Watch repair. It sounds complicated, doesn't it?  You envision, someone humped over a bench with a magnifying glass glued to their eye and a light strapped on their head. 

I stumbled into this hobby by accident.  I like to figure out how things work, so when my watch quit working I took the back off and well, it still sit's in a zip loc bag in parts.   There are many books and videos on this subject, but I am going to tell you how one simple fix will make your watch worth wearing again.

Here it is:  DUST/DIRT,  the main culprit of watch malfunctions.      The fix (drum roll please..)        CLEAN YOUR WATCH...

Wasn't hard now was it.   No trade secrets given away.  However, yes there is a "but"  you will need a few items to do it the right way.  

You do not need every one of these items right away, but to pursue this as a hobby it will help in the long run.    A basic watch repair tool box should contain:     

Precision (mini) screwdrivers- for opening backs, removing screws that hold the battery.                                                                                          

Batter tester- tell if the battery needs replaced

Tweezers-many small parts inside a watch

Case back opener- like a screwdriver, but with two moveable ends that can fit the indentations on the back of a watch and then will twist in a circular motion to open, other backs can be pryed off with a screwdriver.

Spring bar tool- there are many variations, but this tool will save you time and frustration in removing the pins to change the watch band and removing links to make the band smaller in size.

Dust pump- this is like an ear wax removal ball, it vacums out the dust.

A clean cloth, one that will not scratch the crystal on your watch. Definately, need this item, many small parts will become lost otherwise.

This assortment of tools will take you a long way on your new hobby.  You can start out with just the screwdrivers and tweezers for basic cleaning and battery changes.

To clean the inside of your watch, look for an indentation on the back and pry it open with a screwdriver.  If you see more than one indentation or little squares you will need the case back opener.

Once the back is off, locate the battery, number one reason for a dead watch. (Note: some watches will have a rubber gasket on the back, remember to replace that when finished). On the battery, there will be a small cover plate holding the batter down, remove one screw and loosen the other ones, enough to slide the cover plate off the battery, if the battery pops out great, otherwise using tweezers remove battery.  Replacement is exact opposite of removal.

While the back is off, check for any dirt or dust you can see.  Use a pen light if needed.  Try blowing in the watch (protect your eyes) and see if any noted dust or dirt will come out.  Also, check the side of the watch where the back came from and clean any residue off the edges. 

Time, to put everything back together. Make sure you tightened the screws back on, put any gaskets back and put the back on.  If you pryed the case back off, put your fingers on the sides of the watch and gently press the back down and tight. Do not press your full hand on the back, or damage may occur to the crystal with too much force.

Finished at last and hopefully a running watch.  Only time will tell..   Sorry, it was too easy..    There are many resources on the web and tools for sale to further your new hobby.    Next time, we will look at more tools and other fixes you can do, before calling the jeweler.