Common Mistakes New Watchmakers make Using a Timegrapher

[@MrSubmariner771]

I am a super noobie into watchmaking. I thought to pick it up as a hobby and am slowly acquiring the tools needed. Still have a ways to go but I recently stumbled across your channel and immediately gravitated towards your teaching style. Slow, methodical, technical, with diagrams and microscope closeups. If only 5% of the world knew what went into watchmaking perfection. People with money simply buy what's expensive and have zero appreciation for the little engineering marvels that they are. Cheers!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You got that right Tyler. Good to have you with us.

[@burritolover5082]

Make sure you make lubrication one of your main priorities! I talked to a watchmaker today who told me he only uses 1 grease, and 1 oil (9010). Don’t be that guy. Theres a lot of those guys.

[@EricBishard]

Watch his first video. 7 tools for complete noobs. Jk. But really watch it

[@jjudelson]

Even as an amateur watchmaker and now half decent having worked on quite a number of vintage watches and pocket watches I have never failed to learn something really worthwhile or what I think is valuable information on every single one of your videos. Your short lessons are always relevant and of the highest standard - you are a gifted teacher.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for sharing! That's all I can hope for. Hell I learn new things talking to other watchmakers, all of which have different work experiences. Keeping an open mind and being able to continuously learn is what makes horology so interesting.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Best one yet on timegraphers. And I've watched alot of em over the years. Life member of the ADD/Dyslexia club, I understood this one easily. Thanks.

[@chihuahuamama7238]

That bonus was Golden👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Awesome. Glad you liked it.

[@SuperLemonAdam]

As per usual, this was an excellent video. The explanation of amplitude, beat error, etc. was all incredibly interesting! Thanks for the deep dive!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yea man, thank you

[@ΓιώργοςΚουτσαντώνης-χ3ο]

Thank you dear, very informative video. It is delightful to see a person who actually knows and shares freely knowledge. Please keep up the good work!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you may friend

[@pitchelcabigan6230]

I really love this channel. We can get tones of information the factory way for free. This is the same way how the high-end watch manufacturer discusses things during training. Soooo Swiss...

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Are you in school right now ?

[@TheBeardedWatchmaker]

Thanks again Alex! Awesome tip on calculating lift angle - it's obvious now that you've explained it haha

[@watchrepairtutorials]

What’s up my friend, thanks for watching

[@Supercruze]

Good stuff. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Love the lift angle tip.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You got it Supercruze

[@cavernshark]

Thanks! This is an amazingly clear and comprehensible explanation of principles I’ve been wondering about for a while.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You're very welcome and Thank You for your support.

[@sendtosurge]

Thank you for a clear and careful presentation without trying to sell me on something. I truly appreciate it.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I have nothing to sell brother. Thanks for watching

[@So.Stephen]

Another nugget of gold. I am now going to stop obsessing with beat error. Thank you sir!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Stephen, If you are on a modern movement, you should be able to get it to 0.0 but when you are working on a movement that needs to be adjusted at the collet, it’s ok to get it close and be done. Less chance of screwing up the hairspring.

[@MrMom950]

Man... you just explain things so well... thank you for all these videos

[@MrMom950]

Soooo much information in this one video that I have watched it at least 3 times all the way through to try to absorb it all... so many "ahhhh, ah ha!" moments as I do...

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Much respect Mr Mom. Watch it, practice it. Watch it, practice it.

[@MrMom950]

@@watchrepairtutorials I can't wait to try out your bonus tip to find out an accurate LA on my first watch I've bought and restored from ebay that is my daily driver right now. I was just so jazzed to get it back to life that I kind of ignored the... shall we say... not so impressive timegraph numbers... but I am definitely one of those newbs that just leaves it at the default LA setting on my 1000 because I hadn't a clue how to find those numbers on these old movements... Thanks again and I look forward to more of your videos. Cheers!

[@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

Your explanation cleared up the mystery of how a timegrapher measures amplitude. Thank you.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad it was helpful Terry.

[@tyranelewis7763]

As a 61yr lifelong watch lover. you have a new subscriber. I am finally going to learn how to repair and tune my large selection of watches I haven't used for years. Thank you so much for sharing your valuable knowledge that will help me with going into the other side of my mechanical watch love.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Welcome aboard!

[@El1988Che]

Well, I learned something today! I didn't know about the manufacturer's beat error tolerances, and I didn't know that anything under 1ms didn't affect the time keeping. Interesting stuff! Great informative video as always

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Let me say that it obviously has to a lot to do with the grade of the movement. These are minimum allowances that would be allowed, but with the ease of adjusting BE in modern movements as opposed to adjusting BE at the collet on older movements, there really is no reason that it should not be perfect in the dial positions.

[@mlsproject]

These are some of the best watchmaking videos on KZbin. And I've watched a LOT of them. The information is so well-delivered and clear that I am learning 100X more than I've learned watching other channels. Thank you!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Wow Mike that’s really nice to hear. That’s what I am going for.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

✨✨ Get Your Copy of my eBook, The Secrets for Adjusting Watch Rates ✨✨ ➡➡PDF DOWNLOAD watchrepairtutorials.com/ebook/ ⬅⬅ ➡➡Available on Kindle & Soft Cover @ geni.us/4x8C (Amazon) ✨✨Watchmaking Courses and Training ✨✨ ➡➡ watchrepairtutorials.com/watchmaker-course/ ⬅⬅

[@bosesilviu]

Thanks

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you for supporting my channel. if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out.

[@kswaminathan5439]

Sir, your depth of knowledge is awesome. It looks as if you have done your PhD in watch technology. You keep me spellbound when I watch your videos. At times, I feel I know nothing. But please continue with these videos. I gave so much to learn. Thanks and God bless.

[@kswaminathan5439]

Sorry, it should read I have so much to learn.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I appreciate you my friend. Keep striving for improvement in every way.

[@frankfrank9711]

Wow now I know what separates a good regulation from a great one. You’re truly a pro. 👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Frank.

[@quinninstrumets8259]

“Just what I needed “ -The Cars Thank you

[@L7A1B93]

Absolutely a video i will return to once i get a timegrapher.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

There are deals out there from time to time.

[@TristanColgate]

Just wanted to say that your videos, and your general approach to teaching, are absolute spectacular. The volume of information is astounding, but also, your ability to organise that information into a logical ordering is just fantastic. I always feel the urge to reach for a notebook in a way that I did infront of a good university lecturer. It's a real skill to fuse practical and academic info, and entertain, and you do all 3 very well jndeed🎉

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you for the kind words. It does take a long time to put some of the content together. I am here to share what I know in a way that's beneficial for Home Watchmakers, not necessarily professionals.

[@TristanColgate]

@@watchrepairtutorials the vintage camera/lens repair world would do well to look at the online amateur watch repair world. There is only one channel I've encountered with good step-by-step guides for specific problems ("Fix Old Cameras" here on TT), otherwise they seem intent on taking valuable knowledge to the grave.

[@dennisallport5704]

Awesome, this video earned you a subscriber! Your explanation of the physics involved in using a time graph machine is extremely helpful. Many people may not even know why the microphone stand rotates! Thanks for your detailed explanation of how it all works.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you Dennis. I’m glad to have you as part of the community.

[@garyjohn1956]

We’ll done, we’ll explained, clear and patient. I like it. Good job, thank you.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you my friend. I hope it can help in some small way.

[@mmsgkg]

Добрый день, Вы делитесь такими тонкостями, о которых многие умалчивают! Благодарю Вас!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Спасибо, мой друг. Я стараюсь освещать темы, которые не интересуют другие каналы, потому что они не набирают много просмотров. Я ценю тебя.

[@semmyroundel]

Finally a no-nonsense explanation. There's so many 'unboxing and review' videos which essentially are just an unboxing (what's the point in that?) and ooh, isn't it nice? As a heating engineer, I like to explain to my customers what's happening inside their boiler in order so that they understand what needs doing/repairing. To me at least, this video is just that. Defo subscribing. Many, many thanks for that detailed explanation of the details of the function of the watch. Now I can release the grip on watchmakers charging a fortune (several times the original purchase cost) of servicing my Raketas. My better watches will come once I've built up a bit of experience.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

With an analytical mind, horology is a natural hobby for you. Let me know if I can help.

[@semmyroundel]

@@watchrepairtutorials Many thanks, I'll try and figure it for myself, but will come back if needed.

[@jlil1704]

Thank you so much for imparting your experience in watchmaking on a hobbyist like myself. Your ability to make things I never even considered, seem so obvious and easy to understand is great. You were born to teach! I've just discovered your channel, and i'm eating this up. Great stuff!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

My pleasure!

[@billyg736]

Thanks, been told so much about the time grapher, when all thats required was detail and myths explained. cheers.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks again Billy G

[@damienlieber]

I love your style and learning from you, please keep it going! I’m a hobbyist watchmaker learning it all on KZbin

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s awesome man. KZbin is great but there’s just so much information on watchmaking that’s not out there. It will never be on the internet. If you ever find yourself needing to fill in the blanks, you should consider taking my watchmaking course which will be the closest thing to watch making school as you can find.-Alex

[@mrandmrswheels1142]

Why have I not spotted your channel yet 😣 Just purchased a timegrapher to check my watches, so this video is invaluable. Great presentation and info. Thanks for sharing this with us. I’ve subscribed now so I don’t miss any more of your videos. All the best

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Fantastic I hope to see you here in the comment section again. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you, Alex.

[@MasterofPrayer]

I love your teaching style it’s so clear and makes perfect sense, thank you

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are so welcome!

[@pas0003]

Your channel is amazing 😍 I just got two of my watches from service from a local watchmaker and both are around 180 degrees amplitude. I told that to the watchmaker and he said it was "fine". Both are running slow. One has VERY different rates between different positions from -50s to +5s, while the other seems pretty consistent with 5s delta ~ -5s to -10s. Its disappointing... Not sure whether to take them back and keep pushing or accept a big waste of money and go elsewhere...

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s totally unacceptable from a watchmaker. Sorry to hear that was your experience. Of course the real measure is the accuracy on your wrist .

[@KW-ee1hu]

Another awesome video. Thanks for making them, I am learning a ton!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks KW

[@chrisjohnson4165]

Thanks a lot, man! So many nuggets to mine here.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are very welcome Chris. Yes, there is a lot to unpack.

[@chrishughes24x7]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. I've been sequentially watching your video series and look forward to watching all of them.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Awesome, thank you! Let me know if you have any questions

[@chrishughes24x7]

@@watchrepairtutorials In addition to watching your videos (and a handful of others), I'm reading Maintaining & Repairing Mechanical Watches: A Practical Guide by Mark W. Wiles. It's laid out well and I like that it was published in 2016. Bookwise, I am wondering where to go from here. Today, I visited an excellent used book store to assess their selection of horology books, and they had several interesting titles but they were all published in 1945 or earlier. Can you recommend titles that have aged well? I mostly collect vintage military field type watches with basic movements that I'm wanting to service. I'm also becoming fascinated by 1930s-50s chronographs and would love find books on this subject as well. Thanks again for sharing your expertise and I apologize if you've already done a video on must-have books that I have not watched yet.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@chrishughes24x7 I would recommend the Bulova school of watchmaking. Written around 1945. It’s full of information that’s useful even today.

[@chrishughes24x7]

@@watchrepairtutorials I'll check it out. Thanks again!

[@lobdsk]

Great stuff. I learned this the hard way.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you, my friend. Come back and see us again.

[@Grasm-u6i]

Only just found your video's, really really good, great information very well explained. Working my way through them all, please keep them coming beginners like myself are benefiting enormously.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Graham, My channel is designed for new watchmakers and I am making videos kind of a specific order to build skills as needed. Glad you like it.

[@boydsargeant7496]

Excellent video Alex, you gave us 100s of tips! How long have you been working with watches?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Well I started at 18 and am getting ready to turn 62 so, a couple years I guess.😄

[@ats-3693]

I don't have the courage or skill to open and try regulate my own watches, but I have a weishi timegrapher that I just use to monitor the health of my watches. I can see with one of my watches (Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m) it has a large rate delta in different positions, like -15s/d dial up and -2s/d dial down, I'm sending it off for a full service as a result there is obviously a wear or lubrication issue in the escapement.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Oh wow. Good call. You are right.

[@fxhood]

Thank you - very helpful for noobies as me ❤😊

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are so welcome. Good luck to you.

[@JoeZaccardelli]

Great video! Happy I came across your channel. Keep it up!

[@wildernessofzinn17]

Thanks Alex. You show things not many do in other watchmaking videos. Say I service the watch and put it on the timegrapher. My biggest problem is they run fast. Every dang time running super-fast. Like 10 minutes per day, at least, fast. Something besides magnetism. Hairspring, poising, whatever it takes to adjust the watch across positions. How to poise a balance, baby-step by baby-step, and how to get the watch in acceptable tolerances in different positions. Does your Journeyman course show how to do all this stuff?. If so, then that is what I need. The next step in this aggravating "hobby" I have a love-hate relationship with.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yes, I will be including regulation as well as dynamic poising in the course. It also includes how to adjust the escapement and I will be adding setting and adjusting pallet stones.

[@jaymopar]

I understand what lift angle is but not sure how I can figure out what it would be on a vintage ww2 Elgin A11 580 movement with 7 jewels. I wanted to ask if you had a clue on the lift angle?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It's very simple to figure out. Start with the movement with no power. Mark the balance wheel with a sharpie near the top somewhere by the center wheel and then put another dot 180° or half the balance wheel somewhere on the main plate where you you'll be able to see it. Now you have one sharpie mark on the top of the balance wheel and you have mark 180° from it on the plate or bridge. Then you add a couple winds to the mainspring and you watch the dot on the balance wheel. The idea here is that you want the mark on the balance wheel to line up with the other mark that's 180° away from it. Once it starts getting close or hard to see, film it with your slomo on your phone so you can see when the dot on the balance wheel lines up with the reference dot on the main plate. Just add a few winds at a time, film it and add winds to the mainspring as needed. Once those two dots line up, the amplitude is 180°. Then just adjust the lift angle on your timegrapher until the amplitude is reading 180° and whatever the left angle that you are set at is the actual lift angle for that movement. I showed it in a video but I don't know which one it's in.

[@jaymopar]

Thank you very much I will try my best with this

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@jaymopar if you’re going to be working on vintage watches, this is a very good thing to know how to do it. Often times the angles on the Internet are not correct. If you start off with an incorrect lift angle, it makes it really hard to judge what your actual amplitude is.

[@johntebeau4493]

Another home run topic. Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks John

[@gehtnurdurch]

Nice to see Jeff Bridges also enjoys watch repair.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The Dude abides. 😊

[@dekim4866]

I remember the day I saw the 'delta' was more than 1 minute, I never knew the exact reason. My question is solved by this video, I was complacent on lubricating end stones (I was afraid of losing it😂).

[@dekim4866]

That 8 o'clock regulating position tip is just awesome.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It’s where we all start from. It’s shocking when you first see how small and like that in stone it is.

[@j.d.plouffer6194]

Another great video Alex! Thanks! On a different note, I just got a set of 9 screwdrivers, made in South Korea, brand isTimelab...I would gladly send the set to you if you would be so kind to do a review on them...

[@watchrepairtutorials]

JD that’s awesome. I am actually planning a video on the difference between lower cost screwdrivers and Bergeon screwdrivers. What is the real difference. If you think they are a contender I would love a set. If you go to the about me page my email is there.

[@fishandreptileinfo]

I kinda get what you're saying, but I think I will have to watch this video a few times to grasp it. (UK)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

don't feel bad most do I have to watch it a few times.

[@jaycamp2364]

Hi Alex. This video is great. Love your style. But...I wonder when you get a moment if you wouldn't also tell us a bit more about those two lines on the grapher. I have done some experimenting with this device. Playing drums on the countertop from which it sits. Also, tapped a wood peg on the microphone. Played load music near it. It would have been interesting to see what it picks up at a Monster Truck Rally! But, some watches I record seem to show those lines are all but one line. So close that they're on top of one another. What does that mean? Other times the grapher just shows dots all over the place. Looks like snow. Figured out if those lines are going downhill the movement is slower then zero. If lines are going uphill it's running fast. Straight is zero. Also, on the 1900 those lines are two different colors. Which one is what? Perhaps put a dirty watch on the microphone. Then place an overhauled one (or brand new) on the microphone. There seems to be no manual that really gets into the 1000/1900 as much as you have in this video. Thank you so much.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I plan on doing more troubleshooting videos with explanations of patterns and what they mean. The answer to your question is quite long and there is a lot of context and nuances that need to be understood to interpret the lines correctly. Basicly, each line represents one half- cycle or one swing in one direction. A complete oscillation consists of two swings or half cycles. The timegrapher detects the movement of the balance wheel by sensing the vibrations generated by the watch's escapement. The timegrapher precisely measures the duration of each oscillation cycle, usually in milliseconds and establishes a reference time based on a known and consistent oscillation rate. This reference time represents the ideal duration for each oscillation cycle. Then the timegrapher compares the measured duration of each oscillation cycle to the reference time. The difference between the measured duration and the reference time is the beat error. When those lines are together the beat error is 0.0ms and as the beat error increases the lines separate.

[@Epaminondas371]

Advanced clarity!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

"Thank you, I try to be as crystal clear.

[@haping1]

Great video Alex. I hiervan more and more vind faults in the movement by using my Timegrapher. Before using your bonus tip, I search the internet to find a lift angle list of movements.

[@hatbpto5180]

This is all very interesting. I am certain that I will be returning to this video many times as I progress through my watchmaking journey. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, it is greatly appreciated! 👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Great to have you!

[@ChipsPlace1952]

Good stuff. I will listening to these again. Need to retain it sll.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for listening. Keep on keeping on Chip

[@jaiprakash17k]

Very informative 👏

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad you liked it

[@petemorgan1019]

Loads of information. Brilliant. Thankyou.

[@caltagironeorologi1]

Absolutely fascinating.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you my friend.

[@Mrhvac]

I am so glad I came across your videos. You explain things in a very understandable way. I used your affiliate links to reorder some cleaning supplies as a thank you.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Well Mr HVAC we appreciate you brother. Let me know if you need anything. Alex

[@陳錡淵]

The bonus tip is so helpful! Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You're so welcome!

[@tessar2968]

Very informative explanation learned a lot thank you

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Very welcome my friend

[@itzhaccroitoru4082]

an excellent video,I'm am to new to understanding everything.

[@Mdgd63]

Thank for sharing this info. As a (absolute) beginner is was wondering what my new bought Weishi 1000 could tell me about my mechanical watch and what's behind those readings.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Well, first and foremost, you need to look up to see what the lift angle is and adjust that for your watch movement. The correct lift angle in the timegrapher will tell you what the amplitude is. The amplitude is basically how far or the angle that the balance will isolates during two vibrations. This is an indication of the health of your watch movement amplitude of 270° in the horizontal position is kind of the benchmark for a movement that’s running well. The rate is just what it sounds like it is the time gain or lost over a 24 hour period when the watches in that position. The six main positions are dial up and dial down, and then the vertical positions are crown up crown down crown left and crown right. You will notice the amplitude drops 30 to 40° when you move from the horizontal position to the vertical positions. Beat error is the measurement of the difference of each vibration during one oscillation of the balance wheel. Your time Grapher is measuring how long one vibration is when the balance wheel spins to the left, and it’s comparing it to the vibration when it spins to the right, and that difference is the beat error. Beat error is really only important when it’s over 1.0 ms as that will affect the timing but anything under that does not affect timing. What it does affect is how easily a movement will start up once power is put into the main spring barrel. And that my friend is a general overview of what the timegrapher will tell you

[@Mdgd63]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thank you!

[@ernestb.2377]

Very good explanations, thanx!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Ernest. I hope it helps you in some way.

[@ernestb.2377]

@@watchrepairtutorials yeah. I am no watch maker in any sense, and at this point I would not dare to disassemble the movement. I have this old watch from my dad, that passed away back in 1993. The watch is from the 70's I think. It is a known brand in ex-Yugoslavia, but otherwise I don't think so... Omikron. It has a Unitas 6325 movement with 21 jewels (Swiss made). The watch was never ever serviced to my knowledge. The front plate was in a very bad condition with some yellow stains, that I took it apart a take off the coating from the plate and used some black spray and then cleaned the digits. I polished the plexiglass. So then I was looking for some knowledge about how does it work in the first place. Very interesting invention, once you understand the basics. And now I was trying to make the watch run as true as possible. I found this phone App called Watch Accuracy Meter. It seems it works just fine. I was able to reduce the beat error to the minimum of about +0.2 BUT I see big differences in the speed between: 1) Half winded vs. Full winded (-731 vs. +71 s/day), and 2) Orientation, Face Up vs. Face Down (+71 vs. +2 s/day). I did adjusted it Face Down and fully winded. So that is consistent and watch would be true in that position... BUT, probably because the watch is never serviced in it's 50 years of life it will not be possible to adjust it "right" for all positions....?? Sorry for the long story, 🙂you probably have better things to do then to read this layman details. Haha. Cheers I will watch more of your vides and who knows...

[@ddr80]

thank you for the tip to figure out lift angel! XD any tip on how to spot clean the whiteout off the balance wheel and main plate without damaging anything?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It literally just flicks right off. You can also use a Q-tip with a little bit of alcohol on it and wipe it off as well.

[@billyg736]

Excellent. now i know the correct principles.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

What’s up Billy. I am glad you found it helpful brother.

[@mtpokit]

Thank you for your time. Much appreciated.

[@robertproctor198]

Great informative & clear video with lots of tips, thank you very much.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You're very welcome Robert.

[@robertproctor198]

I wish you were my teacher!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@robertproctor198 I am . Let me know if I can help

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks for the great tips, Alex.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

My pleasure!

[@keveh6093]

Excellent, very helpful

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Kevin, glad I could help

[@Sonny-gf2dq]

Excellent educational video. Thanks for sharing.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joeycan6801]

Hi ! Wow just came across your video, amazing ! Loved it ! I Subscribed , Thank you

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for the sub!

[@reagannaidoo1981]

Thank you for the advice

[@watchrepairtutorials]

No problem!

[@kevinrblodgett]

Clear and concise!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you sir.

[@fvazquez64]

Great tips, thanks Alex!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

My pleasure Francisco.

[@rickhufnagel6984]

You da man! Love these videos thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Rick, How are you? Busy as a one legged man in an ass kicking contest?

[@rickhufnagel6984]

@@watchrepairtutorials ya I'm hanging in there, thanks! How about you?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@rickhufnagel6984 feeling good and staying busy

[@watchtock8818]

That was freaking awesome!!!!

[@vonmikeore]

Excellent video- Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Good to see you again Mike, thanks for watching

[@thelonemodder630]

Thank you for the video, your video is utmost helpful🍻🍻

[@watchrepairtutorials]

No problem Hugo. 👌

[@dannyperkins4220]

Thank you

[@ED-od6hy]

I’ve been working on antique Waltham and Elgin 18s pocket watches for about a year now. That last 20° of amplitude is what often eludes me; I can get the vast majority to between 230° and 250° of amplitude, but unless the stars align, I seldom get them to 270°. 😞

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It sounds like you're doing a fine job with those antique Waltham and Elgin pocket watches! Getting them up to 230-250 degrees of amplitude is already a big win but that final push over 270 degrees can really test your patience-it's all about perfecting the details. It’s not just about the mainspring; the pivots condition, jewels, lubrication, and every tiny part of the escapement play a role. Even the smallest imperfection can make those last few degrees elusive. Did you see this video yet? kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5jNp4SXiah3e9ksi=YiPs6AoW4EcQTSKM These movements have seen a lot of life, so aiming for factory-new performance is always a challenge. But you're clearly on the right track, and every bit of progress counts. Just keep refining those techniques, and don't get discouraged if it takes some time. Some of these vintage pieces were never built to consistently reach 270 degrees even when they were new.

[@roadshowautosports]

Than you for this video! By far, it’s tge best video on the subject! All purposes we didn’t know about it, ask in one video!! One question I have I’d about the timegrapher. Being that it is such a crucial tool and it’s accuracy should be of major importance to the results off out adjustments! I see you use the Weishi 1900 model, how does that compare to the 1000? And I’d like to know if we need to be aware of fake machines? Amazon, eBay, etc have them at different price ranges and raised my fear level about the chance of fakes being a problem. Are all of them are made in China?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I’ve never owned the 1000 but it is my understanding that the screen resolution is not as sharp. I also believe the 1000 does not have the ability to input custom BPH. Most of these machines are made by the same manufacture, and just re-branded with different names. As far as I know, they all work the same.

[@PMELKUS]

Great video Alex. Could you talk about what if you see a snow storm even after a service what you may have miss or what to check first.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Give me some context. What’s the rate and amplitude showing up. Did you demagnetize the movement?

[@PMELKUS]

@@watchrepairtutorials Alex this is a Waltham grade 620 pocket watch. Had a busted mainspring which I replace. Did my normal service and adjustments got the rate down to + 4 sec per day and the amplitude is at 272 this is taken with the watch in the face up position. I did demagnetize as I always do as part of a service and I check with a app on have on my phone. But the traces are very noisy which tells me there extraneous noise coming from the movement. I put this on the back burner for now will strip down when I get time.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@PMELKUS if you have 2 distinct trace lines, it is an escapement issue. Could be wear on escape wheel teeth, a pallet stone chip or incorrect position, a problem with divisions or a banking pin issue. Pretty common in these old girls.

[@peterhawley6273]

Very, very, good video how can I get to number one and watch the whole series 👍🏻👍🏻

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Peter, Glad you find some value in it. Here is a link to the playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PLvMdYdz6a-tFD_GIFjiV4zj48nSfFOOky

[@CaliberandCamber]

This is the best video I’ve seen in explaining the time grapher! Think you could explain the function of the GAIN setting? I’ve always kept it on medium and never ran into any issue but recently purchased a watch that it needed to be turned up (more sensitive) to get a clean reading. If you have it set too high could it not make unclean readings look better then they actually are? THANKS!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

A higher gain setting will amplify the ticking sound of the watch, making it easier for the timegrapher to pick up on subtle variations in the watch's performance. This can be helpful when analyzing watches with low amplitudes or when attempting to detect problems with the watch's balance wheel or escapement. Going to a lower gain would probably have a more masking effect than to a higher setting. Medium is a good place to be.

[@CaliberandCamber]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thanks for taking the time to answer!

[@tyranelewis7763]

Do you Service or overhaul Ball Watches? I'm in need of my Roadmaster Challenger 18 Day/Date RR1102-C movement, and I been watching your content and I admire your knowledge and desire to be as perfect as possible.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I only take care of a small amount of work from some collectors that I’ve worked with for many years, but I do have a lot of watch making friends if you need a name

[@SpaceG95]

Fascinating ❤

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Horology? It certainly is.🔥

[@twayne5940]

Hi there. Learning so much from your videos. Thank you 😊 When using a dot of white out on balance wheel to determine lift angle, would the balance wheel need to be cleaned afterwards? Wouldn't the added weight from the white out cause a positional error, i.e. a heavy spot?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yes it needs to be cleaned off. Poise errors in a balance wheel do not affect dial or horizontal positions. They only affect vertical positions. FYI, you can use any kind of marker as long as you can see it clearly.

[@jtcustomknives]

An easier way to check lift angle is use a black dot from a dry erase pen and slowly wind the watch till you can see a solid black dot at the 180° position. This is because the dot it lining up with it’s self on each cycle at the 180° position. The cycle is so fast that once you hit the 180° the dot stands out. Then change your lift angle on your time grapher till it reads 180° amplitude.

[@libindaniel2000]

Use a black dot where, though? On the plate? Or the balance wheel?

[@aronoc]

@@libindaniel2000on the balance wheel

[@racylaserjet]

@@libindaniel2000 You've probably figured it out but anyone who hasn't, the wheel. The plate isn't moving. The wheel is what's lining up with itself.

[@patrickhauenstein7047]

excellent, very informative

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Patrick, glad to have you

[@pete.b4197]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Sir!! 👌👍☺️✌️🙏🌻☀️

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are very welcome Pete.

[@Donnybrook10]

great tip. TY

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gregcapella5941]

Great video,,,THANKS

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for watching Greg. let me know if you need anything or have a subject you would like to see in a video

[@brunotulliani]

Thank-you.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You’re very welcome Bruno

[@billday295]

Thank you for sharing your life long learning with new generations of enthusiasts. I have a question regarding my Rolex two tone Submariner; I purchased the watch new from a Rolex dealer in the mid 80’s. The watch is in excellent condition and has never been serviced or opened. I have not worn the watch in many years and it’s not running. Do I send it to Rolex, knowing they will replace original parts as they deem necessary, how can I have it serviced while keeping it as intact to its original parts as possible? Thank you, Will

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You can request that certain parts are not changed although some things like the mainspring are not going to be an option with them and you will want that changed out anyway. Other than that you can find a Rolex certified independent watchmaker who will be much easier to communicate you wishes to. I would contact the AWCI for a list of watchmakers close to you and then make some phone calls.

[@billday295]

@@watchrepairtutorials thank you - very much enjoy you channel

[@rakhlin]

Wonderful video, as always. Just one question - does adding the drop of whiteout change the poise this skewing the result? How sensitive are the wheels and springs to the extra weight?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Good question. Not for the purpose of determining lift angle. Poise error's do not effect a balance wheel in the horizontal positions, only vertical positions. Of course after the lift angle is determined, you would clean off the white out or marker, whatever you use.

[@nearlynormal007]

Hey Alex I noticed that you show the st36 with a lift angle of 50°, I thought they were the same as the eta 6497, 44°?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Clones are not exact copies. As a matter of fact, there are differences between the ETA 6497-1 and the ETA 6497-2. Even though they look the same, they have two different beats, 18000 and 19800. The mainsprings are different and even though a lot of parts would be interchangeable, things like the train wheels, pallet fork and balance wheel are not. It doesn't take much of a change in the escapement geometry to change the lift angle. The Lift angle of an escapement is determined by the start of TOTAL UNLOCKING on the receiving side and the end of the RUN TO THE BANKING on the let off side. In the example I showed on the ST36, the rotation of the balance wheel is right at I80 degrees. It actual swings a little past the dot on the main plate. So if the timegrapher is showing 185 degrees, with the lift angle set to 50, then I'm pretty confident that its correct because its a lot easier to see the motion of the balance wheel than the RUN to the BANKING. I don't have a 6497 to check right now.

[@perrybucsdad]

Wouldn't the liquid paper throw the balance of the balance wheel off on that trick that you showed at the end?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Not for the purpose of establishing the 180-degree rotation of the balance wheel. When you can see a wheel turning 180 degrees it IS turning 180 degrees. Now if you didn't clean it off, it would cause an poise error when the watch is vertical.

[@bonibroco1076]

In that bonus tip for determining the lift angle, doesn't the white out affect the balance wheel's poise or is it negligible?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s a great question. It would absolutely create a poise error, but horizontal positions are not affected by poise errors only vertical positions. Of course you would need to clean it off after the lift angle is determined. The white out comes right off.

[@joycemason3114]

hello I watch all your videos love them! just got my 1900 timegrapher moving forward on watch repair adjustments. I noticed on set up,I put in a bare movement like you have in the last frame of the video. I did not get any response. Is this a problem with my new tool? I tried another with a dust shield it works, Another cased watch it works, Bare movement again wont work. All 16s pocket watches. Is this normal? Should I send it back? Any suggestions and comments would be very helpful and appreciated! Thank You!!!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Is it a detached lever escapement that wouldn’t work? When you say you didn’t get a response, what does that mean exactly?

[@joycemason3114]

@@watchrepairtutorials My graph would never show on screen. and no amplitude numbers no beat error numbers no rate nothing came alive it seemed. Spent more time with it today I noticed some scattered dots going up the left edge & with speaker on I heard the tick but not the tock . I put another movement on & decided to try to correct the 8.8 beat error, went the wrong way, It fell out & did the same thing , No readings I adjusted it back . I got all readings , A long time & many tries got 0.04 beat error on that one!! I think the non reading one just has an enormous beat error also to the point where it will read nothing. Of course it had to be the first one on the timegrapher.I will adjust it, try it again .Hope it works! Thank You for taking time to respond

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@ yeah that’s what I was thinking that might have been the problem as well. Glad you figured it out.