Handling tiny watch components can be one of the most daunting aspects of watchmaking, especially for beginners. In this guide, ConSlap, a seasoned watchmaker from the Netherlands, shares practical tips and tricks to help aspiring watchmakers manage small parts with confidence. From maintaining composure to using the right tools and workspace strategies, these insights aim to prevent frustration and keep your focus on the workbench—not the floor.
The Most Important Tool: You
Stay Calm and Composed
Watchmaking demands a clear mind and steady hands. ConSlap emphasizes that your mental state is your greatest asset. If you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, take a break—grab a coffee or go for a walk. Attempting delicate work under stress often leads to dropped parts and mistakes. Approach your workbench with calmness and enthusiasm to set the stage for success.
Read More: A Beginner’s Guide to Watch Battery Replacement: Tips from a Watchmaker
Choosing the Right Tools
Tweezers: Precision Matters
The choice of tweezers can make or break your watchmaking experience. ConSlap shares his preference for slender tweezers originally designed for handling small diamonds, rather than standard watchmaking tweezers like the number five. These allow for better control when picking up and maneuvering tiny parts. However, he advises against gripping too tightly:
- Tip: Hold small parts with just enough force to prevent them from slipping. Excessive pressure can cause tweezers to flex, potentially launching parts across the room.
ConSlap demonstrates this under a microscope, showing how a small screw can be securely held without being catapulted by overzealous gripping.
Workspace Setup for Success
Work in the Middle of the Table
A common mistake among students is working too close to the edge of the workbench. ConSlap recommends positioning your watch movement in the center of the table. This simple adjustment provides more room to maneuver and ensures that if a part drops, it lands on the workbench rather than the floor.
- Why it matters: Dropped parts are easier to recover when they stay on your workspace.
Avoid Carpets and Soft Surfaces
Working over a carpet or rug can spell disaster for dropped watch parts. Soft surfaces muffle the sound of a falling component, making it harder to locate. ConSlap advises working over a hard surface, like a plastic laminate floor, where you can hear a part hit the ground.
- Pro Tip: If you drop a part in a shared workspace, immediately announce it. This prevents others from moving and accidentally crushing the component. Identify whether the part is magnetic or non-magnetic to guide the search process.
Recovering Dropped Parts
Sweeping and Magnetic Tools
In a busy workshop, dropped parts are inevitable. ConSlap suggests keeping the floor clean and dust-free to make recovery easier. For magnetic parts, he recommends using a tool like the “Magic Wiper,” a magnetic strip that attracts small steel components when swept across the floor. These can be purchased or easily made with a magnetic strip from a DIY store.
Flashlight Trick for Non-Magnetic Parts
For non-magnetic parts, a simple flashlight can be a game-changer. By shining a light across the floor, small parts become visible through their shadows or reflections. ConSlap demonstrates how a tiny screw stands out under a flashlight’s beam, making it easier to locate.
Tackling Tricky Components: The Yoke Spring
Handling High-Tension Springs
Yoke springs, known for their strong tension, can be particularly challenging. ConSlap warns that attempting to remove them without care can send them flying—jokingly referring to their entry into the “Swiss Space Program.” He shares two approaches to manage these springs safely:
- Plastic Bag Method: Place the watch movement inside a clear plastic bag. This allows you to work under a loupe or microscope while containing any springs that might pop out. While ConSlap doesn’t personally use this method, he acknowledges its effectiveness for those who find it helpful.
- Controlled Release: ConSlap prefers placing a tool over the spring to gently release its tension before lifting it out. This method requires practice but minimizes the risk of losing the part.
Flexibility in Approach
ConSlap encourages watchmakers to experiment and find what works best for them. Whether using high-end Swiss tools or simple DIY solutions, the goal is to achieve the best results comfortably and efficiently.
Read More: A Comprehensive Guide to Watch Case Back Opening Tools
Learning from the Masters
Document Your Work
Drawing inspiration from the legendary watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, ConSlap suggests documenting your process. Breguet’s 18th-century notebooks, filled with detailed sketches of watch parts, served as his era’s equivalent of a smartphone camera. Today, you can snap photos of each step as you disassemble a movement to ensure accurate reassembly.
- Why it helps: Photos provide a visual guide, especially for complex movements, and reduce the guesswork during reassembly.
Practice Makes Perfect
Watchmaking is a skill honed through repetition and patience, much like playing the piano. ConSlap reminds beginners not to get discouraged by early struggles. With consistent practice and a positive attitude, anyone can improve their ability to handle small parts.
Conclusion
Watchmaking is as much about mindset and preparation as it is about technical skill. By staying composed, choosing the right tools, setting up an efficient workspace, and employing clever recovery techniques, you can master the art of handling small watch parts. ConSlap’s tips, drawn from years of experience, offer a roadmap for beginners and seasoned watchmakers alike to work with confidence and enjoy the craft.
For more watchmaking insights, ConSlap invites enthusiasts to explore his YouTube channel, Chronoglide, where he covers topics like tweezer maintenance, screwdriver care, and choosing the right tools. Whether you’re repairing a modern timepiece or a 200-year-old pocket watch, these practical strategies will keep your focus on the workbench and your passion for watchmaking alive.
Author
Welcome to my blog! I’m Daniel J Morgan, and I cover a wide range of topics, from lifestyle and technology to entertainment, travel, and everything in between. Whether you’re here for tips, insights, or just an interesting read, my goal is to provide engaging content for all interests. Explore, enjoy, and feel free to connect!