Expert: Melvin Mills - 8/2/2008

Question
Hi Melvin
I have recently started taking interest in watch repair. I have the book The Practical Watch Repairing. I want to learn to start with quarts watches and mechanical watches later. Can you suggest me a book or manual for a starter?

Regards
Jason

Answer
Jason,

This is just my opinion and I would suggest starting with mechanical watches.

Quartz watches will require electronic equipment to determine if there is an electrical short in the movement.  Then, you will need to buy old electronics if it can't be fixed and that can be a nightmare.

A mechanical watch is much easier to find parts for.  They are all over the place.

You need very little equipment if you are doing it as a hobby.  

I believe the book you are talking about is the one by DeCarle.  That is a tough read.

There are easier books to use such as repairing watches as a hobby.

If you want a book on quartz watch repair, go to amazon and get the quartz watch repair by Henry B. Fried.

Good luck and let me know if I can help.

Kind regards,

Melvin