An Artifact of Innovation: The Hamilton/Buren Intramatic [5/21/01]
Archives September 11, 2003
An Artifact of Innovation: The Hamilton/Buren Intramatic Part I by John Davis May 21, 2001 The first ever micro-rotor automatic watch movement was patented by Uhrenfabrik Büren A.G. in the mid 50s. When their “planetary rotor” automatic movement was released in 1957 in the “Super Slender” line, it was... Read more
On Companionship & Soul in Watches [6/3/98]
Archives December 28, 2002
On Companionship & Soul in Watches By Mycroft July 3, 1998 Hi Guys! I have been following the quartz vs. mechanicals debate and also previously related posts along these lines. I feel that we are getting a little closer to describe that indefinable endearment that mechanicals bring to the... Read more
You might be a WIS if…[2/10/00]
Archives December 27, 2002
You might be a WIS if… Posted By: TZ Community Date: 2/10/00 13:12 You might be a WIS…. …if you find yourself looking at your watch 6 or 7 times in a row and still don’t know what time it is. …if you read a poster on “Back pain”... Read more
RGM Chat Aran 9/2/97 7:49 AMLong post (forgive me), but this is info from Roland’s web site that is good background before the chat begins. The man behind the brand, Roland G. Murphy, is a watchmaker by trade whose intent to creating is to bring technical prowess and... Read more
Technical Review Of The IWC Mark XII [4/98]
Archives October 17, 2002
TECHNICAL REVIEW OF THE IWC MARK XII MOVEMENT Posted by Jack Freedman on March 24, 1998 at 11:21:15: The Mark XII has been a big success for IWC as it is designed as a pilot watch resembling their legendary Mark XI and is also in size, weight, and... Read more
A Comparison Of ETA Movements [12/97]
Archives October 17, 2002
A Comparison of ETA Movements Some Other Differences Forum: TimeZone – Advanced Forum Re: Compare/contrast ETA 2824 and 2892-A2 movement (James Donabed) Date: Fri, 12 Dec 1997 07:46:19 GMT From: Walt Odets <odets@csi.com> In addition to SJX’s comment on the thickness differences, other differences include the 2892 with 21... Read more
Watch Longevity
Archives October 17, 2002
Watch Longevity Timezone forum post: Hi Justin, Your post for a more comprehensive way to evaluate the quality of a watch is once again inspiring and challenging..all in all another great post. The inherent problem lies in the fact that the ultimate test of a watch’s correct and fine... Read more
JLC (and Vacheron) Automatic Movements Forum: TimeZone – Advanced Forum Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 03:18:43 GMT From: Walt Odets <odets@compuserve.com> The following post was first made in response to a question about winding efficiency of a mid 50’s Vacheron automatic. Vacheron introduced the caliber 477/1 bumper automatic in... Read more
How To Judge The Finish Of A Watch Movement [12/97]
Archives October 17, 2002
How To Judge The Finish Of A Watch Movement The “Finish” Of Watch Movements Forum: TimeZone – Advanced Forum Date: Sun, 21 Dec 1997 08:44:08 GMT From: Walt Odets The following is a reply to Val Joux’s question in the regular Forum. Of the four items Val Joux lists,... Read more
How To Critically Evaluate A Watch’s Performance [7/97]
Archives October 17, 2002
How To Critically Evaluate A Watch’s Performance Posted by Justin Time on July 04, 1997 at 05:17:45: A CHALLENGE TO TIMEZONE ON THE FOURTH OF JULY TimeZone is the best watch Forum, barred none. We can make it better. TZ should provide the one important service that is rarely... Read more
Interesting Facts About “Fast Beat” Movements [12/97]
Archives October 17, 2002
Interesting Facts About “Fast Beat” Movements… Forum: TimeZone – Advanced Forum Date: Sat, 20 Dec 1997 08:24:09 GMT From: Walt Odets …some interesting facts: The beats per hour (BPH) are the number of half swings the balance wheel makes in an hour (i.e. from fully counter clockwise rotation to... Read more
How Tritium Lights Up Watch Dials [12/97]
Archives October 17, 2002
How Tritium Lights Up Watch Dials A question about my Rolex which is a 1959 GMT Master. I just had the watch completely overhauled which included grinding out scratches from the case and oyster bracelet. The watchmaker did a wonderful job with it. It looks absolutely new. The dial... Read more
A Discussion On Bleeding Edge Accuracy In A Wristwatch [5/98]
Archives October 17, 2002
A Discussion On Bleeding Edge Accuracy In A Wristwatch Posted by Mycroft on May 09, 1998 at 10:18:04: A BACKGROUND TO MY MADNESS I am obsessionally compulsive about accuracy in my watches. For me, a correctly adjusted mechanical wristwatch (worn 24 hours a day) is running well at 0... Read more
The Thermal Comfort Of Wearing A Titanium Watch [2/98]
Archives October 17, 2002
The Thermal Comfort Of Wearing A Titanium Watch Posted by Justin Time on February 25, 1998 at 3:42:29: Why does titanium feel so good on your skin? There are many articles in watch magazines and forums–or is it fora?–touting titanium as the metal of choice for wearing comfort. In... Read more
Why Titanium Is Used In Watches [7/97]
Archives October 17, 2002
Why Titanium Is Used In Watches General Info on Titanium Base: TimeZone Forum Date: Mon, 21 Jul 1997 22:46:46 GMT From: Justin Time <sthach@arco.com> Hello TimeZoners: It looked like we opened another can of worms with titanium on the Open Forum! Since this topic comes back with regularity, I... Read more
Watch Manufacturers Production Numbers [1/98]
Archives October 17, 2002
Watch Manufacturers Production Numbers Mass Production Repost from April 1997: Numbers Posted by Hans Zbinden on January 15, 1998 at 21:33:38: In Reply to: Mass production posted by Thanks -SB on January 15, 1998 at 3:36:14: Numbers: Who sells how much and to whom is a secret that will... Read more
How To Understand Patek Philippe Serial Numbers [11/97]
Archives October 17, 2002
How To Understand Patek Philippe Serial Numbers Forum: TimeZone – Advanced Forum Date: Tue, 04 Nov 1997 15:32:03 GMT From: <dermawan@pacific.net.sg> I need help understanding the numbers on the patek watches can anyone help me out? Walt Odets? I have as the case number 4’013’068 and the movt number... Read more
Titanium: A Technical Viewpoint [3/98]
Archives October 17, 2002
Titanium: A Technical Viewpoint All You Wanted To Know About Titanium Posted by Raymond on March 26, 1998 at 15:24:57: In Reply to: Raymond, sorry I’ve the same query for real, please tell: posted by Julian Jameson on March 26, 1998 at 12:27:15: :Hi! everybody, :With a material science... Read more
How To Start Up An Automatic Watch [1/98]
Archives October 16, 2002
How to start an auto movement? Posted by Mondo on January 23, 1998 at 4:29:09: The document that came with an Omega Seamaster Pro chronograph I used to own said to “wind” the watch about 30 times to start the automatic movement if the watch stopped. Does this apply... Read more
Ways To Measure And Evaluate Accuracy [2/98]
Archives October 16, 2002
Ways To Measure And Evaluate Accuracy Watch Accuracy Re:the length of a piece of string. Posted by Watchbore on February 05, 1998 at 1:07:22: In Reply to: My input on the most accurate for the money… posted by Roy Scott on February 04, 1998 at 11:55:13: :Watches can never... Read more
Examples Of Various Watch Hands
Archives October 16, 2002
Various Watch Hands Read more
Why Is The Winder At 3 O’clock – The Technical Theory [10/97]
Archives October 16, 2002
Why Is A Winder At 3 O’clockThe Technical Theory The Tradition Of Open-Face And Hunter Calibers Posted by Walt Odets on October 19, 1997 at 16:30:31: In Reply to: The crown is always at 3 o’clock, why? posted by Lars Lange on October 18, 1997 at 23:04:47: The term... Read more
Why Is A Winder At 3 O’clock – The Logical Theory [10/97]
Archives October 16, 2002
Why Is The Winder At 3 O’clockThe Logical Theory Posted by Lars Lange on October 18, 1997 at 23:04:47: Hi Zoners, Why is it the all watches (except one brand) has the crown at the 3 o’clock position? I mean it would be better protected if it was at... Read more
How A “Shock-Proof” System Works [2/98]
Archives October 16, 2002
How A Shock-Proof System Works Posted on 2/8/98 on Open Forum By Richard Paige Greetings, Wristwatches by nature of their position on the arm, have always been problematic for damage. I’m sure most of you at one time or another have dropped or banged your watch into a desk,... Read more
Gold: Alloys And Colors – An In Depth Explanation [1/98]
Archives October 16, 2002
Gold: Alloys And ColorsAn In Depth Explanation Digging for Gold Posted by Mycroft on January 03, 1998 at 23:41:33: Gold is one of the most commonly used precious metals in watchmaking, specifically in cases. Of late, there have been some sporadic posts regarding white gold and of course, titanium.... Read more
Time Scales: How Short Is A “Femtosecond” [11/97]
Archives October 15, 2002
Time Scales: How Short Is A “Femtosecond” Post on Timezone Public Forum 11/29/97 How short is a femtosecond? Moving downward on the scale of time, ultra fast science passes quickly beyond human experience. One second is a familiar and manageable piece of time. It’s not hard to create a... Read more
Raketa Perpetual Calendar
Archives October 15, 2002
History The Raketa Perpetual Calendar watch is produced in the Patrodworzowy Watch factory, approximately 30km from St. Petersburg. The factory manufactures only men’s watches, and this particular model has been in production since 1985. As this watch carries the “Made in Russia” inscription it would have been manufactured after... Read more
How A Pressure Chamber Works To Test For Water Resistance Posted by R. paige on November 02, 1997 at 11:50:04: Greetings, Here’s a picture of a pressure chamber which is used to test the pressure resistance of a watch. The watch is placed in this chamber and then it’s... Read more
Sekonda Mechanical Alarm (Poljot) [6/98]
Archives October 15, 2002
Russian Mechanical Alarm & Perpetual Calendar Watches Posted by Paul D. on June 01, 1998 at 10:19:30 History The Sekonda Mechanical Alarm is produced by the Poljot (“Flight”), First Moscow Watch Factory. “Sekonda” is the name used on Poljot’s export watches, and thus the words “Made In Russia” do... Read more
How A Water-Resistance Indicator Works
Archives October 15, 2002
How A Water-Resistance Indicator Works Posted by Richard Paige: TimeZone Forum The water-resistance indicator, shown in the picture, is a metal capsule, which screws into the case of a water resitant watch. It contains about 7 mg of copper sulfate (CuS4), which serves to control and absorb moisture which... Read more
Everything You Wanted To Know About A Quartz Watch But Were Afraid To Ask [12/97]
Archives October 15, 2002
Everything You Wanted To Know About A Quartz Watch But Were Afraid To Ask Posted by Walt A. on December 03, 1997 at 3:34:23: In Reply to: Quartz v. Mechanical – A Technical Analysis posted by RFC on December 01, 1997 at 12:28:16: Since this discussion has already been... Read more
With Bell & Ross [6/97]
Archives October 15, 2002
Live Chat with Bell & Ross Wednesday – June 25, 1997 Greetings, I’d like to give some background about Bell & Ross…our Live Chat guests on Wednesday evening. Our first Live Chat wasa smashing success, we had over 100 people listening in…Breitlingis a big mainstream company, and has wide... Read more
Why Jewels In A Quartz Watch [7/97]
Archives October 15, 2002
Why Jewels In A Quartz Watch 15 Jewel Raymond Weil Quartz?! Base: TimeZone Forum Date: Wed, 30 Jul 1997 23:34:11 GMT From: David Allen <sigcab@erols.com> Michael Friedberg’s posting a few up the line mentioning quartz Pateks with 7 jewels reminded me of a little surprise I received a... Read more
Vintage Blue Chip Watches: If the Watch Market Was Like the Stock Market [4/98]
Archives October 15, 2002
Blue chip Vintages (long Text) Posted by William Massena on April 06, 1998 at 4:22:56: If the Watch market was the Stock market This is an attempt to look at some undervalued watches in today’s vintage watch markets and offer suggestions on what to buy for your kids. Please... Read more
How a ‘Fusee’ Watch works – Part 2 [10/97]
Archives October 15, 2002
How a ‘Fusee’ Watch Works The ‘Fusee’ Mechanism Part 2 Forum: TimeZone – Advanced Forum Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 01:35:43 GMT From: Walt Odets THE FUSEE The fusee (pronounced fu-say, from the French fusele, which means tapered or spindle shaped) was probably invented around 1450, though some feel... Read more
Explanation Of Bi-Metallic Balance Wheel
Archives October 15, 2002
Explanation of Bi-Metallic Balance Wheel by Tuan Ngo & Michael Friedberg About a week ago, a message was posted on the Regular Forum asking about the differences between bi-metallic vs. mono-metallic vs. Gyromax balances. I had posted a similiar question in July, and received what seems to be a... Read more
How A ‘Fusee’ Watch Works – Part 1 [10/97]
Archives October 15, 2002
How A ‘Fusee’ Watch Works Part 1 Date: Thu, 23 Oct 97 17:06:34 -0700 From: Tuan Ngo <tuan.ngo@lamrc.com> Subject: Fusee Hello Richard, Fusee (French word): means something conical (in fact fusee with an accent on the first e common meaning is used for calling a rocket, else in the... Read more
Different Variations Of Steel Finishes [1/98]
Archives October 15, 2002
ARE YOU FINISHED?! Posted by Mycroft on January 01, 1998 at 9:46:00: Dear TZoners, Happy New Year!! I recently had a question from Musido about surface treatments, especiallyregarding SS cases, and I thought that I would post my answer here as it mayinterest others as well. I would stress... Read more
Diagram Of Watch Parts [2/98]
Archives October 15, 2002
Individual Watch Parts Of A Typical Mechanical Watch Read more
Explanation Of How To Regulate A Watch [2/98]
Archives October 15, 2002
Explanation Of How To Regulate A Watch Walt, can you explain… Posted by Jaeger on February 05, 1998 at 13:45:59: How to properly regulate a watch? Why are some at 5 positions, while others at 3? What are the positions? If you adjust for 5 positions, and then for... Read more
