Watch repair classes?

[HardWorkers]

I have quite a few watches, almost all at the cheap (sub-£100) end of the market. All are mechanical, most are fairly old, some are Swiss, some Russian and so on. I like and wear them all from time to time but a few have 'issues' which I'd like to recify.

The problem is that to have any work done in a decent jewellers or watch specialist is probably not worthwhile. It could easily cost twice the value of a watch, or more, to get the movement serviced, or have one fitted into a new case or have a set of hands changed or a dial refurbished. It's also largely unsatisfying.

Does anyone know if there is anywhere offering watch repair lessons in the London area?

I have found Epping Forest Horology Club, which looks good, but somewhere actually in London would be better. Greenwich College (which would be perfect) offers a clock repair course but it's really watches I'm after.

Any ideas, or how did any of you learn how to work on and repair your watches?

[deejuic]

I've been meaning to sign up for the class:

http://www.timezonewatchschool.com/WatchSchool/Cou...

it's online, but decent from what I've heard.

[HardWorkers]

That looks good but the appeal of a class of people learning together is more appealing. And having someone to ask questions when it gets tricky.

I'm quite surprised that there don't seem to be very many classes about. There must be loads of people with older watches which just need a bit of tinkering.