Useful Links

Here are some sites I find particularly useful.

Site Description
Mitka’s Watch Shop Mitka is selling off his collection – some beautiful watches to be had here!
Paul Wirdnam Repair of all electric and electronic watches – Accutron, Omega, etc.
http://cousinsuk.com/ Cousins UK, supplier of lots of watch parts
http://cgi.julesborel.com/ Jules Borel Parts Database
TenToTwo John’s blog – he specialises in Japanese watches, and has contributed to this blog in the past
https://billandsons.co.uk/ David Bill & Sons Dial Restoration
http://kronoswelt.de Kronoswelt Dial Restoration
http://replateit.com ReplateIt Case replating
http://www.creativeself.co.uk/ Counselling for people wanting to preserve original luminous compound at any price
https://leisurecan.org/ Open Source CAN Bus network for campervans, boats, …

10 thoughts on “Useful Links

  1. Hi, is there anywhere I can buy custom made watch dials with open heart? I am looking to acquire 50 – 70 pieces for my watches. Thankful for all the help I can get!

  2. I’ve just replaced the battery in my Seiko S111 stopwatch and have tried both methods listed to reset things. The display remains blank. Any common issues that I should look for? Or any common failures that you could repair?

  3. Hello!! I have a complete balance Omega 470 and I want to know if it can work correctly in a 501 caliber. I see that the alternations to the time are both 19,800, and that the measures of the balance staff are compatible together. Thanks for your attention.

    • Homer, you can find these things out by looking at the technical sheets (watchguy.co.uk/technical/), and see what the base movement of your 501 is. If it’s based on the 470, you can use the balance.
      Alternatively, pop it in and see what happens.

  4. Hi Christian,

    I recently had a job request declined, I know you guys are extremely busy at the minute. I really want to restore my grandfathers watch, can you recommend anyone who could repair a 1960s Tudor Oyster Perpetual?

  5. Hello,

    You’ve done a wonderful job posting services on these watches.

    I have a double question:
    1. I live in Canada and have been interested in watches for quite a while now. Unfortunately, the only watch/horlogerie school I’ve managed to find in North America seems to be in Quebec and takes two years in-class to complete. Though French wouldn’t be too big of an issue, I don’t have two years I can exclusively dedicate to classes nine hours away from my home. I’m wondering if you have any advice/tricks up your sleeve as to how I can properly learn the art of watchmaking without shaving my head and joining the french monastery for a couple years.
    2. part of my interest in watches stems from the fact that despite being right handed at most everything I’ve worn watches on my right wrist since I was little and have never managed to find a solid left-handed watch. I’m an active guy and find it uncomfortable diving, hang gliding, or biking with crowns and buttons digging into my lower forearm. I’ve heard interesting stories about Strella’s but haven’t found anything on the web in english that would lead me to believe they exist. Am I chasing Loch Ness? And/or can you recommend a good solid lefty watch?

    Thank you for your website and awesome documenting,

    Evan

    • Hi Evan,

      Try starting off by taking some tuition with a local watchmaker. There is also the BHI distance learning course.

      Yes, there are watches with the crown on the left, for example the Buren 12 chronograph movements.

      Best regards,

      Christian

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