The Traditional Watchmaker- a Historical Perspective

When searching online for someone to fix your timepiece, you might use terms like antique watch repair, vintage watch repair, or even old hand-wound watch repair. However, one term that’s often overlooked is “watchmaker.” While it may sound outdated, “watchmaker” traditionally refers to a skilled professional trained in the art of mechanical watch restoration and repair—long before battery-operated quartz … Continue reading The Traditional Watchmaker- a Historical Perspective

Choosing the Right Person to Repair your Watch | Vintage Watch Repair

UPDATED: January 2, 2026 Looking for a Qualified Person to Service or Repair your Vintage Watch? Here a Guide for Choosing a Watchmaker Choosing the right watchmaker to service your vintage mechanical watch is a decision that can have a lasting impact on the longevity and value of your timepiece. While the term "watchmaker" may … Continue reading Choosing the Right Person to Repair your Watch | Vintage Watch Repair

Questions from the Inbox: How do I identify my Grandmothers Watch?

Question: I looked everywhere but could not find any information about this watch. After finding your site I hope you can help me identify my grandmother's watch. Attached are 3 pictures. One of the face, the inside of the back, and a close up of the mechanism. I believe it still has the original wrist … Continue reading Questions from the Inbox: How do I identify my Grandmothers Watch?

Pivot Repair Gruen Veri-Thin 420SS circa 1943

Here is an example of a pivot repair on a 1940s Gruen Veri-Thin. As seen in the picture, the upper pivot of the center wheel has deep groves worn for years of running, perhaps without lubricant. This is tricky repair as this calibre has a center sweep second hand, and the center post is hollow. … Continue reading Pivot Repair Gruen Veri-Thin 420SS circa 1943

Roskopf Pocket Watch | Antique Pocket Watch Repair

Servicing the Roskopf Pocket Watch Pin-pallet Escapement The thick heavy brass plates and wheels are cleaned and inspected. New pins replaced old worn pins on the pallet. The watch was stem wound, but finger set. This watch was set by moving the hands with one's finger depositing oils, leaving the heavy green corrosion at the tip of … Continue reading Roskopf Pocket Watch | Antique Pocket Watch Repair

Elgin Father Time Railroad Watch Repair | Antique Pocket Watch Repair

Mechanical Restoration, Repair and Service of the Elgin Father Time Railroad Watch with up-down indicator The watch featured here is a vintage Elgin “Father Time” Railroad Grade pocket watch with an Up-Down power reserve indicator — a historically significant and mechanically demanding timepiece. When it arrived, it showed critical wear and damage, common in century-old railroad watches, … Continue reading Elgin Father Time Railroad Watch Repair | Antique Pocket Watch Repair

Questions from the Inbox: Why is my watch running slow/fast in different positions?

Question: I have two pocket watches. One is a fusee from 1884, and the other is a chronograph from 1895. Both have been professionally cleaned and adjusted. My problem is this: both watches run fast or slow depending on if they are hung, laid on their back, or laid on a side. Can you advise the … Continue reading Questions from the Inbox: Why is my watch running slow/fast in different positions?