Jump to content

Hello! - A History And Introduction

calebpea

By calebpea
in Introduce Yourself Here

 Share

Recommended Posts

calebpea Member

calebpea

Posted
Posted

Good afternoon everyone! I couldn't find an introductions board so I figured the general board would be a great place to start.

 

First off, my name is Caleb and I am from Brooklyn, NY. My first wristwatch purchase was black stainless steel Fossil from 2007. It was about $100 USD and, at the time, it was significant amount of money. I really liked the watch because it was very low-key and it looked more expensive than it really was. I had it for about two years, until I left it in someone's dorm room and never found it. That was the last time I wore a watch for a significant period of time.

 

post-421-0-21612700-1416170726.jpg

 

Fast foward to the end of 2012, five years after my first purchase. I was hitting my two year mark working as test engineer at a company in Garden City, NY that manufactured heat exchangers for military and commercial aircraft. I finally was able to afford nice clothes for the first time in my life, but I was never able to find a watch that I really enjoyed; there were too many to choose from and I could not decide which one I liked because I liked too many of them. I started doing some research (ie. a lot of Googling). It started off at this forum that spun off from another gaming forum that I frequented when I was in middle (secondary) school) and it ultimately brought me to Watchuseek. After perusing Watchuseek for a suprisingly short amount of time, I discovered the watch I wanted to purchase: an Omega Speedmaster Professional. Its history intrigued me; I worked as a test engineer in the aerospace industry, so I was familiar with all the qualification tests that the Speedmaster was subjected to back in the 1950s and 1960s - high temperature, low temperature, humidity, vibration, shock, thermal cycling, pressure cycling, etc. It was the perfect memento to end my tenure working in the aerospace industry.

 

I haven't worn a watch in years nor did I know anything about wristwatches. I knew nothing about the brands nor did I really care for them. The last one I purchased, in retrospect, was a paltry sum of $100 USD and I had thought that was expensive. I was expecting to spend around $1000 to $1500 on my first proper wristwatch so I experienced a bit of a sticker shock when I discovered the price of the Speedmaster Professional. Long story short, I bit the financial bullet and purchased the 3573.50 (the one with the sapphire crystal and caseback) from Ace Jewelers in Amsterdam.

 

post-421-0-98745000-1416170682_thumb.jpg

 

The watch was delivered to me on December 21st 2012. For those who do not recall, that was the date when the Mayan calendar ended. An asteroid was suppose to crash into Earth, ending all of human life as we know it. The world was in a frenzy, despite the sheer impossibility of such an event happening. It was a bizarre coincidence (and the first of many) as a new owner of a Speedmaster Professional. A few days later, I was attending my friend's Christmas Party. At one point of the party, I had noticed that the watch had stopped. I wounded it up all the way and it starting going. A few days after that, I was attending another friend's New Years Party. At the stroke of midnight, I had checked my watch and noticed that it had stopped dead. There was something clearly wrong.

 

The next few months became an ordeal. I had brought my watch to the Omega Boutique in New York, twice. I had asked them to wear the watch and they will immediately find that there is a problem, but I am assuming they did not listen to my recommendation. They had my watch for nearly two months, both times they failed to correct the problem, let alone replicate the problem. To add insult to injury, as they were handing the watch to me one final time, the only solution they offered was that I must have been winding it incorrectly. Seriously, the people in the Omega Boutique sat me down for 15 minutes to teach me how to wind a brand new watch. Finally, I had shipped it back to Ace Jewelers in Amsterdam. They initially failed to replicate the problem (I had to tell them to wear the watch and they soon discovered that there is something clearly wrong with it), but ultimately shipped it to Omega, had the problem corrected, and then shipped it back to me. It has been nearly two years  since then and the watch is still going, although it jumps ahead a few minutes after a few weeks.

 

As a result of this ordeal, I became incredibly disinterested in Omega as a brand, but as an upside, I became incredibly interested in mechanical wristwatch movements; one could say this was the silver lining to that mess. I didn't know where to start so I started doing research on my troublesome watch. I purchased this book by B. Humbert, The Chronograph - Its Mechanism and Repair. I have tried to look over it extensively. It is a great book, but it is like attempting to read a car repair manual for fun. I managed to get a hold of Chicago Watchmaking School's Watchmaking Guide and I am starting to read it. Again, it is like reading a car repair manual for fun. I'll glance through them every now and then, but as of now, they are not capturing my attention. Then I discovered Mark Lovick's YouTube videos. I have only one word to describe them: Fantastic. Seriously, I watch them before I head to bed at night.

 

post-421-0-51951700-1416170853_thumb.jpg

 

I am at that stage in between research and actually purchasing a movement to tinker around with. The first step I plan on taking is purchasing the basic tools and a scrap pocketwatch movement for disassembly and reassembly; I'll be following the Chicago Watchmaking School's Watchmaking Guide as it seems to be very structured. I would love to hear other people's input, their history, how they got involved in watchmaking, where they are currently, and where they plan on going. I look foward to speaking with all of you!

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites
calebpea Member

calebpea

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I guess it would not be inappropriate to share what I believe is the one of the most beautiful watches ever made. My vote goes to the A. Lange & Söhne Double Split Flyback. The movement is unique - the depth, the colors, the detailing. The aesthetics, the complexity, and layers remind me of classical Baroque piece. It is like harmony growing out of dissonance.

 

As cliched as this may sound, I believe that this wristwatch is the epitome of art, engineering, and emotion meshing together into this masterful piece. I don't think there is any other movement that remotely compares to this one. It is definitely not the most complex one I have seen (although it is pretty high up there), but I as of now, I have not seen another movement that compares to this one.

 

post-421-0-83048700-1416172982_thumb.jpg

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Vich Distinguished Member

Vich

Posted
Posted

Hello Caleb,

Always good to have a fresh perspective and read the Omega tale of woe with interest. Just shows that even if you pay the dues you still have to have a bit of luck or you may get a bad one. Further complicated by the poor listening skills of those who should have provided you with service.

Welcome to the forum though and I look forward to future postings.

Cheers,

Vic

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WillFly Distinguished Member

WillFly

Posted
Posted

And a belated welcome from me - an avid watch collector for some years, and an amateur tinkerer. Your story of Omega adds to my belief that, when looking for watches, it's not always the name that matters. Many of my watches are old - at least 40-50 years - and some are much older. Some are a little battered and showing their age - as I am :D  but we all keep going with care and attention!

Cheers,

 

Will

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
noirrac1j Distinguished Member

noirrac1j

Posted
Posted

Caleb welcome to the Forum!

I live in Brooklyn too and one of the first watches that I bought was a Fossil, which I still have! Since then I have added many Omegas to my collection but don't have a Speed master--yet. I also have a Bocktok Russian diver watch, A few electronic curio watches, a Bulova, a couple of Walthams and one swatch scuba 200 aluminum "bubble" watch that I wear when it rains! I started watch collecting as a hobby and soon discovered the high cost of overhauls which led me to try doing it myself. Many junker watches, flying springs, lost screws, tangles hairprings and cracked crystals later, I have gotten pretty good. I just finished overhauling an Omega Constellation 752 with day and date and nearly lost my mind caused by the level of difficulty in getting the day and date working properly after dissassembly. In my other life I work on pain mechanisms and  jargony medical stuff related to behavioral and neural metabolic effects of opioid addiction. Welcome to the Forum! Brooklyn's in Da HOUSE!!

 

JC

Link to comment
Share on other sites
NigelNorski WRT Addict

NigelNorski

Posted
Posted

I guess it would not be inappropriate to share what I believe is the one of the most beautiful watches ever made. My vote goes to the A. Lange & Söhne Double Split Flyback. The movement is unique - the depth, the colors, the detailing. The aesthetics, the complexity, and layers remind me of classical Baroque piece. It is like harmony growing out of dissonance.

 

As cliched as this may sound, I believe that this wristwatch is the epitome of art, engineering, and emotion meshing together into this masterful piece. I don't think there is any other movement that remotely compares to this one. It is definitely not the most complex one I have seen (although it is pretty high up there), but I as of now, I have not seen another movement that compares to this one.

 

attachicon.gifa-lange-sohne-double-split_5.jpg

Lovely watch but shouldn't the screws all line up nicely ? :geek:  hello Caleb, good luck with those car repair workshop manuals...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 2 weeks later...
calebpea Member

calebpea

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Caleb welcome to the Forum!

I live in Brooklyn too and one of the first watches that I bought was a Fossil, which I still have! Since then I have added many Omegas to my collection but don't have a Speed master--yet. I also have a Bocktok Russian diver watch, A few electronic curio watches, a Bulova, a couple of Walthams and one swatch scuba 200 aluminum "bubble" watch that I wear when it rains! I started watch collecting as a hobby and soon discovered the high cost of overhauls which led me to try doing it myself. Many junker watches, flying springs, lost screws, tangles hairprings and cracked crystals later, I have gotten pretty good. I just finished overhauling an Omega Constellation 752 with day and date and nearly lost my mind caused by the level of difficulty in getting the day and date working properly after dissassembly. In my other life I work on pain mechanisms and  jargony medical stuff related to behavioral and neural metabolic effects of opioid addiction. Welcome to the Forum! Brooklyn's in Da HOUSE!!

 

JC

 

 

Hello Caleb,

Always good to have a fresh perspective and read the Omega tale of woe with interest. Just shows that even if you pay the dues you still have to have a bit of luck or you may get a bad one. Further complicated by the poor listening skills of those who should have provided you with service.

Welcome to the forum though and I look forward to future postings.

Cheers,

Vic

 

There is always a silver lining! Now I am intersted in watch repair. As far as I can tell, it doesn't seem to difficult to learn. I feel that exposure is what I need. I do need some basic tools and scrap movement to toy around with.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
calebpea Member

calebpea

Posted
  • Author
Posted

And a belated welcome from me - an avid watch collector for some years, and an amateur tinkerer. Your story of Omega adds to my belief that, when looking for watches, it's not always the name that matters. Many of my watches are old - at least 40-50 years - and some are much older. Some are a little battered and showing their age - as I am :D  but we all keep going with care and attention!

Cheers,

 

Will

 

I agree that brand name doesn't really provide an accurate indication to quality. And maintenance is always key

Link to comment
Share on other sites
calebpea Member

calebpea

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Caleb welcome to the Forum!

I live in Brooklyn too and one of the first watches that I bought was a Fossil, which I still have! Since then I have added many Omegas to my collection but don't have a Speed master--yet. I also have a Bocktok Russian diver watch, A few electronic curio watches, a Bulova, a couple of Walthams and one swatch scuba 200 aluminum "bubble" watch that I wear when it rains! I started watch collecting as a hobby and soon discovered the high cost of overhauls which led me to try doing it myself. Many junker watches, flying springs, lost screws, tangles hairprings and cracked crystals later, I have gotten pretty good. I just finished overhauling an Omega Constellation 752 with day and date and nearly lost my mind caused by the level of difficulty in getting the day and date working properly after dissassembly. In my other life I work on pain mechanisms and  jargony medical stuff related to behavioral and neural metabolic effects of opioid addiction. Welcome to the Forum! Brooklyn's in Da HOUSE!!

 

JC

 

Always nice to meet someone from Brooklyn. No doubt that you have an extensive collection. Where do you purchase your junker watches? I'm actually looking for a mechanical stopwatch (the components are a lot bigger, therefor easier to work with).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
noirrac1j Distinguished Member

noirrac1j

Posted
Posted

Always nice to meet someone from Brooklyn. No doubt that you have an extensive collection. Where do you purchase your junker watches? I'm actually looking for a mechanical stopwatch (the components are a lot bigger, therefor easier to work with).

I buy most of my junker watches from late night prowls on ebay. You would not belive what you can find when you click on "see other seller's items" and also the related searches. I have so many watches that I cakll junkers--but they almnost all work!  I don't have a mechanical stop watch but have seen some that are affordable.I just posted an Omega Constellation 751 I finished. what else have you in your collection?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • oldhippy
      Beat adjustment

      By oldhippy · Posted

      I don't know if there is a timing machine for balance spring clocks. If not it is a case of trial and error. You should make a note of the position of the regulate and work from there.   
    • oldhippy
      Blew it with a coil

      By oldhippy · Posted

      I'm sure you will get help on here soon.  Kkramme we like new members to make an introduction before posting. A little about your self such as where you life and what got you interested in Horology  
    • dnhb
      Beat adjustment

      By dnhb · Posted

      I'd be grateful for recommendations of good sources of advice on getting clocks with balance spring - as opposed to pendulum - escapements 'in beat'.....
    • Michael1962
      Hettich Clock

      By Michael1962 · Posted

      Well I am in a bit of a quandary. I can't find the correct colour for the dial. I even wrote to Hettich a while back hoping they would give me the colour code for the dial. The reply that I received was "We don't make those anymore." I am thinking now to silver the dial and use a water transfer decal to put minute markers and the HETTICH logo (which is the very font that this forum uses) and the Made in Germany down the bottom. Not sure of the success rate of the water transfer method, but I have no other solution for the markers and logo. Handpainting is just not an option. In trying to get the top piece of the clock polished, it has progressively lost its sharp edges. My stupid hamfisted effort. I am thinking of purchasing a replacement piece of brass and drilling new holes in it for the corner posts. Why I attempted to repolish using wet & dry and not simply using a paint remover to remove the old lacquer from the brass, I don't know. You whistle and I'll point at the idiot. I also need to purchase some sheet spring steel as the two small ratchet springs that arrest the wheel that supports the weight after it is lifted by the electromagnet are worn. The two from the donor clock that I purchased are worse. I am hoping that I will be able to manufacture new springs without having to fiddle about with tempering etc to the steel. I have some ideas on that front. How many things until the clock is no longer the original? Like an axe. Heard a woodchopper on tv once saying that he had replaced the head on his axe twice and the handle three times, but it was the same axe that he began woodchopping with. 😉 I must post more often or read back through what I have previously written. Keep repeating myself. Sigh.
    • Waggy
      Movement holder made with 3D printer

      By Waggy · Posted

      I use the exact OD and it fits in with a little force and a pleasing 'click' so it's snug and wont rotate within the holder, but that depends on how you have set up and calibrated your printer so you may need to play with the settings/dimensions a little to allow for any discrepancies in your printer calibration. PS I just finished (2 days ago) a new revision which automatically prints the movement OD on the bottom of the holder, I'll see if I can upload it here Here is rev 4 remember to change the .pdf to .FCStd so it will open in FreeCAD - also you may need to install the LiberationSansBold font and tell FreeCAD where it lives on your PC, or change the font to something you already have on your system. Para Movement Holder V4.pdf Examples below:
×
×
  • Create New...