Author Archives: Christian

Repair and Service: Universal Geneve Tri-Compax “Eric Clapton” calibre 281

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Some watches are defined by who wore them, and this is certainly the case for the Universal Geneve Tri-Compax “Eric Clapton”. His taste of watch straps may be disputable, but I remember having one of those in the early 70s as well 😉

The watch itself is of undisputed taste, and there is also a version with a dark dial with white sub-dials, referred to as the “Evil Clapton” version.



These beasts are rare enough, and even rarer when in good condition, as this one, which was sent in by a customer from Florida.

Unfortunately, the watch isn’t working, so we’ll have to find out what’s ailing it. Continue reading →

A rare find: Omega Speedmaster 105.003-64 calibre 321

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It’s been a long time that I posted last, which has to do with the fact that we are very busy, and that there wan’t really anything extraordinary that landed on our benches. But today is the day, and extraordinary it is indeed! This is something I haven’t seen before. And Ed White Speedmaster with a blue dial!

The watch found its way into our workshop through a jeweller, who had sent the watch to Omega for repair. They returned it telling him that they couldn’t do it, as they had no parts…  Continue reading →

Google Home application for our customers

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As Christmas is approaching, some of our readers will find one of these Google Home appliances (mini or the bigger version) under the tree.

Some of you might know that I like to tinker with software (the interface our clients use to check on their jobs, and the library showing all our jobs have been written by me), I was very tempted when I got a Google Home mini as an early Christmas present.

So I just had to write a bit of software that interacts with the device, and I started off with an application that lets me check what the next job is, what I’m currently working on, and how long the queue is, for use in the workshop. That was quite nifty, and I wanted to develop something for my customers as well.

So here it is – the instructions for set-up are here, and it’s pretty easy to do. The app has just been approved and published (last night), so not all of you might be able to discover it yet, as that can take a day or two.

If you have an iPhone, just download the “Google Home” app, and you can use this feature as well!

Please let me know if you find it useful, and also let me know what additional functionality you would like to see.

The de Fossard Solar Time Clock

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The world of clocks and watches isn’t only re-bushing and oil, we sometimes are allowed out of our workshops to attend events.

This Tuesday, I was privileged enough to be invited to the launch of the Solar Time Clock made by George and Cornelia de Fossard at The Clockworks in London, hosted by Dr. James Nye. I have blogged three years ago about the project, and after about 5000 hours of work, the two have finished their masterpiece.

Thank you James for hosting the event, which I truly enjoyed.

Continue reading →

How to re-attach dial feet [2]

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My aversion to dial spots (those little adhesive dots used to glue on dials) knows little bounds. It’s a shoddy job, the dial can still turn with time, and in my book, it’s not an appropriate repair. On a £2 quartz movement, dial spots might be appropriate, but on anything mechanical, I’d rather not.

Above, a dial with broken off feet. You can still see some remaining dial spots, and, in preparation for the new dial feet, I have marked the centre of the feet on the dial. I use a sharp needle and a pair of tweezers as a ruler. Continue reading →