Fusee chain

[Michael1962]

Firstly, no I do not have one. 
Secondly, I have just been thinking how you would go about making a chain from scratch?

For a clock (which is why I put this question in here) it would be easier based on size, but it would still be a tough job and quite an achievement. 
For a pocket watch? I am quite baffled to put it simply. 
So are there any takers on here that can explain to me how it is done?

[RichardHarris123]

I'm baffled too, they were made with basic tools, by children I think.  

[Neverenoughwatches]

13 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I'm baffled too, they were made with basic tools, by children I think.  

small children have the better eyesight, smaller more nibble fingers. I expect l might be quite good at it considering i can be childlike, shame about the big hands and dodgy eyesight though.

Edited May 30, 2024 by Neverenoughwatches

[RichardHarris123]

4 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

expect l might be quite good at it considering i can be childlike, shame about the big hands and dodgy eyesight though.

Plus you're a rough a%£e joiner, who only needs to be within 4mm, decorators calk will fill the gap. Hehe. 

Watch this 

https://youtu.be/os3Vthd_Us4?si=43Bc8ItUh4Z4zh7N

 

 

[Neverenoughwatches]

1 hour ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Plus you're a rough a%£e joiner, who only needs to be within 4mm, decorators calk will fill the gap. 

You've seen my work then .

[nevenbekriev]

What I know is that chains were only assembled by MYOPIC children. Their sights degraded for several years and thus they had short and unhappy lifes. The children were bought by the watchmakers from their parrents...

Edited May 30, 2024 by nevenbekriev

[tomh207]

10 minutes ago, nevenbekriev said:

What I know is that chains were only assembled by MYOPIC children. Their sights degraded for several years and thus they had short and unhappy lifes. The children were bought by the watchmakers from their parrents...

That is such a so very sad thing to hear and realise nev. all the horrors that have been inflicted on people,especially young people, in past centuries should give us pause to think how our children are being manipulated today for profit albeit in a different way.

 

Tom

[Michael1962]

Was that really the case @nevenbekriev. Are we talking along the line of slavery?

For some reason, I would not have thought that watchmakers or clockmakers were like that.

[oldhippy]

17 hours ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I'm baffled too, they were made with basic tools, by children I think.  

That is correct, also in poor light don't forget back the children worked long hours. It is hard enough to repair one.  If you have a clock and the chain has broken and providing it's value is not high it is best to adapt it so it takes a line which involves a bit of work and working out. 

[Michael1962]

Was the chain built with two side plates to each link like a motorcycle chain, or was every other link just a single plate with the next link having two plates?

I presume the links were only about 3mm long in a pocket watch? A bit bigger in a clock.

Still amazing though.

[oldhippy]

Have a look here. 

https://www.facebook.com/TimelineWH/videos/the-fusee-chain-maker-the-worst-jobs-in-history-at-sea/1778730682206168/

 

[Michael1962]

Still amazing though.