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Timegrapher on a budget?
I'm getting into building watches. I'm thinking of getting a timegrapher to regulate movements. But timegraphers are expensive! $100 minimum on AliExpress.
I found this option for cheaper: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806989330483.html. But it doesn't seem as good. I've also heard of timegrapher phone apps, but that they also don't work as well as an actual timegrapher.
What do y'all think? Are cheaper options any good, or should I just either give up or pay the (reasonable) price and get an actual timegrapher?
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The microphone in a $100 Weishi timegrapher is the same as the one in the standalone $15 microphone. You're just paying for a lot of electronics and screen on a Weishi, that can be replaced by your phone on your PC with the mic paired with the right app. There's really no need to spend more than that tbh.
You might think this is kinda dumb but I wear many different mechanical automatics. I set the time using a $25 ish "atomic" clock on my wall. Really it's a radio clock that's accurate to within 1-2 seconds at all times.
I set a watch to this clock exactly and wear it for a day or two and check it against this clock. Allows me to check accuracy in real life with the watch in all positions.
If you are thinking of "getting into" building watches then looking for the cheapest tools might not be the right move.
I had the same thought this weekend. I wanted to know which one is the best value too. #timegrapher #watchmaking #servicing
You might think this is kinda dumb but I wear many different mechanical automatics. I set the time using a $25 ish "atomic" clock on my wall. Really it's a radio clock that's accurate to within 1-2 seconds at all times.
I set a watch to this clock exactly and wear it for a day or two and check it against this clock. Allows me to check accuracy in real life with the watch in all positions.
No, not dumb! I just think a timegrapher would allow me to more precisely and quickly regulate the movement. Thank you for sharing!
The microphone in a $100 Weishi timegrapher is the same as the one in the standalone $15 microphone. You're just paying for a lot of electronics and screen on a Weishi, that can be replaced by your phone on your PC with the mic paired with the right app. There's really no need to spend more than that tbh.
Ok, that's true. I also sort of don't want to set up that standalone one, install the app, etc. I'll take my time deciding what to do.
If you are thinking of "getting into" building watches then looking for the cheapest tools might not be the right move.
Buy it cheap, buy it twice, huh?
I had the same thought this weekend. I wanted to know which one is the best value too. #timegrapher #watchmaking #servicing
We shall see what the good people of WC say!
The microphone in a $100 Weishi timegrapher is the same as the one in the standalone $15 microphone. You're just paying for a lot of electronics and screen on a Weishi, that can be replaced by your phone on your PC with the mic paired with the right app. There's really no need to spend more than that tbh.
Oh but also: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832578369858.html This seems to be the mic for the Weishi, and is most of the price of the full Weishi. Is it better than the $15 one? Maybe. I don't know.
Buy it cheap, buy it twice, huh?
Was debating this same topic and the same thought came to my head. “Buy it cheap, buy it twice”… so I just spent the around $140 or so and bought myself a Weishi 1000 off amazon.. and it has been one of the best purchases I’ve made! It has definitely been worth the investment for me..
Was debating this same topic and the same thought came to my head. “Buy it cheap, buy it twice”… so I just spent the around $140 or so and bought myself a Weishi 1000 off amazon.. and it has been one of the best purchases I’ve made! It has definitely been worth the investment for me..
Thank you for sharing your input! Maybe I'll do the same... AliExpress has them for $100!