This page describes the build and adjustments for a typical watch. All parts are reviewed under a microscope post cleaning and assembled with synthetic lubricants and a photographic record. Checks and adjustments are made as required.
I’ve chosen this Omega Seamaster (calibre 565) from the late 1960s which arrived in complete but non running condition.
The full service document for this watch is available here.
All jewels, bearings, arbors, wheels, pivots and so on are reviewed with a microscope post cleaning.
This can identify further worn parts such as this rotor post (new post shown on right, pre-cleaning).
The balance jewels are oiled and fitted, the balance cock remounted and then the hairspring is adjusted for concentricity, flatness and centering in the regulator pins.
The balance is then removed and the second wheel/cannon pinion plus keyless works are installed.
I typically fit a new mainspring and then the barrel and bridge are installed, end and side shakes checked/adjusted as the build progresses.
The train is then installed.
With the pallet fork and balance fitted, the base movement running.
I leave this to run for a few days and make any adjustments necessary to obtain the best performance, using the mechanical watch tester.
For this calibre, the centre seconds pinion and tension spring are fitted.
Turned over, the calendar plate and associated parts are fitted.
When the final checks with this configuration are complete, the dial and hands are fitted – this watch also needed a new seconds hand.
For this calibre, I build the automatic bridge assembly separately and fit after the movement is refitted into the case. This shows the parts after checking under the microscope.
And assembled.
The case was cleaned and pressure tested with a new Omega crystal, crown and case seal.
The movement is now refitted to the case with a new stem, trimmed to length, and crown.
Automatic bridge added.
Case back refitted.
Watch is complete and goes into final testing as described here.
