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I just posted over on ΩForums, but thought I'd share here as well. After 28 years in the military and 22 years working for a Defence contractor, I thought it was time to hang up the guns. Today was my last day of full time work. My occupation will now be described as "retiree". I had a morning tea with close workmates and then headed home at about 10:30. I got home and to my surprise my Darlin' had taken the day off and prepared a "Retirement Package" for me. I added the presentation picture from work and took a pic of the bounty. I think I can get used to this.

Hi folks, New member from Australia. I have been following your forum for a couple of weeks and have really picked up some good tips. I really had a life long interest in watches, but started getting into repairs around 6 years ago. Before that I was the guy who was on the couch Christmas day fixing all the broken toys as I guess some of you were as well. I became a fan of Marks videos and really learnt a lot, like you I find them relaxing as he seems to employ minimum effort in what he does (read skill). Mark, you make a good instructor. I started with pocket watches and have steadily tried to better myself. Like all of you I sure have had my share of frustration...lost parts, breaking things etc, but like anything I guess, if you persist you will get better. What I really like though, is to repair old watches that belonged to fathers/uncles etc and see them being worn again. I have done many over the years. It really appeals to me and most people too, that these fine pieces of machinery are resurrected from the backs of drawers and do their original job again. People ask me what the cost is and I always say no charge as long as you wear it from time to time. Anyway on to the topic of this thread. I have recently (past two years) branched out a bit and started making watch bands. I found the ones on the internet either costly or poor quality. I use exotic skins, maybe a little pricey, but they go a really long way. There are many challenges to get a band right and I would be happy to pass on tips that seem to help me to any members. Crocodile is my favourite, it as tough as anything, but cuts like butter. The set up is straight forward and does not cost much. It takes me around 4 hours per band including the hand stitching. Here is a photo of some examples. The orange one (yes a bit out there, is ostrich and it has a soft kid backing), the dark ones are crocodile, and the brown is ostrich neck. I experimented a bit and changed the band on a chrome seiko hi-beat to a patchwork (eel, toad, sea snake, ostrich etc) one which my wife likes. Friends have them and wear them regularly and they seem to last well so far. So, glad to be aboard and looking forward to learning more.

Thank you for your time. Отправлено с моего Lenovo P780 через Tapatalk

Just re-read your post and you did state it was a ladies.

What is the size - is it ladies. Could be FHF 59 or 59-21 those are found in old ladies Rotary's

Thanks for the warm welcome. I will probably make a band this weekend and will post a few pics to explain.

The serial number tells me this: Grade: No. 315 Movement Serial Number: 24782295 Grade: No. 315 Model: 1900 Estimated Production Year: 1924 Run Quantity: 3,000 Total Production: 89,950 Size: 3/0 Jewels: 15j Movement Configuration: Openface Movement Finish: Unknown Movement Setting: Pendant

I had a load of ants in my yard yesterday many of them were flying ants so a kettle of boiling water did the trick.

Everything I've seen/read is it's a very good watch for the price. I have looked at them myself. I do believe it's the ETA 2824-2 as most in this grade are. There has been some discussion on the fisheye date window popping off but no conformation.

I just got of ebay Pierce chrono model 134 (2 buttons) and it has same issue... no seconds hand, I did some research on Cousins and they have something similar to original hands, suisse made and Im thinking about this as a temp solution :).

You are right copper + ammonia = blue. If there is water in it then it has become contaminated and I would dispose of it. That is all I can find for you.

Let's not forget Marc's picker upper for handling jewels and hands, particularly small chronograph hands. "Just for you Geo... This is the smallest one in the range, I don't think that I would have a use for the bigger ones. And no, that jewel isn't balanced, it's hanging. I don't know how long the sticky lasts. I've had mine just over a year now and have used it a lot with no loss of tackiness. When it does eventually lose its stick I suspect that it will only require a rinse in cold water and then air dry to rejuvenate it, although at the price I will probably just replace it."