Bulova A-11 & American Strap Co.

Adding the proper strap to the A-11

As I stated on my most recent post, I’ve begun searching for the proper bracelets or straps for each timepiece that crosses the workbench. Prior to the 1960’s most watches were sold with simple leather watch bands although some brands (Hamilton springs to mind) designed metal bracelets for their watches during this period and those bracelets were tailored to the timepiece. From the 1960’s forward, it was not uncommon for stainless steel watches to come with stainless steel link bracelets. Many of these bracelets have not survived the test of time and if you can find a 50+ year old timepiece with its original leather strap you almost certainly want to replace it! Continue reading “Bulova A-11 & American Strap Co.”

Favre Leuba Bivouac 53203

Service of a 1961 altimeter watch

Almost two years ago I placed a post on the blog detailing the service and repair of a vintage Favre Leuba chronograph  that I’d purchased from an antique dealer. I commented at the time that I had become aware of the Favre Leuba brand when I read about their “Bivouac” model which had the ability to inform the user of his or her altitude in addition to the time. Today I’m happy to be able to tell the story of my Favre Leuba Bivouac, which I’ve been working on for the past three years. Continue reading “Favre Leuba Bivouac 53203”

Gallet Multichron 12

Service of an Excelsior Park chronograph movement

Slowly but surely I’ve been working my way through the various chronograph movements from the Golden Age of Chronographs. I’ve worked on the Valjoux, Venus, Landeron, and Lemania movements and today I can strike the elusive Excelsior Park movement off the to do list. Continue reading “Gallet Multichron 12”

Seiko Bellmatic 4006-7020

First crack at an alarm complication

A couple of years ago when I first got into this watchmaking thing I wanted to share my hobby with the family and figured giving my father and brother a good watch for Christmas was a capital idea. Fast forward to Christmas Eve and my father had a finely refurbished Seiko 7002-7000 and my brother had the empty case of a 7002-700J- it would take another couple of weeks for the movement to be ready! Continue reading “Seiko Bellmatic 4006-7020”

Omega Speedmaster Automatic

Service of an Omega 176.0012 Speedmaster

It’s been a long while since I’ve worked on an Omega but fortune smiled upon me late last year when I found this 1979 Omega Speedmaster Automatic in need of aid. The seller stated the watch was non-operative on account of parts missing- specifically the Balance, Pallet, and Balance Cock. Continue reading “Omega Speedmaster Automatic”

Hampden Pocket Watch

Service of an antique American pocket watch

Here’s a pocket watch I picked up after having a day that was so bad it kept me up at night. Instead of a restful sleep, I found myself perusing the classifieds in the early morning for interesting antiques and stopped myself when I came across the advert for this fine piece. Continue reading “Hampden Pocket Watch”

US Divers “Aqualung Calypso”

This is  a US Divers Company “Aqualung Calypso” diving gauge from the mid to late sixties. Having an affinity for anything sporting a needle under glass I just had to have one of these and therefore have been on the lookout for one at a good price.  This particular gauge came by eBay for about twice what it would have cost new in 1966. Continue reading “US Divers “Aqualung Calypso””

Gucci Bangle Watch

Servicing my mother’s watch

This watch belongs to my mother; it was a gift from my father many years back- a Christmas gift I believe, although I may be mistaken. She delivered me the watch along with a few others for replacement batteries. Sadly, I didn’t have the needed power cell on hand and had to place an order for it. Instead of twiddling my thumbs while I waited for  the delivery I decided to give the watch a good clean. Continue reading “Gucci Bangle Watch”

Navitimer 806 Restoration: Part 3

Conclusion of the Navitimer project

This is the final chapter of the Breitling Navitimer Restoration Project which began in 2016.  As you’ll recall I had serviced the movement and repaired the damaged case; I had also repaired the hour and minute hands which were bent and needed new luminous paint. Continue reading “Navitimer 806 Restoration: Part 3”

Time to Clean House

Selling old watches and parts

Well, it’s been quite a while since I’ve posted and that’s because I’ve been mulling a whole new approach to this watchmaking hobby of mine.

It started out simply enough- get myself an Omega Speedmaster cheap, but it ballooned into a job that has frankly caused me more anxiety that glee.  I’ve accumulated so many rubbish watches and watch movements that I don’t really know what to do with them all. I’d buy one to fix and another for parts, then think to myself, “You know, I’ll bet you could fix both of these…” and well there you go. Continue reading “Time to Clean House”