I have another Helvetia in need of a little attention as it is not running and the crystal is a little cracked. Continue reading
Repair and service: Helvetia calibre 82A
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Category Archives: Service
Service Breguet XX (20) / Valjoux 225
We have settled into our fabulous new workshop, and are very happy with the new environment…
Andrew sent us his Breguet XX, as the hour recorder wasn’t working. The second and minute recorders work fine, but the hour recorder just won’t budge…
The Breguet XX was developed after the war, and was issued to the French Air Force. The Vajoux 225 movement is based on the Valjoux 22, which doesn’t have an hour recorder, so that was added to the bottom plate for the 225.
Service: Helvetia calibre 800C
I collect vintage Helvetia watches as they have some really interesting in-house movements and the calibre 800 is especially funky. This watch also has some interesting history as it was issued to the German army intelligence during WW2. Continue reading
Service: Lemania Chronograph RN Nuclear Submarine Series 3 / calibre 2220
As regular readers might know, we sometimes invite customers into our workshop if they would like to see what we do, and if the watch is something special. Chances are even better if the watch has an interesting story, and Tim ticked all the boxes, so we invited him down from Scotland to our workshop.
In this photo, you can see the Lemania (and Tim) on boad HMS Valiant at the periscope around 1984. The watch was issued to him in 1983 (it was made in 1964), and he has had it ever since.
The interesting bit about the watch is that it’s a special issue for nuclear submarines, having no luminous compound (as radioactivity is tightly monitored on board nuclear subs, for obvious reasons), and a white dial with black hands. Continue reading
Repair: Omega Seamaster 105.004 – 64 calibre 321
When Vincenzo sent me an email asking if I would put together his Seamaster that another watchmaker took apart, I did of course decline. I don’t like to mop up other people’s mess, and think that whoever takes a watch apart, should put it back together again.
In this case, though, the watchmaker couldn’t put it back together, as he was late. So stupidly, I agree … Continue reading
Service: Citizen Diamond Flake Calibre 0.700
Panos has bought this beautiful Citizen from me. Back in 1963 it was the thinnest sweep second hand watch in the world being only 2.7mm thick!
The watch has a broken setting lever spring and is not running like it should.
Service: Tissot Chronograph / calibre 871 / Lemania 1281
Clayton sent in this Tissot Chronograph. The crown has come loose, but dial and case are in good condition… Continue reading
Service: Cyma Sport calibre 032Kb
I bought this lovely little Cyma as I like the unusual case design and the black and copper coloured dial. In my opinion Cymas from the 40’s up to the 60’s are some of the most undervalued watches on the market. This watch is hardly running and needs a little attention. Continue reading
Service: Stowa B Uhr / calibre Unitas 2812.
Service: Revue Rotor King calibre 87
It is rare to find the Revue calibre 87 and when this one showed up I had to get it.