my face

Tim

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