Any Amateur Horologists Here???

[TomJ]

No..., contrary to what everyone thinks, especially coming from me, that doesn't mean, well...., what you think!

Have been repairing/customizing watches for years, went heavily into it a few years ago, doesn't pay the bills, but it's fun during the winter.

Am working on a nice vintage Seamaster right now, along with a few Seiko chrono's from the same customer.




Also in process of building a custom with a gold-plated Swiss 2824-2 movement, Yao custom mil dial and a 100m see-thru back SST case. Not sure what hands/band to use, probably some mercedes (of course!) or maybe some Yao sword hands.

So...., bored out of your wits yet?? Anyone one into classic mechanical watches, chime in (so to speak).

[engatwork]

I like 'em but just can't see good enough to get into turning wrenches on 'em. Want to share with us what you used to take the pic that you have attached? I have some Vulcain Crickets and a Hamilton 992. Usually don't wear a watch but when I do it is a well known self winding mechanical watch. I can't say it keeps as good a time as a Casio but it looks better.

Why is it that you need to keep mechanical watches wound up?

[TomJ]

Originally posted by engatwork
..........Why is it that you need to keep mechanical watches wound up?

With the older watch oils, they would dry and turn to goop in the jewels if the watch wasn't constantly running.

With the Moebius synthetic watch oils, that's not as much a concern any more. No watch winders here, I just let mine wind down, everything I work on now gets synthetic oil.

For the pics, an older Sony DSC-S30 shot through a magnifier base.

Here's more of the kind of stuff I work on, just updated the pics, enjoy.

http://jcww.gunsnet.net/sample.html

[Zeitgeist]

I collect and tinker with vintage mechanical clocks. I've got quite a few old chiming mantle clocks and 400-day (anniversary) clocks, and cuckoo clocks. Schatz, Mauthe, Hermle, Kienzle, Seth Thomas, Gilbert and others.

I've got tremendous respect for you folks who work on those impossibly small wrist watches--that's gotta take real skill and patience. I'm still a bit of a hack.

[engatwork]

Oh yea - I have a Bulova Accutron Spaceview that was a display watch in a jewelry from new till I got it.

I have read some pretty interesting articles about how the Rolex school where they send people to learn the trade. Based on what I read there are fewer and fewer people getting into watch making every year.

I love chronos, but don't own any mechanicals yet. I own several Seiko chronos, a Tag Hauer F1 Chrono, and a Citizen chrono. I frequent the TimeZone.com message boards and if anyone has not been there yet- check it out!!! VERY good information and good camaraderie over there.

Travmonster

[1991 560 SEC]

My Dad was a Certified Master Watchmaker, graduated from Waltham School of Watchmaking in 1948.

John

[Kuan]

Originally posted by TomJ
With the older watch oils, they would dry and turn to goop in the jewels if the watch wasn't constantly running.

With the Moebius synthetic watch oils, that's not as much a concern any more. No watch winders here, I just let mine wind down, everything I work on now gets synthetic oil.

So what kind of oil should I use for my watch, dino or synth?

[Botnst]

I have a 30 year-old Omega self-winder that I'd love to have cleaned and adjusted. Is there an Omega horologist in the house?

Botnst

[rickg]

Originally posted by Kuan
So what kind of oil should I use for my watch, dino or synth?

I use Delo 400

My hats off to you guys that can spend hours staring thru a magnifier/microscope working on these things. I'm a halfway decent mechanic and machinist, and I couldn't do it.

Originally Posted by Botnst

I have a 30 year-old Omega self-winder that I'd love to have cleaned and adjusted. Is there an Omega horologist in the house?

Botnst

Speaking of that did you send the watch to Switzerland B? or are you still neutral?

[BobK]

Hey Zeit, ya got any old 8 day Schatz cuckoos from about 1951-53 with a deer head at the top? My folks had one years ago that was stolen and it would be cool to replace it?
And if anybody has an old Elgin fancy dial with roman numerals and a hunter case from pre 1900. well, ya outta talk to my wife. i'd love one fro Christmas.

[Monomer]

Originally Posted by rickg

I use Delo 400

My hats off to you guys that can spend hours staring thru a magnifier/microscope working on these things. I'm a halfway decent mechanic and machinist, and I couldn't do it.

I almost went into Horology, it was a choice between it and CAM/CNC class.


I opted for the CAM class.

[BobK]

Late father-in-law started out as a watchmaker in NYC. Worked in the diamond district. Surreal place where people walk around with a million dollars worth of stones in their pockets. Did that for many years till doctor told him he had to give up the stress and the hunched-over position. He moved west to N.Ky in the 50's, working at the airport. Wound up being high up in freight operations. Died from cancer from asbestos (think red hot brakes on just landed freight planes in the 50s and 60s). Work (and having 12 kids to feed) was just gong to get him one way or the other. Screwy thing is, I don't ever recall anyone of his kids having a neat watch! He widow did keep a kit of his that had more watch parts than I could have ever imagined.
Me, Ijust have a few neat old clocks (and, like MBs, want more!)

[Ara T.]

I believe Carleton dabbled in watches... you here Carleton?