Grand Complication

There are no small watch parts.


Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, self-taught watchmaker Ernest R. Tope learned the ropes first through helpful watchmakers willing to pass on their knowledge and later honed his skills as the resident watch repairer at a Florida jewelry shop for twelve years. First studying and practicing watch repair, then later as a Factory Trained Rolex Technician.

Like most future watchmakers, Ernest's curiosity began when he was young and helped foster his interest in all things mechanical. With a varied work history, Ernest settled into life as a watchmaker repairing standard watches, but also taking on such challenges as a watch with an ivory movement, a minuscule Patek Philippe hunter case pocket watch as well as an Hamilton 992E with Lucite plates--far beyond the usual skeletonized movement.

His education has brought him in touch with Henry Fried and his work has included, Breguet, Audemars Piguet and Chronoswiss.

Curious? Then read on and enjoy.

PR: So, let's start off with the basics; how old are you and where were you born and raised?

ET: I was born in Tampa, Florida in 1951 and grew up there for most of my life.

PR: Where were you trained in watch repair? What was that like?

ET: I received no formal education in watch repair. Mostly I learned by applying my experience in life with reference material and what I could garner from other watchmakers. Fortunately most watchmakers I know are willing and sometimes eager to share knowledge. Much written material exists and is usually a very reliable source for the basic concepts. The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute has been instrumental in providing current wisdom.

PR: What was your first professional position and with whom?

ET: My first position was with a small independently owned jewelry store. There I began to learn the watch repair trade that went along with the skills I had studied.

PR: How did your childhood education, or experiences affect your decision to enter Watchmaking?

ET: Many a watchmaker dismantled their toys to see how they worked. I was no different. I learned to love mechanical things and focus on how they functioned. Eventually it was this love for mechanical things that drew me to watch restoration as a vocation. I still love discovering a mechanism of which I am not familiar.

PR: What did you do before becoming a watch repairer?

ET: I had been a Motorcycle Mechanic, a Firefighter and a Cabinet Maker not to mention a few other endeavors.

PR: Any idea what your old school friends are doing these days?

ET: I know what a few are doing. But your question has made me realize that I haven’t kept up with most of them. As I grow older I see that I was not inclined to keep long term relationships with more than a few special friends. Wonder if I’m missing anything.

PR: Are you a watch repairer, or a watch maker? Do you see a difference in these two terms, or occupations?

ET: Semantics for the most part, the term watchmaker implies to me those who work with watches. There are all levels of skills and applications that are covered under the same term. If you want to understand how the industry delineates these skills, you could examine the Official Standards and Practices for the Preparation, Education, and Certification of Twenty First Century Watchmakers. This can be found on the web at:

http://www.awci.com/documents/June2006sandpforwatchmakers.pdf

Some feel that true "Watchmakers" should be able to make a watch from scratch. I think they should be able to competently service a fine watch without damaging or degrading it in any way. That takes a certain level of skill, knowledge, and integrity with ethical standards. I have been doing that for a long time now.

PR: What was the first watch you owned? Do you still have it?

ET: Absolutely not, actually I remember leaving it on the back bumper of the family car while I was playing. My Mom drove off and I never saw it again.

PR: What was the first watch you ever repaired, either professionally, or before?

ET: It was an old Studebaker pocket watch. Not worth much and not much confidence.

PR: Any opinion on the decline that mechanical watches and Switzerland in particular, saw during the sixties and seventies?

ET: No real opinion.

PR: Was it the fault of the Swiss makers, or the cheap, accurate imports that entered the market? Who is to blame for that downturn?

ET: It was in the stars my friend.

PR: What do you think fostered the upswing in the eighties?

ET: It was brilliant marketing on the part of geniuses.

PR: How did the downturn and upswing affect your business?

ET: I became a bench jeweler because of the rumors and forecasts of various speculators. I returned to Watchmaking in the later eighties because I landed work at an Official Rolex Dealer. From then on it has been watches only.

PR: How do you feel about the ever increasingly complicated watches we're seeing these days?

ET: I like it because servicing them is my specialty. I am concerned at the number of beautiful and valuable watches that receive inappropriate treatment by the uniformed. Every watchmaker of high caliber complains of seeing watches that have been abused. The fastest way to demolish a fine complicated watch is to put it in the hands of the unqualified. I think there will be a great shortage of qualified people to service such fine mechanisms. Only when the owners become savvy in knowing who is qualified will they be free from that threat.

PR: Do you feel these will be a boon to new watchmakers, or a hindrance with their highly technical nature?

ET: Both, they will be more expensive (time consuming) to service and more subject to abuse (inadvertent damage). On the other hand, the owners who enjoy them are willing to pay for competent service and are delighted when the watch performs well. That means the competent watchmaker would have plenty of good paying work.

PR: How did you first learn about the American Watchmakers Institute? How long have you been a member?

ET: I joined when I learned of it in 1984. A fellow watchmaker invited me to a local gild meeting and educated me about the organization. I’ve been a member ever since.

PR: Do you have a mentor, or a watchmaker you hold in high regard?

ET: There are many but I suppose the guy that sticks out is the late Henry Fried. I learned from his books and later had the opportunity to spend a little time with him. He was amazing and a giant role model for the Horologist.

PR: Where do you see the watch repair business heading?

ET: It will be interesting to watch. I am not sure how the independent repairer will be supported by industry. As long as they are there will be some. Factory service will always be challenged to keep up with service for the large numbers of watches being
sold.

PR: Will you be going along for the ride, or will you go on to other things?

ET: My work is not the mainstream. I repair and restore watches that others do not. This is an area where there is no industry support to rely upon. I have more restoration work than I can do. You might say I am independent of industry. Lately I have been toying with making unique watches and admit I am drawn to that possibility. There will be more on that in the future.

PR: Are you where you pictured yourself as a young man, work wise?

ET: As a young man I thought I would have to work to survive. Now I know I can thrive without working. I never thought making money would be so much fun.

PR: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

ET: Independent Horology, designing and making unusual watches.

PR: Do you have a favorite maker, or watch company?

ET: I could declare a favorite but actually it keeps changing depending on what marvel comes across my bench. Some of the finest watches I have seen were not signed. Anonymous was the most prolific watchmaker. Can you imagine a watch sold today without a makers name on it?

PR: When not at the bench, how do you spend your time?

ET: Self-discovery, I am on a great journey to know and love myself. This requires much self-observation and meditation. Freeing myself of the constraints of my past is a great pastime. I have no big hobbies or boy toys, just a big delightfully interesting world to be part of.

PR: What was your most difficult project, either difficult because it was complicated work, or just plain hard and nasty?

ET: The biggest challenge so far was making a spring detent for an English pocket chronometer. I may have found something harder now. Currently I am making an escape wheel for an extremely small cylinder watch. The wheel is 2.8mm in tooth diameter and .25mm high. It must be easy; the original was made before electricity came into popular use.

[Editor's note: Here is a link to a website discussing a spring detent]

http://www.historictimekeepers.com/Detent.htm

PR: What was your easiest project?

ET: Can’t remember.

PR: Are you a "strap and battery" repairer, or do you turn your nose up at that sort of watch repair work?

ET: I still do that stuff for my friends.

PR: What is the silliest question a customer ever asked you?

ET: How often should I wind my quarts watch?

PR: Are watch repairers a cloistered lot? Are "outsiders" welcomed?

ET: There are all kinds but I find most friendly and willing to share information to those who respect their time. They may not welcome others who ask many questions instead of dong the research. It’s like asking for a free appraisal and historical evaluation on the back of the repair envelope. I have been bugged excessively for explanations to the novice. Try that with your lawyer or auto mechanic and see what happens. Generally, watchmakers are much nicer when they tell someone to get lost. When adequate respect for time is apparent most watchmakers will welcome anyone.

PR: What advice do you have for people like me, who wish to make this a new career, or a hobby?

ET: Research, Research, Research, and be real about your ability. The largest impediment to achieving success is a poor attitude. Give yourself full credit for what you know and acknowledge there are multitudes of things that you do not know. Discovering those things is a great adventure.

PR: What is your best kept secret, or tip for repair work?

ET: What goes poorly today may go miraculously tomorrow. Emotional stability and a sense of opportunity in whatever is happening serve me well in my work and my life. Now don’t tell anybody or...you know.

PR: And lastly, ties: A single Windsor, or a double Windsor knot?

ET: I do not like to wear one. When forced I like one of those clip on ones from the 70’s. When there is absolutely no choice in the mater I will use a Windsor. Never heard of a double Windsor. Must be a different culture.

I'd like to thank Ernest for taking the time to participate with this interview. The experiences Ernest has not only encountered, but sought out are proof to all of us interested in Watchmaking, that it is possible--whether success, pleasure with our work, or fixing the hither to believed unfixable. Thank you, Ernest.

If you'd like to contact Ernest to inquire about his services, please visit his website at:

http://www.watchrestoration.com/

Email at:

watchmaker@watchrestoration.com

Or call:

(813) 505-9749

Chicago School Of Watchmaking Lesson 2

Master Watchmaking
A Modern, Complete, Practical Course
By Thomas B. Sweazey and Byron G. Sweazey.

The Chicago School of Watchmaking was founded in 1908 by Thomas b. Sweazey.

LESSON 2: CROWNS, STEMS, SLEEVES AND BOWS

There are two types of part assortments available: bulk assortments which are not separated. And pre-sorted assortments, which cost more, but are easier to use.

In American watches there are three types of setting arrangements:

The first is the pendant set which uses s stem and sleeve and sits inside the watchcase and is sometimes called a Negative Setting.

The second type of setting is called a Swiss setting and the stem is a part of the movement and is sometimes called a Positive Setting.

The third type of setting is called a lever set and it uses a set lever operated by the finger nail and is mostly used in railroad watches.

Section 49:
A sleeve is screwed inside the watchcase pendant. The top of the sleeve is threaded, as is the upper part of the pendant inside. The sleeve with the stem inside is screwed into the watchcase pendant with a sleeve wrench. The bottom of the sleeve is sectioned like four fingers, which grip the bottom of the stem in two places; the bottom notch for winding and the top notch for setting. The crown is screwed onto the top of the stem, which is threaded.

Section 42:
When removing a movement from a case which has full head screws, you need only remove the lower screw, loosen the top screw slightly, pull up the crown into the setting position and the movement will come out of the case.

Section 43:
To remove the crown from the stem, after the movement has been removed from the case, hold the winding square with a pair of flat nose pliers and turn the crown to the left with your right hand.

Section 44:
Sleeve wrenches have prongs with either two, or four lugs on the ends of the prongs. The wrench is placed inside the pendant of the watchcase to unscrew the sleeve. On some watches, the sleeve is old and cannot be removed with the sleeve wrench. In this case, remove the stem from the sleeve and use a square file, or broach to unscrew the sleeve from the pendant. Adjustments are done to the sleeve inside the pendant, with the stem still inside the sleeve.

Section 45:
Using the sleeve wrench, place the correct size prong inside the pendant and turn the wrench to the left and continue doing so until the sleeve is free of the pendant and case. the, remove the stem through the bottom of the sleeve.

Section 47:
When selecting a new sleeve, make sure the diameter of the threaded top is correct, that the threads are the correct pitch and that the length is correct.

Section 48:
If a thread breaks off inside the crown which is made of gold, rolled gold, gold plate, or nickle, soak the crown in a solution of water and alum to dissolve the steel thread.

Section 49:
When replacing the crown, make sure the threads fit the stem threads and fits over the pendant.

Godzilla Says...

BURN HOLLYWOOD, BURN!

Here's a video of me removing and replacing a movement from a case.

It's my first video, so cut me some slack, ok 8^)

Check out the Homer Simpson moment at 1 minute 12 seconds; that case back was going on one way, or another!

It's a big file, over 28 megs, so give it some time to load.



You can also download the file from Rapid Share for free, just follow the link:

Uncasing A Movement

Chicago School Of Watchmaking Lesson 1

Master Watchmaking
A Modern, Complete, Practical Course
By Thomas B. Sweazey and Byron G. Sweazey.

The Chicago School of Watchmaking was founded in 1908 by Thomas b. Sweazey.

LESSON 1: FUNDAMENTAL PRACTICES, EQUIPMENT AND CASING

Section 3:
Master every job and all steps and speed will come with experience.

Section 12:
The first watch was made in 1500. In 1587 watchmaking as an industry was introduced in Geneva, Switzerland by Charles Cusin.

In 1635, enameling was invented by Paul Viet, a Frenchman.

The balance was introduced in 1658. While the minute hand came in to use in 1687. In 1700, jewels began to be used to support gear pivots.

The compensating balance was introduced in 1749, while in 1780 the seconds hand was created.

Section 13:
In 1819, Aaron L. Dennison began building watches by machine. His method of measurement was derived from the English measurement of 1 inch and 30th of an inch.

Dennison used 6|30 of an inch for the "fall". The fall was used by English watchmakers, making the pillar plate small enough to fit into the handmade watchcase.

With 1|30 being the measurement, an 18 size watch would measure 1 inch and 6|30 of an inch for the fall and 18|30 of an inch for the watch size; so the total size would then be 1 inch and 24|30 of an inch.

For watches which are 16 size, down to 0 size, (oh size, or naught size) the measurement is 5|30 of an inch for the fall. So a 16s would measure 1 inch plus 5|30 plus 16|30 making the total measurement 1 inch and 21|30 inch.

Dennison decided to move his factory from Boston to Waltham in 1851.

Section 16:
Screws were used on the pillar plate at the four o'clock position, while a pin was placed diagonally across at the 10 o'clock position in order to hold the movement inside the case, but also to make aligning the 12 hour marker directly center of the pendant easier.

Section 17:
Eventually screws were made long enough, that they could be screwed through both the top plate and bottom plate to hold the movement in the case. The problem with half head screws of tempered metal, is that the constant turning of the screws milled away the portion of the watch case, needing a washer to hold the movement in the case. This was remedied by introducing full head screws, which require removing the entire full head screws from the plates before removing the movement from the case.

Section 19:
The hunter case is comprised of several parts: The front and back lids and the cap are all held to the center by hinges, or joints, the bezel is snapped onto the center.

Section 22:
On snap back cases, a small lip, or cut out is present, so that a thin blade, or case knife may be inserted under the lip, or into the cut out to pry open the front and back. When replacing the front and back lids, the lip, or cut out should be slightly right of the crown.

Section 23:
Shaped cases are built with a key or pin in the center which fits onto the key seat. When replacing the back and bezel, it is important to make sure the key seat is directly over the key.

Section 24:
Swing out cases have a dust proof crown, stem and sleeve. Under the crown is a nut that screws down onto the outside of pendant and under this nut is a leather washer. To make adjustments to the sleeve, you must first unscrew the crown from the stem and then unscrew the nut off the pendant.

Section 29:
In older style cases for lever set movements, there is no sleeve. To remove the stem, you must unscrew the screw located on the pendant just enough, to be able to pull out the stem using the crown.

Section 33:
When trying to remove a movement from a case that is stuck, use the right thumb nail to apply pressure on the movement to ease it out of the case onto your waiting hand.

Section 34:
When taking a movement out of the case, or picking up a movement, be sure to use watch paper to avoid leaving prints on the dial, or movement.

Section 36:
When polishing a badly tarnished watchcase using a red cloth, blow some breath onto the case to moisten it to help with the polishing.

Section 38:
To replace the movement in the case, put the movement in by starting the stem in the winding arbor and fitting the movement into place. Then, while holding the dial side with the nail of your first finger on your left hand, turn the case over and place the movement screws in their slots and screw them in.

Section 39:
Place the crown into the winding position and turn it to be sure the movement is perfectly centered. Then screw in the movement screws just tight enough to keep the movement in place.

TEST QUESTIONS

Assignment No. 2: Sections 12-25

Q1. How are sizes of American watches determined?
A1. American watch sizes are determined by using the English 30th of an inch. An 18 size movement would be 1 inch plus 6|30 of an inch for the fall and 18|30 of an inch for the watch size, for a total of 1 and 24|30th of an inch. A 16 size, down to a 0 size would be 1 inch plus 5|30th of an inch for the fall plus 16|30 of an inch for the watch size, for a total of 1 and 21|30th of an inch.

Q2. What is a case screw and what is its purpose?
A2. A case screw is used to hold the movement inside the watchcase.

Q3. Why are full head case screws considered better than half head?
A3. Full head screws are better than half head screws because the screw is made of milled steel and can wear away the case. A full head screw will not.

Q4. What is the crown and what is its purpose?
A4. The crown sits atop the pendant and is used to set the time and wind the mainspring.

Q5. What is a bezel?
A5. The bezel holds the crystal and sits on top of the watchcase center, protecting the dial and hands.

Q6. Why are screw bezels and snap bezels so called?
A6. A screw bezel screws onto threads located on the case center. A snap bezel snaps tightly onto the case center.

Q7. What is a screw back?
A7. A screw back is a watchcase with threads on the center, so the back may be screwed on.

Q8. What is a back back?
A8. A back back is what the watchcase back cover is properly called.

Q9. What is the center?
A9. The center is the middle of the watchcase where the bezel and back attach to.

Assignment No. 3: Sections 26-40

Q1. What tools are required to remove and replace a movement in its case?
A1. The tools required to remove and replace a movement in its case are a screwdriver, tweezers and watch paper.

Q2. What is the right way to hold and use screw drivers?
A2. The right way to hold and use a screw driver is by holding the shank between the thumb and middle finger, with the forefinger on the top twisting the screw driver with the thumb and middle finger. It may also be held with the top in the palm and the thumb, middle and fore finger on the shank twisting the screw driver.

Q3. What is the correct way to hold tweezers?
A3. The correct way to hold tweezers is by resting them on the middle finger and using the thumb and forefinger on the blades. Also, you may hold the blades between the thumb and forefinger, with the butt of the shank in the palm.

Q4. What steps are necessary to remove and replace a movement in the case?
A4a. To remove and replace a movement in the case, first unscrew the front back and back back, or snap them off, if a snap back case. Unscrew the movement screws and remove them from the movement. Pull the crown out to the set position and lift out the movement, holding it between a piece of watch paper.

A4b. To replace the movement, put the movement into the case by starting the stem in the winding arbor. Keep the dial up and make sure the movement is centered by moving the crown to and fro. hold the case between the thumb and middle finger and use the nail of the left forefinger to hold the movement in place. Use the screw driver to set the screws down tight enough to hold the movement.

Q5. Why should you use tissue when handling watch movements?
A5. I should use tissue when handling a watch movement to avoid getting finger prints on the dial, or movement.

Q6. Why should the movement be placed in a tray and covered?
A6. The movement should be placed in a tray and covered to keep dust off the movement, to avoid losing parts and to avoid damage caused by something falling on the movement.

Q7. How should a case be polished?
A7. The watch case should be polished by placing it in a two sided polishing cloth. Open the cloth like a book to expose the red cloth and rub the watchcase until polished. If the case is very tarnished, breath on it to moisten the case to help the polishing.

Progress Check 1A:

Q1: A man who repairs watch movements is commonly called a___.
A1. Commonly called a watchmaker, or a watch repairer.

Q2. Watches are generally classified as___watches and___watches.
A2. Generally classified as screw back watches and snap back watches.
Watches are generally classified as pocket watches and wrist watches.

Q3. The most important thing about a bench for proper work is its___.
A3. The most important thing about a bench is its height.

Q4. A Master Bench has an___to catch anything that might slip off the bench.
A4. A master bench has an apron.

Q5. Additional means to keep small parts from rolling off are___.
A5. Additional means are a groove along the front edge and a guard rail on the sides and back.

Q6. Watch work is best done on a___surface.
A6. Watch work is best done on a smooth surface.
Watch work is best done on a white gloss free surface.

Q7. The tools used___should be stored nearest at hand.
A7. The tools used most commonly should be near at hand.

Q8. To avoid tiring the eyes, the watchmaker should have___.
A8. The watchmaker should have a loupe.
To avoid tiring the eyes, the watchmaker should have good light.

Q9. Watchmaker's benches have a standard height of___inches.
A9. Watchmaker's bench has a standard height of 38 inches.

Q10. A___set is desirable at the bench.
A10. A comfortable seat is desirable at the bench.
A low seat is desirable at the bench.

Progress Check 1B:

Q1. The first watches were made about the year___.
A1. The first watches were made about the year 1500.

Q2. In 18 size watches, the amount allowed for the "fall" is___thirtieths of an inch.
A2. Eighteen size watch have a "fall" of 6|30th of an inch.

Q3. In 16 size and smaller watches, only___thirtieths of an inch is allowed for the fall.
A3. Sixteen size and smaller watches have 5|30th of an inch for the "fall."

Q4. American manufacturers use___to hold the movement in place.
A4. Movement screws are used to hold the movement in place in American watches.
American manufacturers use case case screws to hold the movement in place.

Q5. The best type of case screw has a___head.
A5. Full head case screws are the best.

Q6. A watch which has two lids or backs is said to have a___case.
A6. A hunter case has two lids or backs.

Q7. When the bezel and back can be snapped on, the case is known as a___case.
A7. A snap case has the bezel and back snapped on.

Q8. Some types of cases must be opened with a___.
A8. A watch blade must be used to open some types of cases.
Some types of cases must be opened with a case opener.

Q9. When both bezel and back screw on, the case is known as a___case.
A9. A screw back case has both the bezel and back screwed on.
When both bezel and back screw on, the case is known as a screw bezel and screw back case.

Q10. Where the movement is contained in a hinged inner ring, the case is called a___case.
A10. A swing out case has a hinged inner ring.

Progress Check 1C:

Q1. The first step in taking a movement from its case is usually to remove the___.
A1. When taking movement from the case, first remove the bezel.
the first step in removing a movement from its case is usually to remove the back.

Q2. Next, the stem is ordinarily___to free the movement.
A2. Place the stem into the set position.

Q3. The width of the screw driver blade should be___the width of the screw head.
A3. The screw driver width should be as close as possible to the width of the screw head.

Q4. Watch parts are preferably handled with___.
A4. Handle watch parts with tweezers.

Q5. ___pressure should be applied to tweezers in working with watch parts.
A5. Light pressure should be used with tweezers.

Q6. You can avoid finger prints by using___in handling the movement.
A6. Use tissue paper to avoid finger prints on movements.

Q7. A movement should always be held by the___.
A7. A movement should always be held by the edge.

Q8. A good habit to form is to place small parts in a___.
A8. Place small parts in a parts tray.

Q9. Cleaning a watch should also include cleaning the___.
A9. When cleaning the watch, also clean the case.

Q10. it is important to___the movement before tightening the case screws.
A10. Center the movement before tightening the case screws.

Chicago School Of Watchmaking

This is my first entry about my education in watch repairing and watchmaking. This won't be a weekly posting, like the other sections; I will post daily updates of what I have learned, the exercises and practical work in the course and answers to the test questions throughout each chapter.

As far as I know, the course has become public domain, so I do not believe I will be breaking any copyright laws. However, I will not be posting the course in it's entirety, or posting scans of the course pages. Only what I have learned that day.

I will also be including pictures and hopefully video posts of the hands-on work. I hope that this feature will be a record that students will be able to follow and learn from. As I learn, so will you. And more importantly, my mistakes will be on display as well.

I don't believe in "learning" from my mistakes. When you learn from a mistake, all you're doing is leaning how to make the same mistake over again, but more efficiently. When I make a mistake, I move on and do a thing again. I know that sounds like the same thing, but it's not in that, I do not analyze mistakes, I analyze success. Do a thing wrong; move on. Do a thing right, examine it and remember the actions, or steps that arrived at the correct result and then move on.

If you would like to follow along, or get a copy of the course for your own study, you can check out a copy from the NAWCC Library, (members only,) buy a copy from Larry Foord, or possibly find a copy either on disk, or hard copy on Ebay.

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=%22chicago+school+of+watchmaking%22&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

I'll be flying along pretty fast over the next few days, simply because I've already studied the first three chapters of the course. Starting next week, I will begin the daily postings.

Grande Complication

For Larry Foord, horology isn't just a passion, it's in the blood.

Larry Foord, is the webmaster of the popular website, Uncle Larry's Watch Shop. He entered the horology business fifteen years ago, but has been collecting and dealing in clocks and watches since his early 30’s. After going into semi-retirement and making his hobby of horology his new career, Larry has been providing watch supplies, parts, tools and books to watchmakers and collectors alike, since 1995.

Operating his business out of Woodstock, Ontario, Larry is also an appraiser on the Canadian Antiques Roadshow, a spin-off the long running BBC Antiques Roadshow. Larry is a self-taught watch repairer, is enjoying a new career providing materials to watch repairers worldwide and appraising timepieces on television, as well as being a member of NAWCC Chapter 33 located in Toronto, Ontario.

My favorite part of this interview was in closing this installment of Grande Complication, Larry has provided a delightful story which goes a long way to proving that watchmaking is quite possibly genetic and runs in the blood.

Curious? Then read on and enjoy.

PR: So, let's start off with the basics; how old are you and where were you born and raised?

LF: Raised on a farm in St. Catharines, ON, but moved here (to Woodstock, ON) in my youth and consider it to be "home", we are 62 years old.

PR: Were you trained in watch repair? What was that like?

LF: Self trained, primarily with the Chicago Watchmaking School home study course, and enjoyed every moment of "learning".

PR: What was your first professional position and with whom?

LF: Have always been self employed, semi-retired at 50 and went into the horological business as a means of keeping food on the table most nights since I really couldn't afford to retire.

PR: How did your childhood education, or experiences effect your interest in horology?

LF: Although I was always into "mechanical things" my horology interest really didn't begin until about 15 years ago.

PR: What did you do professionally before deciding to run your horology business full time?

LF: When I retired about 12 years ago, horology became my retirement/full time occupation.

PR: What made you decide to begin an horology business?

LF: It was a logical step, turning a hobby/interest into a business.

PR: Do you see a difference in the terms watch repairer, and watchmaker; or is there a difference?

LF: Watchmaker is very much a misnomer, in today's terms it is used loosely as someone who fixes watches. Sadly the true "watchmaker" has, for the most part, disappeared from the scene.

PR: What was the first watch you owned? Do you still have it?

LF: My first watch was given to me by grandfather, it was a elongated Bulova...sadly it was lost during the divorce settlement (or she says).

PR: What was the first watch you ever repaired?

LF: I don't remember, but I do remember the mainspring almost got my eye!

PR: How did you become involved with "The Canadian Antiques Roadshow"?

LF: They must have been desperate...they called me, and I decided to go. All things considered, it was truly a lifetime experience...not being an expert, but to have my fifteen minutes of fame on TV and to interact with so many people and see so much cool stuff.

PR: What has been the most exciting timepiece you've appraised on the program?

LF: Honestly there are so many, but I think the one I liked best was the young lady who had a watch of her grandfather's that had mostly letters instead of numbers, she almost fainted when I told her it was a 1/4 Century Club Rolex from Eatons (given to employees for 25 years service)...it was giving out these wonderful surprises that makes the Roadshow fun.

PR: What was the craziest thing that has happened while taping the program?

LF: Probably the most insane was a guy who ended up at my table with a "weather station" and refused to leave when I told him he was at the wrong table...it took the producer and some security people to "encourage" him to move.

PR: Has becoming a TV personality affected your life in any way?

LF: Not really, it is mostly the endless demands for autographs and pictures that eats up my time...seriously, there is no effect, it was just fun to do.

PR: Any opinion on the decline that mechanical watches and Switzerland in particular, saw during the sixties and seventies?

LF: I think we are seeing somewhat of a resurgence in mechancial watches, certainly more people appreciate them now, and the collector market is no doubt growing.

PR: Was it the fault of the Swiss makers, or the cheap, accurate imports that entered the market? Who is to blame for that downturn?

LF: I don't know that it is anyone's fault, time changes, simple as that.

PR: What do you think fostered the upswing in the eighties?

LF: Probably the public, or a portion of it, tired of the "throwaway" quality of quartz watches.

PR: How did the downturn and upswing affect either your business, or your collecting?

LF: Really didn't, because my entrance into the market really began in late 80s/early 90s.

PR: How do you feel about the ever increasingly complicated watches we're seeing these days?

LF: Love it, I just love complications.

PR: Do you feel these will be a boon to new watchmakers, or a hindrance with their highly technical nature?

LF: It probably scares people off, but the true watchmakers will certainly delve into it, and learn.

PR: Where do you see watch collecting heading?

LF: I feel pretty confident it will always be there, there might be some softening of markets but that could as easily be a correction in the market. Sadly, the majority of collectors (likewise the NAWCC, its regional, our local chapter) have white (or no) hair; we need to bring youth into our world.

PR: Will you be going along for the ride, or will you go on to other things?

LF: I'll always be there for the ride, too old to change now!

PR: Are you where you pictured yourself as a young man, work wise?

LF: I really don't know the answer to that, I tend to live for today, without regrets for what didn't happen yesterday, and very accepting of what the future will bring to me.

PR: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

LF: Likely still doing the same as I am now...my focus is almost entirely on tools now (for profit no doubt, but I do enjoy seeing the tools go back into new watchmaker's hands,) and (this is a deep dark secret) I really only work half days.

PR: When not working with watches, how do you spend your time?

LF: I have many interests...I am a ham radio operator, motorcyle enthusiast, ex-antique car restorer (probablay too old to revive that), computer gamer (primarily MMOs), genealogy, a grandfather, and I love to travel...not enough time, never is.

PR: How long have you been a member of NAWCC?

LF: Fifteen years.

PR: What is your favorite watch, either that you've owned, or have seen?

LF: Tough questions, and while I very much like complications, I think vintage (true vintage) Rolex are my favorite.

PR: What is the silliest question a client has ever asked you?

LF: Since I am still in business I can't sort one of the many, and I live in fear he/she might read this.

PR: Are watch repairers a cloistered lot? Are "outsiders" welcomed?

LF: I'm inclinded to say that they are not, but "outsiders" might have trouble "gettting in"...sad isn't it?

PR: What advice do you have for people like me, who wish to make this a new career, or a hobby?

LF: There is no doubt that anyone can make a new career from watchmaking, the demand is certainly there. This applies to clock repair too. I stopped doing repairs about four years ago, and the calls still come in.

PR: What is your best kept secret, or tip for repair work?

LF: My best tip, is work hard and be honest...that formula will guarantee success.

PR: And lastly, bow ties: hand tied, or clip on?

LF: I have enough money so I don't have to wear ties!

And since you didn't ask this question I am forced to volunteer it...since it raises the issue that horology might be genetic. My father, from who I was estranged almost all of my life, went into watchmaking in his early fifties, as did I. His father did not, nor did his grandfather...but his great-great-grandfather (I am almost sure, but can't prove it yet) was James Foord, watchmaker, operating from Sussex, England for most of his life!

Thanks to Larry for sharing his insight and experience with us. Every person has any number of directions they could take in life. Fortunatley for watchmakers and collectors, Larry Foord entered the field of horology and horology is all the better for it.

To contact Larry, or to purchase supplies, parts, tools and books, please visit his website at:

http://www.execulink.com/~lfoord/index/horology.htm

Grande Complication

The Watchmaker With Two First Names

He'll answer to both, but his friends call him Frank. Frank Adam made his first appearance on alt.horology in February 1998, with a reply to a poster's question about purchasing a vintage clock with this pithy, but truthful reply:

"I wish i had a dollar for each time someone tells me that they've had a timepiece for 10+ amount of years and still runs ok. Normally my reply is 'Great when it finally stops don't bring it to me' ;-)"

Since then, Frank has not only provided advice and shared his knowledge and experience; but has provided levity when things get too heavy--to the appreciation and amusement of the newsgroups readers.

Born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, until the age of sixteen, Frank experienced a rebirth when he arrived in Australia at the age of 17. Frank studied watchmaking in Melbourne, Australia, after studying and working at different jobs in Hungary, before finding what would become his occupation, that of watchmaking.

My favorite response to these questions, was Frank's answer to the question:

"How do you feel about the ever increasingly complicated watches we're seeing these days?"

Frank's answer demonstrates the style and knowledge we've come to expect and welcome; and it will intrigue you as usual.

Curious? Then read on and enjoy.

PR: So, let's start off with the basics; how old are you and where were you born and raised?

FA: Forty five. I was born twice. Born in Budapest, Hungary and raised there to a ripe old age of 16 and a bit then arriving in Australia where I was reborn at the age of 17 and bit as an Aussie.

PR: Where were you trained in watch repair? What was that like?

FA: I did my apprenticeship with an old watchmaker who emigrated here from Yugoslavia in the '50s. It was good, but at times testing. My old boss had a belief that we should be able to repair everything and make anything. Often when I could buy a part for 50 cents, he would make me make one. At the time I hated him for it...as I did for making me do jewellery repairs, which did not interest me at all. Times change though and over the years I've seen his manic ways paying off on the bench. So if I was to ever teach a would be watchmaker, I will make sure he or she will hate me just as much. :-)

I did my schooling in Melbourne, Australia at the RMIT. On what is called a "block release". That meant that I've spent most of my time working with my boss at the shop and would go to school for 3, 2 and 1 weeks per quarter, in each of the 3 years. (ie: 12 weeks all up in year one, 8 weeks in year two, 4 weeks in year three.)

Since I spent one year to brush up on English before starting school, it was a bit boring at times, as far as the benchwork went, but the theory part, which my old boss could not give me at such level, was certainly worth all the time I've spent there.

PR: What was your first professional position and with whom?

FA: I worked for 10 years with my old boss and that was it. By year 10, I was doing some serious amounts of trade work for a number of shops and to be honest, that last year I only completed for the long service pay. :)

PR: How did your childhood education, or experiences effect your decision to enter watchmaking?

FA: Not at all. I was always going to be a motor mechanic, failing that, a welder, like my Dad was. It was a turn of events, with the immigration and having to find a job before arrival here, which landed me in the watch workshop and at the time I thought, "whatever". Got to like it and here we are.

PR: What did you do before becoming a watch repairer?

FA: To understand how this works, you have to understand how the Hungarian school system worked. You've had 8 years of compulsory, which covered our Primary and most of the *basics* of our Secondary schools. After that, you could go on and do 4 years more studies which would expand on those basics before allowing you to go into an academic path, or you could go into a 4 year trade school, which also covered some of that extra 4 years, so it provided a trade and a high school type certificate. Or you could just go into a 2 or 3 year trade and be a straight out trades man, with little additional education.

So, at the age of 14 I went to a 4 year motor engineering school. Done ok, but could not stand the teacher and had lots of words with each other, which one day blew over and some things were said...so I left school near the end of the year (well, was pushed out really, but keep that between us ;-) )

Then I worked for 3-4 months (work was compulsory back there) as a medical courier for a large factory chain, before joining the same factory's 2 year welding apprenticeship course. Did one year, had great teachers and finished with top marks, only to leave the country and never go back to finish that off.

PR: Any idea what your old school friends are doing these days?

FA: My best mate in Hungary is a painter. No, not Picasso, more like cars, houses etc.. :)

From the watch school...there were 6 of us in class. :)

One of them is the local TAG agent's manager (as of last time I've seen him anyway), another has moved to Queensland and runs a successful jewellery chain of his own. Third one's husband was a jeweller and I haven't seen her since, but I'm guessing she would still be working in their shop, as she was when she came to school. Fourth one disappeared. Last time we've heard he was with the city council repairing electric parking meters, for which he got lot of friendly ribbing. Fifth, I've remained good buddies with ever since. Although he has taken a sabbatical from watches in the last two years.

PR: Are you a watch repairer, or a watch maker? Do you see a difference in these two terms, or occupations?

FA: I was a watch maker, but I'm not sure anymore. :)

Being a tradey, I see mostly quartz and simple mechanicals across the bench and as much as I'd like to say otherwise, I can't see the skills not fading away to an extent. There was a time when sitting down to make a balance staff would've been a non event every day thing, but nowadays it's almost a chore, since I only do that once a month or two. If that. This year, I'm yet to make or even alter one.

So yes, the traditional watchmaker is becoming a thing of the past. Some by lack of education, some by lack of doing. Even when I did my schooling, one of the teachers used to tell us that we are not watchmakers, only "watch assemblers". At that time I was forced to make 10 cent stems, clock wheels and such back in the shop, so I wasn't too delighted with his comment. I think after a few years of experience, we all know, or at least have a clue on how to do everything, it's just that we don't do it enough anymore.

PR: What was the first watch you owned? Do you still have it?

FA: It was an East German watch, when I was 12. Can't remember the brand and don't have it anymore.

PR: What was the first watch you ever repaired, either professionally, or before?

FA: BFG 866. I think it was the standard first watch for all apprentices back then. :)

At school, we started with a Unitas pocket watch.

PR: I've noticed on alt.horology, that you really appreciate clocks and you're usually the first to jump in with a response to a clock question. What is it about clocks that you like?

FA: I can still see them. ;-)

Clocks bring back the watch(clock) making element into repairs. The average watch tends to come through the bench looking like new, with little, if any, wear. So it's a generally mundane job, that gives you no challenge at all. Clocks on the other hand, tend to wear quite a bit, by the time we get them. You clean it manually, spin the arbors around in the lathe, replace bushings, make a few bits, bushings etc. So you feel like you have actually repaired it. It is rare that a watch gives you that same satisfaction.

PR: I've also noticed that you don't seem to like "high end" watches that use inexpensive quartz modules; Why is that?

FA: It is not that simple as that. I'm sure other people in other trades would feel likewise if some big name company released a second rate product and still charge as much as if it was the top of the heap. I am in a lucky position to be able to see what is inside a watch and my opinion is based on that. If Brand X made terrific watches for years at three times the price of Brand Y, who didn't have quality stuff then that is fine. But that should not mean that when brand X starts to use cheaper or in many cases the exact same movement as Brand Y, placed in a similar case, they should still charge three times more for basically the same watch. Keeping in mind that all too often, Brand X will also be 2-3 times the price of the service costs every 5 years or so, this is not right on any grounds. In short, I don't believe in buying "names", when I can't be sure about the quality. If im stupid about it and do, like electronic equipment, then it's ok. What I don't know, won't bother me.

PR: Do you prefer mechanical movements over quartz?

FA: For my own use, quartz, because I'm lazy. :-)

Otherwise I don't care. I will wear a watch because of it's looks, not because I need the time.

PR: Any opinion on the decline that mechanical watches and Switzerland in particular, saw during the sixties and seventies?

FA: It was before my time, but I guess the Swiss was simply caught flat footed and remained somewhat anal about their marketing strategy, perhaps thinking that the Japanese push was just a flash in the pan. As we know now, it was a tad more than that. But it's all in hindsight, so I'm not about to blame the Swiss for this.

PR: Was it the fault of the Swiss makers, or the cheap, accurate imports that entered the market? Who is to blame for that downturn?

FA: As above, about the placement of blame. In addition, the cheap imports made a markable difference at first, but in my opinion, a lot of the people who would have bought those cheap watches, would not have paid the high Swiss prices or the service costs anyway.

PR: What do you think fostered the upswing in the eighties?

FA: Possibly the cheap watches. No really. :)

It is not inconceivable that a lot of kids grew up with watches on their arms. Something that would not have happened if the cheap watches did not exist. Once these kids with their 5 dollar Service Station watches entered the workforce and started to make money, they would have looked for more "meaningful" time pieces. If you look at mobile phones at the moment, it is a similar trend. 10 years ago, kids would be lucky to inherit Dad's mobile, without a simm card and a battery. Now, we can afford to buy 12 year olds 0$ phones and by the time they are 14-16, they are looking at the latest in technology as a "must have" and as soon as they are able to, they will buy them.

PR: How did the downturn and upswing affect your business?

FA: It is now getting worse than it was in the late '70s and early '80s. We were still busy back then, but the gap closed between service prices and the cost of reasonable quality watches to such extent that it is now a decision for the customer whether to keep the good old workhorse, or just by a new watch for almost the same money. And we all like to buy new things, don't we? :)

PR: How do you feel about the ever increasingly complicated watches we're seeing these days?

FA: Mostly they are only electronically complicated. It is beyond our capability to repair internal electronic faults, so all in all, it doesn't matter to me. Circuit faulty? New circuit. The few new complicated mechanicals are simple mechanics. If a watchmaker can't figure them out, perhaps he is in the wrong trade or shouldn't touch them. :)

PR: Do you feel these will be a boon to new watchmakers, or a hindrance with their highly technical nature?

FA: It is a bit of a chore to set some of them up after a service, but I don't think it's a problem. It certainly won't be a boom though.

PR: Where do you see the watch repair business heading?

FA: Downwards.

PR: Will you be going along for the ride, or will you go on to other things?

FA: I think my generation will be ok. Maybe the one behind me too, but it will not get easier to survive, apart perhaps at a 9-5 job in a service center.

PR: Are you where you pictured yourself as a young man, work wise?

FA: Not quite. Made mistakes along the way, mainly on a personal level, but overall it's all ok.

PR: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

FA: On alt.horology arguing over nothing. ;-)

Probably where I am. Working away as a tradey.

PR: When not at the bench, how do you spend your time?

FA: Fighting with my Shepherd, Duke. Programming, watching sports, Aussie Rules, motor racing and documentaries, and I guess, as my wife says "on the damn newsgroups !" ;-)

PR: What was your most difficult project, either difficult because it was complicated work, or just plain hard and nasty?

FA: Can't think of one that I could single out. There are always the occasional ones that'll give you a headache, but once fixed, they are out of my hair and mind.

PR: What was your easiest project?

FA: Fitting a battery to a wall clock. :)

PR: Are you a "strap and battery" repairer, or do you turn your nose up at that sort of watch repair work?

FA: I was never one as such, but if it has to be done, as it is part of the job. A person who fits nothing but batteries and straps will probably get it done much quicker than me, so to turn up my nose at that would be somewhat silly. When and if they start talking as if they were watchmakers and trying to teach the trade to me, that will get my back up, but I've only ever met one person like that and we parted company pretty quickly. :)

PR: What is the silliest question a customer ever asked you?

FA: That's a hard one. All of them are right up there. :-)

PR: Are watch repairers a cloistered lot? Are "outsiders" welcomed?

FA: We are a bit like a clique. Being a somewhat obscure profession, there are not too many people who can hold a proper conversation about the job with us. Outsiders are always welcomed by me and I don't mind explaining the ins and outs to anyone who shows a genuine interest, but I know some people in the trade who would not be that way, rather the contrary. In fact, those people can be rather coarse even to those in the trade, while others will be happily sharing their knowledge with each other. I guess, like with every group, you have good ones and bad ones.

PR: What advice do you have for people like me, who wish to make this a new career, or a hobby?

FA: Seek psychiatric treatment? Nah, the customers will make sure you will need that anyway. ;-)

My advice is, to make sure you go at your own speed. If you don't know, or not sure about something, then ask someone before breaking or damaging a part you may not be able to obtain. School is all well to teach the basics, but it's the years of experience that makes us better and just like in any job, we're learning to the end.

PR: What are you working on today?

FA: You mean apart from motivation ? :)

Um...let's see. I've got a grandfather movement on the clock bench to bush and reassemble, a verge pocket watch on the watch bench to fix two pivots on and assemble. That's the easy work, but I also have to fit a Miyota 2035 and a PC21 movement, quote on a Certina quartz. :-)

And whatever else fits into the day after that. Actually I am fairly busy at the moment.

PR: What is your best kept secret, or tip for repair work?

FA: I have too many to mention or maybe don't have any. Not sure Hey ! it's a secret !! :-)

PR: And lastly, when you hit the beach are you wearing swimming trunks, speedos?

FA: Trunks. My speedo days are over and the old boys deserve some freedom down there. :)

Regards, Frank Adam
Melbourne, Australia

Thanks to Frank for participating and sharing not only his opinions, but his ideas and experiences. There is no substitute for experience, save knowledge and hands on work. But none are independent of the others--and Frank exemplifies all three.

For those looking for watchmaking services, please feel free to visit Frank at his website:

www.fawatch.com.au

Or contact him through his email at:

frank@fawatch.com.au

Grande Complication

The watchmaker formally known as D.B.

We all know him as dAz. A watchmaker since finishing high school and a presence on alt.horology since December 15, 1999; dAz has provided watch and clock servicing to customers in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney since 1971 and passed on his knowledge and expertise to readers through alt.horology with over 1500 posts.

His first appearance on alt.horology was in response to a request from a poster for an explanation of a tool called a "torque watch gauge". dAz's reply was simple and to the point:

"dunno!!??, appears to have a jacobs 3 jaw chuck at one end and the dial at the other end, just because it says watch in the name, it may not have anything to do with horology"

And so we've come to appreciate and more importantly, understand watch and clockmaking because of dAz's concise answers and willingness to share what he's learned over the years, without expectation of reward on his part.

Between hobbies such as caring for and driving a 1928 Model A Ford and mountain biking, to dealing with a customer who would wind her quartz powered watch daily; dAz has gone from working with a clockmaker well schooled in the "dunk and dry" method of cleaning, to becoming self-employed watch and clockmaker, while leading a varied and interesting life all in between.

What are dAz's future plans? Let's just say his car's bumper sticker could read:

"From My Cold Dead Hands!"

Curious? Then read on and enjoy.

PR: So, let's start off with the basics; how old are you and where were you born and raised?

dAz: 51, Mudgee, NSW moved with parents at age five to Northern Beaches of Sydney where I still live

PR: Where were you trained in watch repair? What was that like?

dAz: Four year apprenticeship at a local jeweller/watchmaker in Dee Why, not bad, taught me how to work in a shop :) the guy I was indentured to was not a good watchmaker, he could pull down a watch, fit balance staffs but his technique left something to be desired, fortunately I did one day a week for 3 years technical collage in Sydney passed second highest for the final and only pipped for first on a technical question.

Later I worked for a swiss service firm in Sydney, I learned more about watch repair in six months than in 4 years with the shop.

I went straight from high school year 10 (4th form) to an apprenticeship, so I really didn't know any better until I worked for Swiss Watches.

PR: What was your first professional position and with whom?

dAz: 1971. J & HM Begg in Dee Why, Harry Begg had just sold the business to an American watchmaker who not long moved to Australia with his girlfriend and left his wife and 3 kids back in the US.

The resident "clockmaker" was a nice fellow but I didn't fortunately follow in his clock repair technique either, he would take an American movement fully wound and dump it whole in dirty solvent and let it run down and then blow it out with an air compressor..... nuff said.

1975 I worked for the swiss service centre in Sydney for 6-8 months, although I did learn a lot I found the work very repetitive and boring, they had one guy whose job all day was to take the movements out of cases and sorted into divided boxes, then he would clean the cases, fit new crystals etc, the 4-5 watchmakers would take one of the divided boxes which held 5 jobs at a time and then do the service work then fit them into the cleaned cases, same thing day after day, a lot of the time for standard movements like ST 96, ST 69-21 the movements were exchanged, and when they get 50 of the same movement one guy would service them 20 at a time on a special rotating jig complete with electric screwdriver.

1976 I worked in my parents health foods shop for a couple of years, spent some time on a friends farm helping with sheep and fixing tractors, relaxing :)

Since then been working for myself.

PR: How did your childhood education, or experiences effect your decision to enter watchmaking?

dAz: Sort of fell into it, just seemed to be more interested in pulling machines apart to see how they worked, 5 years old I pulled my mum's alarm clock apart and used the movement for a choo choo train because of the whirring noise it would make when pushing the great wheel against the lounge room carpet, Mum was not happy :) got a mechcano set for next birthday!

By high school I could pull a simple wrist watch apart and rebuild it running with screwdrivers I made in metal work.

PR: What did you do before becoming a watch repairer?

dAz: School.

PR: Any idea what your old school friends are doing these days?

dAz: Most moved away, but one close friend is bus driver for Sydney transport, another is a good mechanic and runs a service centre, another is a pilot and flys for Qantas.

PR: Are you a watch repairer, or a watch maker? Do you see a difference in these two terms, or occupations?

dAz: A Watchmaker, I go by the term used in the old english watch trade, the watchmaker was the last guy in the line, after the movement is made from the blank, the wheelmaker, the escapement maker, the springer, the jeweller, the engraver, case maker etc etc etc, his/her job was to do a final service on the complete watch, pulling it down check everything fits properly and get it ready for sale.

I do make parts for watches and clocks, and I think I could build a watch from scratch if I had the equipment, but have no desire to do so, as far as clocks go I have made enough parts over the years to make several complete clocks, and maybe one day I will build a few clocks from the movement up, and not just cases and stick a bought movement in as some so called "clockmakers" do.

PR: What was the first watch you owned? Do you still have it?

dAz: Oris boys watch, cal#611 made when Oris actually made their own movements, given to me first year high school 1967.

Yes I do, hangs on a nail in the workshop and yes it still runs

PR: What was the first watch you ever repaired, either professionally, or before?

dAz: No idea, well the first watch I pulled apart was a open faced pocket watch Dad had, then it was a cheap bfg 866 watch in high school

PR: I've noticed on alt.horology that you really enjoy Seiko, especially the Seiko 5 series. Why is that?

dAz: I just like Seiko, simple but effective automatics, nice layouts, Citizen was bit too agricultural, the swiss watches had standard movements turning up in all sorts of brands much like you find Asian movements turning up in near everything today.

Also the first watch I fully rebuilt was Seiko 7005 auto I rescued out of the shops junk drawer in 1971, and yes I still on occasions wear it.

Simple tough and reliable, that's why I like them.

PR: What do you think of the more complicated Seiko watches we're seeing, such as the Credor line and the Spring Drive?

dAz: I like it, anything that can eliminate batteries and still give quartz accuracy is good in my book, if Seiko were to bring it down to their "5" series prices I think they would sell better than those horrors of the kinetic line.

It can be serviced by a good watchmaker, if not worn for a while there are no batteries to go flat and leak, and no landfill of dead batteries.

So long as the electronics lasts there is no reason the Spring Drive should not last 50-60years, there are 60s electronic watches still running today.

PR: Do you think Seiko is trying to candidly compete with Switzerland, or even Germany--such as Lexus going up against Mercedes--or are Seiko trying to present their own interpretation of high-mech?

dAz: Well they did, but found they didn't really have a market outside of Japan, their Grand Seiko are on a par with anything made in Switzerland.

PR: Any opinion on the decline that mechanical watches and Switzerland in particular, saw during the sixties and seventies?

dAz: [be] Like mobile (cellular) phones, 15 years ago they didn't exist or were very large and chunky, when I started in the trade in 1971 there were no quartz watches, mostly all mechanical, autos etc, the occasional tuning fork or balance drive electric or electronic watches and the odd American Pulsar before Seiko bought the name, by around 1974 I saw my first quartz watch in a dealers showroom, huge heavy thing, lucky to get 12 months from a battery.

But towards the end of the 70s quartz took off, the Japanese latched on and made the things in the millions, when the first LCD watches watches showed they were then amazing things, no hands, no button to press to light the display up, could be read in daylight, cost a bomb then, today the same sort of functions time and date display only can be found on a $2 LCD watch from the service station.

PR: Was it the fault of the Swiss makers, or the cheap, accurate imports that entered the market? Who is to blame for that downturn?

dAz: The swiss were lazy or unaware at the time and it cost them, lot of companies folded or were absorbed by bigger companies, e.g. Omega nearly shot themselves in the foot, in the 60s they still had the nice 500 and 700 series movements in their watches, 70s they started to use dressed up Tissot movements in the Geneva range, made nasty LED quartz watches and then LCD to try and jump on the quartz bandwagon, finally by the 80s the swiss abandoned the digital watch and left to the experts in Japan who could do it better and cheaper.

Now we see a resurgence or mechanical watches, although it will never be like it was prior to the 70s.

PR: What do you think fostered the upswing in the eighties?

dAz: Change in fashions, people had more money to spend.

PR: How did the downturn and upswing affect your business?

dAz: Not a lot, took extra courses in the 80s to learn to service quartz and so on, also did a clock restoration course.

PR: How do you feel about the ever increasingly complicated watches we're seeing these days?

dAz: Nice, I have no problem doing work on some of these, but my main concern would be parts, a lot of manufactures are starting to cut guys like me out getting parts for these just because either I don't do enough of them a year or I wont jump through their hoops the right way.

PR: Do you feel these will be a boon to new watchmakers, or a hindrance with their highly technical nature?

dAz: Well to the battery and movement swappers it would, but there are young trade workers that are quite capable of doing this work, specially the ones that go through courses like WOSTEP.

PR: Where do you see the watch repair business heading?

dAz: Moving to more specialized houses, the cheap end is throw away and buy new, the expensive watches will be done in house, and then you still have people who want their mum/dads grandma/gramps watches restored, hopefully there will be guys like me and Frank and others that can still do them.

PR: Will you be going along for the ride, or will you go on to other things?

dAz: Die with tweezers and screwdriver in my hands :)

PR: Are you where you pictured yourself as a young man, work wise?

dAz: Nope, I don't think many people do live there dreams in the end, but humans learn to adapt to change and make their lives better.

PR: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

dAz: Same more or less.

PR: When not at the bench, how do you spend your time?

dAz: Bit of computers, working on and driving my '28 Ford model A, visiting friends, cooking, riding mountain bikes :)

PR: What was your most difficult project, either difficult because it was complicated work, or just plain hard and nasty?

dAz: A quarter repeating clock pocket watch, with added chronograph functions, this watch struck the quarters full time just like a clock, hence the name, made around mid 1800s, English, and because each screwed down part had custom made screws you could not mix the screws like you can with American and swiss movements, took me all day to do, and refused to be interrupted with anything else until it was finished.

Nasty?! well any of the high grade watches that have come in with serious rust where is has to be carefully taken apart with minimal damage to the plates.

No actually the worst was a Seiko autodate in a square case on a bracelet belonging to a butcher in the arcade where the last jeweller shop I worked in house in, this was in the 80s after my first boss died I did the repairs in house for a couple years until the shop closed down, anyway the Seiko in question is one of those where the movement goes in a one piece back the gasket and inverted plexi is place in top and the case/bezel is snapped over this to seal the watch, result is a cavity between the inner and outer case, the guy was a butcher, wore his watch all the time even when digging inside carcases :P soooo the fat from the meat embedded in this cavity and the bracelet links and it stank!! I took the watch apart with gloves on, no one in the shop bought meat from him again.

PR: What was your easiest project?

dAz: Zenith Neuchatel 8day clock on bell strike, thing went together like a (very)large pocket watch, all the wheels stood straight, the back plate just dropped back into place without me having to jiggle anything, brilliant!

PR: Are you a "strap and battery" repairer, or do you turn your nose up at that sort of watch repair work?

dAz: I service and restore including making parts for vintage watches and clocks, can service quartz but generally cheaper to change movements for new, will not work on crap or fakes, don't like Timex, don't keep or sell bands

PR: What is the silliest question a customer has ever asked you?

dAz: See above ;)

Hmmm, lady whose watch had stopped, to which I fitted a new battery, when I told her what I did, she said "battery? it has a battery?!, why have I been winding the watch for the last two years?"

PR: Are watch repairers a cloistered lot? Are "outsiders" welcomed?

dAz: Hmm a lot don't like the customer looking over their shoulder, especially if something flips out of the tweezers across the room, but if someone is interested in the trade I will try and help where I can, it is not something everyone has an aptitude in doing, being able to concentrate in a small space while working on micro mechanics, not having sweaty or shaky hands and so on.

PR: What advice do you have for people like me, who wish to make this a new career, or a hobby?

dAz: Do your research, do some sort of course or at least get someone to guide you through the steps, you cannot just leap into watch repair, start with something large and work your way down, and do not start something expensive, like the guy a couple of years back didn't want to pay the price to get his Rolex fixed so decided to jump in do it himself, anyone can change the oil and airfilter in a car, but not everyone can pull an engine apart and rebuild it, and a car engine is a lot bigger than a watch movement.

PR: What is your best kept secret, or tip for repair work?

dAz: Clean uncluttered workspace and good lighting, makes it easier to find flicked parts :)

PR: And lastly, boxers, briefs, or commando?

dAz: Leather apron, if you drop your tweezers they usually end up point first in your lap, ouch! :)

Cheers

dAz

A hearty thank you to dAz for taking the time to participate with this, the first interview in the Grande Complication series. I've learned a great deal; not just about watchmaking, but about the man himself, which is just as important.