How difficult is it to repair a mechanical watch

quadrifoglio verde

So two nights ago while bored out of my tree from studying, I came across this Stowa from the 60s.
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/272642476814?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I foolishly place a 10 pound max bid on it thinking I wouldnt win and now I've ended up with it. I didnt even realise that the second hand was broken until after I got notification that Id won:pac:

Anyway how difficult are these to repair yourself with no experience?
While I'd love to send it off, that just isn't going to be economically viable. However I figure if I fix it myself happy days, if I don't, well it is broken anyway so I'm none the worse off.

Best case scenario? I manage to fix it and gain some new skills.
Worst case scenario? Ive a cheap paper weight and a ok-ish strap!

Any advice is much appreciated

blue5000

Might be an easy fix, the movement photo is blurred so can't say what the balance or much else is like.

To fix the second hand just push it on, try do it as level as possible so that it doesn't tip the other hands as it rotates.

You will need to take the winding stem out to remove the movement from the case. If you pull it out and push it in a few times with the case back off you might see a tiny steel flap/clip that moves as you push the winder in and out. Press that with a cocktail stick, hold it down as you pull the winder stem out. The movement should just fall out of the case. Have fun.

Do a google on nick hacko 7s26 tutorial for some more info, please bear in mind that I've never opened a stowa like you have, so I could be wrong in what I've said above!! That's just to fix the second hand, there may be other problems too.

Sure if it gets any worse it's only the price of a couple of pints gone!

quadrifoglio verde

Cheers.

That's my thoughts exactly. If I completely screw up, it's still broken.

Any tools I should pick up.
To give some context, I've never even changed a watch battery!

blue5000

I'm not sure how that watch opens, it could unscrew, some ppl use a soft rubber ball pressed against it to twist it open. Or it might just snap off with a blunt knife.

Best tool you could start with is a magnifying glass, the cocktail stick, OH's eyebrow tweezers and patience.

EDIT, that's a manual wind watch, not an automatic.

Wibbs

A set of watchmakers screwdrivers too. You don't need to go mad on costs either. A basic set can be had on the Bay for about twenty quid last time I looked.

quadrifoglio verde

Wibbs wrote: »

A set of watchmakers screwdrivers too. You don't need to go mad on costs either. A basic set can be had on the Bay for about twenty quid last time I looked.

Cheers.
Would either of these be ok?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01JE1RBTS/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1493501608&sr=8-15&pi=AC_UL420_SR280%2C420_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=watch%2Brepair%2Bkit&th=1&psc=1
I like the idea of a stand to hold the case and barrel while taking it apart.
The only thing is it looks very cheap for everything, even if it does come with enough spring bars to last a lifetime

Or what about these draper screwdrivers. Any of their stuff that I have for tinkering on cars has been grand

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B009YFYVNY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493501077&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=watchmakers+screwdrivers&dpPl=1&dpID=51P%2BHsD8RsL&ref=plSrch#

Wibbs

The Draper stuff is OK, but IMH more about the name. I'd not go mad on price on your first rodeo. I'd personally avoid the "kits" as too often you will have too many of what you don't need and too few of what you may. here's a set of screwdrivers with stand for 20 quid and movement holders can be had for a couple of quid. Hand remover and setter here. And a set of tweezers should run you about ten to twenty quid.

Winterlong

And a magnifying glass. Essential if your peepers are not up to the job.

quadrifoglio verde

Just to update this, the seller sent me the wrong watch.
Received an old Smith's astral in working order, very similar to this watch here

http://m.ebay.ie/itm/Smiths-Astral-Gents-Vintage-Watch-Spares-Repairs-Balance-OK-15-Jewels-/112318804951?hash=item1a26b8f3d7%3Ag%3A~6gAAOSwWxNYtZk7&_trkparms=pageci%253A28ad256f-3d60-11e7-a5c8-74dbd180155d%257Cparentrq%253A260b30e515c0a9c572fee8d3ffffc4dc%257Ciid%253A21

He wants me to send it back, but not sure if he'll like the shipping quotes.

Wibbs

Nice watch, with a maker with an interesting history.

CarltonBrowne

I'd stick with the Smiths.

quadrifoglio verde

I was looking forward to ripping the Stowa apart :pac:

I'll see what the seller says. While the Smith is working, it was once gold plated. Not so much anymore. It is quite battered. The Stowa is as well though