How I Modified a Wristwatch Mainspring Winder to Work Bidirectionally DIY Project Watch Repair

Рет қаралды 5,956

Жыл бұрын

This is a story about how I modified an existing watch mainspring winder, incorporating the best features of the high quality commercial winders like K&D and Bergeon. This project was fun, and the result came out as a very useful and money saving!
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Below are the links to the equipment, tools and materials I use when working on the watches. These links are paid by Amazon Associate program and if you use them to make a purchase, as an Amazon Associate, I will earn from qualifying purchases and it will help to support the channel:
TOOLS:
Digital microscope for inspection and recording: amzn.to/3QzyQPi
Bergeon 9-piece Screwdrivers: amzn.to/3CMpRoe
Bergeon 55-710 Set of 4 Oilers: amzn.to/3GXoZPd
5 Dish Watch Oiler Set: amzn.to/3QFDewu
Screwdriver Sharpening Holder: amzn.to/3ZKBGWb
Sliding Nickel Handheld Pin Tong Vise: amzn.to/3ixo2EQ
2L Degas Sweep Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner: amzn.to/3CKYvis
Motorized Rotating Display Stand: amzn.to/3GDi11B
Stand with Double Non-Slip Clamping Pad: amzn.to/3X9IQ4i
VIDEO and AUDIO:
Main video recording photo camera #1, Canon EOS RP: amzn.to/3IMwr28
Main video recording photo camera #2, Sony 6400: amzn.to/3kdFzT9
Secondary video recording photo camera, Fujifilm FinePix SH10: amzn.to/3D7y1bh
EF-R2 EF to RF Adapter for Canon RP: amzn.to/3XJOPgn
Canon EF Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Metabones Adapter: amzn.to/3W6hoD9
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens: amzn.to/3Qy5RM1
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Fixed Lens: amzn.to/3W9Kd1N
Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone: amzn.to/3kh7GAY
Blue Snowball USB Microphone: amzn.to/3CKR0b9
ACCESSORIES and MATERIALS:
Small Ultrasonic Task Jewelry Cleaning Basket: amzn.to/3XtCSuO
Ultrasonic Cleaner Parts Basket: amzn.to/3kcsGbX
Troop-Balas Laboratories One-Dip Watch Cleaner: amzn.to/3W8x0WZ
Testor's 1139TT 1/4 Oz Black Semi Gloss Enamel Paint: amzn.to/3ZBwUdd
Articulating Magic Friction Arm: amzn.to/3GGk0ls
SMALLRIG Super Clamp: amzn.to/3IFhGhs
J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy: amzn.to/3w1p670
Parts Storage Box: amzn.to/3X9NZt9
Isopropyl Alcohol 99% (IPA):amzn.to/3CKO3aR
Heat Resistant Tape: amzn.to/3l0ZOE5
7PC 3 Inch Buffing Wheel Kit: amzn.to/3IGWVC5
24 Outlet Heavy Duty Multi Plug: amzn.to/3ZrkswN
3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Reusable Respirator: amzn.to/3X6a6k9
3M Respirator Cartridge 6006: amzn.to/3Xpmfk3
PolyWatch Plastic Watch Crystal Scratch Remover Polish Tool: amzn.to/3ixBWXJ
Lansky Ultra Fine Sharpening Hone: amzn.to/3Zwunku
Micro PCB Drill Bit Set, 0.7 mm: amzn.to/3MyzpIz
The Watch Repairer's Manual: amzn.to/3WabpNP
WEN Drill Press Table: amzn.to/3QlbLSe
24V DC High Torsion Reversible Motor: amzn.to/48UGCMq

Пікірлер: 38

@davidlowe4970 2 ай бұрын

Hi, i got the same set in 2023, they now are made with steel, i have been able to wind just about all the watches i have fixed/serviced, i made some tiny half moon shims out of shimstock, they don't damage the springs in any way, makes it possible to do many different calibers, if i had the cash i would buy the right winders though. Cool video. I like making tools to fix watches rather than just buying them.

@ValentechTime 2 ай бұрын

Yes, after I published this video, I was told that there are sets with steel arbors available. For me it was too late, because I have done with modification of brass arbors and did not want to spend more money for buying another set. And I too like to make or modify some tools instead of buying them. Thanks for watching!

@jibkny 3 ай бұрын

Nicely done!

@ValentechTime 3 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@makduck2914 Жыл бұрын

This winder looks good, you are creative in making helpful tools needed for the job

@ValentechTime Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Maksim! Sometimes it's good to improve an existing tool, instead of buying a new one. 🙂

@robertogattoli 7 ай бұрын

well done!

@ValentechTime 7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@RichardGrossmanBSG75 Жыл бұрын

You're a genius !!! thanks for your idea

@ValentechTime Жыл бұрын

You are welcome, and thank you for the comment!

@ddmmttrr Жыл бұрын

I simply love your tutorial and explanations. It's not difficult to understand that you have a lot of experience and knowledge under the belt. I have enjoyed witching your videos with great satisfaction.

@ValentechTime Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Vulcanaft, for the great comment! I really appreciate it.

@rossjackson3670 Жыл бұрын

Very impressed. I have a set, and they make the arbour of steel now. But, the spigots are easily worn away. Time to go your way I think. Thank you

@ValentechTime Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yeah, I've heard they make arbors from steel now, but are winders bidirectional? This is another bonus, if you do it yourself. 😏

@rossjackson3670 Жыл бұрын

@@ValentechTime Not bidirectional. However, I have made brass washers for each right winding holder, which, when the spring is inserted, the washer is upended and the spring can be inserted winding left. Still like your way.

@ValentechTime Жыл бұрын

@@rossjackson3670 It's very interesting! I did not get the idea completely, can you explain in more details, or maybe by photo? I think you talking about spring washer? Still do not get it.

@rossjackson3670 Жыл бұрын

@@ValentechTime not sure how to attach photographs. Details are in a post on the watch fix forum of Mark Lovick. topic mainspring-winders-at-an-unbelievable-price

@ValentechTime Жыл бұрын

@@rossjackson3670 Thanks, will check on that.

@louisjuarez3232 8 ай бұрын

Hi , Thanks for the video . I have the same winder with the same problems . . What are these drill bits called and where can I get them .? Thanks

@ValentechTime 8 ай бұрын

Thanks! This is a Micro PCB Drill Bit Set and it could be found on Amazon. Please see the link in the description for this video. Look up for [hrase "Micro PCB Drill Bit Set, 0.7 mm"

@zestowl941 Жыл бұрын

im new to watch fixing and stuff would like to learn more about the different winders as im kinda confused on the different ones as i thought a single winder fits them all now i learned about 2 directional winders too and sizes im kinda confused any help ?

@alanmckinnon6791 Жыл бұрын

There are at least 3 dimensions to worry about 🙂 - diameter of the wound up spring - a beefy diver watch barrel will be much wider than a dainty ladies watch - diameter of the innermost coil - this is where the hook clips and is the main failing of Chinese winders - the arbor is simply to thin - clockwise or counter-clockwise direction Very few things in the world are one size fits all and winders are no different. Barrels and springs are different, so too must the winders be. Watch lots of KZfaq videos on servicing watches and you will quickly notice how much variety there is

@zestowl941 Жыл бұрын

@@alanmckinnon6791 thank you

@boydsargeant7496 11 ай бұрын

Hi. If you keep all your old washers that come with new mainsprings, or make washers, you can push a spring in, then flip it and push the spring into the barrel just like when it’s a new spring, this way you have reversed the direction.

@VWatchie 4 ай бұрын

I’ve had no problems with my Chinese set, same as yours, not the one reviewed by Mark Lovick. Perhaps poor QC!?

@ValentechTime 4 ай бұрын

Does your set have brass or steel hooks? As I said, I wasn't able to use the set until I modernized it per video. Maybe you use your set for different mainsprings?

@djbenefit Жыл бұрын

Mind sharing a link for the winders?

@ValentechTime Жыл бұрын

If you are asking for link to Chinese winders, they are all over eBay. Here is one of them: www.ebay.com/itm/175669518239?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160811114145%26meid%3D3839a04abf2e453480acafc578ebace3%26pid%3D100667%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D364200636596%26itm%3D175669518239%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2351460%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2351460.c100667.m2042

@thegrassyknoll7792 Жыл бұрын

You Can get a chinese set with steel hookes but its not bi directional, this looks like a geneous hack 👍🏻😃

@ValentechTime Жыл бұрын

@@thegrassyknoll7792 Thanks for the comment! Yes, I've heard they improved their sets. I've asked one of the sellers what arbor made from and they did not know the answer. Also, I already spent money on buying the brass-based set and wouldn't want to spend again. As many others who already invested in the brass hooks. 😀