What is it? We have here a tool from my workshop. On one side it has a large disc with small cutting tools on it. There is a pin to position the cutters. There is a handle to rotate the cutter. Only one cutter rotates at a time. On the back side [...]
Bergeon showed some new fancy tools for watchmakers at Basel this year. I haven’t had a chance to actually play with any of them, hopefully I’ll get the chance before too long. For now here is the catalog of new tools but don’t forget your pocket book, these tools don’t come cheap. Here [...]
When we moved shops about 9 months ago I found this little vial of brass tubes. At the time I didn’t know for what they were intended. I still don’t but I found a great use for them. They are a cylinder of brass with the end turned down to a smaller diameter. Each [...]
On occasion I hear someone ask why Rolex doesn’t use anti-reflective coating on their watch crystals. This Ladies Constellation is a good example why not. Click on the image to enlarge it and take a look. The haziness and scratches in the crystal are a result of ordinary wear to the anti-reflective [...]
I have never seen this tool in real life or in any modern catalog but it looks terribly useful. The rare time when I need to reset a roller jewel I have found it to be a somewhat awkward task. This tool appears to make it practical and easy. Click on the [...]
Following up on yesterday’s post I’ll make a quick note about the keyless works (winding and setting) of the ETA 2824 and 2892 movements. It is quite easy to dislodge the set lever and/or yoke when removing and/or inserting the winding stem. The barrel bridge has a slot in it which is meant [...]
I have been out of town for a few days and of course the work piled up while I was gone. I spent most of today estimating repairs.
One of the watches I dealt with today was a Maurice Lacroix automatic that I serviced one year ago. It had stopped working and when it [...]
This is a simple tool for removing the acrylic crystal from a one piece case design. The claws grip on the outside rim of the crystal compressing it until it can be raised out of the case, giving access to the movement. The tool can also be used to install the same crystal [...]
I’ve spent quite a bit of time talking about my watchmaking school experience but is it the only way to become a watchmaker? Well, no. If you can find a master watchmaker in your area you could apprentice (assuming he is willing.) In today’s world this may be a great opportunity because [...]
There have been several articles written on LWT here are links to several I know about:
Business Week - Dec 2006
Bloomberg News - Feb 2005
Professional Jeweler - May 2003
National Jeweler - July 2001
Professional Jeweler - Oct 2003
