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.