Replacing A Hand Wound Movement
Replacing a watch movement is a fairly straightforward task as long as you have the right tools. Circumstances conspired such that I had the opportunity to create a how-to video detailing the process of replacing (swapping) a broken hand wound movement with a new one. The exact details will vary from watch to watch, but the big steps would be somewhat similar.
For this example, I use a Vario Silver Empire that I will review in a later post. The movement is a Japanese Miyota 6T33 (Y).
Typically, you would want to wear finger cots or gloves to protect the parts from humanoid oil and debris, but with this being a quick change and more of a project watch, I was not particularly concerned.
https://youtu.be/7t8ovnCF53o
Short Text Version
Why the Vario Silver Empire?
One of the things I do is review watches. The Vario Silver Empire was sent to me for review, but arrived non-running. After informing the owner and operator of the watch microbrand Vario about the situation, he said I could do whatever I want with the watch and could keep it. I chose to fix the watch so I could do this how-to video and then I will still get to review the watch!
General process for replacing a movement:
For all steps, take your time and use the right tools.
- Remove case back with a case tool
- Remove stem (some will be a push pin, some will be a screw, consult the spec doc for your movement)
- Remove movement holder (if applicable)
- Remove the movement with the dial and hands attached, from the case
- Remove the hands, use a dial protector and hand tools
- Separate the dial and movement (usually dial screws 180° from each other on the movement
- Swap old for new
- Work your way back up this list putting the components back together
Hope you find this helpful.