If there's a thread on this, it's not active, so I thought it might be fun to post info about ongoing projects. Despite the fact that I'm trying to cut back on projects, I always seem to have a few. Here are the current ones, with work needed, and what has already been checked off.

Seiko monopusher chronograph. Mainspring problem, needing full service. Off to Australia. This is a simple one.

Rolex 5513 needing TLC. Case to LAWW, rivet bracelet to Rolliworks (check), needs dome crystal (check), needs movement service.


Gallet Flying Officer. Needs better sweep hand (check). Needs service, crystal, and repair of chrono functions.

 

Fabulous SS Elgin auto- runs & stops, at watchmaker

Leonidas Chrono, time functions perfectly, chrono not so much- at watchmaker


Favico Chrono- serviced, hands getting relumed

Unusual large late 40's Gruen C-case at watchmaker

Wyler Trisport- flooded...oh the long list

Longines Weems, runs & stops- at watchmaker for service

Lovely 20's ladies Benrus- runs perfectly- out for service and new crystal hopefully

 

Some really nice and diverse pieces there. Did the Wyler come that way, or is there a story there?

 

Got the Wyler like that, opened it up and realized it had taken on water (it still ran but would stop periodically), it's in pieces now and the parts hunt is on.
Believe it or not, the Gruen is the most intersting of the lot. It's got the 480ss movement which was rather complex for them (and in their higher grade watches) and it's a Switzerland dial which puts it before '49 from what I can find. But the case shape is so unusual for its time.

 

I do like that Gruen

 

Also working on a 5717, needs pusher repair.

 

One a month Dave, I send you one a month

 

So many ...where to start...

I don't consider a simple service and a plexi to be projects.... so I'd be happy to take that Gallet on Dan!!!!

I'm trying to find a calendrer wheel for this



Its taken my watchmaker 18 months to get around to servicing it but it would appear someone tried changing the date when the date was in clicking over mode (between 10pm and 3am).
I have contacted a few parts suppliers but they don't have the correct part. The part they are offering doesn't have enough teeth and is 1mm shorter than the one I need. The one I need has 56 teeth and is 2.91mm in height.

I'm hoping I don't have to get my watchmaker to make one as it will push the job below out even further,

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I'm trying to get a Longines Sidereal with a cal 18.69 that's had a very hard life up and running again. It was finally all back together and then get a call from the watch repairer say he went to reinstall the Canon Pinion only to find it was cracked. I tried to have it laser welded last week but the wall of the tube is so thin (0.1mm) the welder fused it to the temporary shaft he used to hold it. Back to the drawing board... I can get one made but I only know one guy who can do it and his average turn around for jobs is 18 months.



the part is 4.2mm long and the end where the teeth are is 2.9mm in diameter.

I actually have at least another 10 projects I'm struggling to complete. 2 Longines 17.26s, 2 longines 15.26's. I cant remember the others off hand.

I'm really trying not to take on any more projects.... but how many times have I said that..

 

LOL. OMG, wait, are there really watch clubs like Columbia House?

 

Some great pieces, thanks for keeping them alive.

 

Don't give Hondinkee any ideas.

 

Hey, don't forget the sweep hand on the Gallet! My bigger concern is that the chrono starts, but won't stop. Hopefully a good cleaning will take care of that, but we'll see.

That Tourneau is a worthy project.

 

First project completed, here are some before and after shots.

 

Is that a Rolliworks project? That case looks razor sharp

 

Bracelet Rolliworks, case LAWW. Fortunately, the crown guards were very good to begin with, since those seem to be more difficult to restore properly.

 

Spectacular restoration! LAWW really came thru

 

Reconditioning my Hamilton model XXII marine chronometer. These are a 35-size, 21-jewel, stem wind, pin set chronometer with lever escapement, up/down (winding indicator), Elinvar Extra balance wheel and Breguet (overcoil) hairspring, patent cam-style regulator. Runs 52-hours on a wind, fitted with weighted brass tub, gimbals, and fitted to a wooden case. I’ve had this one since about 1990, and had conditioned it once. I haven’t been running it because I was uncertain of the state of the lubricant. I needn’t have concerned myself. The oil was as fresh as the day I applied so long ago I have forgotten when. These have been called a “torpedo boat” chronometer. They were used on merchant marine, coast guard, freighters, oilers, hospital ships, and of course mine sweepers. Usually used on ships that weren’t too far from shore for extended periods, or otherwise on ships that were escorted at sea by cruisers, battleships, or other ships that provided defence. More to come.

 

Follow up and completion.

 

@Dan S - I think you can pull one of those off with the right strap.

 

You know I like them, but I have a different location in mind for display.