Adjusting a 1919 Elgin 313 16s Pocket Watch to 6 Positions
Elgin made over 50,000,000 watches, so they aren’t rare. But this Elgin pocketwatch is rare in a way—I bought it at a small-town antique mall for a sensible, fair price…. Read more »
Creating Circular Finishes on Steel Watch Case Backs
Stainless steel watch case backs usually have some sort of brushed finish. These finishes look cool, but they are also functional: they are more comfortable on the skin. A glossy,… Read more »
Dynamic Poising, 6: Contrasting Dynamic & Static Poising (Or, “Why Would a Smooth, Modern Balance Wheel Ever Be Out of Poise?”)
At this point in the how-to series, it’s worth stepping back and contrasting dynamic and static poising to help illuminate the value of modern dynamic poising and even modern, smooth… Read more »
The Pawn Shop Rolex, Part 4: Servicing and Adjusting the 3035 Movement
We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: It’s much easier to work on nice watches than cheap watches. Whether the watch is an Illinois Bunn Special or our Rolex… Read more »
Using Rubber Abrasive Blocks for Brushed Watch Case Finishes
As part of my informal apprenticeship in metal working—i.e., taking jewelry classes and testing the patience of my friends who repair jewelry and restore motorcycles—I have ended up with a… Read more »
The Pawn Shop Rolex, Part 3: Comparing Replacement Cyclops Crystals
The crusty pawn shop Rolex Datejust 16030 came with a scratched and scuffed acrylic crystal that was beyond saving. It has deep scratches throughout and looks like it has been… Read more »
The Pawn Shop Rolex, Part 2: Polishing and Tightening the Oyster Bracelet
The pawn shop Rolex needs a thorough cleaning, so I’ll start with the Oyster bracelet. It comes off easily by removing the spring bars at the lugs. Before polishing something,… Read more »
The Pawn Shop Rolex, Part 1: Taking Stock of a Grimy 16030 Datejust
I recently had a birthday and thought I’d treat myself, so naturally a dirty and broken watch came to mind as the perfect present—something nice but in need of work…. Read more »
Adjusting a Feisty 1919 Illinois 16s 305 Pocket Watch to 5 Positions and Restoring its Case
I’ve been trying to do fewer Illinois pocket watches, and I did manage to stray into some offbeat Russian watches, but the heart wants what it wants. That’s why we… Read more »
A Father and Son’s Unhinged Attempt to Repair and Adjust a 7-Jewel Waltham Model 1908 to Railroad Time (or, Why 7-Jewel Watches Aren’t Worth Your Time)
Parenthood is a solemn responsibility. The kids are always listening, and I think I can admit that I’m not always a good role model. For example, while visiting a local… Read more »