My "wow" Moment

[joe100]

Hey all,

I was thinking the other day that this little hobby of hours is quite different from most. The reason I say this is because the vast majority of the engineering and construction of our watches is never seen. Only the harmonious result of all those tiny moving parts is beautifully and accurately displayed on our dials every single day. Everything is concealed within metal and crystal housings. It's not like you can just pop off the back at will and see how things tick so to speak.

Before my grandfather passed away last week, he gave me his father's Hamilton pocket watch. (as well as his pocket watch, and the watch he received from his mother when he graduated USC with a BA in mechanical engineering) I took my great-grandfather's watch it to a local watch repairman to get an idea of what sort of mechanical work it might need. I was there when he removed the case back and I just couldn't believe my eyes. For timepiece that was made in the first decade of the 20th century, I was stunned to see the craftsmanship that went into it. The scroll work of the engraved letters and numbers, the tiny pieces that went into the movement, and the like-new condition. The repairman said it was in perfect condition and he explained how to wind it properly etc. We decided to give it a short wind to see it work. And work it did! My grandmother told me that it had sat in the family safe for as long as she could remember, so it's reasonable to say it hadn't been wound in 50+ years.

I'm just staggered that something this small, with so many moving parts and close to 100 years old functions like it was new. These days you can't buy a car that will last you more than ten years but a tiny little machine that was designed and built with little more than experience and a slide-rule stands the test of time.

The repairman topped-off my day be telling me that this particular piece is quite valuable and I'm damn lucky to find one in such amazing condition. I haven't had the time yet to dive into the other two pieces but over this long holiday break of mine I'm itching to get started. If either of them are in half the condition of the old Hamilton I'll be satisfied.

So the next time someone asks you why you like timepieces so much just tell them that until they have that "eureka" or "wow" moment, they'll never understand.

Best regards,

J.

[East Bay Rider]

Yes! You have exactly stated why these watches (little machines) are SO important and worthy of our attention.
But we need to see pictures. We definitely need to see pictures.

[Dan Pierce]

Nice read Joe.
dP

[marshallr47]

Joe,
When my watchmaker showed me the insides of my Rolex, I was in awe. And this excitement is what sparked my new hobby. I recently joined the TZ watch school course 1. It discusses how to take a watch apart and put it back together as well as teaches you the pieces and parts of the watch. I plan on keeping you guys posted when I begin the project and hopefully no one will mind if I post it on this forum. Very nice post. Thanks for sharing.

[Rockrolex]

Great read, Joe. I guess that is one reason we are here. As you say, we are in awe of these mechanical wonders that can last a lifetime or more.

And, Ron, we would absolutely love to have you post your progress with the TZ watch course. It's things like this that make this such an interesting hobby.

[Paulie]

Great story! Here's a couple of old Hamilton movies for ya (and the first one is awesome!)

http://www.archive.org/details/HowaWatc1949

http://www.archive.org/details/WhatMake1947

[joe100]

Hey guys,

A watch is something more than the sum of its parts. They say diamonds are forever but I don't think that's very impressive; but a watch that lasts 100 years and is looking like it'll go another 100 easily is impressive.

I can't wait to see the inside of my GMT. Ah, what a treat that will be.

Best regards,

Joe

[Gil F.]

Very cool! I also inherited a gold pocket watch from my grandfather ... it's completely original except the crystal had to be replaced.

Sorry for the recent loss of your grandfather, but having such a nice timepiece to remember him by AND to appreciate your hobby even more is great. You described my feelings much more eloquently, but having a little machine that is, in fact, a piece of early history is very cool.

[Alcan]

Great read, Joe. I have a couple of older pocket watches, looking forward to seeing some pix of yours.

Originally Posted by joe100

Everything is concealed within metal and crystal housings. It's not like you can just pop off the back at will and see how things tick so to speak.

Actually, you don't have to. With an aftermarket clear caseback like this one installed you can admire the movement any time you like.

[joe100]

Hey Alcan, I read your thread on the AM casebacks right after I posted this thread. I really like the look of it!

Best regards,

J.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by joe100

Hey Alcan, I read your thread on the AM casebacks right after I posted this thread. I really like the look of it!

Best regards,

J.

Thank you. It was bought from a vendor from Germany who had a banner here on TRF a while ago. It fit perfectly and the watch passed a pressure test afterwards.


What I'd really like to see is some pix of your Granddad's vintage Hamilton pocket watch.

[Transient]

What an awesome story.
To me, that's what makes these watches so valuable, their durability which allows us to pass them down to future generations.

[Solo118]

Awesome story, I too am always amazed that an automatic watch is the one of the last possessions around that do not need any computer chips, batteries, or electricity to keep running!

[joe100]

It's amazing to think that often the only possession we have of our ancestors is their watch. My great-grandfather was born in the 19th century and yet his watch still survives.

Our Rolex specimens will last just as long I'm sure.

Btw Paulie, I watched the two videos you posted. They're awesome! Thanks a million for sharing.

Best regards,

Joe

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Fantastic read and if you like the idea of installing clear casebacks they can be fitted to almost ANY watch via this seller:

Clear casebacks! CLICK!

[joe100]

Thanks guys, glad you liked it.

Best regards,

J.

[f16570]

It is fascinating to see the movement, doing what they were designed to do.
Good read, thanks for posting.

f

[DRCramer1989]

Wow! Cool story especially for me. My Mom just busted out my Grandfather's old Hamilton pocket watch and gave it to me about 3 weeks ago. I really had no idea it was that valuable.

I too was amazed that all I had to do was give it a few turns and the old Hamiliton cranked right up. That thing probably hasn't been wound in 40-50 years. Amazing! I would love for you to PM me and give me some details about what you found out about yours.

Thanks!

[haakon59]

Thanks for reminding us about how accomplished the generation of our grandfathers and great grandfathers really was. I hope you continue to enjoy your new collection.