Hi Everyone,
Well, I have been at it again.
This time, a Chronograph for myself. I would like to use this watch as an everyday wearer, but I might also ‘bin’ the case after stripping out the retrievable parts. It’s been good experience as a manufacturing exercise, but may not cut the mustard as a going watch concern. It feels really comfortable on my wrist but, it is very thick and sits up a bit. Any thoughts that this is similar to a Bremont is mearly correct!
Yes, I so admire the Maker I took a few of their ideas into account when designing this one. I guess thats the best form of flattery. What I have produced is nothing like their offerings of course, as there is little quality in my watch. I do like the idea of a watch barrel concept they use though. It works great and protects the movement from accidental damage (to a certain extent).
I call this watch the F4 Time Writer (no, not Typewriter), which is the literal English translation of ChronoGraph. It’s based on an ETA 7750 movement with a lot of donated parts to make up the whole. The scales are from Seiko (and in this case - under glass) but many of the other parts are from England, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Philippines, the US, Germany and of course, Switzerland. I could never claim the accuracy of the label on the dial (Swiss Made) but at least it is a genuine ETA, and not a clone. So I am happy about that.
I made the Exhibition back (much bigger this time and dead easy) with a screwed back. My first threading on a bigger scale which came up OK. Larger and deeper wrench lug points next time, as these are a bit small. The pushers and the caps are all home brewed too, but proved to be tricky. Believe it or not, I refused to note how other makers build pushers and tubes and decided to do my own thing. I am glad in a way, as they worked out OK in theory. Note to self:- pay more attention to what other makers do in the future. The pusher springs are curtsey of a Tamiya RC car. They work brilliantly and are tuned to each other, so smooth operation and a predictable Dan.
The pusher caps are a last minute flourish. Alain Silberstein, eat your heart out! Crazy really as its poured two pack glue with enamel colour added in just before flashing. The bubble finish is on account of the specific gravity and surface tension of the glue and because it naturally forms just slightly away from an edge. If you have ever split milk on a table top, you will know what I mean. Worked OK but remind me of M & Ms every time I look at them!
I created a blog of the fabrication on Tumblr, so please have a look if you are interested. See me at http://www.tumblr.com/blog/bespokewatchsolutions
It’s not all there regarding each step and some were scantly dealt with. But I got most of the heavy work in pics. In all a 4 month project, which I thoroughly enjoyed, even if the results are a little disappointing.
