:QUOTE [quotetype:personal] A mechanical watch is a machine that measures time by converting stored energy into regulated oscillation. Understanding that changes how you hold it. :INFO What Watch Servicing Involves A mechanical watch should be serviced every 3 to 7 years — the oils inside dry and harden, increasing friction and degrading timekeeping accuracy. Servicing involves: disassembly, cleaning in a watch cleaning solution, drying, inspection of worn parts, re-lubrication with specific oils for each component, and reassembly. Start with a simple 17-jewel manual wind pocket watch movement (Elgin, Hamilton, Waltham) — these are inexpensive, parts are available, and mistakes are recoverable. :COUNTER.half 17 Jewels | :COUNTER.half 3 to 5 Years :PATH Prepare Your Work Area Clean, well-lit, low-vibration surface with a watch mat and tray. | :INFO Prepare Your Work Area Work on a dedicated pegwood or silicone watch mat — it prevents parts from rolling and reduces static. Good lighting is critical: a daylight LED lamp or a loupe with integrated light. Use a parts tray (watchmaker's tray with sections) to sort components as you remove them. Photograph each stage of disassembly before removing parts — the photos are your reassembly guide. :PATH Remove and Release the Mainspring Release stored energy before disassembly — never remove a wound mainspring. | :INFO Remove and Release the Mainspring Before disassembly, release the mainspring tension by letting the watch run down if possible, or by holding the click and allowing the crown to turn slowly backward. Never attempt to remove a barrel with a wound mainspring — the energy releases suddenly and can damage components and injure you. :PATH Disassemble the Train and Keyless Works Remove screws and bridges in order, taking photos at each stage. | :INFO Disassemble the Train and Keyless Works Remove the dial and hands first using a dial remover and hand puller. Remove the cannon pinion. Unscrew the keyless works (setting and winding mechanism) and store in labeled sections. Remove the balance wheel last — it is the most delicate component. Use a proper screwdriver that fits the slot exactly — a slipping screwdriver scars the screw head and is the sign of an amateur. :PATH Clean and Reassemble Clean in watch cleaning solution, dry, oil precisely, and reassemble. | :INFO Clean and Reassemble Place metal parts in watch cleaning solution (L&R or Zenith brand) for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse in watch rinsing solution. Air dry or use a hand dryer. Oil specific points with the correct oil: Moebius 9010 for the train (thin), 9020 for the keyless works (medium), D5 grease for the cannon pinion (thick). Never over-oil — one small dot of oil per jewel is the entire dose. :CHECKLIST Watchmaker's Starting Kit [ ] Watchmaker's screwdriver set (0.6mm to 2.0mm) [ ] Hand puller and dial remover [ ] Watch cleaning solution and rinsing solution [ ] Moebius 9010 oil for train, 9020 for keyless works [ ] Loupe — 5x to 10x magnification [ ] Pegwood sticks for cleaning jewels [ ] Parts tray with sections [ ] Beginner movement: Elgin or Waltham 17-jewel pocket watch :NOTE One Screwdriver Fits One Screw A watchmaker's screwdriver must fit the slot perfectly — full contact on both sides with zero play. Using a screwdriver even slightly too narrow causes the blade to cam out under pressure, scarring the screw and often damaging the plate beneath. A proper screwdriver set includes multiple sizes; use the largest size that still fits the slot. :QUOTE [quotetype:personal] Every part goes back in exactly the way it came out, just cleaner and oiled. That is the entire job. :LINK https://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi Ranfft — Watch Movement Database and Technical Reference