The most basic step of pre-costuming

[pernwebgoddess]

How the HECK do you dismantle watches? I just so happen to have a few I have been saving for a while, and I'd like to dismantle them... problem is... I can't get them open! I see no screws, no notches, nothing with which I can pry a screwdriver under

Comments

[missysedai]

If it helps, my son uses a hammer. One good hard *WHAM*, problem solved.

Now, this isn't going to help you if you want the crystal intact, but he's only ever after the gears, hands, and face.

[pernwebgoddess]

Well, Yeah, that's what I'm after. LOL. I manage to break the pin loose, so breaking the crystal isn't a problem. *goes to find hammer*

[orionsmom]

hehe. That was my first thought as well.

Hulk Smash!

[spike20]

*headdesk*

Please don't tell me you're mangling an Elgin or a Waltham. I used to fix these things for a living, and find it heartbreaking to see these watches destroyed.

[pernwebgoddess]

Oh, good god, no. Cheap walmart specials. nothing worth over like $10 brand new, ten or so years ago. I promise.

[spike20]

Oh good! ;)

[thetuan]

follow the winding stem intot he movement(the 'guts") there will be hole with a very small arrow pointing into it, a very thin needle pressed straight down onto the hole and a tug on the winding crown will free the stem...sometimes you have to be at the second position out for this to work...on other movements there will be a little dimple on the end of a lever(look for one to move when you pull the stem out to first or second position)press down on there and pull to free stem.

on much older watch(please dont destroy a working antique...load of parts are about... no need to kill a ticker!)there will be a small screw on the back of the movement turn out 1/2 a rotation to free stem

there are a couple of other ways to retain the stem, but most inexpensive watches have that hole or lever detent to press and hold-some(eta brand moements) will have small button to press(same arrow and general location on the watch)

and here is a page with pics of higher end movements and the detent and/or retaining screwReply

[jehanna]

Try googling for "watch repair tools" if you decide to try to keep all the parts un-bashed--hobbyist-grade sets of them seem to be not very expensive, so if you intend to do this a lot it should be worth the investment.

Being able to keep the cases and crystals in one piece could afford you some interesting craft opportunities all their own. :)

[pernwebgoddess]

That's exactly what I was thinking. Thanks. I really love taking things apart... and to mutilate them in the process just bugs me.