A watch is more than just a timekeeping device; it reflects our personality and style.
However, the parts that make up our favorite timepieces may become obsolete as time passes, making it very difficult to repair and maintain them. Owning a vintage watch can quickly become frustrating if you can’t find the needed parts.
But don’t worry; in this article, I’ll provide tips and guidance on where to find obsolete watch parts so that you can keep your antique or vintage watches running for years to come.
1. eBay
I’ve ordered tons of parts on eBay. It has a lot of active sellers.
If you can’t find the part you’re looking for, it may help to try different names. For example, the yoke is sometimes called the return bar. That means a yoke spring is sometimes called the return bar spring.
In the Ebauches SA Dictionnaire Technologique, you can find standardized part numbers that are very helpful. The clutch wheel, for example, is always number 407.
Some sellers may list the clutch wheel as the castle wheel; however, that doesn’t matter if you’re looking for part #407.
2. Scotch Watch
ScotchWatch.com is an independent website that sells used or new old stock parts.
You can send him an email with the movement manufacturer, the caliber number, the name of the part you’re looking for, and the part number if you know it. Pics of a movement help as well.
Feel free to email him if you can’t find the part(s) you want. Perhaps he does have the parts, but they aren’t listed on the website. Or he may be able to get them for you or point you in the right direction.
Mail him at blake@scotchwatch.com
3. Welwyn Watch Parts
Mike Fowler is a watchmaker from the UK. You can find his watch repair services at Welwyn Watches.
He also has a huge stock of obsolete parts. The site for parts is Welwyn Watch Parts, or you can mail him directly at welwynwatches@gmail.com
In addition, you can contact him on Instagram and watch his tutorials and reviews on YouTube.
4. Perrin
Perrin is Canada’s leading supplier of watchmakers, clockmakers, and hobbyists.
They need the make, caliber number, and part name if you want to ask about old watch parts. You can also send them a clear picture of the part if you’re unsure what it’s called.
If you don’t know how to identify the movement, you can e-mail them a clear picture of the movement (both sides, dial removed) and include the diameter of the movement in mm. They will attempt to ID the movement.
5. Buzzufy
Buzzufy sells watchmaker tools, vintage watches, donor movements, and watch parts.
They ship from the USA and Europe, so there aren’t any exorbitant shipping or import costs. Check with them if the products you wish to buy would be shipped out of the USA or the EU.
Click here to search by brand. The search bar also allows you to search by part number.
6. Watch-spares.com
Sudarson from watch-spares.com is a watchmaker from India who has provided quality watch parts and services since 1970. I’ve successfully ordered parts from him in the past.
You can use this contact form to ask about watch parts, or you can directly email him at ksudarson@gmail.com
Any other tips on sourcing hard-to-find parts? Let me know in the comments below.
