Thanks Alex. When I got my microscope I contacted an acquaintance I used to work with for advice, she ran and trained a surface mount device repair lab at the company I was with. She told me that she got new folks to remove parts using tweezers from one box to another turning them over on the way. This went on for a week with the components decreasing in size every day. I did something similiar with screw and spring selection bought from a material house for a couple of quid. Worked hard at it and it did help a tremendous amount.
Yep, that’s a problem a lot of newcomers are faced with. They have never tried picking up things that small and they end up loosing screws. A little practice goes a long way.
Currently, my favorite series on TH-cam. A lot of info in this one and action items to practice. Tweezer skills, screwdriver dressing, etc.... oooh boy!
This introduction to watchmaking series is outstanding, Alex - its second to none. I have a dedicated timing machine, but plenty of beginners that I try to assist use phone apps like the one you showed in this video. Some of the better phone apps do give an amplitude reading, but in my experience they provide accurate readings only when a watch is running well, and they are completely unreliable if a movement is running poorly. The amplitude reading seems to be the first to become misleading and I’ve seen these apps give amplitudes between 300 and 400 degrees for movements that were barely running at all. I’ve seen it suggested that the problem lies with the microphone. The electret microphones in a phone and in phone headphone sets are designed to pick up voice audio. The piezo pickup in a timing machine is picking up physical vibrations, which contain far less noise. I’m not sure that any amount of clever computer code in a phone timing app can turn the incoming sound signal into accurate readings. I’ve found that the best way for beginners who don’t have a dedicated timing machine to measure the amplitude of a watch is to take a slow motion video of it using their phone, and observe the amplitude directly. This approach is easy for dial down readings, but the other positions can be measured with a bit of improvisation.
I agree and I’m not really a fan of those apps, but I did find this one somewhat interesting. In their documentation, you have to go through and turn off a lot of settings that might interfere with the readings. They also recommend that you use a genuine iPhone microphone, but with Apple going mostly wireless now I don’t know how many people still have those. The microphone I use was not an Apple microphone, but the signal was as strong as you can get according to the app readings. My only point in the reason I included it was that it is better than nothing and at least it’s something to measure by especially since we’re using new movements in these lessons, which should be running good. 👍
@@watchrepairtutorials I'm in VA (near DC) and it looks like you are in NC? So neighboring states at least. Keep up the great work. These are awesome videos and you have that Intangible gift of teaching/explaining. Thank you!
i see the ball vise. do you engrave, too? you started my venture into this, and continue to help solve issues I run into periodically. I cant thank you enough.
@@watchrepairtutorials hey, that's a good use for a ball vise. I bought mine originally to make wedding rings for my wife and I. I feel like I have used it for everything except engraving.
After all of this time, once again I learned something new. Knowing different types of screws and what they are typically used for will help immensely since they tend not to stay close to their affiliated parts in a washer. I wish I could figure out how to wear a loupe without a wire like you do at the end. Ever since getting my microscope, I haven’t had to touch a loupe, but I have only been taking the st36 apart and putting it back together again. I’d imagine there are times doing different repairs where you need a view that is not straight down. Great video. Thanks!!
I’m glad you were able to pick up a little something. I think for people starting out figuring out what screw goes where can be a challenge. That’s an Asco loupe and it is probably the best I have ever used.
Great advice, Alex. Wish I'd seen this video two years ago, before I (nearly) blindly started in servicing my small collection of five pocket watches. (I have about 12 now.) Three of which were my grandparents' Waltham and Longines movements. Long story short, of those first five, none of which were running before I dove in, I have gotten three running reasonably well. The other two are still not running at all, and have been relegated to the 'try again when you have more experience' pile. I can't tell you how many screws, springs, etc, I've pinged into the stratosphere over the past two years, but the hardest lesson for me, is to accept that I am just not good enough yet to work on a particular movement, and just walk away for now. Thanks for all of your help and advice. Garry
Master Alex, I eagerly await each of your videos. I didn't start with the new ST3600, but with faulty Russian watches that I otherwise love and appreciate very much. After watching this video, I realized that I made a mistake because I didn't learn what parts and the mechanism itself should really be in good condition. I learned about sorting screws and realized that I' should only invest in good and quality tools. Soon, in a while, you will also receive Patreon support from me, and I will buy a book on regulation from you, I promise you that. Your school will be a good basis for my further progress. Greetings! Željko
Russians can definitely be a bear. I practiced early on with the 2609/2614/26xx series because they were cheap (I actually still periodically wear one of the first 2614.h i fixed. I love the size and weight, and the routine of manual winding.) They will definitely teach you to have a light hand, it felt like I could absorb some parts at first. The calendar works also seem super finicky unless you go about assembly in the right order. one day, chrono's wont scare me, and it will be thanks primarily to Alex
Thank you for the great videos! When just starting off, would there be anything wrong with using one of the phone appsas a timegrapher? Ive seen online that as long as you use it in a quiet area they are fairly reliable. The one ive seen and have been using is Watch Accuracy Meter and the only thing it struggles with is amplitude
Amplitude is definitely an important metric when determining how well your service work is progressing. Not having a reliable amplitude reading is not ideal for good feedback. My understanding is that the phone apps struggle with movements running poorly, so if you are using a new movement it may be ok.
Hey my man, I got them coming. They’ve been held up in customs for a couple days, but they’re in Memphis so I’m hoping to have them in the next couple days and I’ll list them on my store.
Alex, your sound is good, but just a little low. Sounds good when I crank up my volume, but when the commercials come on they are loud. Just hoping you can bump you gain
@watchrepairtutorials the world needs more watchmakers. You're explaining in depth to the kids that are interested. You and I both know you never really retire, we just slow down to a comfortable pace.
I have my first order coming in from Seagull, which is actually in Memphis right now. I’m hoping to have it the first day of the week and then I’ll update the link in the description and it will also be in my website store.
@ Yes they have their purpose, I’ve just never seen curved ones. The basic rule that I learned was to match the tweezer to the metal you are picking up. Most often I will use them to pick up a brass plated bridge or something like that. If you wanna get a straight pair, I believe Bergeron is one of the only manufacturers who make them. You could search for Bergeron bronze tweezers, and they should come up.
made that very mistake about holding the screw too tight just the other day. i was holding the setting lever screw and bink, the thing shot across the room and completely disappeared!
This is the exact content I need in my life right now. Thank you!
Thanks Alex. When I got my microscope I contacted an acquaintance I used to work with for advice, she ran and trained a surface mount device repair lab at the company I was with. She told me that she got new folks to remove parts using tweezers from one box to another turning them over on the way. This went on for a week with the components decreasing in size every day. I did something similiar with screw and spring selection bought from a material house for a couple of quid. Worked hard at it and it did help a tremendous amount.
Yep, that’s a problem a lot of newcomers are faced with. They have never tried picking up things that small and they end up loosing screws. A little practice goes a long way.
Currently, my favorite series on TH-cam. A lot of info in this one and action items to practice. Tweezer skills, screwdriver dressing, etc.... oooh boy!
Glad you're enjoying the series, it's meant to be a good introduction to watchmaking!
This introduction to watchmaking series is outstanding, Alex - its second to none.
I have a dedicated timing machine, but plenty of beginners that I try to assist use phone apps like the one you showed in this video.
Some of the better phone apps do give an amplitude reading, but in my experience they provide accurate readings only when a watch is running well, and they are completely unreliable if a movement is running poorly.
The amplitude reading seems to be the first to become misleading and I’ve seen these apps give amplitudes between 300 and 400 degrees for movements that were barely running at all.
I’ve seen it suggested that the problem lies with the microphone.
The electret microphones in a phone and in phone headphone sets are designed to pick up voice audio.
The piezo pickup in a timing machine is picking up physical vibrations, which contain far less noise.
I’m not sure that any amount of clever computer code in a phone timing app can turn the incoming sound signal into accurate readings.
I’ve found that the best way for beginners who don’t have a dedicated timing machine to measure the amplitude of a watch is to take a slow motion video of it using their phone, and observe the amplitude directly.
This approach is easy for dial down readings, but the other positions can be measured with a bit of improvisation.
I agree and I’m not really a fan of those apps, but I did find this one somewhat interesting. In their documentation, you have to go through and turn off a lot of settings that might interfere with the readings. They also recommend that you use a genuine iPhone microphone, but with Apple going mostly wireless now I don’t know how many people still have those. The microphone I use was not an Apple microphone, but the signal was as strong as you can get according to the app readings. My only point in the reason I included it was that it is better than nothing and at least it’s something to measure by especially since we’re using new movements in these lessons, which should be running good. 👍
These videos are so great. I wish we were neighbors! 😂
Where do you live?
@@watchrepairtutorials I'm in VA (near DC) and it looks like you are in NC? So neighboring states at least. Keep up the great work. These are awesome videos and you have that Intangible gift of teaching/explaining. Thank you!
@ nice. I have a nephew that lives in Fredericksburg .
Is the ST3600 available for sale on your site?
Love your channel and your way for explaining is clear and concise, you gave me the bug!
Awesome! Thank you!
i see the ball vise. do you engrave, too?
you started my venture into this, and continue to help solve issues I run into periodically. I cant thank you enough.
No, I don’t have that skill. I actually use it to hold things that I wanna show under the camera so they don’t shake.
@@watchrepairtutorials hey, that's a good use for a ball vise. I bought mine originally to make wedding rings for my wife and I. I feel like I have used it for everything except engraving.
@ mine is made by VEVOR so it’s not exactly high end but it works well enough for my needs.
After all of this time, once again I learned something new. Knowing different types of screws and what they are typically used for will help immensely since they tend not to stay close to their affiliated parts in a washer. I wish I could figure out how to wear a loupe without a wire like you do at the end. Ever since getting my microscope, I haven’t had to touch a loupe, but I have only been taking the st36 apart and putting it back together again. I’d imagine there are times doing different repairs where you need a view that is not straight down. Great video. Thanks!!
I’m glad you were able to pick up a little something. I think for people starting out figuring out what screw goes where can be a challenge.
That’s an Asco loupe and it is probably the best I have ever used.
Great advice, Alex. Wish I'd seen this video two years ago, before I (nearly) blindly started in servicing my small collection of five pocket watches. (I have about 12 now.) Three of which were my grandparents' Waltham and Longines movements. Long story short, of those first five, none of which were running before I dove in, I have gotten three running reasonably well. The other two are still not running at all, and have been relegated to the 'try again when you have more experience' pile.
I can't tell you how many screws, springs, etc, I've pinged into the stratosphere over the past two years, but the hardest lesson for me, is to accept that I am just not good enough yet to work on a particular movement, and just walk away for now. Thanks for all of your help and advice. Garry
Well, it's great to hear that you know your limits. That tells me you care about your collection and their history. I can appreciate that. 👍
Thank you, Alex, for sharing! For us beginners, you are an invaluable teacher and resource. Great video!
You are most welcome, I appreciate you watching.
Master Alex, I eagerly await each of your videos. I didn't start with the new ST3600, but with faulty Russian watches that I otherwise love and appreciate very much. After watching this video, I realized that I made a mistake because I didn't learn what parts and the mechanism itself should really be in good condition. I learned about sorting screws and realized that I' should only invest in good and quality tools. Soon, in a while, you will also receive Patreon support from me, and I will buy a book on regulation from you, I promise you that. Your school will be a good basis for my further progress. Greetings! Željko
I appreciate the support, Željko! I know the Russian watches can be tough to work on.
Russians can definitely be a bear. I practiced early on with the 2609/2614/26xx series because they were cheap (I actually still periodically wear one of the first 2614.h i fixed. I love the size and weight, and the routine of manual winding.)
They will definitely teach you to have a light hand, it felt like I could absorb some parts at first. The calendar works also seem super finicky unless you go about assembly in the right order.
one day, chrono's wont scare me, and it will be thanks primarily to Alex
@ that’s right brother👍
Another great video, thankyou
I appreciate you man, thank you.
Alex, I've made every mistake you've mentioned in this video.
And the feeling l get when l achieve what l've learnt from you is so satisfying.
Keep it up my friend. That’s awesome to hear!
Fantastic Video !!!!! as always you give clear concise information
Thanks! I hope it's helpful for beginners and more experienced home watchmakers.
Great series. Can’t find st3600 movement on your website. Any guidance? Thanks.
I have my first order from SeaGull sitting in Memphis as we speak. I am hoping to have them here by Tuesday.
Ottimo. Grazie Maestro.
Thank you my friend.😊
Thank you for the great videos!
When just starting off, would there be anything wrong with using one of the phone appsas a timegrapher? Ive seen online that as long as you use it in a quiet area they are fairly reliable. The one ive seen and have been using is Watch Accuracy Meter and the only thing it struggles with is amplitude
Amplitude is definitely an important metric when determining how well your service work is progressing. Not having a reliable amplitude reading is not ideal for good feedback. My understanding is that the phone apps struggle with movements running poorly, so if you are using a new movement it may be ok.
Excellent video. Looking forward to seeing more.
Thanks for watching, I have a lot more planned.
Hi Alex, I didnt see the link for the ST3600 movement.
Hey my man, I got them coming. They’ve been held up in customs for a couple days, but they’re in Memphis so I’m hoping to have them in the next couple days and I’ll list them on my store.
Alex, your sound is good, but just a little low. Sounds good when I crank up my volume, but when the commercials come on they are loud. Just hoping you can bump you gain
Thanks for letting me know, I'll look into it.
I do not have that issue at all. I can hear and understand you clearly at high, medium and low volumes.
@ there’s probably a little bit of room for improvement.
Best video I've seen you do. Congrats on 40k Alex. You will be a celebrity soon 😂
I’m trying to give people good information and help them learn from the mistakes of others 👍
@watchrepairtutorials I bet you will get your first TH-cam button by summer.
@ to be honest with you, I was surprised when I hit 100 subscribers but then again I’ve never really been in this game for the views.
@watchrepairtutorials the world needs more watchmakers. You're explaining in depth to the kids that are interested. You and I both know you never really retire, we just slow down to a comfortable pace.
@ No doubt. I sometimes feel like when US Grant was writing his memoirs. Not enough time to get it all down.
Thank you for the video.
No problem, I hope you learned something!
I didn’t see the link to the practice movement. Did I miss it?
I have my first order coming in from Seagull, which is actually in Memphis right now. I’m hoping to have it the first day of the week and then I’ll update the link in the description and it will also be in my website store.
@ thanks Alex!
Hello Alex, do you know of any decent quality bronze tweezers with curved tips? Like the number 7 from bergeon or horotec
I have never seen one. Why do you want bronze?
@watchrepairtutorials I've heard you recommend bronze tweezers in the past
@ Yes they have their purpose, I’ve just never seen curved ones.
The basic rule that I learned was to match the tweezer to the metal you are picking up.
Most often I will use them to pick up a brass plated bridge or something like that.
If you wanna get a straight pair, I believe Bergeron is one of the only manufacturers who make them. You could search for Bergeron bronze tweezers, and they should come up.
@@watchrepairtutorials Okey thank you very much for the information Alex!❤️🙏
made that very mistake about holding the screw too tight just the other day. i was holding the setting lever screw and bink, the thing shot across the room and completely disappeared!
It has happened to us all. All you have to do is just loosen up that grip a little bit.
First hit the like button,and then watching.
Did you? I never ask but I appreciate it for sure.
The Chinese made PT5000 is a copy of the ETA 2824. It's about $70 👍
Have one. Not a bad little movement for the price.
Hello 👋 how can I contact you for some advice ? Huge fan just need guidance
You can email me at alex@watchrepairtutorials.com
acturally seagull's factory is about 20km away from my house.
Are you in Hong Kong?
Thank you for the videos
My pleasure! 🤘