Repairing Guides

how to repair watch hands

by Prof. Tre Marquardt Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Steps to fix the clock hands stuck

  • Collect the tools you will need to replace the watch movement.
  • First, open the back of the timepiece and then the stem from the movement.
  • After that, find which movement you have, automatic or quartz.
  • If you have quart movement, then find the perfect match for that movement.
  • Then attach the new quartz movement to the dial.

Part of a video titled How to fix Watch hands that Hit the Dial, or Dial Indicator
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12:15
So we're not going to need a lot of tools to get through. This it's good to have a pair of tweezers.MoreSo we're not going to need a lot of tools to get through. This it's good to have a pair of tweezers. Around we have our hand pusher tool and that's to push down the hand or align it correctly.

Full Answer

Why do watches need hand replacements?

A watch’s hands not only translate the movement’s ticking to time measurements we can understand but also plays a role in the overall aesthetic value of a watch. Therefore, watch hand replacement proves an intricate endeavor that has to be done by the book as even a slight miscalculation can interfere with one of these purposes.

How do I remove the dials from the watch movement?

Using a piece of pithwood, place the movement on top of the pithwood. Put a dial protector under the hands to protect the dial. Using a hand puller place over the hands. Gently squeeze the hand puller and pull the hands off of the movement. Note: If the movement has a sweep/second hand this should be removed first.

How do I remove the hour and minute hand from my watch?

Gently squeeze the hand puller and pull the hands off of the movement. Note: If the movement has a sweep/second hand this should be removed first. Once this is removed the hour and minute hand can be removed together. Visit Esslinger.com’s Learning Center for more watch repair guides.

What to do if your watch is not moving?

Sometimes it also happens if your watch hands are touching each other. First of all, you should replace the small batteries. After replacing check the clock, still, it is not moving, then the issue is of friction or watches movement. Sometimes you also have to adjust the watch hands.

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How do you fix the hands on the watch?

0:252:44Hand installation troubleshoot - What to do when watch hands stopYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse the tweezers to go to second hand out of the step position after the second hand is removed. UseMoreUse the tweezers to go to second hand out of the step position after the second hand is removed. Use a loop to check the second hand post. If it's Ben you may need to replace the movement.

Can watch hands be replaced?

Before a new set of hands can be installed, you need to remove the old hands from the watch. There are several methods which can be used to remove the old hands, and while they all have their pros and cons, if done carefully and with the correct techniques all of them will work.

Why are the hands on my watch not moving?

Chances are, your battery is dead or something has made the hands stick. To fix these problems replace the battery and if that didn't work, you'll need to clean the watch hands.

How do you replace a second hand watch?

1:195:07Watch hand installation detailed guide part 2: Second hand setting ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first method involves balancing the second hand on the correct post. And then loosely settingMoreThe first method involves balancing the second hand on the correct post. And then loosely setting the second hand using the hand installation.

What are watch hands made of?

The Making Of Watch Hands Hands are made from metal strips. The metal can be precious like gold or platinum as well as stainless steel.

Should watch be on right or left?

The general rule of thumb is to wear your watch on your non-dominant hand. So, if you're right-handed, wear your watch on your left. And, if you're left handed, wear your watch on your right.

Why did my watch stop moving?

Battery Needs Replacement The most common reason a watch will stop working or need service is due to the battery. A good rule of thumb when it comes to watch batteries is to replace them every two years. A quartz watch, however, can last three years or longer because they do not have second hands.

How are watch hands attached?

3:056:24How To Attach Watch Hands To A Movement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat I like to do is. I like to get a toothpick to hold me align the hand up before really pushingMoreWhat I like to do is. I like to get a toothpick to hold me align the hand up before really pushing it down for good so get it centered as much as possible.

What are the parts of a watch called?

Parts of a WatchBezel. The ring surrounding the watch face. ... Case. The housing of the watch. ... Crown. The "little knob on the side of the watch" used to set time. ... Crystal. The clear portion of the watch face that protects the dial, hands, etc. ... Dial. The part that actually displays the time. ... Hand. ... Hour Marker. ... Lugs.More items...•

How do I open the back of my watch?

0:212:33How to Open a Snap Off Watch Back - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse it like a lever to pop the back open gently push the handle away from the watch back the backMoreUse it like a lever to pop the back open gently push the handle away from the watch back the back will pop loose. And you will be able to remove it with your fingers.

What is the second hand of a watch?

the thing that points to the hour on a clock or watch. The thing that points to the minute is called the minute hand, and the thing that points to the seconds is called the second hand.

What does a watch's hand do?

A watch’s hands not only translate the movement’s ticking to time measurements we can understand but also plays a role in the overall aesthetic value of a watch.

What should the tip of a second hand do?

Finally, for the second hand, the tip should brush the outside of a second marker. These space allowances make your watch easy to read instantaneously and also make it endearing.

How far should the tip of a clock be from the hour marker?

For the minute hand, the tip should just touch the inside of the minute indicators while for the hour hand, it should just reach the inner edges of the hour markers.

How does a hand lever work?

Hand levers prove a simpler tool in comparison as it works just as its name suggests: you place one edge below the arms until it rests against the center posts then gently exert a force on the other end to slowly lift the hand off the movement.

Where should the center guide be on a Presto tool?

In the case of a Presto tool, the center guide should securely rest on the hand’s top while the index finger should be on the tool’s upper edge to improve steadiness. Once in this position, press the bowed arms in while carefully maneuvering to the belly of the lowest hand and be sure to stay clear of the dial.

Do you have to measure your watch movement?

It can prove an uphill task because unlike most spare parts, hand sizes are not restricted to limited standards, therefore, you have to carry out exact measurement tests to know the right fit for your watch movement.

Can you press a bench press with your fingers?

For some, actual hand pressing (using your fingers) is adequate. However, it is advisable to place the dial on the bench press then use a pressing tool to hold the hand in position then lightly tap on the end of this tool until the hand gradually slides in. Much like how a hammer and nail work.

How to get the hour hand on a watch?

The hour hand is connected with the shaft by friction. Push it to the shaft first. It will become tight on the shaft with a small push. Also, it will get back to the time with the second one of the watch.

Why does my watch hour hand stop?

It can also get loose or stop because of one of these reasons. You can quickly solve it. When it comes to the hour hand, the most common issue is alignment. Sometimes it can touch the watch dial or minute one while moving.

Why do my hands get loose on my timepiece?

Sometimes all hands of the timepiece can get loose because of the tiny nut. There is a nut that holds these points in place. You have to tighten this nut to fix the issue. It will need a tool needle-nose pliers. In this post, we will guide you, how you can fix loose hands-on timepiece.

How many times do you put a cannon pinion back in?

Once you complete this, you can put the cannon pinion back into the timepiece. You may have to do this 2-3 times because we cannot expect how much pressure to apply. Follow these steps to fix it.

How to fix a cannon pinion?

But there is also a simple method to fix the cannon pinion. However, you can also use some special tools like a set of cutters. While squeezing the cannon pinion, you will also need some types of metal rods. You can use an old oiler.

Why is my timepiece not cleaning?

If you are not cleaning your timepiece at a period, then dust can be a reason. The dirt or dust can block the watch movement from moving. That is why regular cleaning is necessary. You have to clean and oil each part of the mechanism by the watchmaker.

How to readjust a Rolex watch?

You can readjust it smoothly by removing all points. This issue can happen in a Rolex watch as well. Or else you can also replace the new one to solve it. You can replace it by removing the watch movement and following the steps to tight the hands.

Where do you put the hour hand on a watch?

Using your tweezers place the hour hand in the center of the watch.

How to make a watch easier to work with?

To make your watch easier to work with, start by taking off the straps. Pull down the strap until the lug can be accessed. Pull down on the lug and it should freely come out of place. The lugs have springs in them so when removing, be careful not to let them fly out of your work space. Edit.

How to take buckle off watch?

Carefully place your thin blade in the divot and pop the buckle off of your watch.

How to get the most accuracy on a watch?

Carefully pick up and place the second hand in the center of the watch. Press down firmly so that the second hand stays in place. The position of the second hand is not extremely important, but to get the most accuracy; place it in line with the minute hand. Almost done!

How to get a minute hand in place?

Press down on the hand until the minute hand is firmly in place.

Where to place tweezers on watch?

Gently place the tweezers underneath the hands of your watch.

Where to apply pressure on a watch?

Apply pressure with the pointed tip instrument at the spot circled; around where the stem meets the main part of the watch.

How to remove old hands from watch?

The most common methods of removing hands are the Presto type tools and the more basic hand levers. Regardless of method used, it is good practice to protect the dial while removing them, either with the use of specific dial protector or a small section of plastic film.

What happens when you change the hands on a watch?

Replacing Watch Hands. Replacing the hands of a watch can have a large visual impact on how the watch looks, impacting both the overall styling and not just the legibility. The process of changing the hands of a watch can quickly become complicated, as there are many potential sources for problems that can cause aesthetic damage or even stop ...

How to make a watch hand legible?

A good general rule of thumb is that the tip of the hour hand should just reach or touch the inner edges of the hour markers, the tip of the minute hand should reach either the outside of the hour markers or the inside of the minute markers, and the tip of the seconds hand should reach at least the same as the minute hand or to the outside of any seconds markers. These guidelines will help to make a watch easily legible at a glance and visually appealing.

How to know if quartz watch is quartz?

If the watch is quartz, it is generally desired that the seconds hand is aligned with the individual seconds marks on the dial with each tick of the watch. This can be tricky to get right, so it may be best to start with the seconds hand just barely pressed into place, and them observing how it’s aligned when running.

How to determine the size of a watch hand?

The size of a hand is determined by two measurements; the diameter of the hole at the hub of the hand and the length of the hand . These measurements are done in millimeters- down ...

Why does my hand stick out on the bottom?

If the hand has a luminous paint it’s not unusual for it to stick out on the bottom side of the hand, be sure that there is clearance between that excess paint if it is not removed and the dial or other hands, as it will cause scratches if the paint touches as the hands rotate.

Why do you have to take your watch hands off?

Some of the most common reasons for needing to remove watch hands are broken or damaged hands, changing the color or style of the hands and replacing the watch movement.

How to get hands off of a hand puller?

Gently squeeze the hand puller and pull the hands off of the movement.

Question

I have posted a few times on this forum and am amazed at how many responses I get to questions I have asked and how helpful everyone is. I am new to watch repair but am learning every day and I thank you for sharing ideas and advice.

oldhippy

The type you are after are called spade. Here is a photo of what I think you are looking for.

Andyworks

Those are the exact hands that came with the watch. I think all old pocket watches suffer a similar fate of people trying to move the hands with their fingers to change the time instead of using a key so they get bent multiple times and in the end work harden and break.

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