Renaissance man Tim Hunkin wrote an article in the latest issue of MAKE detailing his experiences getting his feet wet in vintage watch restoration. After inheriting from his aunt a nonworking Swiss pocketwatch from about 1800, he jumped headfirst into the miniscule world of pocketwatch repair. Read all about his adventures with escapements, springs, lube jobs, itty bitty screws, and catches in MAKE Vol. 33.
Tim reflects on what he gained from the experience:
Rather than owning a valuable watch that doesn’t do anything and that I don’t understand, I now own a slightly less valuable scratched watch, but I know what makes it tick.
Here are some pocketwatch images to whet your appetite.
MAKE Volume 33 features our special Software for Makers section covering apps for circuit board design, 3D design and printing, microcontrollers, and programming for kids. Also, meet our new Arduino-powered Rovera robot and get started with Raspberry Pi. As usual, you’ll also find fascinating makers inside, like the maniacs on our cover, the hackers behind the popular Power Racing Series events at Maker Faire.
Try your hand at 22 great DIY projects, like the Optical Tremolo guitar effects box, "Panjolele" cake-pan ukelele, Wii Nunchuk Mouse, CNC joinery tricks, treat-dispensing cat scratching post, laser-cut flexing wooden books, sake brewing, growing incredibly hot “ghost chili” peppers, and much more.
On newsstands now, by subscription, or available in the Maker Shed
When I was young and foolish I applied to Watch Making (repair) School. I already had an undergrad degree in East Asian Languages….but was obsessed with repairing old pocket watches (I currently own over 20 vintage watches both pocket and wrist). Prior to being accepted I was offered two jobs….as an archeologist and working for a railroad….I took the railroad job….and was subsequently accepted into watchmaking school. I didn’t go. Good thing, who would have thought that some day watches would be throw away….and my eyes after 40 wouldn’t have worked too well. Retired from the railroad at 58 and living comfortably on my pension….but still have a passion for timepieces, and have the textbooks I would have needed for school….oh well…….