Off topic watch chat for the horologists out there

impmad2000 · Post by **impmad2000** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 10:21 am

As the son of an Horologist, I grew up looking at the inside details of many a watch. I always remember looking at pictures of these
http://www.danielslondon.com/
Real craftsmanship !!
There was always stuff around, from clocks to Marine Chronometers. The skill with which my Dad would file a detent spring from a solid block to the thickness of a hair, or turn the pivot on a balance staff was amazing.
The real design works was what I always found mind blowing ! He was alwasy fiddling with a new desogn or other. From Constant force, double impulse spring detent escapment (He won the freeman of the city of london with this design) to rotating tourbillon carriages ... Real engineering on a scale so small it blows your mind !
Some times hed make a piece with amazing intricacy from steel, just to test the design, and then for the finished design he'd make it from ruby !
I'd love to post pictures, but sadly I don't have any. Since he passed away a few years ago, an major skill resource has gone with him. There are few now left that can match the knowledge and skills of some of the last Clerkenwell trained Horologists. Sometimes I wish I knew more !
He wore a Quartz watch every day ! or the Smith electric watch prototype that he designed in the 60's !

sladey · Post by **sladey** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:13 am

Interesting reading Tim - explains your fascination with things mechanical

I used to go on http://www.timezone.com/ quite a lot before I bought my watch - was also interested in doing maintenance on the watch myself (there are courses on there), but eventually came to the conclusion that I'm too hamfisted.

May give it a proper go one day though.

impmad2000 · Post by **impmad2000** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:59 am

I had a go once, turning a new balance pivot, using a hand graver, a small set of turns and a hand bow to drive the whole lot !
I too am far to hamfisted ! I can write a clock program for a microprocessor far easier ! Some interface logic and 7 segment displays and bingo ! Lacks quite a lot in the finishd product though !!
I do have a very nice Schaublin watch makers lathe (Still wrapped up)
One day I' will have a go. Keep it simple perhaps - Re bush a clock movement or something !!
Tim

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:45 pm

I nearly bought a Lorch watchmaker's lathe last year. Not too much money, and would have gone nicely with my 1956 Lorch toolmaker's one.

I've got a friend who collects them, and his collection includes Boley, Lorch and Schaublin (sp?) watch and clock making lathes. All very nice, and all up and running.

mycar · Post by **mycar** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 4:32 pm

Well if James is going to buy a watch, then I might too.

Does any body know anything about a Gruen Air flight 24 hour?

Or just anything about Gruen ?

Regards, Mike R.

hot66 · Post by **hot66** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 5:34 pm

well I'm torn between these:

and these

mycar · Post by **mycar** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 5:47 pm

I like the one at the bottom, understated. Also nice big numbers

I thought one of these

[/img]

Julian Hunt · Post by **Julian Hunt** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:57 pm

I've never really been into watches, never really had spare cash to be able to entertain the idea, but this one came along and I figured I was well due a treat, it has someones initials and an early '66 date stamped on the back.

Took a few snaps after getting it serviced and cleaned locally recently.....

Lots of nice pictures of watches here

pillay2k · Post by **pillay2k** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 2:01 pm

I'm usually a quiet member when it comes to the general chat... but i do like watches.
It took me ages to find something a little different, as there is no way i can afford a bling Rolex or Breitling!

My current watch is a Nixon Rotolog (Walnut inlay):

My girlfriend also has a similar one, Nixon Chalet (bamboo inlay):

On the trail of sample pics i came across this too...

Krazy!!

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:04 pm

Well it was away for nearly 3 months and cost a fortune, but just got the watch back from a service! It looks fantastic, they polish out every scratch in the metal, replace any worn parts, fit new glass, change the oil, reset the timing and pressure test down to 600 feet.

Doesn't look bad for a 30 year old watch

and the bill.......

Vic Cohen · Post by **Vic Cohen** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:31 pm

if only u looked as good Mate !

hot66 · Post by **hot66** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:47 pm

I've got a bit of lust over Sub Mariners

Whenever I have a drink with 'Dugsud' teh converstion turns to watches & subs

I never updated my posts, but I did finally buy a watch. Did a lot of research and bought a swiss mechanical ETA movement 'homage' to a Panerai ...... not everyones taste but I love it

It is definatly a homage & not a 'branded' replica

Also currently interested in a Christoper Ward

http://www.christopherward.co.uk/pd2_ME ... Dsteel.htm#

Mick Cliff · Post by **Mick Cliff** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:18 pm

hot66 wrote:I've got a bit of lust over Sub Mariners

Whenever I have a drink with 'Dugsud' teh converstion turns to watches & subs

I never updated my posts, but I did finally a watch. Did a lot of research and bought a swiss mechanical ETA movement 'homage' to a Panerai ...... not everyones taste but I love it It is definatly a homage & not a 'branded' replica

Also currently interested in a Christoper Ward

http://www.christopherward.co.uk/pd2_ME ... Dsteel.htm#

Never noticed the watch on Sunday James - so why were you late? I told everyone that your always late because you never wear a watch

stuj76 · Post by **stuj76** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:15 pm

Mick Cliff wrote:
hot66 wrote:I've got a bit of lust over Sub Mariners

Whenever I have a drink with 'Dugsud' teh converstion turns to watches & subs

I never updated my posts, but I did finally a watch. Did a lot of research and bought a swiss mechanical ETA movement 'homage' to a Panerai ...... not everyones taste but I love it It is definatly a homage & not a 'branded' replica

Also currently interested in a Christoper Ward

http://www.christopherward.co.uk/pd2_ME ... Dsteel.htm#
Never noticed the watch on Sunday James - so why were you late? I told everyone that your always late because you never wear a watch

I did, and it looks the biz!!

Funily enough I have been looking for this thread as I am after something vintage and unusual, but also keep meaning to ask Bootsy where he got his auto watch winder from as I can't make my mind up over Orbita or Rapport watch winders??

S

Helen · Post by **Helen** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:27 pm

mycar wrote:I like the one at the bottom, understated. Also nice big numbers

I thought one of these

[/img]

i am really not into all these watches with multi dials ad hands... NOW these i really do like. they look very classic/retro

How much (dare i ask) ?