dbutlerman Posted September 21, 2011 Report Share Posted September 21, 2011 I just finished servicing my first watch movement (well almost - I still need to put in the balance jewels - but I am having some issues with the stupid incabloc springs!). I have to say it is very rewarding - there was stress over lost screws and misc. other bits, my eyeballs will probably never be the same (too many hours using a loupe), but all in all it was very rewarding. So here's how I did it: First Take Pictures of every step in the process, this is key in putting it back together. I felt I took enough, but I should have probably taken more, mainly in the keyless works, there are lots of mechanics in that little section. Start off with a very dirty, but running movement: Then flip to the Top Plate side of the movement (Opposite the dial side) and take of the rotor and winding mechanism After the winding bits are off, flip back to the Bottom Plate (Dial Side of the Movement): Once there start by removing the the Hour Wheel, Seconds Pinion and any other misc. gears: Next it's time for the keyless works, starting taking them apart piece by piece: Once it's all apart and the stem is out, flip the movement back over to the Top Plate and remove the wheel bridge covering the escape wheel, third wheel and fourth wheels: Next, remove the third of fourth wheels from the movement as well as the crown wheel (small silver) and ratchet wheels(large silver and copper gears): Followed by removing the friction spring and the indirectly driven seconds gear and shaft Then, remove the bridge covering the center wheel and main spring barrel. Here is the main spring barrel opened up - note the directing of the winding (I forgot to notice - glad I had the pictures) Nearly done, next, remove the center wheel, mainspring barrel, and the balance wheel assembly/bridge, leaving just the pallet bridge, escape wheel and pallet fork: Once those are removed it's time for cleaning. I used an Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with L&R Extra Fine Watch Cleaner, followed by 2 rinses in Zenith Step 2 & 3 Rinse, and finished up by another bath in the Ultrasonic cleaner filled with Zenith Rinse. And to put it all back together, just follow the steps above in reverse: I am having some issues getting the Incabloc springs and Balance Jewels back into the blocks, but as soon as I get that finished I will be completely done. The watch does run at this point, but I released all the tension on the main spring to keep it from running - don't want to damage the balance staff. The difference in color is hard to believe. The photos don't do it any justice. It was dull and grimy before and now is soooo bright and shiny! It's a big difference, and I am sure that everything will be running much better as well with the new mainspring and clean movement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwatch Posted September 21, 2011 Report Share Posted September 21, 2011 Nicely done!!!! You are a very brave man servicing an Omega movement as your first attempt! I don't think I would want to try that myself, but the results are quite excellent! Bravo!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxman Posted September 21, 2011 Report Share Posted September 21, 2011 Bravo Indeed you should be very proud....I know I would be. How about a wrist shot when you are finished? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhooq Posted September 21, 2011 Report Share Posted September 21, 2011 You're a braver man than me, db2. Great job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted September 21, 2011 Report Share Posted September 21, 2011 You haven't mentioned any oiling .. I know you did not forget Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbutlerman Posted September 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2011 OH crap! OIL! Just kidding - yes everything was oiled up per what I found to be standard Oiling Procedures... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krpster Posted September 22, 2011 Report Share Posted September 22, 2011 Picked a hell of a starting point! Great job! Very satisfying doing your own work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbutlerman Posted September 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2011 Thanks for the encouraging words! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolexman Posted September 23, 2011 Report Share Posted September 23, 2011 Well done! What a coincidence I just finished a renovation of an Omega with the same movement my self. Great movement to work on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwatch Posted September 27, 2011 Report Share Posted September 27, 2011 Just looking thru this thread again, and the only comment I have is you may want to get a different movement holder for the next one. I tried servicing a watch with the style you are using and I found it to be a bit of a pain in the ass. The Bergeon 4040 is a nice, solid standard and seems to work quite nicely for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbutlerman Posted September 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2011 Thanks for the suggestion. I've seen those around. I'll pick up one next time I make a purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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