A skeleton watch is a mechanical watch, in which all of the moving parts are visible through either the front of the watch, the back of the watch or a small cut outlining the dial.   True ‘skeletonization’ also includes the trimming away of any non-essential metal on the bridge, plate, wheel train or any other mechanical part of the watch, leaving only a skeleton of the movement required for functionality. Often, the remaining thinned movement is decorated with.. Read More

Rolex’s watches have two key numbers associated with them. These numbers are etched directly into the metal of the watch case and can tell you a great deal about your watch.  The two numbers are: The serial number: a unique identifier that is different for every single watch and can be used to determine the production date of that watch.  The reference number: which is sometimes known as the model number.  How.. Read More

Interest in vintage timepieces has reached an all-time high. Some people become enamored by the watches’ stories; others seek the unique look and feel of a watch that has aged naturally over many decades. In this blog I will go over some of the most commonly asked questions about how to care for your vintage watch. Water resistance, magnetism and shock resistance Many people don’t think twice about exposing their.. Read More

There are some barber shop debates that people will never agree on. Is Coke really better than Pepsi? Does pineapple belong on pizza? Is LeBron the greatest of all-time, or does Michael Jordan and his six rings forever hold that distinction? Rolex is generally regarded as the best watch brand. But what about the movements inside the watch itself. Which is the best? We take a look at some of.. Read More

Rolex is most known for their mechanical timepieces, but from 1970 through 2001 the company also produced battery powered and quartz wristwatches. In an attempt to keep up with the times, Rolex began research into electronic timekeeping in the early 1950s and was awarded its first patent for an electro‐mechanical movement in 1952. Despite the company’s early interest in the future electronic timekeeping market, though, the first Rolex quartz watch.. Read More

Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door. That’s a phrase attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. Even though its from the 19th century, it’s a saying that’s always on the top of my mind when working on Rolexes. One of the most popular models I work on is the GMT and GMT 2.  While I was fixing a newer model that uses a Rolex movement.. Read More

The Omega Seamaster range was created in 1948, the first Omega Seamaster 30 wasn’t introduced until 1962. The “30” in the model name refers not to the depth of water resistance, but instead to the size of the movement. Omega’s 30mm hand-wound movements proved exceedingly popular and were produced in large quantity in the mid twentieth century, ending with Calibre 269. The first Seamaster 30 watches used Calibre 286 (created.. Read More

Over the next few weeks, I will do a series of blog posts on Omega watches, both old and new.  I thought before we get started we should go over a bit of history of this fine Swiss Company. The Omega Watch Company was founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux­de ­Fonds, Switzerland. “Omega” is the last letter of the Greek alphabet and, by some, is used to symbolize accomplishment.. Read More

Over the last few years, I have done a number of blog posts about how I repair a watch movement — everything from how it is taken apart, to replacing a balance staff, pressure testing and more.  The one part of the repair process that I have not discussed is how a watch case is buffed and polished. My dad would always say that no matter how great your job is on.. Read More

In every profession, there are tools important to the trade. New iPhones still sometimes require a phone screen, protector and other attachments. Repairmen carry toolboxes filled with instruments to help do their jobs better and quicker. There are likely some tools with multiple uses — tools that are a jack or jill of all trades. Without them, our jobs would be increasingly difficult. In watchmaking, that tool is the staking.. Read More