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Interex2050
| | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 09:31 pm: | 
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its fairly simple... the only time that it is really difficult is when it is mid-day (noonish) in the summer.
One just simply needs to figure out if the sun has passed its peak...
If it has not peaked then its in the general eastern direction, if it has then its pointing in the general western direction. This allowing one to figure out where north is.
Also depending on ones latitude and time of year one can also easily tell where north is at "peak" time. If one is on the northern hemisphere and its winter then at "peak" the sun will be in the southernly direction....
I hoped that made sense, the key is to visualize the earth/sun system...
BTW... Thanks for finding out the meaning of the modern "T SWISS T". |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 10:11 pm: |
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Ok, this is more accurate allegedly than visualising the order of the planets before or after midday.
In the northern hemisphere you lay a watch on a flat surface with the hour hand facing the sun. For accuracy hold a match in front of the watch at the hour hand position and let the match shadow cast a line across the face of the watch down the hour hands length.
Note the 12 o/c position then draw a line halfway between the 12 o/c position and the hour hand position and you are looking at the north - south line with north pointing down that line between the 12 o/c and the hour position.
In the southern hemisphere do it the opposite way around. 12 o/c to the sun that is.
Rocket |
Interex2050
| | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 10:49 pm: |
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I have never heard of that before, sounds very interesting I will certainly have to try it. I have been using the method above for some time now, as I cannot navigate otherwise... |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 06:25 pm: |
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It's all hypothetical for Rocketman anyway.
We all know the sun never shines in the UK anyway. 
I got to see several of your countrymen (actors) in "Children of Men" this weekend.
Very good movie! |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 07:42 pm: |
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NEW WATCH FOR THE COLLECTION
I just got this one this week.
This particular model is from the late 70's. It's called a "Bell-matic".
Why?
http://www.bellmatics.com/wav.files/4005.7000.8N1004.wav
It actually has an alarm function. You set the alarm time with the pointer (at 12 o'clock) and away she goes. You turn the alarm off with the pusher above the crown.
A very cool watch. There are several case designs.
Here is a website that chronicles all of the Bell-matic models complete with model numbers.
http://www.bellmatics.com/index.htm
If you want to add one to your collection, they are not very expensive. |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 08:31 pm: |
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how not-very expensive? |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 08:59 pm: |
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I got this one for $112.
More than a Timex, but if you are looking to build a collection of heirloom quality watches, it ain't that bad.
You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to collect watches. You might have to look a little harder and be willing to buy something other than a Rolex, Breitling, or Omegs, but there are very cool watches to be had. |
Buellshyter
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 09:06 pm: |
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Can you identify this clock?  |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 09:13 pm: |
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Ft, here's something you might be able to advise on.
My TAG Chrono with s\s bracelet is pretty heavy and I imagine places extra strain on the bracelet to chassis fasteners. I've managed to catch the bracelet in the workings of the car seat whilst fumbling around for stuff that's fallen on the floor. On a couple of occasions this has resulted in the strap falling off the chassis and the retractable pin type fastener has bent.
Yes I have 'extra' strong fasteners according to the shop that fitted the last new ones, but is there a guaranteed way of knowing you are getting the safest solution to the problem? That is, the strongest fasteners available?
Rocket |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 09:29 pm: |
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Can you identify this clock?
Yes.
Westclox Big Ben Twin Bell Ca. 1909
Although yours appears to be missing the bell strap. |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 09:56 pm: |
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Rocket,
That is one of the reasons I prefer leather and rubber straps. All pins eventually give up the ghost. The steel links also stretch (unless solid).
You will either need to replace the pins periodically or seek a strap that minimizes the stress to the pin in favor of a little give.
What model Tag do you have? The Link and it's predecessors have an integrated bracelet that doesn't allow for any sort of after-market bracelet swap.
I found this place while looking for straps for another watch.
http://www.strappedfortime.com/default.asp
The Chronographs look great on heavy leather straps. You can even get them with deployment clasps. The weakest link on your watch is always, unfortunately, the spring pins.
Have you though of something like this?
I also found this rubber strap on that website. I will be adding it to a large chrono I have.
The other cool thing is having the ability to add deployment clasps to the bands.
I think it makes the straps look so much cooler than the buckles.
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Diablobrian
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 11:38 pm: |
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Cool link....http://www.pmwf.com/main.htm |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007 - 12:21 am: |
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Ft, I bought my TAG originally with a TAG leather strap that looked similar to the one in your pic. It lasted several years until it rotted away around one of the pins. I replaced the strap at one of their agents shops with a genuine buffalo leather strap which cost a whopping £88. I noticed at the time it was slightly shorter in length and the stitching was a little different, but I went with it as all seemed ok. It was not though. The strap snapped after 9 months. TAG replaced it under warranty but this took several weeks would you believe. They replaced it with the exact same strap, which again lasted only a few months. Again they took my watch off me and held it for strap replacement, which they then informed me they were out of stock of. I waited several weeks until I played up holy hell with them. They were very apologetic but the damage was done. Though I too preferred the black leather strap look, TAG offered me a bracelet in replacement rather than the strap so I said yes.
Rocket |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007 - 12:32 am: |
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Rocket,
I'd say go back to the strap. The solid leather straps are 4.5-5MM thick.
You'd have a hard time wearing one of those out.
Banda Swiss (www.banda.com) is another source.
I have a strap that I put on my Oris that is 5 years old and still looks new.
You can even find Tag leather buckles if you really need one.
I've found that most of the company's products are better in quality than even the OEM products. |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007 - 11:21 pm: |
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ANOTHER NEW WATCH FOR THE COLLECTION
I just picked up this watch. It's one of the second or third generation professional diver's watches introduced by Seiko during
the late 70's. The watch is marked by a small lightning "S" symbol above the 6 o'clock position.
This signifies that this watch was produced in the Suwa, Nagano factory. This plant was the original plant started in 1943 by Daini Seikosha (Seiko). This plant was created to make fine watches under the Seiko name.
In 1961, the Shinshu Seiki Co, Ltd. was established as a subsidiary of the Seiko group to manufacture watch parts for Seiko watches. In 1964, the Seiko watch group was selected to provide precision timekeeping for the 1964 Olympics. The Olympics required a printing timekeeping device to provide written documentation of the event timing. As a result, the Shinshu Seiki company developed the worlds first electronic mini-printer, the EP-101. It became one of the printers available in the new printing calculators.
In 1975, the second generation of the EP-101 was introduced. It was called the "Son of EP-101" which was later shortened to "Son of EP". It eventually became the EPSON for the US market, and in April of 1975, the Epson America Inc. company was created to market electronic printers in the United States for the new "computer industry".
That, they say, is the rest of the story.
Definitely part of the "poor man's" watch collection.
(Message edited by ft_bstrd on January 08, 2007) |
Jiffy
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 01:21 am: |
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Where do you find these cool retro watches? I'm looking for a watch that is unique and affordable like the last two you posted. |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 01:42 am: |
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Ebay is the best source. Most of the time the watches listed are offerings by dealers that have their own online shops.
I have found that if you want a good Seiko, you have to buy from Japan or the Philippines. The market was much fuller there, and there were watches that were only available on the Pacific Rim.
Swiss watches are going to run you more, but you can find really great watches for less than $1,000.
I would start with a website like one of these:
http://www.wannabuyawatch.com/
http://www.artoftime.com/
It will help you to become familiar with the particular brands. Find a watch brand that you like and research the models available.
The "wanna buy a watch" website lists them randomly, but they have some of the rarer models available.
The "Art of Time" website lists them by brand. They also tend to have several New Old Stock models.
I would also look on this website:
http://www.timezone.com/
They have several great forums and informational FAQ pages on particular brands.
Good luck, but beware. Smoking crack is cheaper! |
Jiffy
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 02:52 pm: |
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That bellmatic is really nice. I have decided to try and find one similar. I have searched ebay and the prices seem to get high fairly quickly. I have also looked at bellmatics.com.
Any other places to find a nice bellmatic for a price and specimen like the one you have? |
Buellinachinashop
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 03:06 pm: |
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Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 12:34 am: |
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Jiffy,
I would keep watching. Most of the folks list watches closer to the weekend. Ebay is probably the best bet, but I wouldn't hesitate to do a general Google search either.
Many dealers have their own websites and don't list on Ebay. They have enough traffic that buy from them continually that they don't need to.
The problem with vintage watches is that just because you want one doesn't mean there is one.
I once found the Omega Mark V I had been looking for for over a year. Ironically it was the same week my former employer decided they didn't want me part of their "team" any more.
Go figure. 
I would amass your shekels and wait and watch. The perfect watch will come around. You might have to pay a little more than you expect, so be prepared. If it's the perfect one,though, you'll know it.
For Seikos you might have to purchase from overseas locations. I was a bit leery at first. So far I have had great luck. I would suggest that you use a high volume dealer vs. an individual and always make your purchases through Pay Pal funded with a credit card (not your checking account).
I usually ask a question or two. Sometimes I have a legitimate question. Other times, I ask questions to determine how responsive the seller is.
Over all, use your intuition. If it doesn't feel right, walk away. |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007 - 09:01 pm: |
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Jiffy,
You have mail.
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Jandj_davis
| | Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007 - 12:02 pm: |
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Fat -
Well, I got my wish, I got a nice skeleton mechanical pocket watch for my b-day. It is a Charles Hubert Paris 17 Jewel. Know anything about the brand or movement?
Also, you were right on the money with your estimate for fixing the old Elgin. The local watch guy quoted my $325 for a restoration job. |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007 - 05:41 pm: |
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JandJ,
I don't really know the pocket watch world. It's kind of like aircraft. Give me WWII through current, and I'm good.
Wanna know about WWI aircraft? I know jack squat.
So is your watch in for repairs? |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 06:50 am: |
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FTB I have more work for you.
I just watched a show on the travel channel (Made in America). They visited http://www.rgmwatches.com/
RGM seemed to have some interesting designs. They showed one of their top models and retailed for $175k (yes 175,000). I have never heard of them. Do they make their own movements? Ever seen one in person? |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 06:49 pm: |
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I looked at the RGM watches. They are beautiful.
He isn't creating any "in-house" movements, but he is taking swill movements and improving upon them. He is using movements like the Valjoux 7750, ETA 2824, ETA 2892, etc. All are great solid movements.
He is utilizing some great case and face materials like platinum and gold as well as doing some beautiful machine turning on the movements, faces, and cases. Any machinist should be adequately impressed.
He also has the ability to craft custom cases to the purchaser's specifications. You could have the option to create a one off watch that is different than anything on the market. He also produces limited numbers of watches. So with an entry price of $1,700 you could buy a watch that is only one of a hundred.
I like the concept.
It is so expensive to create a brand new movement. Many people won't buy a small volume movement because after the creator dies, you may have a hard time keeping it running.
With the movements he is using, you know that there will always be someone who can find parts to keep it running at a fairly minimal expense. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 06:24 pm: |
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Jeremy, could I ask for your assistance please.
I recently purchased this watch.......
Here is the description, and all I know about it.
Original Cartier Ferrari Chronograph - Rare
For sale is my Cartier Ferrari Chronograph. This is a highly collectable chronograph produced by the house of Cartier for Ferrari. Cartier produced this chronograph for a few years in the early 1990s, after that Ferrari watches were produced by Girard Perregaux and currently by Panerai. The watch retailed for 1500 German marks in 1991 (which is approximately £1500-2000 in present day retail prices for a Cartier watch) and is extremely popular among collectors today as the period of cooperation between Ferrari and Cartier did not last for long. Note classical Cartier design of the buttons and back cover. This watch sells for between 500 – 800 euro on German Ebay presently (depending on condition).
I had this watch for several years and it was well looked after. It was serviced year and a half ago and it keeps good time. Everything works fine – all buttons are fully functional. The watch is generously proportioned – bezel diameter is 36mm, case diameter is 40mm reaching 42mm at the widest place.
What I would like to know is how the buttons function as the one on the top left, unlike the others, is not obvious as to what it does.
The other thing is, how is it you can synchronize the day and date functions other than keep turning the hands through a full 24 hours until the day and dates synchronize, which could mean winding it around and around by hand for ages until that happens?
Is there a place I can get an operating instruction book for it?
Much appreciate any info Jeremy.
Rocket |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 06:40 pm: |
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Rocket |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 06:41 pm: |
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Rocket |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 07:04 am: |
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Are you seeing this Jeremy?
Rocket |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 09:51 am: |
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Once it slipped into oblivion, I quit watching the thread.
I found only one other like yours:
The watch appears to be a split-second quartz chronograph. The additional button would be a pause button allowing the timer to restart the timing after the initial time was taken.
I am attempting to research the movement for you. If the day date is like other movements of the era, the date is quick-set from the crown. The day is either quick-set from the crown as an additional position (unlikely) or is "quick-set" by rotating the hour hand between the 9 o'clock and 1 o'clock positions to advance the day (most likely).
It's a very attractive watch! The one in the picture has a buy it now price of around $2,000USD.
I'll let you know what I find out. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 02:44 pm: |
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Jeremy, you are indeed correct.
I must have confused myself by thinking over complicatedly, lol.
The top left button is the pause for the stopwatch.
Setting the day / date was baffling me as I couldn't get the date to rotate around without turning the hours manually through a full 24 hours to rotate the days to change the date. I'd not realised there is a very small movement of the crown to the first stop, enabling rotation of the date. So yeah, easy peasy. She's now set bang on time and showing the correct day / date, and I now know how to use the watch too.
This particular watch isn't sporting the original stainless steel / gold plated strap, but it does have a nice rather expensive looking leather strap with steel and gold plated locking clasp instead, even if it is slightly worn.
The chassis appears to be stainless steel and gold plated. Overall I really like the look of this watch. In particular I like the kinda retro look and colour scheme. Sorry, my pic's don't do it justice. It looks far nicer in the flesh. Not bad for £180 eh!
Let me know what else, if anything, you find out. Thanks very kindly Jeremy.
Rocket
This thread should be kept alive!! |
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