Horological Meandering

We don’t have any children but we do have about a dozen nieces and nephews who were in the toddler stages at that time. Someone got hold of the pocket watch and they played with it until something broke. I think it was the crown or stem. Since most traditional railroad-style pocket watches don’t set from pulling out the crown (which isn’t widely known) that’s a common breaking point. I took my watch to Ken, a guy I knew from the bicycling world. We were both avid cyclists; I had worked in 2 bike shops, and Ken owned La Jolla Schwinn, a used bookstore I also frequented, and had recently taken over an established watch repair business (his first love). 

Ken said sit down and I’ll show you how to fix it. I sat and he showed me. He had the parts that were required and it was running very soon. 

Pics from 2004

Ken told me to go to a couple antique stores and jewelry places - try to find a Howard or other good brand that is not physically messed up but doesn’t run. "Buy it cheap, bring it back and I’ll walk you through a repair.”  A few months passed and by February I had this nice watch with complicated-looking bridges and Art Deco dial. 

Pics from 2005

That’s how my whole watch adventure began. Since I’m known as Mr Fixit in our social circles, church and (formerly) work, this was right up my alley. Fixing watches? What fun! A little adventure, help some folks out … back 20-30-40 years ago, who didn’t have a box of broken watches somewhere around the house? Maybe make a couple bucks, stay off the street corners, get some nifty tools … why not?

(I suppose this is how all addictions start - a bit of this white powder - an FPJ - PP - VC whoa! that feels good, gimme some more)

I ended up buying Ken’s watch repair business 5 years later when he had to retire due to arthritis and heart failure — but he is still with us and doing pretty well, thank God.

Jump to today and here’s what I have ended up with:

From Left it’s Admiral, Howard, Seiko, and three Hamiltons Stainless Railroad, White Gold Dress Hamilton RR, and Grandpa’s watch with custom dial from the Jewelry store in Iowa where he bought it.

Modern Pocket Watches Based on Wrist Watch Movements

From Left JLC Memovox, Seiko Chronos, Seiko Skyliner (couldn’t decide on SS or Gold tone so got both) and another Seiko beefier and not so elegant as the previous 3.

Sophisticated Pocket Watches Based on Wristwatch movements

From Left Universal Geneve Turler dial and ultra-thin (no seconds hand), Omega DeVille very thin. Seiko EL370 Electronic (not quartz) and Bulova Accutron 214 ladie’s pendant watch.

I have to go now, more info later if this thread interests you please let me know (no walking in wet weather was required 😉)

Cazalea

  login to reply