What do I need to repair watches?
We’ve all been there; glanced down to our watch to check the time, only to discover it’s broken, or no longer ticking.
Whilst many of us will head down to the nearest repair shop and wait for them to work their magic, a surprising amount of people have turned to watch-mending as a hobby or even profession. With antiques making a comeback, it’s unsurprising that watches are riding on the back of the trend.
If you’ve got a strong eye for detail, a passion for restoring antiques and aren’t afraid to get stuck in, why not try it for yourself?
If you’re dabbling with the idea of watchmaking, read on to find out how to repair your own watch, as well as what you’re likely to need.
You will need:
- An Intricate understanding of watches mechanisms
Firstly, it comes without saying that to repair watches, you’ll need a good understanding of the different mechanisms involved. If you can’t identify the watch mechanisms, then you’ll struggle to repair them!
If you don’t know your bezel from your lugs and dials – it might be wise to brush up on your watch knowledge before you grab your tweezers and start dissecting your timepiece.
- Appropriate tools and equipment
You’ve heard of the saying “a bad workman blames his tools”, but in this instance, having the right tools can make all the difference.
If you’re going to dabble in watchmaking, then you’ll need basic equipment like screwdrivers and tweezers as a minimum. You will also need to see and work with very small mechanisms, so magnifiers from suppliers like RS components will be invaluable for the trickier parts.
- A comfortable workstation
As you work away, you’ll need to maintain concentration, so an ergonomic workstation and chair is vital, complete with adequate lighting.
When configuring your workspace, make sure your chair is properly adjusted, with your knees sitting slightly lower than your hips to avoid backache.
- Attention to fine detail
Anyone that has dabbled in watchmaking (or seen it on TV!), will know that it requires immense patience and attention to detail. As each component is so small, you’ll need a good eye for detail to ensure you don’t break a potentially expensive watch.
Especially if it isn’t yours!
- A steady hand
Like having excellent attention to detail, to become a proficient watchmaker, you’ll need a steady hand. With so many elements in close proximity, one false move or shaky hand could ruin all your progress. However, with the right training and attitude, you’ll become a master watchmaker in no time.
Final thoughts
Whether you’ve always wanted to be a goldsmith or are only just flirting with the idea, the good news is that you too can become a master horologist in just a few steps. With the right tools, workspace and a little patience and persistence, you’re well on your way to becoming the resident watch expert.
What are you waiting for?
