Comments on: AF Bezel Remover a Disappointment

By: J.Edwards

J.Edwards — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:55:51 +0000

Hi Wackyvorlon,

Yes, we do check the end and side shakes of every pivot, including the barrel. It is also important to check the side shakes of intermediate wheels, etc., on their posts. If you want a watch to keep good time, and do so for several years, it is imperative to check side and end shakes.

By: wackyvorlon

wackyvorlon — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:33:25 +0000

Thank you very much! Your comments are greatly appreciated. I notice in De Carle’s Practical Watch Repairing that he goes through checking end shake and side shake of every pivot. Do you normally do that?

By: J.Peter

J.Peter — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:03:55 +0000

Most manufacturers produce service documents for their watches. Many of the older documents can be found on-line and I’ll write about that in a few days.

For something like JLC’s three-axis tourbillon, the average watchmaker doesn’t service one of those. Only the most experienced of watchmakers would work on one of those. Even at JLC there is probably only one or two watchmakers who are trained on the service of that watch. They produce so few of those watches that it probably doesn’t warrant the cost involved in producing a service document.

As a general rule: the secret to servicing complicated watches is to understand how each component works and how it interacts with the components around it and be able to make informed decisions about the kind of care, cleaning, adjustment, and lubrication that these components would require. There is a lot to learn before somebody can take on a watch like that.

By: wackyvorlon

wackyvorlon — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:51:43 +0000

When it comes to these newer watches, where do you go for documentation? I was looking the other day at this Jaeger Lecoultre three-axis tourbillon. How does the average watchmaker learn to service one of those? Are there any books or docs put out by the maker?

By: J.Edwards

J.Edwards — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:22:11 +0000

That’s unfortunate, Scott. I hope the tool that you purchased wasn’t overly expensive. Occasionally, I do find that only a very sharp razor blade will do the trick. Slowly and carefully can’t be stressed enough. I have seen more than one case dented badly enough around the crystal by a blade that making the case water resistant again proved to be quite the feat.

By: Scott walters

Scott walters — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:58:48 +0000

I had my company purchase a bezel remover from Jules Borel in Kansas it was sort of a dissapointment as well. I saw one of our other watchmakers had one & thought it would be usefull when removing bezels prior to polishing a variety of brands, in reality it does a great job of gathering dust and getting in the way of other tools I do utilize. I find that a fresh sharp razorblade works the best when used slowly. IMHO Scott

By: Prem C.

Prem C. — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:42:18 +0000

Old tools are welcome anytime! If you do not need the stuff, donate it to a good cause. I for one, reserve some of the tools that I receive to pass onto learners, students, and anyone trying to venture and learn the basics of watchmaking.
There simply is not enough of schools out there, including ALL the efforts made by ALL the companies, et al, including Rolex, Swatch Group etc etc/ to be able to train watchmakers for the 21st Century.
In my opinion, SAV- or After sales services of each and every known Swiss watch brand will undergo a massive transformation in the very near future. Be aware, and know, that literally millions of watches made from 2000 onwards are in the heavy duty league, meaning normal watchmakers, and your good old neighborhood watchmaker will not have a clue as to how to service the item.
Jon, A&F are made for the masses, and VOH and Horotec are the ‘classiest’ of the bunch that makes good quality refined tooling for the watch industry.
Thanks again Jon! This was also, a knowledgeable post. best,
Prem C.

By: wackyvorlon

wackyvorlon — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:46:16 +0000

A lot of my stuff is from Bergeon, and there’s buckets of old used tools I have.

By: J.Edwards

J.Edwards — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:39:38 +0000

I think you can expect a basic, easy to read list from J.Peter soon Aimeri. Great point, regarding the AWCI's tool list, Wackyvorlon, and thank you for posting the link J.Peter. I am surprised to hear you say that A★F is the market leader for tools in Switzerland, Prem. I would have guessed Bergeon. I agree that Horotec makes some great tools and I am glad to hear that you have had such great success with their deluxe case back opener. Another great supplier/maker that I have been very happy with is VOH.

By: J.Peter

J.Peter — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:06:34 +0000

Here is the link to that list AWCI Tool List