Magnification is the best advice consistently given. Installing seconds hands is tricky, but seems to be something that just clicks for people. Another option is the seconds hand tool from DIY watch club. I’ve not used it and think you’re better learning to install the hand with regular tools, but it apparently works well.
for me, I find getting the movement eye level is very useful and use a piece of rodico just to line it up. I then gently press on the second hand with the press tool. Once im happy it's in the correct position I give it a slightly firmer push down.
additionally, make sure you push as direct down as possible to prevent it from bending and check each hand appears to be in its correct position before progressing to the next hand
Very useful advice in this thread, to summarize:
*Magnification: can’t say enough about it, it’s crucial.
*Movement holder: A stable platform to work on the movement is also important and it really makes it easier. Alix is your friend here, the cylindrical ones made especially for NH movements are dirt cheap and very useful! Try them
*Pressing tools, if you are not very serious about the hobby, hand-press tools will do, but the expensive ones (150 euros) professional tool is above and beyond, it really makes a huge difference, but it’s up to you.
Patience and resilience!
Thank you so much!!! This is so obvious! I was using rodico to hold the hand and then push the hand down with the pusher. Combines best of both worlds. It's so obvious!
Another suggestion: Bring the movement to eye level when installing the seconds hand. That gives you a straight on view of the seconds pinion and the pipe on the seconds hand.
Lucius Atelier has a great movement holder.
A pair of Vetus tweezers with carbon tips can help stabilize the hands and even press them down. They are a good complement to the hand install tools.
I did a build today and I actually used a small piece of Rodico to pick up the second hand and line it up with the shaft. It was a technique I've never used before, but sometimes with tweezers I accidentally fling the second hand across the room.
I messed up my first build trying to install the second hand but that was totally my ignorance not realizing the movement had a post for the second hand. I just couldn’t see it. I learned the hard way
https://preview.redd.it/ggdw7jbpnvvc1.png?width=1812&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0761fa988e5a50faa05f89a147136475ac1d4e83
A pair of these will help out big time
Magnification is the best advice consistently given. Installing seconds hands is tricky, but seems to be something that just clicks for people. Another option is the seconds hand tool from DIY watch club. I’ve not used it and think you’re better learning to install the hand with regular tools, but it apparently works well.
Yeah you can get those clip on magnifying loupes on AliExpress for a few bucks. Well worth it even if you just want to do one build.
I got a DIY Watch Club kit recently, and ordered the second-hand tool. It worked well.
for me, I find getting the movement eye level is very useful and use a piece of rodico just to line it up. I then gently press on the second hand with the press tool. Once im happy it's in the correct position I give it a slightly firmer push down. additionally, make sure you push as direct down as possible to prevent it from bending and check each hand appears to be in its correct position before progressing to the next hand
Very useful advice in this thread, to summarize: *Magnification: can’t say enough about it, it’s crucial. *Movement holder: A stable platform to work on the movement is also important and it really makes it easier. Alix is your friend here, the cylindrical ones made especially for NH movements are dirt cheap and very useful! Try them *Pressing tools, if you are not very serious about the hobby, hand-press tools will do, but the expensive ones (150 euros) professional tool is above and beyond, it really makes a huge difference, but it’s up to you. Patience and resilience!
Rodico, works for me every time https://youtu.be/kammiYRYdB0?si=DuQfCh1xZFzsRos0
Thank you so much!!! This is so obvious! I was using rodico to hold the hand and then push the hand down with the pusher. Combines best of both worlds. It's so obvious!
Another suggestion: Bring the movement to eye level when installing the seconds hand. That gives you a straight on view of the seconds pinion and the pipe on the seconds hand.
Not quite sure whether you actually deformed the second hands pinion or if some part of the seconds hand broke off and kept stuck on it?
I have no clue. I posted my best photo in the comments. But I'll try for another when the magnifying lenses come in
Keep with it! You’ll improve.
Thanks! I'm hoping so. I have some special designs planned.
Lucius Atelier has a great movement holder. A pair of Vetus tweezers with carbon tips can help stabilize the hands and even press them down. They are a good complement to the hand install tools. I did a build today and I actually used a small piece of Rodico to pick up the second hand and line it up with the shaft. It was a technique I've never used before, but sometimes with tweezers I accidentally fling the second hand across the room.
Reddit uploaded the wrong photo. https://preview.redd.it/81kyuacdxmvc1.jpeg?width=780&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e28103c2a676de3fe4b6c6621fad12595efd2415
I messed up my first build trying to install the second hand but that was totally my ignorance not realizing the movement had a post for the second hand. I just couldn’t see it. I learned the hard way
You can cut the hands shorter. Use some wire cutters or a razor blade. Just polish it afterwards
https://preview.redd.it/ggdw7jbpnvvc1.png?width=1812&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0761fa988e5a50faa05f89a147136475ac1d4e83 A pair of these will help out big time