How I Modified a Wristwatch Mainspring Winder to Work Bidirectionally DIY Project Watch Repair
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- 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
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.
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!
Nicely done!
Thank you!
well done!
Thank you!
Nice job. I do have a few questions I would appreciate your help on. I am having a hard time finding thin spring material that is in strip form. Can you suggest a couple of resources? What size spring strip do you typically use, material, and thickness? Lastly, do you have an idea what the maximum thickness you can have before the winder is too hard to wind. I have a different application that will use a larger spring and want to get an idea what will work.
Thank you! Sorry, I do not make springs from the strip form material, I am buying the mainsprings for wristwatches, made for them by manufacturers. The geometry of springs for watches are different and go by the watch brand/model. The mainspring winder is designed to work with those springs and I have no idea if thicker material would be used. But here is a suggestion. Pocket watches have thicker springs and should have appropriate for their size winders. If you need something thicker, clocks might be considered as a source of much thicker material. And there are winders available for clock mainsprings. I wish you good luck!
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
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"
I’ve had no problems with my Chinese set, same as yours, not the one reviewed by Mark Lovick. Perhaps poor QC!?
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?
Chinese models in all directions, 10 pieces 60dolars in ebay, is not necessary expend lot of money...
They are of pour quality. I've tried.
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.
Thank you, Vulcanaft, for the great comment! I really appreciate it.
This winder looks good, you are creative in making helpful tools needed for the job
Thank you, Maksim! Sometimes it's good to improve an existing tool, instead of buying a new one. 🙂
You're a genius !!! thanks for your idea
You are welcome, and thank you for the comment!
Mind sharing a link for the winders?
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
You Can get a chinese set with steel hookes but its not bi directional, this looks like a geneous hack 👍🏻😃
@@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. 😀
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
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. 😏
@@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.
@@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.
@@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
@@rossjackson3670 Thanks, will check on that.
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 ?
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 RUclips videos on servicing watches and you will quickly notice how much variety there is
@@alanmckinnon6791 thank you
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.