Author Archives: Robert

Accumulating Tools (and Knowledge)

Posted on October 14, 2017 by Robert

I am trying to resurrect an old yacht timer I found on eBay. It was in pretty bad shape but, as I’ve said before, I’m fond of Gallet watches. I’m not sure I’ll be able to save the rusty movement. … Continue reading →

Posted in Watch Repair | Tagged , | Comments Off on Accumulating Tools (and Knowledge)

A Venus 170 Chronograph Mashup and the Importance of Books

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Robert

Back in 2014 I acquired a Gotham chronograph with a low grade, 7 jewel Venus 170 movement. For some strange reason the only part missing was the flyback lever or hammer. I spent some time over the years looking for … Continue reading →

Posted in Watch Repair | Tagged , | Comments Off on A Venus 170 Chronograph Mashup and the Importance of Books

Wittnauer Chronograph Complete

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Robert

Well it’s been about six months but I finally completed my Valjoux Caliber 71 watch “kit”. As I described here, late last summer I picked up a very nice chronograph that was partially disassembled and had been bouncing around in … Continue reading →

Posted in Watch Repair | Tagged , | Comments Off on Wittnauer Chronograph Complete

Waltham Jitterbug

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Robert

I had some free time while waiting for parts for other projects so I thought I would get this Waltham timer up and running. I am not sure where this came from but was not running and the hands had … Continue reading →

Posted in Watch Repair | Tagged , | Comments Off on Waltham Jitterbug

Too Big?

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Robert

This is watch 1002 cased and ready for testing. My plan was to keep this one for myself since the movement has a few scratches. I used the dial and hands from another pocket watch because this case is so … Continue reading →

Posted in Handmade Watches, NWC | Tagged | Comments Off on Too Big?

Valjoux 71 “Kit”

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Robert

A quick picture of a Valjoux 71 chronograph project I acquired over the weekend. It was taken apart many years ago and was rattling around in a peanut can. The picture above shows the major pieces set in place just … Continue reading →

Posted in Watch Repair | Tagged , | Comments Off on Valjoux 71 “Kit”

First Watches For Sale

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Robert

The first two handmade watches have gone up on my Etsy store. Check them out and let me know if you have any questions. 1001 1003

Posted in Handmade Watches, NWC | Tagged , | Comments Off on First Watches For Sale

Ratchet Wheel Decoration

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Robert

I thought I would share my first attempt at decorating a ratchet wheel. This was done on an old wheel with a broken tooth using a six jaw chuck in the lathe. Something like this will definitely find its way … Continue reading →

Posted in Handmade Watches | Comments Off on Ratchet Wheel Decoration

Work In Progress

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Robert

Just a quick update. I received the case last week for watch 1000. Parts and plans are coming in a bit out of order so this is the third watch to be completed. It is currently being tested. I really … Continue reading →

Posted in Handmade Watches, NWC | Tagged | Comments Off on Work In Progress

First NWC Watches

Posted on April 26, 2015 by Robert

Last fall I started looking into making my own watches. I was inspired by a lecture given by a local watchmaking student. His school project movement was an ETA 6498. The lecture covered his process for making a 3/4 plate … Continue reading →

Posted in Handmade Watches, NWC | Tagged , | Comments Off on First NWC Watches