Leaderboard

While searching for something else, I came across some watch related titles on Project Gutenberg. I downloaded the following in .mobi (Kindle compatible) format: An Analysis of the Lever Escapement by H. R. Playtner Friction, Lubrication and the Lubricants in Horology by W. T. Lewis History of the American Clock Business for the Past Sixty Years, and Life of Chauncey Jerome, by Chauncey Jerome Rules and Practice for Adjusting Watches by Walter J. Kleinlein The Auburndale Watch Company by Edwin A. Battison Watch and Clock Escapements by Anonymous Should be some interesting reading... http://www.gutenberg.org

Thanks for that Jaycey - very interesting article, and it implies that Maron may not be as reputable as claimed. And given your obviously high level of knowledge on these things, it must put you in the category of "a handful of people around the world who can tell a real from an “almost real” vintage Rolex watches." :cool: Looking at some of those going for ridiculous prices on eBay, I have often wondered - and after reading your posts am now even more skeptical - about fakes being passed off as the real thing. My only other comment, as a quack who plays the guitar (hence my nick) - I think I've been concentrating on the wrong one of that pair, if John Mayer can afford to pay over $5 million just on watches!!! -- Pete, Brisbane ============

Hi Joe, I!m glad to here that you're now wearing your Connie. Unless it's not been serviced and is running dry and/or someone smacks it with a baseball bat it'll keep going longer than you. That watch that I've just serviced was my friends everyday wearer for years, whether out dining or working on his car. Now his son has it and is doing the same thing. It actually looks quite a bit better in the metal than on the photos. You can have your Pie and wear it too! I don't have one myself, but maybe some day! :-)

They are great tools. Top tip - use a poly bag under the watch, as the bezel or any perspex glass can be scratched otherwise. I found a poly bag to be thin enough to give a little protection but not so thick as to stop the watch sitting properly in the vice. This is because the watch can move slightly when you are turning the back off, and if you are exerting pressure downwards, which is natural, thats where scratches can happen :)

It's staggering and not the first time I have seen this happen (this was the highest value) I have seen 3-5k Omegas, Submariners etc. go like this despite reporting them. I contacted this seller and asked him how he would feel if the watch that he was going to spend his life savings on turned out to be fake. The best he could reply was "I am a respected lawyer, do not slander me any further or I will take action" I begged him to take action, stating he was pond life and a low life scammer. Unfortunately, some peoples greed drives them blindly on. Both the seller & buyer in this case :(

New toy arrived added pic. Opening the rolex case with the Horotec was simple with no effort. Conversation "whats that dear" ------ "Oh just a tool for my watches" ---- "how much " , "no nothing really, only a few quid dear " :D

I ended up using half of my garage as my wife threatened me with divorce when I attempted to create a work space in our bedroom (it has a north-facing bay window), but I digress. I picked up a drafting desk that was headed for the landfill and removed the top and replaced it with cabinet-grade Birch plywood and a rail. I also had to remove a footrest as it was originally intended to be used with a stool. As it turns out, the height, width and depth is the same as commercially available units. A quick coat of paint on the base and I was set. I also purchased the black storage unit from Ikea to store my tools and books. The desk to the left was a Craigslist freebie that I use for my ultrasonic tank/cleaning. On another related note, I use espresso cups as movement covers. They originally had a metal handle that I slipped off. They work beautifully. PS: yes, it is usually this tidy (OCD induced :D ). I can't work with chaos around me. Happy watchmaking/breaking! Roger

You could use two single sided razor blade to raise the collet far enough to allow a screwdriver to enter before twisting to raise the collet off the shaft. The razor blades are the type with the heavy metal stiffener on one side, and sharp blade on the other. They are also very useful when removing bezels on vintage watches. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Single-edge-razor-blades-good-quality-scraper-blades-pack-of-25-blades-/281509779875?

Sure - I am doing this currently with one of my old Omega's which was in a terrible state. The downside is you could start eating into the engraving but it's a trade-off. I used a metal diamond plate as it wont round off the edges but you could use an emery stick if it's fresh and you don't press too hard. I stripped the watch first and then re-mounted just the plates and rubbed it along the diamond plate keeping the grain in the same direction. Here, I made a quick vid for you, play it full screen as it's 1080:

You might need to get one of these. U boat style! :-)