Many metal watch braclets come with a clasp which allows up to about 2cm of adjustment to the bracelet length. The bracelet can be shortened by moving one end of the end of the strap closer to the other end as described below: 1. Check if your bracelet clasp can…
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Step 1. In some Casio watches (e.g. WVA-430 and G-100) the battery is held in place by a clip. Step 2. To open this type of clip you will need a small screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver blade into the small hole at one end of the clip. Step 3. Push…
There are three main types of watch case - the ‘snap back’ type, the ‘screw’ type and watch cases where the watch back plate is held in place by small screws. Swatch watches have sealed cases which do not open, but have a battery port that can be opened for…
One of the best ways to make your vintage watch look great, (and to add value) is to replace a scratched, cracked, or chipped crystal. Many watchmakers can do this for very little cost - usually about $30 or $40 for a plastic crystal. Be ready to pay the watchmaker…
A spring driven watch derives all of its power from the mainspring. The mainspring must be in good condition with no burrs, rust or kinks and must be clean and properly lubricated if it is expected to deliver its full power to the works. The coils must be able to…
If one edge of the barrel cap has lifted or popped out of its seat it could drag along the pillar plate or bridges or even hit the center wheel. This can actually stop a watch. This is a very common problem and can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Look…
One of the most common complaints a watchmaker hears from a customer about a watch is that it no longer runs because it has been over wound (wound too tight). Actually this is a mis-conception and is not at all the case. For some reason the watch has stopped running….
Coming in second place right behind a dirty, dry watch would be mainspring trouble. The mainspring is the power source for a watch. It is the motor that delivers just the correct amount of power to the wheel train to allow the mechanism to function correctly with a little extra…
The escapement looks like a release valve. It permits the gradual release of the stored power from the wound mainspring to pass through the time train, motion works and other watch components including a calendar mechanism, at a predetermined rate. It is adjusted so that the motion works will permit…
The Motion Works is mechanical translator in mechanical watches. Its sole job is to make sense of the energy passing from the mainspring through the turning gear train and escapement by giving us a visual interpretation of the passing of time. It is the mechanism that carries the hour and…