Expert: Melvin Mills - 9/24/2008

Question
Dear Melvin,
I agree with you, Carle's book is hard to read and doesn't describe details of repair keeping in view common problems in watches.
Which book do you suggest to start taking interest in repairing mechanical (automatic) watches?
Regards,

Jason
Toronto

Answer
Jason,

Carle's book is hard to read and it does have a lot of valuable information.  I would keep it handy for reference.

Also, You can still find "Watch Repair Training Manual" by the Bulova Watch School.  It will give you a good idea of the training that went on but I would avoid it as a beginner.  I bring it up because I am sure you will come across it.

I would look at a book by Dan Gendron called Simplified Mechanical Watch Repair and Bob Tascione's book (I don't recall the name right off).  Tascione also has some videos about watch repair.  I would consider videos to compliment your learning because it will probably be easier to learn from a video vs. a book.

Also, I have the complete series from Chicago School Of Watchmaking.
30+ volumes.  
I sell it on a disk in Adobe PDF form for $50.00
Contact me if you would like to get more info on it.  
millswatchrepair at gmail.com

These books and videos should get you off to a good start.

Kind regards,

Melvin