szvwj

Two weeks ago I would have thought this was a great idea. I have since watched the show "Can you afford to retire" (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/retirement/). Basically, people suck at planning for retirement. I, personally, think more needs to be done to make people save for their retirement. I, for one, don't want to be supporting a bunch of old people who blew all of their money instead of putting it toward their retirement.

Anyone?

I have a broken Chopard Grand Tourismo that I'm trying to fix and I would really appreciate your help. It turns out that some of the teeth on the minute wheel are broken (see bottom right picture). As near as I can tell, the movement is an Asian A07.111 (see picture below). The minute wheel from an ETA A07.111 is the same as an ETA7750 (I determined this from the ETA data sheet), so I purchased a new ETA7750 minute wheel from Cousins UK (thinking it might fit). Unfortunately the ETA7750 minute wheel doesn't seem to be a direct replacement for the Asian A07.111 (clone) minute wheel. In the picture below you can see the difference between them. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement minute wheel for this movement (what I think is an A07.111 clone)? For reference: The OD of the larger gear = .241" The OD of the smaller (inner) gear = .072"

WOW! amazing work. Can you just tell me one thing (as if it will help me), what do you use for a binder?

I've never had a problem buying things from Otto Frei. I just bought some oil (D5 and 9010) and it arrived quickly. I know some people have had problems with him, but I never have.

If you're comfortable opening up your watch, you should be able to adjust it yourself (as long as there isn't something mechanically wrong with the watch). You might find this helpful: http://www.repgeek.com/showthread.php?t=10608

Congratulations!! I'm so glad to hear it went well (I know it wasn't an easy process). Sorry, but I'm a bit behind. You said that Emily's dad passed away. Is that your wife's dad? I'm sorry for the loss. Wow, a lot has happened in your life in a short time. You might want to plan something fun for later this year so you don't get depressed after all of this excitement (my wife and I went through a bit of a depression after the excitement of the wedding, last September). So... did you buy your wife a watch as a wedding gift?

Francisco, you sure do make that look easy! Are you installing the balance wheel as the movement is working (not stopped)? If so, is it easier to install it that way as opposed to stopping the movement and then installing the balance wheel? I really appreciate your tutorials, they give me the confidence to attempt repairs myself. I really enjoy working on watches and the tutorials (and help) I've found on the forums make it possible. Thanks again!

Just a little clarification, I think the movement I'm trying to fix is an asian copy of an ETA Valgranges A07.111. I just can't find anyone who has a replacement movement or parts.

Fantastic!! thanks for the reply. Man, it's tough getting that thing back in place, the balance wheel bounces all over when trying to get it into place. I finally got it back in and the watch is working perfectly (with the exception of a broken Oscillating Pinion, which I have on order... darn those things are small). Again, thanks for the reply, I very much appreciate it!

I have a friends Chopard Grand Tourismo that I'm trying to fix. It has an Asian 21j movement (it appears to be a copy of the A07.111). Some of the teeth are broken off the setting wheel and I'd like to replace it. I've checked Cousins and Ofrei, but I can't find any parts for this movement. Does anyone know where I can either get parts (the setting wheel) or where I can get the movement (is it called something other than A07.111)?

How you do that without breaking or bending anything is beyond me. Nice work!!

Darn you guys, now I'm thinking that the black crock WOULD look better. Well...maybe someday. I found the strap tool (after weeks of searching) at a local specialty tool shop. I haven't been able to find a tool for the caseback...yet. I think the correct strap width for the Dewitt is 21mm (weird) but 22mm fits pretty darn well and is a lot easier to get than a 21mm. Everything on this watch is weird.

I'm trying to learn how to remove and reinstall a balance wheel assembly. I've read everything I could get my hands on regarding disassembly and reassembly of a 7750 and have been able to tear one down and put it all back together (I'm really enjoying this hobby). The one thing that seems to be hanging me up (and I can't find any detailed information on) is the Balance Wheel assembly. What do I need to know in order to successfully remove and reinstall a balance wheel assembly? Are there any special tricks, pitfalls or concerns that I need to know about? I've been able to remove the Balance wheel and reinstall it (without damaging anything), but I don't think I'm doing it correctly. Should the pallet fork be in any particular position before installing the balance wheel? Does the balance wheel spring need to be pre-tensioned before assembly? Any tips (other than 'take it to a watchsmith') would be greatly appreciated.

I generally prefer rubber straps to leather, but my Dewitt is an exception. I never really liked the rubber that came with the watch (it was just uncomfortable). I set out to replace the band. It took me a long time, but I finally found a tool (at a specialty tool shop) and was able to replace the strap. I chose a 22mm Tobacco Crocodile (from International Watchman) because: 1. I like the look of tobacco croc. 2. Other Gen Dewitt watches have tobacco croc. 3. International Watchman has awesome prices on bands! By the way, a 22mm strap fits pretty well. It's a little bit squished (you may be able to see it in the photos), but not enough to matter. My wife says that black would have looked better... maybe... Anyway, here are some pictures.

I would happily purchase one of the 7750's now, sight unseen (it might help get you up to the minimum dollar amount). I would love to see one for myself and if it turns out to be junk, I can still use the screws!!

I'm really looking forward to hearing how it turns out. It would be fantastic if you've discovered a source for inexpensive movements! Just out of curiosity, what's the minimum dollar amount that they require?

I like the part about having questions addressed in a public forum. I could really learn a lot!

I couldn't sleep last night thinking about what I did wrong putting this watch back together (this is insane, I should be asleep right now!). If it wasn't for the ETA data sheets, I NEVER would have been able to put it back together. I'd like to thank whoever originally posted that information. I think I'd like to try the TZ course, I'm going to look into it. I have such a long way to go. It would be so fulfilling to be able to take a movement apart, clean it and put it back together (correctly and lubricated)... oh that would be a nice feeling. I think in 7 minutes I can take the caseback off. I might be able to get it down to 5

I know it's been said many times, but I just have to say what a terrific resource (and inspiration) The Zigmeister is. The Zigmeister, you've inspired me to work on my own watches (I know, you're probably cringing), a hobby I can certainly see getting into (especially being a Mechanical Packaging Engineer by profession). I just got done re-assembling an A7750. I took it apart further than I ever have before. It turns out that I'll have to take it apart again (surprise), but in the process, I gained a whole new respect for The Zigmeister. I don't know how you do it, but my hat's off to you and thank you for the inspiration and contributions you've made to this forum. Now, where do all these extra screws go?

Interesting post, thanks for the information. That looks like a good price. I'm curious about the microphone/preamp. It sounds like you're getting a pretty good signal. Is it necessary for you to be in a very quite room (will the noise of a computer fan, for example, mess up your signal)? Can you open the watch and place the watch 'crystal down' on the microphone and still get a usable signal? In other words, can you adjust the watch as you're taking measurements? I've been using a home-built mic/preamp along with software and have been able to regulate my watches to within COSC spec, but it's a pain because my pickup is so noisy.

Awesome reply ROLEXMAN!!

Francisco, you could probably swap the datewheel out of a 233 with your eyes closed , I'm glad you appreciate my writeup.

Here's my first attempt at a tutorial. I hope it helps those of you interested in replacing the datewheel in your PAM 233. Unscrew the 2 screws holding the Crown Guard in place and Remove the Crown Guard Remove the Case Back. A rubber ball (like a racquet ball) has always worked well for me. Pull out the Crown as far as it will go (to stop the watch). Next, press the Crown release button (circled in red) and pull out the Crown (you have to press the button and pull on the Crown at the same time). Unscrew the three screws holding the movement in place (circled in red). Remove the screws along with the three tabs. Here is a view showing the screws removed. At this point I

Sometimes I feel like a has-been movie star. You know... the kind that goes to the mall, hoping someone will notice them? Well, there are times that I wish someone would notice my watch, but nobody ever does. I'm coming to terms with it and I'm sure that eventually I won't even care (this is still rather new to me). I definitely appreciate this forum and the interest of fellow members.