predfan2001 Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 (edited) This year has really flown by. I can't believe it's nearly 2008. For the New Years, I'd like to give a few tips to the rookie watch mod'ers. I bought my first rep early this year and it didn't take long before I started unscrewing the case backs and pulling them apart. I've learned alot here in RWG and I've learned a few things the hard way. Here is my top 10 suggestions for the new guys. I'll keep them simple but if anybody has any tips to add, please do so! 1. The best case back remover/installer is a squished ball of masking tape almost the size of a golf ball. Works like a champ and there is NO damage. 2. If you have a rep that you plan to get wet or wear much, set the crystal with clear epoxy or hypo cement. Many of the vintage crystals are barely pressed in. I've removed a few with only a gentle tap of my finger tip (from the inside). 3. If you pull the hands off, install a stem into the movement while it is still out and make sure the hands a properly indexed (hour hand properly aligned when the minute hand is on 12:00). Check and double check the hand alignment before installing the movement into the case. Also remember to set the date to change properly at midnight. It is recommended that the watch be set to 12:00 when the hands are pulled but I have had better luck with turning the time thru till the date changes and then installing the hands set to 12:00. 4. If you chose to age the dial or markers, thin the paint! If you don't, odds are there will be a gloppy mess. Its better to tint, not paint. 5. Be VERY careful with the keyless works when removing a stem. Use the recommended screwdriver tip fo ETAs. I damaged one using a pick. I learned my lesson but at least it was an asian movement rep I planned on learning with. 6. The best way to install a second hand is the way it is recommended here. Fold over a piece of Scotch tape but leave about 3/8" of the sticky side exposed. Stick the backside of the tip of the second hand there and use the tape to hold the hand steady. Using this method, I can install a second hand in just a few seconds. 7. If you are planning to start doing modifications to reps, buy a few cheapies to practice on first. Take them apart and put them back together. Practice mods and vintaging techniques on them. It doesn't matter if you do something wrong, you'll learn alot. Plus you will have extra parts for future projects. 8. Never get in a hurry. If you get frustrated or nervous, walk away and come back to it later. Even if is days later. 9. Handle dials with care. Especially gloss finish dials. I handled one so much that it became covered in finger prints. When I started to clean it, it started taking the dial lettering off. Some rep dial lettering and markers are very weak and the least rub can take them off. Also use a mask (like paper) under the hands when removing them to prevent damage to the dial face. 10. Study! Do searches here and read all you can. It will save you headaches! Happy Holidays to all! David Edited December 21, 2007 by predfan2001 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victoria Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 8. Never get in a hurry. If you get frustrated or nervous, walk away and come back to it later. Even if is days later. 10. Study! Do searches here and read all you can. It will save you headaches! David, thanks for posting this, truly. This is precisely the kind of pro-noobie thread that I dearly wanted to continue, and think it's brilliant for its common sense tips. Thanks for unlocking some of your knowledge for the noobs. Look forward to seeing what others have to say as well. Merry Christmas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
predfan2001 Posted December 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 Dang it. I forgot one of the most important ones. Ok here's number 11. Read and remember!!!!!!! 11. Make sure there is NO lint or dust on the inside of the crystal or on the dial before reinstalling the movement. This one bites me more than any other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yt74 Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 I would go so far as to say this is not just for noobs, I know I could be reminded of some of these facts more frequently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tech Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 Thank for the post, it will come in handy for sure as I've FINALLY signed up for the TZ watch school.....so I am knowledge thirsty noob at the moment! And for some time to come....dear God what have I DONE!!!! Rule number 8 will be my mantra....as I am one impatient SOB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 Scotch tape? It's better to use the Romy and Michelle method. Post-its ... they leave no residue and can be repositioned easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyster Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 The Scotch-tape (or post-its) is a good one, I'm gonna try that. cheers for taking the time to post these, some great info in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fitmic Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 Very useful tips! Thanks a lot. I will try to remove the hands off an old asian movement today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeroen1985 Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 Cool post dude!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coltair Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 Great post, thanks! Just won defect Rado Voyager with eta 2824 from ebay, for only 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archibald Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 Great tips. I'd modify to the crystal tips to say that glueing and sealing crystals is advisable for any rep that you don't intend to remove the crystal from, whether or not you plan on getting it wet. My asssumption is that there's no way the cases and crystals are made to tight enough specs to assume any water resistance at all, let alone when swapping a crystal from one model of rep to another. Maybe that's overkill, but I've had a couple of gasket-only crystals leak and and no glued and sealed crystals leak w/ the same wearing habits. Other than the "biggie" mods people do anyway, I think the most important (or even equally important in some cases) are mods that improve fit and finish since that's the most visible difference between rep and gens these days--rebrushing, improving the CG pin finish, and ensuring the lower lip of the crown is flush w/ the case when the lever closed are my top 3 pam mods aside from straps and lume jobs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 predfan2001, sounds like you and me are on the same learning curve. Great post. What a good idea to share! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 Post-its ... they leave no residue and can be repositioned easily. Of course! Why didn't I think of that.......brilliant! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
predfan2001 Posted December 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2007 (edited) Scotch tape? It's better to use the Romy and Michelle method. Post-its ... they leave no residue and can be repositioned easily. I never thought about that but I'll stick to the tape. I use it on the back side so if there is any residue, I'd never see it. Besides, as jittery as I am at times a Post its would never hold the hand . BTW Thanks Chris(???) for this tip originally posted here Sub mods Edited December 22, 2007 by predfan2001 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshore Posted December 22, 2007 Report Share Posted December 22, 2007 Great post predfan! We will leave this run a month or so, and if anyone else has some other ideas/thoughts, I'm sure predfan won't worry about thread crapping Will then make it a sticky, or have it as part of a noob intro, which we may develop in the New Year. Again, top stuff guys. Offshore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david-aussie Posted December 22, 2007 Report Share Posted December 22, 2007 I sure can use these tips... tnx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleobis Posted December 22, 2007 Report Share Posted December 22, 2007 great tips mate, will start to use them asap... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alt.watch.obsessive Posted December 22, 2007 Report Share Posted December 22, 2007 Post-its are a good idea. I wrap the tweezers to prevent scratching, grab the actual hand (arm) portion, position it, and then push down (gently) over the post with another implement, like the thick end of a toothpick. Holding it underneath is clever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazz Posted December 23, 2007 Report Share Posted December 23, 2007 Great post Predfan! The only thing I would say is that I have never been a fan of the sticky tape method for installing hands. I use a hollow cotton bud cut in half to position the hand and a hand setting tool to press it on, that way there is no chance of marking or damaging the hand. I have seen some people also use a pen with the ink removed as a hand setting tool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
predfan2001 Posted December 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2007 (edited) Great post Predfan! The only thing I would say is that I have never been a fan of the sticky tape method for installing hands. I use a hollow cotton bud cut in half to position the hand and a hand setting tool to press it on, that way there is no chance of marking or damaging the hand. I have seen some people also use a pen with the ink removed as a hand setting tool. Neat tool. I've never had any sort of tool to press hands on so I've had to come up with my own. The first was a smaller ball point pen. I used the front half to press them on. Then I used a couple springbars (20mm and 22mm) that had the tips removed. I chucked them up in a pin vise. Now I just use my fine tip swiss tweezers. Edited December 23, 2007 by predfan2001 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiker01 Posted December 24, 2007 Report Share Posted December 24, 2007 Can you add "How to smooth the edges of Rolex NOOBSub SS bracelet and what to use?" Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellomen Posted December 24, 2007 Report Share Posted December 24, 2007 thanx for all this wise advice :thumbsup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintagerolex Posted December 24, 2007 Report Share Posted December 24, 2007 Can you add "How to smooth the edges of Rolex NOOBSub SS bracelet and what to use?" Thanks! I have found that gently rubbing the bracelet with a cape cod cloth helps to take the edge off it. Using a medium garryflex sanding block will re apply the brushed finish if you rub to hard or have a few scratches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bluey Posted December 25, 2007 Report Share Posted December 25, 2007 Great post Predfan! The only thing I would say is that I have never been a fan of the sticky tape method for installing hands. I use a hollow cotton bud cut in half to position the hand and a hand setting tool to press it on, that way there is no chance of marking or damaging the hand. I have seen some people also use a pen with the ink removed as a hand setting tool. Thanks for that, I've only modded vintage so far and have therefore been quite happy to leave marks etc on hands, so have just pushed down hard with tweezers... it works, but the tool you show above offers a far more elegant solution. I'm going to get one... b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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