OVWCCC MasterClass - POCKET WATCH SERVICING COURSE
Full Day Training
by JD Richard,
assisted by Blair Chandler, Martin Gaudet, and Denis Kishinevsky
April 19, 2026 Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Format: Classroom + Hands-On Bench Work
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Welcome & Course Overview - 9:30 – 9:45 (15 min)
- Instructor introduction
- Safety briefing (springs under tension, sharp tools, cleaning fluids)
- Overview of the servicing workflow
- Tools and bench setup check
Pocket Watch Theory & Movement Architecture - 9:45 – 10:15 (30 min)
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- Mainspring & barrel
- Gear train
- Escapement
- Balance assembly
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- Lever vs cylinder escapements (brief comparison)
- Understanding power flow
Complete Disassembly (Instructor Demo + Student Start)
- 10:15 – 11:00 (45 min)
- Removing case back and movement
- Letting down mainspring safely
- Removing hands and dial
- Train bridge removal
- Escapement removal
- Barrel removal
Students begin disassembly under supervision.
☕ Morning Break - 11:00 – 11:15 (15 min)
Hands-On Disassembly Continued - 11:15 – 12:15 (60 min)
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- Students complete full teardown
- Parts organized in trays
- Inspection of:
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- Worn pivots
- Damaged jewels
- Gear tooth wear
- Broken springs
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- Instructor checks each student’s layout before cleaning.
Lunch Break - 12:15 – 1:00 (45 min)
Cleaning & Inspection - 1:00 – 1:30 (30 min)
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- Manual cleaning
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Watch cleaning machine
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- Drying procedures
- Final inspection under magnification
- Evaluating mainspring condition
Reassembly – Gear Train & Escapement - 1:30 – 2:30 (60 min)
- Barrel installation
- Train wheel alignment
- Bridge installation
- Endshake & freedom check
- Escapement installation
- Balance installation
- First power test
☕ Afternoon Break - 2:30 – 2:45 (15 min)
Lubrication & Timing - 2:45 – 3:45 (60 min)
- Correct oil types and placement
- Oiling jewels properly
- Lubricating escapement
- Timing machine introduction
- Beat error basics
- Regulation adjustment
Casing & Final Testing -- 3:45 – 4:15 (30 min)
- Dial & hands refitting
- Case reassembly
- Power reserve test
- Positional checks
- Troubleshooting common issues
Wrap-Up & Q&A - 4:15 – 4:30 (15 min)
- Servicing checklist review
- Maintenance intervals
- Common beginner mistakes
- Certificate presentation
Tool Summary – Required Equipment
Essential Hand Tools
- Watchmaker screwdriver set (0.6mm–2.0mm)
- Brass & anti-magnetic tweezers
- Hand remover & hand press
- Movement holder
- Loupe (5x–10x)
- Rodico cleaning putty
Cleaning Equipment (not needed)
- Ultrasonic cleaner or watch cleaning machine
- Cleaning baskets
- Watch cleaning solution & rinse
- Air blower
Lubrication
- Oiler set (fine, medium)
- Moebius oils (e.g., 9010, 8200 or equivalent)
- Mainspring grease
Measurement & Testing
- Timing machine
- Demagnetizer
- Mainspring winder (optional but recommended)
Notes
This member only event is limited to 8 + 4 instructors.
Registration opens April 6, 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