THE MODERN WATCHMAKER’S HANDBOOK: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Mechanical Movement Disassembly, Servicing, Lubrication, and Troubleshooting

Master the Art and Precision of Mechanical Watchmaking

Whether you are an aspiring horologist, a dedicated watch collector, or a hands-on hobbyist, The Modern Watchmaker’s Handbook delivers a clear, systematic walkthrough of servicing, maintaining, and repairing mechanical watch movements.

Written in a direct, instructional style with step-by-step guidance, this practical bench manual demystifies complex horological principles. From basic tools to intricate diagnostics, you will learn how to approach movement servicing with professional discipline and technical accuracy.

• Parts Management & Inspection: How to organize components during disassembly, avoid lost parts, and inspect delicate mechanical elements under magnification for wear or damage.

• Cleaning & Decontamination: Detailed procedures for both manual chemical cleaning and ultrasonic automated machines, ensuring jewel bearings and pinions are completely free of old grease and grit.

• The Science of Lubrication: A comprehensive breakdown of synthetic horological oils, viscosity selection, epilame surface preparation, and exact application protocols across balance, train, and keyless systems.

• Reassembly & Alignment: Step-by-step guidance for seating train pivots beneath bridge plates, setting endshake clearances, and securing delicate escapements without damaging components.

• Timing, Regulation & Diagnostics: How to read timegrapher metrics—rate, amplitude, and beat error—correct positional variances, and systematically troubleshoot stopped or low-amplitude movements.

• Dial, Hands & Casing: Professional techniques for mounting fragile dials, pressing hands with vertical precision, trimming winding stems, and sealing watch cases for water resistance.

• Advanced Mechanics & Complications: An introduction to diagnosing calendar jump mechanisms, automatic winding reversing systems, and integrated chronograph levers.

Designed to sit open on your workbench next to your tweezers and loupe, The Modern Watchmaker’s Handbook provides the foundational knowledge and troubleshooting frameworks needed to service mechanical calibers safely, reliably, and accurately.