When duty calls
The other day I was contacted by a subscriber who found a late 1920’s/early 1930’s Royal Australian Airforce watch numbered issue with the owner’s name still on the case back. The request was for a...
View ArticleWhat is the smallest drill bit in your toolbox?
One millimeter? One tenth of a millimeter? How about three hundredths of a millimeter!The Sumitomo Carbide 30 microns drill is simply scary. No time for fake modesty: I certainly know how to handle...
View ArticleOff your butt, Greeks
Every dealer has his own little secrets and I certainly have a good share of my own. However, with half the Greek population of Sydney, and probably three-quarters of Melbourne, visiting “the old...
View ArticleEsther Valladeris?
The truth is we don’t really know much about Russian watches with oil-painted dials, but we do know that most of them feature typical navy scenes: battle ships and flags. Without any doubt, they were...
View ArticleA Mark 1's journey to the Namibian Dessert
There is no doubt that many Mark 1's lead a very exciting life. Christoph sent us this fabulous photo of his Mark 1 on its journey around the world - including the Namibian Desert! Keep your MK1 photos...
View ArticleMajor development - Americans saving the time
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the United States government, established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act. Its principal mission is the promotion of consumer...
View ArticleSink or swim the English Channel
Two neighbouring rival railways operated between London and South-East England in the 1800's: the London, Chatham & Dover Railway (LC&DR), and the South Eastern Railway (SER). The rivalry was...
View ArticleWelcome home Seth Thomas
Andrew and Bobby welcoming the new arrival. A NSW Government Rail Clock. This early 1900's Seth Thomas 30 day regulator spent over 80 years on duty. We are yet to do more research on the exact...
View Articlerebelde N06 keeping time in a galaxy far, far away!
Many thanks to Comrade Paul for his great shot of N06 at Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. What a story his rebelde could tell. Keep your photos coming. By the way, Paul, your watch was assembled on...
View ArticleMark 1 on a mission
Thank you, Steve. We appreciate your support. When I'm looking at this photo I'm pleased to see how little reflection there is on the dial. Very satisfying.
View ArticleKoku tetsu
The intention over the next few weeks is to introduce you to the fascinating world of Japanese Railroad pocket watches. It’s a rather long story but we are not going to rush because such an approach...
View Article100%
About twice a week we receive an email which reads like this: "Love your work. Can't wait for a 100% Australian made watch. Please let me know when you make one, I will buy it - would love to support...
View ArticleDienstuhr
As always is the case, one thing leads to another, so unexpectedly my research on Australian Railroad wristwatches has sparked interest in German Railroad watches. Clearly not my area of expertise,...
View ArticleLimitless
In 1884 Alfred Hirst established "Hirst Brothers" in Oldham, Great Britain. His bold goal was to produce watches, jewellery and optical goods of every kind. The business proved so successful that by...
View ArticleБуревестник
The "Song of Stormy petrel" is a poem by Maxim Gorky written in 1901. The poet overhears a conversation between birds outside his window on a late-winter day. A crow, a raven, and a bullfinch...
View ArticleCatch the East Wind!
When it comes to horology, religion is Swiss. On a very rare occasion we venture into Japanese watchmaking, and on the even rarer occasion, Russian. However, not once in 25 years have I uttered the...
View ArticleWhere Does My Dentist Go?
At the end of the day it all boils down to one question: who would you trust to service your most precious vintage Rolex? The youngest watchmaker in the town, with the best eyesight, or the oldest,...
View Article1952 Seikosha Japan National Railway Pocket Watch
Bringing to life a long written off pocket watch is always a challenge. Getting a vintage timepiece to run let alone keep correct time is not a matter of cleaning, oiling, and adjustment; that only...
View ArticleNH2 Timascus update
After spending all day in our city workshop with Andrew and Bobby doing restorations, at 8pm I joined Josh in Brookvale for some machining action. At midnight we got our final version of Timascus...
View ArticleThe Zen of watchmaking
It is usually around the end of the second year of training when a young apprentice is ready for 'the next level' of watchmaking. After mastering the basic techniques and gaining the skills required to...
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