Moe: What does your watch say?
Shemp: It don't say nothing; you've got to look at it.
And thus is born the What Does Your Watch Say? blog. We, or rather I, will use this blog to present watch related topics; discussions of wrist and pocket watches; independent watchmakers; book reviews, whether about repair, history, biography, catalogs, or magazines; my progress in the repair of movements; interviews with those in watch related fields; and a running cliff notes on the Chicago School of Watchmaking correspondence course and eventually, the British Horological Institutes' Distance Learning Program.
Watches reviewed will be watches from my own collection; collections belonging to friends and foes alike, (the watch of my enemy is my watch ¬_¬) unusual watches; independent makers and watches I have--or will--lust after.
I will write about and, (hopefully,) interview those independent watchmakers who carry on the craft of hand making individual watches. Reviews and photos of the work of people like George Daniels, F. P. Journe and lesser known, but renowned and respected makers like Christian Klings. And not to be left out, all those, such as myself, who are working towards becoming a part of a great heritage of future master builders, will be included and are welcomed.
Book reviews will feature repair titles such as, The Watch Repairers manual by Fried; historical books such as, Watch and Clock Makers Handbook Dictionary and Guide by Britton; biographies such as, All In Good Time by Daniels; catalogs, historical and new from my collection; and reviews of any number of the magazines currently available from the past and present.
I will present an online diary as I learn to assess malfunctions, repair movements, replace and eventually make from scratch, new parts and time watch movements; as well fixing the usual maladies that befall watch glasses and cases.
Interviews will feature those in the watch biz that I've come to know over the years, whether in person, or online. Sales people; store owners; repair persons, collectors and hobbyists will all suffer the lash of my harsh line of in-depth questioning and Hearstian critiques!
And lastly, the main feature nee function of this blog will be to follow my study of the Chicago School of Watchmaking correspondence course. As well as my eventual enrollment in the BHI distance learning course. As I learn, you will read--enraptured no doubt--of my progress, quandaries and success. All aided by an intense desire to learn and advice from those experienced souls who provide advice and hints to those just beginning, through their own kindness and compassion.
I look forward to input from readers through comments and emails. Your ideas and suggestions will help to build a blog that will not only hopefully entertain, but enrich our collective knowledge and become a storehouse of information for those seeking either advice, or amusement.
All in all, I hope this blog will provide useful information, interesting takes on the world of watches and a helpful guide for those who seek to either increase their knowledge, or pursue an honourable career centuries old.
And now a word from our Shemp--
Samuel "Shemp" Horwitz
March 17 , 1895 - November 23, 1955
March 17 , 1895 - November 23, 1955
Moe: Hey! Shemp passed out; get him some water!
Shemp: No, champagne...
