Comments on: Solving a Puzzle

By: J.Edwards

J.Edwards — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:53:08 +0000

On some very old calibers (100+ years), with custom screws literally tailored to each hole, I will screw them back into the mainplate before cleaning. For the most part I set them aside ,though. I ran into trouble once with a Russian calibre doing things this way, but ultimately worked things out without duress.

By: Prem

Prem — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:09:25 +0000

Jp is correct, it is vandalism. So is writing on the caseback, only the amateurs or watchmakers unsure of what work they carried out can prortedly have this excuse. I think the better a watchmaker, there will be no traces of his interventions, leaving behind a clean and spotless movement, like when it came out of a factory service from Switzerland- that is the goal of a watchmaker. Cheers Jp, keep up the good work!
Prem

By: J.Peter

J.Peter — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:07:57 +0000

I would never have thought to use the word “vandalism” but it is appropriate. I was taught to leave no trace in the watch, and that is what I strive to do.

By: John F. Opie

John F. Opie — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:48:49 +0000

Hi -

As a complete amateur who loves to fool around with watches, I always put the screws in with the parts simply to save time.

The watchmaker I use to have real work done views marking any movement as a sign of vandalism, and works hard to remove any that he finds. Not on the inside of the case back – he sees that as useful information as to when the watch was last touched by a watchmaker – but on the movement itself…