Lusting after an early one button chrono for years and not seeing what I want anywhere I decided to read up on it and get creative. How hard can it be right. Using my virtually mint '58 321 Speedmaster for a starting point I pulled it apart intending on a conversion to single button. My lack of mechanical skills not withstanding I figured on simply moving the required components around until they all line up with the one pusher. Should anything go wrong I did have a nice clean model 92 Waltham for spares. However I rapidly found I needed a real expert when I broke my visegrips getting one of the little wheels out, this is where Al Archer came in. I contacted Al and, after reviewing my project, he stated I was obviously a special case and in need of real professional help. Obviously I was on the right track. After my initial contact I did have some difficulty in following up with Al, who for some reason was unable to return my next 86 emails. I was finally able to deliver the project to him and work commenced! Only 17 weeks and 147 emails and phonecalls later I receive my prize in the mail and, while its a bit bulkier than I had hoped it does keep good time and has a genuine one button chrono function. AND! Al, being a great pal, said he was able to sell off the gold band I had cut off my Grand Lux for the project and since I loved hiking, had used the proceeds to purchase me a special holiday package where I could try out my new watch! The package includes a one way ticket to an exotic place called Siberia, a pair of hiking boots, a Speedo swimsuit and a can of Raid, he says the weathers really nice in March, so I'll only need to take the Speedo. I may need a bit of bug spray and I don't need to call him when I get back as he is moving. What a pal! The doner watch, not 100% mint as it had been engraved by some guy named Nasa for some guy named Neil spares....just in case! the back was hard to get off until I tried turning it instead of prying the little posts ground of the case easy enough, looking back I should have left something this is the little wheel I broke my visegrips getting out, who would have thought those little plates were so tough the finished result....the man is an artist! I do find the bungie cord a bit itchy though, maybe I'll get a Hirsch for it before the trip. wow! Thanks Al.
Love it Fritz!! Obviously a bespoke piece, one that you can proudly point to and call your own...and please do that! Don't let anyone else know that Al or any other person helped out...why not keep the glory for yourself?!
bespoke! yeah, Al really should have some credit but he did say I could claim this as my own. Beside, as I work my way home I'm not running into anybody who knows what an Omega is...... actually, I'm not running into anybody.... I was able to trade my can of Raid for a bicycle so I'm making good time! Don't know why Raid is worth so much, I've not seen a single mossie.
why yes I have stopped my meds, does it show? The chipmunk that lives on my shoulder, Dave, says I'm doing fine! (Al can't see Dave, I worry about him, he works too hard)
Just got back from 2 days in Detroit working on a new program for a 2015 Lincoln..... actually wish to hell I had been in friggin Siberia! The automotive industry.... Oi! And to think this is what we all wanted to do back in college!