Have you obtained a vintage or antique mechanical watch? Perhaps you have recently inherited a fine timepiece. Or you have started a small collection of watches for your enjoyment. Should you keep them regularly serviced? Research your timepiece Do you have a collectible piece that will continue to increase in value? Even If not highly … Continue reading Should I have my vintage watch serviced: Cost verses value
Category: Service and repair
SERVICE & REPAIR: Vintage Movado Datron HS 360 Chronograph
Today I’m servicing the Movado Datron HS 360. This Movado featured the Zenith 3019 PHC movement (also used in the Zenith El Primero). Released around 1969, it was touted as the first automatic chronograph (although both Heuer And Seiko were close to follow with their Chronomatic and Speedtimer). It featured 60 sec./30 min./12 hour count … Continue reading SERVICE & REPAIR: Vintage Movado Datron HS 360 Chronograph
Finding the Right Person to Repair your Vintage Watch
“When your watch gets out of order you have a choice of two things to do: throw it in the fire or take it to the watch-tinker. The former is the quickest.”-Mark Twain The demand for the "traditional watchmaker" has evolved over the years, but the skills needed are the same. First, let's clarify the … Continue reading Finding the Right Person to Repair your Vintage 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
SERVICE & REPAIR: Roskopf Pocket Watch Pin-pallet Escapement
Georges Frederic Roskopf was a watchmaker during the mid-1800s. He developed the pin-pallet escapement (an easily and cheaply manufactured escapement used in inexpensive watches). His objective was to produce an affordable decent quality pocket watch, and that he did. This example is a plain, utilitarian, practical, and serviceable watch. Built well enough to be restored … Continue reading SERVICE & REPAIR: Roskopf Pocket Watch Pin-pallet Escapement
Antique Pocket Watch repair log: Elgin Father Time Railroad Watch with up-down indicator
Shattered cap jewel This antique Elgin Father Time Railroad pocket watch came to the shop in relatively good shape, but it had many repair issues. The balance staff had a broken pivot, the lower escape wheel cap jewel was shattered, the lower second hand wheel jewel was cracked, and the seconds hand lower pivot was … Continue reading Antique Pocket Watch repair log: Elgin Father Time Railroad Watch with up-down indicator