3 none working watches back from socalled watchmaker in Spain

Submitted by donegd on September 14, 2014 - 6:48am

Hi all

I have finally managed to get one of th movements working again, and it run for over 24 hours and keep good time.

Of the other two one seems completly stuck and the other still wont run but the balance seems to be ok , so maybe its just wound too  tight, so hopeully a "REAL" watchmaker can get it going again. 

Regards to all

George

 

Reverend Rob
Posted September 14, 2014 - 9:19am

Hello George,

This has been mentioned elsewhere in threads, but there is no such thing as 'wound too tight'. It is the myth of being 'overwound'. It is either wound up or not. If someone tells you a watch or clock isn't running because it is overwound, they either do not know what they are talking about, or are trying to deceive you. 

According to Donald DeCarle, there are over 200 reasons why a watch stops, and improper handling during servicing or improper cleaning are among these. Simply rinsing the movt with alcohol, for exampe, will melt the shellac holding the pallet stones and roller jewel, and if they move, you have a non-running watch. Also, unless you have been specifically trained, merely touching the hairspring can damage it, and affect the running and timekeeping greatly. If you encounter someone who claims to be a watchmaker, ask them where they went to school, or what training they have.  

 

JP
Posted September 14, 2014 - 10:49am

Hi George

If you really want them fixed properly send them to Rev. Rob. He is a qualified watch repairman/maker and comes from a line of watch makers and has formal training from an accredited school. I have relied on his expertise and suggestions many times and find him to be very knowledgeable. If you PM him and talk to him he may be able to fit you into his very busy schedule.

JP

1955mercury
Posted September 14, 2014 - 2:45pm

Very good advice Reverend Rob, especially about the alcohol and the hair spring. Alcohol should never come in contact with a watch movement. And the hair spring is about as delicate as a snow flake.

But just asking someone who claims to be a watchmaker where they went to school may not be enough. People have been known to lie. If encountering them personally they should be able to show credentials of their schooling. Finding a certified watchmaker requires a lot of research. There is only one in my entire state. He's about 150 miles from me and usually has a 6 months backlog.

 

Reverend Rob
Posted September 14, 2014 - 5:57pm

The US certainly has more watchmakers than here in Canada. We have one school, while there are 6 or 7 in the US. In addition, Institutions like the AWCI offer individual courses that you can take that will prep you for certification as a CW21. Individual watchmakers may not advertise, but may be doing repairs for Jewellers, either alone or a group. It is much harder to find out who is doing what, because the Jeweller does not want to tell you who he is sending his repairs to, but this is extrememly common these days.

Myself, I do not advertise online, I would prefer an in-person clientele. I'm assuming you are also in Spain, George? Or did you send the watch to this guy?

donegd
Posted September 15, 2014 - 7:25am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

yes i live in spain and I think this is part of problem finding a genuine watchmaker.  but i send watches off to international inc for redialing. so sending to states would be know problem for me . The watch im particuarly bothered about is my 1948 H.E.ff model which l intended to ware . Ive managed to get one of the other two to work myself. But if it would be possible for you to to have a look at the  H.E. l would be more than willing to pay all the costs involved.

Kind regards

George

 

donegd
Posted September 15, 2014 - 7:35am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

I know a few of you have surgested that l should enrole for watchmkers lessons,but living in spain it is impossible as there are none to be had. The other drawback is my eyesight, l have problems seeing things up close now even with specticles , its an age thing as l am now 67. It does not stop me from enjoying looking at the many different disigns of the bulova's l collect but apart from basic repairs like cleaning dials and the like im sort of limited to what work l can do .

Regards

George

 

Reverend Rob
Posted September 15, 2014 - 8:58am

George, I sent you a PM.