Thread: What types of watches do you like?

Aloha!

I prefer a mechanical automatic. Probably because of the artistry that went into the design of the mechanics.

These days, a wrist watch is a fashion statement to me. Most people look at their smart phones for the time. And it's super accurate. Mechanicals are not going to be that accurate, of course. But they are, to my eyes, beautiful.

My favorite mechanical wrist watch would definitely be a regulator. Like a Stuhrling Regulator I used to have, but sold. Unfortunately. The one I am trying to find is not easily had. No standard watch face with no usual minute hand nor second hand. Every hand is broken out on a separate dial. I like that design. Something like this;



That's a Hamilton Jazz Master. I may have to settle for that if I can't find the Stuhrling I want to reclaim.

Originally Posted by Phrank

Here's another I'm looking at, now Seiko made some super watches in the 60's and 70's, another guy on a forum I'm discussing with is this beauty:

Vintage King Seiko HI-BEAT

Attachment 342689

They have a current version of that watch.

Congrats on the steampunk looking timepiece phrank.
I’d love to look at it for the workings going on but at first glance couldn’t tell the time.
The side piping looks sexy in contrast and really cool watch.

Originally Posted by ZipZop

Aloha!

I prefer a mechanical automatic. Probably because of the artistry that went into the design of the mechanics.

These days, a wrist watch is a fashion statement to me. Most people look at their smart phones for the time. And it's super accurate. Mechanicals are not going to be that accurate, of course. But they are, to my eyes, beautiful.

My favorite mechanical wrist watch would definitely be a regulator. Like a Stuhrling Regulator I used to have, but sold. Unfortunately. The one I am trying to find is not easily had. No standard watch face with no usual minute hand nor second hand. Every hand is broken out on a separate dial. I like that design. Something like this;



That's a Hamilton Jazz Master. I may have to settle for that if I can't find the Stuhrling I want to reclaim.

That is a nice watch Bill, It would take me a while to get used to reading it but definately worth wearing.

From this morning's walk.



When we see something, sometimes it's just the angle, perspective, or point of view. Could have been a neato blue dial, but alas, it's plain ol' black.

Well it was a fascinating experience.

I was planning on taking pics are various parts of the process, but brain was to focused, just didn't want to put everything down once I'd gotten my groove going...lol

Watching videos of watchmakers removing the crown, putting hands on, installing tiny screws with tools, dials, inserting into the case and aligning, they all have superb camera's that make all the work look so straight forward. What an eye opening experience. Even learning to properly hold the case and movement was very awkward at first.

Started with removing the temporary crown, moved on to then properly aligning and installed the sapphire dial with two pegs that looked like screws. I'll give it to DIY Club, they provide at least 6 of what you need, lots of spares. I only dropped and lost one, but using the loupe, tweezers and the tools they provided, installed the dial.

The hands I was prepared to be extremely patient. You have to set the hands on the post, and use the proper tool to seat them firmly properly and level. They were a real challenge, the hour hand was relatively easy, I got lucky, minute hand took a lot of finesse, had to use the wooden stick as well as plastic bag to raise the minute hand up so it was parallel. They also send two sets of hands, thinking you'll probably blow one set up.

The second hand was a nightmare I was prepared for - worked very slowly and carefully, took me about 45 minutes just for that hand. Had to make sure it was parallel, and after the minute hand installation, I would rotate the hands around to make sure the hands weren't hitting each other. At this point, the temporary crown was installed again.

For the second hand, it was a shout of "Victory!" when they were all aligned and moving correctly.

Setting the watch into the movement holder, chapter ring, was also fun, as I KNOCKED THE FERKIN SECOND OFF and had to do it again!! lol

Once everything was ready - I spent a good 30 minutes with the air blower and Rodico putty to make sure the case and crystals were absolutely spotless.

Got everything into the case, put the caseback on gently to ensure that the movement holder was in correctly, removed again to check - and finished the assembly.

All in about 3 hours, and was a total blast.

I'm going to order some cheap Miyota and Seiko movements to practice hand installation and just handling the movement.

Big lesson for me is watching a YouTuber do this, with all the camera's, personal expertise, made it seem like it would just be a straight forward, "slap it together". There was a lot more involved, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I went and looked at my Rolex Daytona, and I can't imagine what it would be like dealing with tiny micro-hands, I've seen quite a few watchmakers restoring old watches with lots of complications and they make it look so straightforward.

Would be nice if I could develop this into more of a hobby, I had a good time today doing this.

The picture of my journey and struggle......last pic is of the time set properly, working and keeping great time....so far! lol

Outstanding! That watch looks really nice! Well Done!

Congratulations, the watch looks good. You da man.

Bob

Really nice looking timepiece, and you assembled some pretty delicate, and critical aspects of the unit, seems it would be a very satisfying project.
And you set the bar pretty high at three hours dude!
Well done!

Atta Boy Phrank!