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Jaeger-LeCoultre

Assistance?

 

I already do it!

If you are doing hobby pieces, that you are not scared to make mistakes on, then I don't think you need a pro to assist. These are "just clockwork".

They all run on the same principles (particularly if it's a simple 15 or 17 jewel piece). Why not start opening up and guessing how it works? Barrel, wheels, escapement and follow backwards and forwards. Off with the dial and play with the keyless works. The worst thing that can happen is that you throw away a $10 movement. There are plenty of those available!

Not like working on an old car? Hmm. I might ask for some help getting the backlash correct the differential, but the rest is no mystery. By playing with them, watches beome the same. I would prefer to learn myself on an old Alfa than be assisted on a Ferrari. But that's just me. And I HATE working on Ferraris.

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16 Comments view entire thread 

JLC Master Class 2008, Congrats to our Graduated Purist Friends

 
By: amanico : December 1st, 2008-11:40
We had 3 of us attending at the JLC Master Class organized in Paris, this Year: Claus and his brother Morten, Vincent Da. They were, according to the Watch maker, aqll very brilliant! Here, Claus and Morten: As for the award, JLC offered them ... .... ......  

Nice snowdrop !

 
By: Clavi : December 1st, 2008-13:23
Snowdrop 877 in black: first time I see it here, congrats !

Thank you!

 
By: cfn : December 1st, 2008-13:43
Dear Nicolas, Thank you for a fun afternoon - it was very good to meet you, Aaron and Vincent and see all (or rather some...) of your watches....and very interesting to hear your story on the work behind the Tribute to Polaris. I'll have a look at my pict... 

Even if they got a diploma now, i'd trust the man in the center...

 
By: kkhazen : December 1st, 2008-15:12
... to take care of my watch no offense.... lol I recommend to every watch lover should go through such experience. Had my own with IWC, posted here : home.watchprosite.com / Really made me want to attend to a class where we can go much deeper in the unde... 

I didn't organize nothing, Karim

 
By: amanico : December 1st, 2008-22:21
As JLC organizes Master Classes for several years, now, and yes, this is really a good thing, not to pretend to be able to service a movement, but to just understand it, as you perfectly said, Karim. I saw your post, my friend. Yes it is an experience to ... 

i meant...

 
By: kkhazen : December 2nd, 2008-02:47
... organizing in the futur something to take things to a higher level. These seminar gives a general idea of a watch movement. When toying around with the movement, we physically feel how precise, complex and delicate a movement is. We evalutate more the... 

Why not...

 
By: BDLJ : December 2nd, 2008-19:33
Buy some old cheap pieces, a simple array of tools and begin yourself. Old Seikos are a good start as they are very cheap, rather simple and there are full instructions (exploded diagrams, lubrication charts, etc) available for download. Not to belittle t... 

not that simple...

 
By: kkhazen : December 3rd, 2008-04:54
... what you are saying can be applied for an old Tv, or an old car, etc... but regarding watch movements, you definetly need to be assisted by some pro. Its not jst about unscrew screws, opening it up and start guessing how it works. This would take 1-2h... 

Assistance?

 
By: BDLJ : December 3rd, 2008-18:13
I already do it! If you are doing hobby pieces, that you are not scared to make mistakes on, then I don't think you need a pro to assist. These are "just clockwork". They all run on the same principles (particularly if it's a simple 15 or 17 jewel piece).... 

I'll get an AP replica...

 
By: kkhazen : December 4th, 2008-02:31
...With an automatique movement. Then will try that surgery, open heart operation. At least will learn a bit more about replica movements a little bit more. Watch cost around 20$ so its ok. About the ferrari, nowadays, to fix them, you need to plug it to ... 

Thanks Amanico and the Jaeger team

 
By: vdaelema : December 5th, 2008-01:21
I have been away from my computer for a while, so here is at last some feedback on the event: - great organisation: no corners were cut as everyone had his/her own bench and own movement to work on - Andre (our teacher), with 47 years of service at Jaeger... 

It was a pleasure to meet you!

 
By: amanico : December 7th, 2008-00:18
Thanks for the nice words, but the one to thank is JLC...And Jerome, as HE is the one who organised the JLC Master Class, here. Best! Nicolas