OVWCCC MasterClass - Pocket Watch Servicing

OVWCCC MasterClass - POCKET WATCH SERVICING - 

Session will be mentored by JD Richard and Denis Kishinevsky

• Introduction: 15 min – Brief history of pocket watches, importance of servicing every 3-5 years to prevent wear/rust/inaccuracy; group discussion on interests; distribute safety handouts.
• Tools, Safety, Anatomy: 20 min – Review tools (screwdrivers, tweezers, loupe, etc.); safety tips (ventilation, no finger contact, organize parts); basic watch parts (case, dial, movement, balance wheel, escapement); tool familiarization quiz.
• Disassembly Demo: 20 min – Step-by-step on sample watch: inspect externals, remove case/back, unwind mainspring, remove hands/dial/wheels/bridges/balance; inspect for wear.
• Hands-On Disassembly: 40 min – Guided participant disassembly with instructor support; note positions/orientations.
• Break: 10 min – Rest and Q&A.
• Cleaning/Inspection Demo: 15 min – Soak/brush/rinse/dry parts; peg/pith cleaning; inspect pivots/jewels/hairspring; discuss fixes like demagnetizing.
• Hands-On Cleaning/Inspection: 25 min – Supervised cleaning and damage noting.
• Reassembly/Lubrication Demo: 15 min – Reverse steps: reinstall mainspring/wheels/bridges/pallet/balance; lubricate sparingly; recase and test.
• Hands-On Reassembly/Lubrication: 15 min – Participant reassembly, lubrication, and testing.
• Wrap-Up: 5 min – Test timekeeping; discuss adjustments/resources (books, communities); share experiences/Q&A.

Tools and Materials Needed (per participant):

• One pocket watch for practice (inexpensive or non-functional).
• Watchmaker’s screwdriver set.
• Tweezers.
• Hand remover.
• Loupe (magnification aid).
• Parts tray.
• Cleaning solutions (e.g., benzene or commercial watch cleaner).
• Oil and oiler.
• Peg wood.
• Pith.
• Camel’s-hair brush.
• No-lint paper.
• Mainspring winder (optional for demo/hands-on)
  

Note: Will describe the cleaning process but not expect the students to clean the movements

Notes

This member only event is limited to 8  + 2 instructors.

Registration opens Jan 2, 2026

Please contact us if you are a member and are experiencing difficulty with registration.

Not a member and wish to attend?

Please join the club here , before registering for the workshop

The November Club meeting will take place after the workshop, at 1:00pm