I am only able to answer the third question, but the answer to that one is easy: YES -- these are great topics, especially as they allow the novices among us to learn more about the watchmaking / technical aspects of our watches!!

Recently, I visited a watchmaker and we looked at a super rare watch from 1962 [not a Heuer]; his first reaction was, "Man, I would be afraid to touch those hands!". Fortunately, this watch survived it well . . . its first servicing since it left the factory, in 1962!!

Jeff

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: I was inspired by Gianluca's posting of a disassembly of a cal 12
: movement, to try a bit of minor watch repair myself. I'll stick
: to working on to replaceable watches for now (or at least for
: the next 20 years); I think if (for example) my A&F 2447 needs
: repair, I'll send it to Nic/Abel/Jasper or other experts,
: definitely not one to do myself!!

: I had a three questions to start off with:

: 1) Calibre 12 movements watches are pretty expensive these days,
: even if not Heuer signed. Are there cheaper movements which are
: similar to the cal 12 that are worth practicing on? I have a
: bunch of women's watch small movements which I picked up for a
: few dollars, and an old Russian watch from a flea market. But
: the movements are much cruder than a cal 12, not sure it is
: appropriate practice. Any idea for better cheap-ish movements to
: practice on?

: 2) Gianluca has a little sentence that strikes a huge amount of
: fear into my heart... "Next step is removing the hands. You
: need specific tools to do it and can risk bending or damaging
: them. I always have a bit of fear every time I have to do
: it." ....Yeah, ruining the dial and hands would cause
: "a bit of fear"! The problem is this is a topic of
: it's own which Gianluca (rightly) skips over. Are there
: suggestions what tools to use for this? The two manual hand-held
: lifters or the all in one contraption?

: 3) Final question; are people OK with these of topic questions?
: There are watch making fora in other places on the internet, but
: it's useful to get Heuer (or at least cal 12) specific advice
: here.

: Any advice appreciated (even if it is a negative answer to question
: 3).

: Shaun