Caveman's Watch Forum

A typical workaday at Tom Swift's Watch Repair Shoppe


Ricky Lee

January 20, 2012 05:25PM

If you're expecting to see high-end stuff, please move along. Nothing to see here! Wink

Shoot, even if you're expecting something interesting, you might want to move along. Laughing

Rather, this is the real-world kind of stuff that I see all the time. In the case of the first one, that's still not strong enough! The kind of crap I get all too frequently would be more accurate. Rolling on the floor laughing my a.. off

Bloke brings me two watches on Tuesday. Here's the real stinker:



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The infamous "Geneva" brand, available at Convenience Stores, Mini-Marts, and Flea Markets everywhere. They generally run about US $10. Which is, I reckon, over-inflated by roughly 100%. Laughing


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No, you're not seeing things.. the dial really is all cattywumpus. Oops! So broken dial feet, at the least. Then I check the time-set function, and the crown-stem assembly detaches from the watch. Eek! At that point I tell the ol' boy that there is probably nothing I can do for this watch. It's a goner. I am crying

But turns out he really, really likes the watch! Crazy! Loco! Says it's comfortable, the size is just right, and he likes the styling. All good reasons, it must be admitted. And furthermore "I've been wearin' that watch 10 years, and it's always kept real good time." Well, being a quartz, it would! Wink So, OK, I agree to have a look-see.

Home at the workbench I popped it open and found yet another S.E. calibre 908 "Swiss Parts Assembled In China" movement. Along with the expected broken dial feet, and unexpected moisture damage. Eek! When I saw that it had quite obviously shipped water, I knew there was no real hope. But miracles happen, so I slipped in a known good cell and BzzzzzzzzzzzT! It's a goner, just like I thought.



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Of course, with a new movement the watch could easily be returned to service. But, as I expected, when I explained this to him, and gave him a quote of US $30 to do the deed, he quite rightly declined. Laughing So may this one R.I.P. Innocent

The other watch, now, it's a much more solid piece!



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A Timex Expedition Indiglo, model 957 T3. Base metal bezel, SS caseback, 35mm x 44.5mm x 8.25mm thick, with 17mm lugs.


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A new CR1216 lithium cell, and it's good to go for another 3 to 5 years! Thumbs up! Pretty cool li'l watch, IMHO, one I'd be happy to wear me ownself!Cool

But we're not done yet. Oh no! A second co-worker brought me this one...



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Victorinox Swiss Army model 24378. (While it's branded "Swiss Army" only on the dial, it is "Victorinox-Swiss Army" on the caseback.)

The case is of composite construction, being a (base?) metal shell with plastic resin molded around it, 38.5mm x 44.5mm x 9.25mm thick, with 19mm lugs. The caseback is SS, a friction-fit (snap-in) design.



Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for super-sized photo


The engine is a Ronda 1-jewel calibre 515, powered by a SR920SW cell ( #371). Oh, and that's the OEM strap.

Another cool li'l watch that I'd wear meself!

Thanks for readin' y'all!

Cheers!

-Ricky



"A watch should be worth looking at even when you already know the time" - vintage Omega ad

Messages In This Thread

A typical workaday at Tom Swift's Watch Repair Shoppe Image Attachments

Ricky Lee 501 January 20, 2012 05:25PM

Question, for you Ricky. Should the Energizer batteries last as long as the OEM
ones such as the Renatos?

Timemiser 70 January 21, 2012 09:56AM

All else being equal, an Energizer will usually last a bit longer than OEM cells. Gif Attachments URL
Not a hard and fast rule, and the extra life may be modest. But generally speaking, that's my personal experience.

Also worthy of note, my personal observation is that, as a quartz movement ages, the life from a given cell may decrease. IOW when the watch is shiny new, and for the first couple of batteries, you may see.. oh, let's say 2 years of battery life. A decade on that may fall to 18 months, no matter what brand or how fresh the cell. This is anecdotal, and I can't back it up scientifically. But nevertheless that is my observation...

Quote
Timemiser
..the OEM ones such as the Renatos?
Ahhh... I'm not terribly fond of Renata watch cells...
Quote
Ricky Lee

The only top-brand watch cell with which I've had bad experiences is, ironically, also Swiss-made. A division of Swatch Group, no less. And, yeah, that would be Renata. ( Renata SA, CH-4452, Itingen, Switzerland ). I tend to stay away from them, whenever possible. I know I know! Renata is a respected name, and has a good reputation. Nevertheless I have personally seen not one, not two, but three of their cells leak Oops!, thereby destroying the movement. Eek! I am crying

Original post
I try to stick with Energizer if possible, but Duracell, Maxell, Sony, Ray-O-Vac, and Varta are fine in my book, too.

Also...
Quote
Ricky Lee

Generic watch cells are never a bargain. IMHO. And that despite the fact that you can get them for well under 20˘ per online, if you buy them in quantity. But they won't last as long as an and, worse, you run a very real risk of leakage and damage to your watch! Eek!

And, yeah, I've tried them. Oops! In fact, I still have a small store of generics in some select sizes. (OK, OK! I'm a nitwit! Blushing) I'm offering them to folks at half-price, in an attempt to use them up. Thing is, once I explain the dangers, and they hear the small difference in cost, most everyone eschews them. I may have to start giving the damned things away... Rolling on the floor laughing my a.. off

original post
Cheers!

Ricky Lee 134 January 21, 2012 10:34AM

The Renata cell I just replaced was in for five years +. I have yet to replace one that has lasted that long.
Even new Seikos last longer from the factory. Now to be honest I had been using Walmart batteries which are Rayovac. For the past year I have been buying Energizer cells from a local jeweler. I pay $2.50 + tax. I am not sure if that's a good deal, but I do not buy in bulk. My son come to find out is friends with his son. He saw him on tv in a commercial & said, "Hey, thats JJ's dad!" . He has on two occasions actually given me a total of six batteries free! Once just because we returned his sons glasses that were left at our house.

Timemiser 70 January 21, 2012 12:01PM

Re: Even new Seikos last longer from the factory. Jpeg Attachments
Which agrees with my "law of diminishing returns" observation that quartz movements tend to eat batteries at an accelerated rate as they age, if you think about it.

Quote
Timemiser
..I had been using Walmart batteries which are Rayovac.
Ahhhhh.. no. Not if you mean the ones in the Wal-Mart packaging which are kept behind the counter and sold individually.

There are exceptions, but 999 times out of 1000 those will be..



..a VartaŽ.

Now, if we're talking the blister packs on the aisle racks, you can find Duracell, Energizer, and Ray-O-Vac.
Quote
Timemiser
..Energizer cells from a local jeweler. I pay $2.50 + tax. I am not sure if that's a good deal..
Decent. Not great. You could get 'em for about half that price online.

Cheers!
Ricky Lee 85 January 21, 2012 01:11PM

No, I bought the Varta twice. One was dead right out of tne package!
Then I bought the Rayovac. Unfortunately the Walmarts that I have been to around here do not sell any other type watch battery.

Timemiser 89 January 21, 2012 01:20PM

OK, I'm confused.

Quote
Timemiser
No, I bought the Varta twice.
This was in the Wal-Mart blister pack, as I pictured?
Quote
Timemiser
One was dead right out of tne package!
Not good.
Quote
Timemiser
Unfortunately the Walmarts that I have been to around here do not sell any other type watch battery.
The ones in the Wal-Mart branded package? Again, as pictured. They're not VartaŽ? I am confused

Cheers!

Ricky Lee 90 January 21, 2012 01:48PM

Ok, sorry if I confused you. Let me simplify.
I bought exactly what you pictured. = crap
Then I was buying the Rayovac. = not worth the time.(No pun intended Laughing)

Timemiser 59 January 21, 2012 01:59PM

Gotcha! Gif Attachments
Cheers!

Ricky Lee 53 January 21, 2012 02:21PM

Fun side business you have. (n/t)

Paul J Costa 66 January 21, 2012 08:50AM

It is, usually. And one of..
..these years I may even end up with the balance sheet in the black, perhaps. Laughing

Cheers!

Ricky Lee 63 January 21, 2012 11:32AM

Sound like I might start a battery swap service too...
..Maybe it's a "hole in the market", let's see what batteries I should order...

James T. KirkŠ 82 January 21, 2012 05:35AM

If you do..

Quote
James T. KirkŠ
..let's see what batteries I should order...
I recommend you start with

● SR626SW (#377), 25 pieces

● SR621SW (#364), 10 pieces

● SR927SW (#395/#399), 10 pieces

● SR920SW (#371), 10 pieces

● SR521SW (#379), 5 pieces

● CR2025 lithium, 2 or 3 pieces

● CR2016 lithium, 2 or 3 pieces

● CR1616 lithium, 2 or 3 pieces

● CR1216 lithium, 2 or 3 pieces

Those cells will cover maybe 80% of the quartz watches you will encounter. That being said, Murphy's Law means that the first watches to cross your workbench will use some off-the-wall cell like an SR416SW (#337) or SR1116SW (#366). Eek! Wink

Also, at a minimum you'll need a JaxaŽ-type case opener, a good case knife, caseback-crystal press with a full range of dies, SS tweezers, non-conductive (plastic) tweezers, good quality watchmakers screwdrivers in the .50 mm to 1.00mm range, a sharpening rig to keep the screwdrivers in tip-top shape and, lastly, some form of illuminated magnification, be it a bench-mounted work lamp or a visor.

Good luck! Cheers!


Ricky Lee 54 January 21, 2012 11:19AM

Thumbs up!Thumbs up!Thumbs up! (n/t)

Ethan_Mack 64 January 22, 2012 02:01AM

Considering the biz yourself, are ye? Smile
Cheers!

Ricky Lee 63 January 22, 2012 11:41AM

if that is at all directed at me....Thumbs up!
Yes, Ive looked into the TZ training program where one starts with all the separate pieces of a Swiss chronometer, buy the tools & accessories (including a real bench & fixtures Very Rich Man's Watch!) and end-up assembling and sealing the watch by the end of the course. Its not cheap, being in the $3k+ range (I believe) just for classes (ie videos and online support) when alls said & done, plus the hardware & watch bits.

I'm in N.Cali and not sure if theres anything in-between home study and certified watchmaker school. Just as well, I cant afford the $ or time to attend a regular school. Ive started two successful small bizs and its not my habit to take-up a hobby that costs but doesn't produce. So, buying/repairing/selling seems a natural extension of the hobby itself. Really, Ive fallen in love with Horology (ala Horus, the Sun in its increase) and the fine craftsmanship & care extended to this art.

Inevitably, I will move toward repair and custom design if I can. Ive seen several people on sites like Etsy who simply make custom dials and assemble the movements, cases, etc and it looks to be great fun.

Ethan_Mack 61 January 22, 2012 07:20PM

'tis. Smile

Quote
Ethan_Mack
Yes, Ive looked into the TZ training program.. ..buying/repairing/selling seems a natural extension of the hobby itself. ..Ive seen several people on sites like Etsy who simply make custom dials and assemble the movements, cases, etc..
Ah! You're even more ambitious than I first thought! Wink Thumbs up!

I've kicked a similar idea around but, like you, there is no way I could do it justice at present.

For now, I'm content to be a Professional Battery Swapper, with the occasional movement replacement thrown in for good measure. Smile

Cheers!
Ricky Lee 57 January 22, 2012 07:50PM

Considering new ways to make a buck... Frowning (n/t)

James T. KirkŠ 62 January 22, 2012 12:54PM

Sure. But why the sad face? I am confused
Cheers!

Ricky Lee 59 January 22, 2012 05:15PM

Because it's not working...Waiting (n/t)

James T. KirkŠ 68 January 23, 2012 07:12AM

Ah. Oops! Well then.. that does warrant the frowny, I got to admit.
Cheers!

Ricky Lee 59 January 23, 2012 09:40AM

Hmmm maybe not Frowning
I don't even have a workbench (or place for it) and a few of the more expensive tools either.... Frowning

James T. KirkŠ 62 January 21, 2012 12:07PM

Re: I don't even have a workbench (or place for it) and a few of the more expensive tools either.... Frowning
Well. If ye ain't gonna go whole-hog, don't go at all. That's my best advice. Smile

Cheers!

Ricky Lee 54 January 21, 2012 12:34PM

My wife advised against it, she said, what if...
..you break on of the clients's watches? Eek!

James T. KirkŠ 63 January 21, 2012 01:22PM

Re: ..you break on of the clients's watches? Eek!
That is a Sticky Wicket, and no two ways about it! Oops! Eek!

I am ashamed to admit that I have been in this situation a couple of times.

Basically, your choices are twofold:

▪ You lie like a dog, and tell the customer that the watch was busted to begin with.

▪ You 'fess up, and make restitution at 100 to 150% of the $$ value of their watch.

Guess which one I chose? Smile


Cheers!

Ricky Lee 62 January 21, 2012 01:37PM

And there goes all of you hard income... Frowning
..as I told you before somewhere, the battery swap shop I used to go, regularly said that my watches are dead and I still have 2 former 'dead' watches running here... Wink I think I better keep it to my own watches and my family, and with friends, I tell them "no warranty"!

James T. KirkŠ 60 January 21, 2012 03:33PM

Well, I've been lucky in that on the two occasions I mention...
..the solution was to provide the customer with a new watch from the Tom Swift Sales Section. Wink Since I had a hefty markup on them anyway, my $$ outlay was minimal. Zero in one case, except for the cost of the battery I'd installed in the watch. But the customer was satisfied, and that's what really counts.

Also, bear in mind that we're talking twice out of many hundreds of battery swaps, so it's not an everyday occurrence. Indeed, both those cases were quite early on. I've leaned a lot since and
{knocks on wood} the chances of it ever happening again are slim. Innocent

Quote
James T. KirkŠ

I think I better keep it to my own watches and my family, and with friends, I tell them "no warranty"!
I make it clear to my customers that I don't guarantee water resistance after a battery change.

That being said, I do my best. Caseback gaskets get replaced if they look shady at all, and lubed with silicone grease in all cases. But I don't know that the watch is watertight when the customer brings it to me, you know? It's never been a problem yet. {throws salt over shoulder} Laughing

Cheers!
Ricky Lee 61 January 21, 2012 06:49PM

WhistleInnocent (n/t)

James T. KirkŠ 59 January 21, 2012 07:28PM

A good topic ,Ricky! I like such things!SmileThumbs up!
Even the Geneva watch would be good if there was no humidity and liquids.Smile

IF 58 January 21, 2012 03:33AM

Re: Even the Geneva watch would be good if there was no humidity and liquids.Smile
Well, yeah, it really ain't a bad watch. The fact that the bloke got a decade of use out of it speaks for itself...

That being said, it's not exactly world-class construction. I did some forensics on it last night, and turns out that the dial feet were not broken. It never had dial feet! The movement was attached to the dial by Dial DotsŽ from the factory. Crazy! Loco! They simply got dry & brittle, and lost their grip...


Cheers!

Ricky Lee 76 January 21, 2012 11:00AM

The dark brown colors of that Timex reference design ques from it's days of yore... (i.e. 70s) Thumbs Up (n/t)

Nuvolari 76 January 20, 2012 11:25PM

It IS a nice color...
..and reminds me that my collection is somewhat deficient in brown-dial watches. Oops!

Eek! Rolling on the floor laughing my a.. off

Cheers!

Ricky Lee 84 January 21, 2012 10:54AM

Thumbs up!Laughing (n/t)

Mark C. 51 January 20, 2012 06:21PM

I would not have the patience for that
I have a few cheap quartz watches, for a couple of reasons. Both use a Citizen movement and very tiny batteries, so they need new batteries frequently and as such they aren't running right now. My dad had run across a couple of gold Seiko's, not running, sort of a matched set of a mens president and ladies president. And then my daughter inherited a 2-tone Seiko quartz from the estate of a friend of their family. So I have 5 dead quartz watches, and I'm not going to pay $4+ each to buy batteries and try to resurrect them. I used the link that you provided before to an ebay seller and bought batteries for all 5, plus some spares for my 2 Casios, all for around $5 shipped!

I cleaned up the inherited Seiko, put a battery in it, and it runs fine. And I just ordered a cheap leather strap from our sales forum for it.

I put the new batteries into the Seiko presidents but could not get either to run. I think my dad had tried at his local jewelry store and they couldn't get them to run either.

I haven't gotten around to my Casios yet but I've changed batteries in them numerous times and I'm confident that they will wake up and run again.

I'll try not to lose any more of those tiny little screws.

Bill J. 69 January 20, 2012 05:42PM

Like anything...
..the more you do it, the more efficient you become at the task. If the moon and the stars align just right, it literally takes me less than a minute to accomplish some battery swaps, start to finish. Wink

Quote
Bill J.

I'll try not to lose any more of those tiny little screws.
Laughing Wink

Key thing to remember is that you very seldom need to actually remove the screw. Just loosen it 1 to 2 turns, leaving it in place, and you're good to go. Thumbs up!

Cheers!
Ricky Lee 68 January 21, 2012 10:42AM

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