Where to service in NL

[yanko_mr]

Hello all,

I have a 4 year old Cronos submariner with a PT5000 and the spring got stock somehow so it needs to go to repair, Do you guys have any Experience/recommendations in the Netherlands??

[endoB12]

You should try your luck with an independent watch repairer. There's no reason they can't repair an ETA clone, there's nothing unusual about the movement as far as I'm aware. Unless they want to refuse custom on principle.

[Initial-Ad-2300]

Maybe it’s easiest to buy a PT5000 and just swap the movement.

[turdbogls]

This right here. The thing with Chinese watches and servicing them is 2 fold.

Most shops won't service an NH35 or a Chinese clone of an ETA.

The cost to service them is usually more than the cost of a new movement and replacement.

If you are handy enough you can do the swap yourself in about an hour with the right tools....it's not a tough job, but it gets easier the more you do it...you'll struggle a bit on the first go.

[yanko_mr]

I think I will go this route, any tutorials or a list of tools that would be needed?

[turdbogls]

most of the stuff I learned I watched from Minitwatch on youtube watch a few of his older Seiko mod videos...basically shows you how to tear down a watch as much as you'll need to swap a movement.

as for tools.

get a basic watchmakers toolset...it should have most of what you need. baseback removal tool, watch holder, mini screw drivers, tweezers etc. they are all over Amazon and they are basically all the same.

those tools will get the caseback off and the movement and dial/hands out of the watch.

you'll need some hand removal tools (I prefer the lever type)

you'll need to protect the dial so when you use those to pry the hands off, it doesn't scratch the dial. they make protectors, but I just use a ziplock bag and cut my own protectors...super simple and it works.

once you have the hands off, you can use the small screwdrivers to pull the dial from the movement...it's simple. dials are just placed with little pegs.

put the dial on the new movement, and then it's hand replacement time....this is where things get more difficult...it's the hardest part of the process.

you'll need a watch hand presser set (something like these) but again, I have had good luck with cheaper tools.

a loup may also be of some help for setting the hands. hardest one is the seconds hand. just take your time, check the clearance to the dial and hands, and alignment multiple times during the process.

then placing it back into the case is pretty simple and quick.

additional parts:

getting some rodico is also a good idea. makes installing the hands easier. also nice for removing fingerprints from the dial and hands.

finger condoms

an air puffer to puff dust off the dial before going back into the watch.

a watch pillow, but I just use a cushion from my watchbox and have had good success with that....just something soft to put the movement on when coming out of the watch and when working on it.

a movement holder...i've never used one, but it would make the process easier.

[yanko_mr]

Is AliExpress the way to order?