Watches are amazing devices that can do more without electricity than most other things, especially if they’re older and mechanical. They are listed as being in the topmost valued family heirlooms and top items that Americans hope to inherit.
With something so valuable and precious, it can be upsetting when it stops working. A watch movement is the brain of the watch, so if your watch stops working, it could need a replacement.
Watch movements are very delicate, and the process of removing and replacing one is intricate. Where once you would need to take your watch to a watchmaker for watch repair, now you can often do it yourself.
With this guide, you will learn how to properly replace your watch movement to get your watch working once again!
Tools to Gather
Before you begin your process, make sure that the problem is not a dead battery. This could save you a ton of time and trouble if you simply need to replace the battery. You should also check if your watch is automatic and just needs to be wound up.
It’s important to note that before replacement, you should see if your original movement could be repaired instead. Often, they become damaged beyond repair, and finding the same replacement parts may be impossible if your watch is older.
This is where finding a new movement to replace it comes in. First, consider the tools you will need to do the watch repair properly without causing any damage.
Generally, you will need:
- Watch screwdrivers
- Case press
- Case holder
- Hand pullers
- Sharp Knife
- Tweezers
Not all of these may be necessary for your watch, but they will all help with tiny, fragile pieces. Having the proper tools will also prevent you from scratching or denting your watch, which is especially important if it’s an heirloom.
Opening the Back
Now that you’ve gathered your tools, the first step is opening the back. This will help you discover what type of watch movement you have and what kind you want to replace it with.
There are screw-off backs, which you will be able to recognize by the large notches around the edges of the back of the watch. With this, you will put the watch in the case holder and carefully unscrew the back.
Watch for the gasket that is in between the case and the back. This can be easily damaged and will need to be replaced.
There is also a pressure fit watch back, which will have a dent in the back instead of notches around the edges. Use your sharp knife to pry the back open, again, carefully. This back is very smooth, and you don’t want to cause any chips or scratches.
The last type of watch back you might encounter is a four screw watch back. This has four screws holding the back on, so you’ll need your watch screwdrivers to unscrew each screw.
Be careful to choose the right size screwdriver, not to strip any screws, and be mindful of the gasket.
Next, you will remove the battery and the stem. Find the push tab on the watch movement, and use a screwdriver to press the pusher and release the clutch.
The pusher is generally labeled with an arrow or the word “push.” This will allow you to remove the stem and the crown out of of the watch movement.
Replace Movement
First, you will remove the old movement from the dial, which is typically attached by two small posts. You’ll need to lift the dial carefully and evenly. If it’s secured with screws, you’ll need a small screwdriver to release it first.
Now you can discover if your watch movement is a mechanical or quartz movement. Quartz movements are newer and smaller, and mechanical movements are older and bigger.
You can find manufacturers and brand markings on your movement, such as ETA movements, which are usually located around the very edge of the movement.
Finding an exact replacement with the same dimensions is desired. Otherwise, you’ll need to do some measuring and tinkering to make a different sized movement work. This is especially true when replacing a mechanical movement with a quartz.
If you have a movement that works, the next step is to attach the new movement to the dial, which is the watch’s face. Then, you can set the watch hands using your tweezers.
You will place the hands over the posts carefully, making sure they are in order of hour, minute, and second. Use the watch crown to set the correct time, and make sure the hands are not touching each other or the dial.
Now you can replace the stem, crown, and battery. Most new replacements will come with a stem and crown, so you’ll have to measure the old stems and cut the new one down if it is too long.
Next is the movement ring, which helps prevent anything in the watch case from moving too loosely and can help the watch work better. You want to make sure that your movement ring fits snugly, and if it doesn’t, you’ll have to trim this as well.
Closing the Case
Before re-attaching the back, take a look at your gasket and make sure there is no damage done. This can help prevent any moisture or dirt from invading the new movement.
You also want to make sure that your case’s back does not touch the movement ring before closing. Then, depending on what type of case you have, replace the back the reverse way that you opened it up.
Watch Movement Replacement
Watch movement replacement is an intricate process that takes time, practice, and patience to do well. If you’re unsure, try practicing first on a watch that you don’t care about as much. This will ensure that when you do the process on your prized watch, it will go smoother.
Take your time and use the right tools to get the best results. If you found this post helpful, check out more of our articles today for all your lifestyle needs.
