Who's got a nice watch? Traditional watches only, no smartwatches please.

[Doga]

Playing around, taking photos of my watches this weekend and I thought I'd share this one. This is an Obaku Harmony. Danish brand, comparable to Skagen with a similar design philosophy I guess, but lesser-known. This was my mainstay watch for about seven years before I purchased my Tissot PRS516 and my Hamilton Khaki Field. Though I wear this watch infrequently nowadays I still love it; it's very thin, lightweight and clean looking - and that Milanese loop bracelet is a silken pleasure on the wrist.

 

[MacRy]

Who's got a nice watch? Traditional watches only, no smartwatches please.

Playing around, taking photos of my watches this weekend and I thought I'd share this one. This is an Obaku Harmony. Danish brand, comparable to Skagen with a similar design philosophy I guess, but lesser-known. This was my mainstay watch for about seven years before I purchased my Tissot PRS516 and my Hamilton Khaki Field. Though I wear this watch infrequently nowadays I still love it; it's very thin, lightweight and clean looking - and that Milanese loop bracelet is a silken pleasure on the wrist.



Image

It's a nice looking watch. The Milanese looks very similar to the ones you find on the Skagen models and the one I own is ridiculously comfy.

Great photo too.

 

[bunnspecial]

I mentioned this watch previously, but thought I'd follow up on it.

It was missing the minute hand when received. As it so happens, I was going through the "miscellaneous junk" drawer in my watch bench(lots of screws, jewels, and other random parts that are often fitted by trial and error) and found the below.

A quick showed that it was the correct length, but the center hole was too small.

That's not a problem-the hand vice and broaches came out.

Unfortunately, I made the hole just a bit too large to fit comfortably.

Fortunately, there's an "oops" tool for that. I used my staking set and a round faced punch along with a few light taps from a brass hammer to close up the hole slightly.(BTW, this is a constant source of argument among watchmakers, but I'm firmly of the opinion that Levin made the finest staking sets, bar none).

That left me with a perfect fit! Here it all is back together. I still need to clean it, but it's at least complete now.

 

[AppleDApp]

I mentioned this watch previously, but thought I'd follow up on it.

It was missing the minute hand when received. As it so happens, I was going through the "miscellaneous junk" drawer in my watch bench(lots of screws, jewels, and other random parts that are often fitted by trial and error) and found the below.

Image

A quick showed that it was the correct length, but the center hole was too small.

Image

That's not a problem-the hand vice and broaches came out.

Image

Unfortunately, I made the hole just a bit too large to fit comfortably.

Image

Fortunately, there's an "oops" tool for that. I used my staking set and a round faced punch to close up the hole slightly.(BTW, this is a constant source of argument among watchmakers, but I'm firmly of the opinion that Levin made the finest staking sets, bar none).

Image

That left me with a perfect fit! Here it all is back together. I still need to clean it, but it's at least complete now.

Image

Image

Love your posts. Where did you buy your tools? I'm looking mainly to adjust my bracelet.

 

[bunnspecial]

Love your posts. Where did you buy your tools? I'm looking mainly to adjust my bracelet.

Most of my tools are older than a lot of the folks posting in this thread.

I bought the bench, lathe, a bunch of parts, and the majority of the tools from an 85-year old watchmaker friend here in town. His collection was-in turn-a conglomeration of 3 or 4 other watchmaker's he had bought out. I loaded up my dad's Ranger twice and my car three times to get everything here. He still calls me every once in a while telling me he found another box. I sold of some duplicates, but still have a bunch stashed away.

I've picked up a few others along the way-mostly from NAWCC Marts and material suppliers like Dashto(old tools are less expensive and usually better than new ones). I also buy them occasionally from antique shops and flea market, usually from people who have no idea what they are. I have enough variants of tools that accomplish the same task that I can often recognize obscure tools, plus I've spent a lot of time studying old catalogs.

Collecting watch tools can be as much fun as collecting old watches!

 

[D-Dave]

That lume! The Gray Side Of The Moon model looks awesome If only it came with a metal strap.

Well, as stated by Olly, it does not have a metal body. It is gray ceramic (part polished, part brushed) with a very specific tone of gray.
I guess it would be possible to make either a matching ceramic band or coloring a metal Band to match it...but I would not count on Omega to do so.
On the other hand, switching out the original leather strap for any other Band is realy easy as the Gray Side of the Moon has the same dimensions as most other Speedmasters ;-)

 

[SchneiderMan]

Well, as stated by Olly, it does not have a metal body. It is gray ceramic (part polished, part brushed) with a very specific tone of gray.
I guess it would be possible to make either a matching ceramic band or coloring a metal Band to match it...but I would not count on Omega to do so.
On the other hand, switching out the original leather strap for any other Band is realy easy as the Gray Side of the Moon has the same dimensions as most other Speedmasters ;-)

They could make a non-ceramic model too like the regular moon watch for less with a metal strap, but that's wishful thinking.

 

[applesith]

Picked this up recently. Favorite color

 

[ocabj]

They could make a non-ceramic model too like the regular moon watch for less with a metal strap, but that's wishful thinking.

They do.

http://www.omegawatches.com/collect...tch/omega-co-axial-chronograph/31130445101002

Steel case with steel bracelet, which was out long before the DSOTM. The DSOTM is the same Omega calibre 9300 movement as in this reference version.

But the whole point of the original DSOTM was to create an all black ceramic case version of the Speedmaster. The GSOTM is the all grey ceramic version, of course.

Then if you want a titanium case with titanium bracelet, that's also available: http://www.omegawatches.com/collect...tch/omega-co-axial-chronograph/31190445103001

 

[bwhinnen]

This is my daily wearer. Swiss Military Watch (SMW). Is an older model. Super light and great T25 on all hands and hour marks.

It's a titanium body as well so very light. Using a NATO strap rather than the original titanium link bracelet or came with.

The M and S in the reflection are from the back of the phone

 

[LadyX]

Received my NOMOS Tangente two days ago. It's stunning in person. Very light, thin, and comfortable. The level of quality, engineering, and craftsmanship is top-notch!

 

[OllyW]

Received my NOMOS Tangente two days ago. It's stunning in person. Very light, thin, and comfortable. The level of quality, engineering, and craftsmanship is top-notch!

That's a great watch LadyX, I love that classy Bauhaus influenced design.

 

[LadyX]

That's a great watch LadyX, I love that classy Bauhaus influenced design.

Thank you, Olly! They really make beautiful minimal timepieces.

 

[MacRy]

Very nice LadyX. I love the Tangente and hope to add one to my collection one day.

 

[roadbloc]

I got this trooper. Screw the Apple Watch's day long battery life, this thing has been going strong for 14 years now.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Playing around, taking photos of my watches this weekend and I thought I'd share this one. This is an Obaku Harmony. Danish brand, comparable to Skagen with a similar design philosophy I guess, but lesser-known. This was my mainstay watch for about seven years before I purchased my Tissot PRS516 and my Hamilton Khaki Field. Though I wear this watch infrequently nowadays I still love it; it's very thin, lightweight and clean looking - and that Milanese loop bracelet is a silken pleasure on the wrist.

Image

Lovely elegant watch. I have not heard of the Obaku Harmony, but I did have a really nice and solid Skagen watch with a navy blue face or a few years (which I subsequently gave to my brother). Agree that they are elegant and very well-crafted watches.

I mentioned this watch previously, but thought I'd follow up on it.

It was missing the minute hand when received. As it so happens, I was going through the "miscellaneous junk" drawer in my watch bench(lots of screws, jewels, and other random parts that are often fitted by trial and error) and found the below.

Image

A quick showed that it was the correct length, but the center hole was too small.

Image

That's not a problem-the hand vice and broaches came out.

Image

Unfortunately, I made the hole just a bit too large to fit comfortably.

Image

Fortunately, there's an "oops" tool for that. I used my staking set and a round faced punch along with a few light taps from a brass hammer to close up the hole slightly.(BTW, this is a constant source of argument among watchmakers, but I'm firmly of the opinion that Levin made the finest staking sets, bar none).

Image

That left me with a perfect fit! Here it all is back together. I still need to clean it, but it's at least complete now.

Image

Image

Most of my tools are older than a lot of the folks posting in this thread.

I bought the bench, lathe, a bunch of parts, and the majority of the tools from an 85-year old watchmaker friend here in town. His collection was-in turn-a conglomeration of 3 or 4 other watchmaker's he had bought out. I loaded up my dad's Ranger twice and my car three times to get everything here. He still calls me every once in a while telling me he found another box. I sold of some duplicates, but still have a bunch stashed away.

I've picked up a few others along the way-mostly from NAWCC Marts and material suppliers like Dashto(old tools are less expensive and usually better than new ones). I also buy them occasionally from antique shops and flea market, usually from people who have no idea what they are. I have enough variants of tools that accomplish the same task that I can often recognize obscure tools, plus I've spent a lot of time studying old catalogs.

Collecting watch tools can be as much fun as collecting old watches!

Great story, and terrific pictures.

Reading it, I marvelled at your confidence in attempting to attach the recently discovered minute hand to the watch - I would have surrendered that to a professional without a second's hesitation, but each to his own. Actually, that sounds as though it is a fascinating and rewarding (physically and mentally) hobby.

 

[LadyX]

Very nice LadyX. I love the Tangente and hope to add one to my collection one day.

Thank you! A NOMOS watch would be a great addition

 

[quicksilver77]

Something from NZ

 

[bunnspecial]

Reading it, I marvelled at your confidence in attempting to attach the recently discovered minute hand to the watch - I would have surrendered that to a professional without a second's hesitation, but each to his own. Actually, that sounds as though it is a fascinating and rewarding (physically and mentally) hobby.

In all honesty, I get a lot of satisfaction from doing repairs. I've been studying watchmaking since 2009, and bought my "shop" in September of 2010.

Fitting a new hand is pretty low on the list of difficult repairs, or at least it is with the right tools. The hand vice(which, as per the name, is specifically made for this sort of work) makes holding the hand very easy for this kind of work. It has different sized holes around the perimeter so that it's easy to get the hole centered. Hands are friction fit, so it's really just a matter of getting the hole just the right size so that it will slip on(hopefully with minimal effort, as having to press too hard can break the center jewel) and allow it to be removed for future servicing. It also needs to be tight enough that it won't slip and and move around the dial from gravity. One tool I didn't show was a pin vise to hold the broach, as they are nearly impossible to turn without one.

As I showed, it's sometimes trial and error to get it right.

The real fun is when you get into things like replacing balance staffs. I have a watch on my bench that needs a staff, but have been putting it off for lack of time. If you all are interested, I'll photograph and write up the process.

I'm sorry that my "on the bench" photos aren't the best. I use a two-tube articulated fluorescent light as a bench light(sometimes called a "drafting lamp"). It's plenty bright and actually great for watch work(since it can positioned anywhere) but it's a traditional 60hz, magnetic balance fluorescent lamp that makes photographing really difficult. You can see the "lines" on my photos due to the oscillation of the lamp and the focal plane shutter of my camera.

 

[MacRy]

Something from NZ

[url=http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/quicksilver77/Watches/496472C7-BFEC-40CA-A50D-DAEAD1DC4584_zpstyy0knkl.jpg]Image[/URL]

Nice. I nearly bought a Regattare a while back.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

In all honesty, I get a lot of satisfaction from doing repairs. I've been studying watchmaking since 2009, and bought my "shop" in September of 2010.

Fitting a new hand is pretty low on the list of difficult repairs, or at least it is with the right tools. The hand vice(which, as per the name, is specifically made for this sort of work) makes holding the hand very easy for this kind of work. It has different sized holes around the perimeter so that it's easy to get the hole centered. Hands are friction fit, so it's really just a matter of getting the hole just the right size so that it will slip on(hopefully with minimal effort, as having to press too hard can break the center jewel) and allow it to be removed for future servicing. It also needs to be tight enough that it won't slip and and move around the dial from gravity. One tool I didn't show was a pin vise to hold the broach, as they are nearly impossible to turn without one.

As I showed, it's sometimes trial and error to get it right.

The real fun is when you get into things like replacing balance staffs. I have a watch on my bench that needs a staff, but have been putting it off for lack of time. If you all are interested, I'll photograph and write up the process.

I'm sorry that my "on the bench" photos aren't the best. I use a two-tube articulated fluorescent light as a bench light(sometimes called a "drafting lamp"). It's plenty bright and actually great for watch work(since it can positioned anywhere) but it's a traditional 60hz, magnetic balance fluorescent lamp that makes photographing really difficult. You can see the "lines" on my photos due to the oscillation of the lamp and the focal plane shutter of my camera.

Thanks for your reply; actually, I have to say that this sounds extraordinarily interesting. And yes, thank you. I would be most interested to read more about this, and see some of the photographs which you may wish to post.

 

[ipodlover77]

In all honesty, I get a lot of satisfaction from doing repairs. I've been studying watchmaking since 2009, and bought my "shop" in September of 2010.

Fitting a new hand is pretty low on the list of difficult repairs, or at least it is with the right tools. The hand vice(which, as per the name, is specifically made for this sort of work) makes holding the hand very easy for this kind of work. It has different sized holes around the perimeter so that it's easy to get the hole centered. Hands are friction fit, so it's really just a matter of getting the hole just the right size so that it will slip on(hopefully with minimal effort, as having to press too hard can break the center jewel) and allow it to be removed for future servicing. It also needs to be tight enough that it won't slip and and move around the dial from gravity. One tool I didn't show was a pin vise to hold the broach, as they are nearly impossible to turn without one.

As I showed, it's sometimes trial and error to get it right.

The real fun is when you get into things like replacing balance staffs. I have a watch on my bench that needs a staff, but have been putting it off for lack of time. If you all are interested, I'll photograph and write up the process.

I'm sorry that my "on the bench" photos aren't the best. I use a two-tube articulated fluorescent light as a bench light(sometimes called a "drafting lamp"). It's plenty bright and actually great for watch work(since it can positioned anywhere) but it's a traditional 60hz, magnetic balance fluorescent lamp that makes photographing really difficult. You can see the "lines" on my photos due to the oscillation of the lamp and the focal plane shutter of my camera.

Any discounts for MR members?

 

[AppleDApp]

Anyone know how to sync multiple clocks up to show the time in different time zones like you would see in airports?

Or know of a premade system. I would also be looking for something with sweeping seconds hand.

Even better if I can use some IBM clocks

https://vimeo.com/40953003

 

[Linuxpro]

Everyone has a taste, a style that they like. I really don't get excited with anything of a square dial design and prefer round dials. There are some beautiful pieces on show here.

1 - Timex Snoopy in red, my first watch ever
2 - Seiko SKX100 diver. Classic auto beater
3 - Panerai Power Reserve
4 - IWC Portuguese Chrono
5 - Fortis Cosmonaut
.

You do not like "boring" watches. You like character. I totally understand.

 

[bunnspecial]

Anyone know how to sync multiple clocks up to show the time in different time zones like you would see in airports?

Or know of a premade system. I would also be looking for something with sweeping seconds hand.

Even better if I can use some IBM clocks

https://vimeo.com/40953003

Something like the below?

I'm going to be pedantic for a moment and point out that a "sweep" second hand refers to any hand that moves around the perimeter of the dial(as opposed to a sub-second hand, which moves within its own dial). It does not describe the motion of the hand, which can be either continuous or incremental).

With that said, I'm going to assume that you want something with a continuously moving second hand.

In the world of wall clocks, one of the best options is a good old classic synchronous motor driven clock, which uses the 60hz of AC power(at least in the US) as its time base. Since this is incredibly stable(it has to be for grid synchronization across the country), these clocks are among the most accurate available to the consumer(short of quartz clocks that sync to the atomic clock daily). The second hand on them is also continuously in motion-it doesn't even move in small jumps like most mechanical watches.

You could line up several of these and run each one individually until the second hand is at 12:00, then pull the plug. Plug them into a power strip with the power off, and then pre-set them to a selected time. When that time arrives, just flip the power strip on and they should be good to go.