Expert: Melvin Mills - 9/10/2007

Question
Melvin, as a further followup to your great advice, I was wondering if it was possible to attach to an email to you pictures I took of the movement in the subject watch so you could tell me what you could about what you see, as to whether I can regulate this watch at all myself or what kind of movement is in the watch.  

I don't see that it is possible through this service, "AllExperts" to send any kind of attachment to these queries, probably for good reason.

If you've reached your limit in responding to my questions, I understand. I really should get to the library already and start doing some research on my own, its just that the Timezone courses involve more money than I can afford at this time (after counting the additional expenses for the tool kit they want to sell, including the movement - which I'm sure is reasonably priced; and considering we'd have to go through the Level 1 and Level 2 and Level 2 has an additional materials fee (including a mechanical movement)).

Meantime, I've found a watch person who has offered to clean, lubricate and regulate the watch for $20 and I am tempted to just let him do it.  Also, since it runs SO slow (losing 20 minutes in 24 hours), I may try to find someone in Chinatown willing to trade the watch for another one that at least runs closer to correct (such that a simple regulation will fix it).  I'm learning, from you and others, that the degree mine is off is not fixable by regulation alone.

Please respond by letting me know if there is any way I can send you pictures, and if there is any point in pursuing this with you at all.  Again, I truly appreciate what help you have already offered.  It is more than adequate already.

Thanks again.

Answer
Norman,

You can send the photos to me at millswatchrepair.com.
Try to take very close up photos. If your camera has a macro feature, use it because it will allow you to take very detailed, close up photos.

I did not realize how much timezone charged for the watch movements. you can go to ebay and find some gruen watches with ETA 9824 movements and see through backs for $50 or so.  Take a look.  at some time in the future, you may want to pick up one to observe and learn about the movement in action.

Why not ask the watch repair guy if you and your son can watch him work on the watch?  You will get the education and a working watch.  Just  a thought.

Kind regards,

Melvin