Timebuilder American Horologist

Vintage Rolex Dial Refinishing 10 1/2 HUNTER.

2011-12-27T23:39:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting Rolex Dial. It fits a Rolex manual winding movement. The movement is marked 10 1/2 HUNTER. It is also marked 7179 below the Hunter markings. These markings are located under the dial on the movement.

Most of these that we have seen will have the markings on the movement that simply state 10 1/2 H.

The case for this watch is 18kt rose gold. It is marked Rolex 31 Victoires, DeHaute Precision, Geneve, Suisse.

The movement as stated is a manual winding movement. The stem and crown are located at the 3 position.

This dial was in very bad condition but has been restored to original.

Refinished dial installed on the movement.

The case back as well and the crystal bezel snaps onto the case ring.

This Rolex was sent to us from a customer in Bangkok, Thailand.

More information of vintage Rolex watches can be found on our web site.

Vintage Rolex Watch Information.

Rolex Date Model 1500 Registered Design With Mother of Pearl Dial With String Diamonds and Markers.

2011-12-27T23:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a very nice men's Rolex Date model watch with a MOP dial with string diamonds and diamond hour markers.

This Date model Rolex is a 1500 Design in stainless and gold bezel and crown.

The movement is a favorite of ours. It has the 1570 movement.

Notice the following pictures of this watch is our custom Mother of Pearl dial with String diamonds added around the edge of the dial.

Diamond hour markers were also added to enhance the appearance of the watch.

The Mother of Pearl appears to change color depending on the angle it is viewed from.

Be sure to visit our dial refinishing page on our web site.

Rolex Mother Of Pearl MOP Dial With String Diamonds and Markers 1500 Design 1570 Movement.

2011-12-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

Here is another nice dial that we did for a Rolex 1500 Registered Design. The movement in this watch is a 1570.

These MOP dials with string diamonds are really nice to look at.

These dials really add to the appearance of any Rolex watch.

The Mother of Pearl changes color depending on the angle it is viewed from.

For more information about our Rolex Dials visit our web site.

Rolex President Early Model Design 6605 Diamond Dial.

2011-12-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

This is a recent Rolex President that we had the opporturnity to service. Our customer also wanted diamonds added to the dial.

We also refinished the dial and added the diamonds. The movement in this watch is a 1065 early Rolex movement.

In addition to overhauling the movement and the new dial, we also installed a new crystal to replace the old worn crystal that was on the watch.

The hands were also refinished.

For more information about our Rolex service please visit our web site.

Antique Time Home of Horologist.com

1797 Early American Silver Dollars. Mintage 7776.

2011-11-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

This has nothing to do with horology, other than these early American silver dollars were minted well over 200 years ago. My favorite early American dollar is the 1797. It has the small eagle on the reverse of the coin and the draped bust on the front of the coin. These to me are the best coins as only 7776 of them were ever minted, so being able to get one of these prized gems is very special.

This coin was recently purchased for $1995.00. It has 9 by 7 stars on the front.

U.S. 1797 DRAPED BUST SILVER DOLLAR COIN, LARGE EAGLE PCGS CERTIFIED "GENUINE" - "SURFACE DAMAGE". 9 X 7 STARS, LARGE LETTERS, B-1a, BB-73, RARITY-3, BB DIE STATE III. A nice old circulated certified coin. Some scratches above bust on obverse.

The 1797 silver dollars are listed in three different types. There is the 10 stars left with 6 to the right. Then you have the 9 stars to the left with 7 to the right.

These coins have large letters on the reverse side of the coin which says United States of America.

It seems that the most rare version of the 1797 early dollar is the one with the small lettering on the reverse side of the coin. The ones with the small lettering sells for much more than the ones with large lettering.

The above 1797 just sold for $4551.00. You will notice that it has the 10 stars to the left and 6 stars to the right of the bust which probably accounts for the sale price.

This is the reverse side of the 1797 dollar. Notice the wear on the eagle and the wings. Seems to have much more wear than the first coin shown. It seems again that the position of the stars on the front of the coin accounts for the dollar value.

No matter what version of the 1797 early American silver dollar you have, they are a treasure and well worth the investment in obtaining one of these truly rare coins.

These coins were designed by Robert Scot. The coins weight 26.96 grams. They contain .8924 Silver and .1076 Copper. The diameter of the coins is 39 to 40 MM. These coins are marked around the edge with the wording Hundred Cents One Dollar Or Unit. There is also some really weird markings or designs between the lettering. These are called decorations.

Antique Time

Rolex 1601 With Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial and Bezel.

2011-11-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

These are pictures of a Rolex we just finished. A MOP dial with diamond markers and string diamonds was added. The watch also has a sapphire conversion crystal and a diamond bezel.

For more information visit our website.

Rolex Mother of Pearl DateJust With String Diamonds.

2011-11-15T10:23:00.000-08:00

The Design number of the watch is 1601. The movement is a 1500 series. We took the original dial and added the MOP along with the diamond markers. We also added the string diamonds to the outside edge of the dial.

The string diamonds are set in their own setting and the dial is drilled
for each setting.

The color of the dial changes depending upon the angle it is viewed from.

For more information please visit our website.

Antique Time Home of Horologist.com

Interesting Dial Refinishing Job.

2011-03-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Illinois Dial from a small vintage wrist watch.

This dial was in horrible condition and was refinished to perfection.

Do you need a dial refinished? We specialize in Rolex dial refinishing.

Antique Time Vintage Watch Repair and Rolex Service.

Recent Rolex Dial Refinishing by Antique Time.

2010-11-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent Rolex dial refinishing jobs on watches we have serviced in our shop. Some of these dials were nothing more than worn metal discs and a few of them had broken dial legs. All in all they turned our very good.

A simple color change.

This dial was just a metal disc that could hardly be read.

This dial was very badly damaged when the owner dropped the watch and broke the sapphire crystal. Of course he blamed us for the damage to his dial. You can still see damaged four marker from when he broke the crystal.

A custom MOP dial with genuine emeralds.

DateJust dial with diamonds added and refinished.

A very early Submariner dial. This dial was missing the dial legs and was another one that you could hardly read what the dial said. Two dial legs were added and the dial refinished to original condition.

Early Rolex President dial that was very rusty. Refinished to original condition.

Nice MOP dial. We also added a Rolex conversion sapphire crystal. Turned out to be a very beautiful watch.

Nice 18kt. white gold Cellini. The dial was refinished as it was very worn and also had some dial leg damage at the 11 position. If you look close you can still see the dimple from the dial leg at the 11 position.

For more information about dial refinishing available from Antique Time please visit our web site at http://www.horologist.com/.

Antique Time Rolex Dial Refinishing.

Water Damaged Rolex President With 3055 Movement.

2010-10-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is another example of a very badly damaged Rolex President. The movement is a 3055.

This picture shows the watch with the damaged President dial.

Another view of the case with the damaged dial.

This shows the movement. The oscillating weight fell out as the arbor was totally rusted away.

Another view of the damaged movement.

This shows the dial side of the movement. Notice the extensive damage to the entire mechanism.

Close-up photo of the dial side of the movement. All parts are totally destroyed.

This shows the auto winding mechanism. All gears are totally destroyed. Only the plates are good.

This is the oscillating weight. Notice that the arbor has been rusted out and is no longer mounted in the weight.

This is the movement showing the extensive water damage to the upper plates and gears.

This is the auto winding mechanism of the Rolex 3055 movement. This is damaged beyond repair for the most part.

The oscillating weight missing the arbor.

This is the destroyed Day wheel. Notice the extensive water damage.

The Date wheel somehow for the most part survived the water damage, but will still need to be replaced.

Overview of the water damaged Rolex 3055 movement.

Antique Time Vintage Watch Repair Home of Horologist.com

Restored Rolex DateJust With 3035 Movement.

2010-08-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

A few months back you may have seen a water damaged Rolex DateJust in our blog. Water Damaged Rolex DateJust With 3035 Movement.

We got some time so we decided to show the completed Rolex. If you view the link above you will see the "before" pictures of this watch when it arrived.

The movement on this watch was very badly damaged, but now it looks presentable and the movement runs fine and produces a nice straight line on the timeing machine.

This is the restored dial. We also added the diamonds.

We installed a new Rolex crystal. The case and bezel were also refinished.

This is the restored movement. Compared to the damaged movement this is a great improvement.

Here you see the balance wheel in operation. Note the blurr of the balance.

Every gear and wheel along with the reverser gears were replaced in this Rolex 3035 movement.

Restored DateJust with original band installed.

For more information about our Rolex Service and Repair be sure to visit our web site at www.horologist.com

Rolex Jubilee Serti Dial On An Oyster Date Model With Diamonds.

2010-06-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Rolex Jubilee Serti dial is found on later model Rolex watches. These dials are usually machine engraved at the factory using a metal base and the markings are placed in areas where the dial has not been recessed. These dials are very popular and greatly enhance the beauty of both men's and ladies watches.

The above dial is used on a Rolex Oyster Date Precision men's watch. This dial was a very plain. The diamonds were added along with the Serti markings.

One unique feature of the Serti style dial is its ability to change colors depending on the angle it is viewed from.

This shows the different colors these dials can display. The base color is a light blue color and from different angls it can also appear to be a silver color.

This picture shows the dial installed on the Rolex watch. This Rolex Oyster Date model has a plastic crystal and a stainless steel case.

This is another view which shows the unique color change of the Serti dial.

Looking at the Jubilee Serti dial mounted onto the watch showing the color change from light blue to almost a silver color.

For More Samples Of The Jubilee Serti Dials Please Visit Our Web Site.

Waltham 18 Size 14kt. US Assay Fancy Hunter Case Pocket Watch.

2010-06-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

These fancy hunter case pocket watches are very rare items. It has been estimated that very few of these have survived as many of them over the years have been melted down and sold for scrap metal values.

This amazing case uses multi-colored gold. Note the detail of the horse along with the flowers around the horse. The outer edge of the case is highly engraved.

The eye of the horse also has a small diamond that has been bead set into it. There are three covers on this case. There is one cover that goes directly over the movement which is designed to help keep the dust out of the movement.

This watch has a double sunk dial that is made out of porcelain. Notice the delicate hands. This dial is unique as it also has the "military" time marked on the dial below the Roman numerals. This watch is lever set. The lever is located towards the bottom of the picture.

This picture shows the Karat gold markings of the case. It reads that it is Warranted 14K U. S. Assay. Below the markings is the case serial number which really means nothing. Case records were never maintained by case companies.

This view shows the 18 size Appleton, Tracy and Co. movement that was made by Waltham. This is a 15 jewel movement that features a Safety Pinion which protects the gear train in the event the mainspring breaks. This movement is also Adjusted.

For More Information About Pocket Watches Visit Our Gallery of Time.

Howard 16 Size RailRoad Chronometer Series 11. Mainspring Info. Listed Also.

2010-06-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Howard 21 Jewel RailRoad Chronometer is a very nice pocket watch. These were actually made by the Keystone Howard Co.

The dial on this watch is a true Montgomery style dial which has the minutes numbered around the outer chapter of the porcelain dial.

These dials are rather unique as they snap onto the movement. There are no dial legs that hold the dial in place.

This shows the back of the Howard snap-on dial. You can see the lip that snaps onto the movement.

This shows the dial side of the Howard movement. You can also see the setting mechanism. The hour wheel has been removed.

This view shows the upper plates of the movement with all of the RailRoad markings. These movements are very simple where one plate mounts over the pivots of the gear train. These watches are adjusted to 5 positions.

Here you can see the RailRoad markings. This Howard has a unique serial number for those that like that sort of thing as I do.

There is only one minor flaw in the construction of these watches. This is the click that engages the ratchet wheel when the watch is being wound. This is a long flat spring that is mounted with one screw that is on the side of the movement. This click fits between the top of the mainspring barrel and the ratchet wheel. Many times this will slip out of position. When this happens it can prevent the mainspring barrel from turning which stops the movement due to lack of power.

For the most part, these are really nice pocket watches that function very well and keep very good time. These watches use an HR white alloy mainspring. The HR number is SA-353. The Howard factory mainspring number is 329 and it has the TEE end.

For More Information on Pocket Watches Visit Our Web Site.

Lord Elgin New Way To Tell Time.

2010-06-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

These watches were made in about 1959 by Elgin. They were sold under the Lord Elgin name. They were advertised as "The Modern Way To Tell Time." The movement has two disks that are made of plastic and painted with the numbers. At some point in time someone tried to remove the minute disk and it was damaged and then glued into position.

The movement has 21 jewels and is adjusted.

Case is gold filled and has a thick plastic crystal over the date wheels.

The inside of the case has two spacers or rings that hold the movement in place. One is shown in this picture.

This shows the movement installed into the case. The second retainer ring is shown around the movement and the crown is now installed.

Here you can see the two date wheels through the plastic window or crystal.

Another view of the watch with the date wheels showing.

For more information about Elgin watches visit our web site.

http://www.horologist.com/

Rolex 3035 Dial Refinishing With Diamonds Added.

2010-05-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

This Rolex dial was damaged with rust. The dial is from a 3035 movement that arrived at our shop for repair. This dial originally did not have any diamonds and had the regular stick style markers.

We replaced the stick markers with diamonds.

This is the original rust damaged Rolex dial.

Another view of the rust damaged dial with the original stick markers.

This is the "New" refinished Rolex 3035 men's dial.

Another view of the dial after the diamonds have been added. Note the professional lettering as well as the Swiss Made markings at the bottom of the dial.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual DateJust, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified, Swiss Made.

Note the date window on the dial as it looks now compared to how it looked in the first two pictures when it was filled with rust.

Antique Time Professional Rolex Dial Refinishing.

Our professional dial refinishing service is very affordable as well as the addition of adding diamonds and other precious stones to existing Rolex dials.

Call us Toll Free at 1-888-ROLEX-01

Rolex Yacht Master Mid-Size With Custom MOP Dial.

2010-05-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

This Rolex mid-size Yacht Master is powered by the typical ladies 2030 Movement. The movement fits into a retainer that is the right size for this case. These are nice watches with the only drawback being the ladies movement which might not be durable enough when worn by men.

This watch had the typical silver colored dial. At the request of our client we installed Mother-of-Pearl and added genuine emeralds to each of the markers. All of the lettering on the dial was done to the original colors and specfications.

The original dial surface was machined down in order to apply the new MOP base.

By machining the surface of the dial down allows for proper hand clearance on the dial as well as allowing for the hands to clear the markers.

When the dial is ready to be installed it is important to check to make sure that the dial correctly snaps onto the movement. There are two small slots that are cut into the side of the dial where it fits over the movement. If the dial is loose you can adjust the fit by slightly pressing the lower portion of these two slots inward. By doing so, the dial will snap onto the movement. There are NO dial legs that hold the dial to the movement, so correct adjust for fit is important.

This is the new MOP dial installed onto the movement. The hands have been adjusted for correct fit and set so that the date changes at midnight.

For more information about our custom Rolex dials please visit our web site.

Antique Time Dial Refinishing.

Rolex Cushion Style Watches With Movement Reference 59 or FF30.

2010-04-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Rolex Canadian market Oyster watches date back to the late 1930s and are some of the most affordable vintage Rolex watches available on the used watch market today.

They differ from Swiss marketed Rolexs in that they used a Rolex modified ebauche movement made by Fontmelon, their caliber FF30 subsequently renamed the Rolex caliber 59. The movements were stamped Rolex Geneve on the top plate and were not engraved or stamped Rolex on the bridge. On some variations of the movement, the bridges were engraved with the name Oyster Watch Ltd.

The Rolex Canadian Oysters used a Rolex Oyster watch case with a Rolex Oyster Patent crown.

The various models marketed included names such as Oyster Centregraph, Oyster Lipton, Oyster Junior Sport, Oyster Raleigh, Oyster Commander, Oyster Recorda, Oyster Edison, Oyster Grenfell, Oyster Standard and Oyster Shipmate. These watches were most frequently sold in gold-filled and stainless steel Oyster cases.

These watches are frequently seen with 24-hour military dials and as such, many were given as gifts to soldiers departing for active service in Europe during World War 2. Many of the watches returning to Canada came back with the servicemans registration numbers engraved on the rear of the case back.

Another variation of the Canadian Oysters were Rolex models sold by the famous former Canadian icon department store Eatons. The watches were renamed, as Solar Aquas or King of Wings and the name Rolex or Oyster were never visible on the watch dials. Eatons also has a particular arrangement with Rolex which allowed them to provide as long service awards, a Rolex watch that only had the words:

1/4 C E N T U R Y C L U B
spelled out on the dial, which was simply signed Eaton's. There was no mention of Rolex or Rolex Oyster on the dial's of the Eaton's 1/4 Century Rolex watches. Some of these watches were manual wind Rolex Oyster or automatic Oyster Perpetual models. Earlier watches given out in the 30's through to the 1950's, were famed Rolex Prince models. Women were given a unique Rolex model as their 1/4 Century watch.

The other variation of the Canadian Oyster isnt actually Canadian, but American. The American retailer Zell Brothers sold Canadian Oysters under their store name Zell Brothers and the model name Turtle Timer, These watches usually had the movements marked Oyster Watch Ltd. And are highly sought after today.

Water Damaged Rolex DateJust 3035 Movement.

2010-04-07T01:04:00.000-07:00

This men's Rolex DateJust was damaged by sea water. The crown gasket and case tube gasket failed. It is amazing how much water got into the case which caused very extensive damage.

This picture shows the damage to the movement when the case back was removed.

After the movement was removed from the case and the oscillating weight was removed it was noted that both reverser gears as well as the large brass winding wheel were all damaged, all needed to be replaced.

It was interesting to note that with all of the water damage the balance wheel was untouched by the water.

This picture shows the amount of water that got under the plastic crystal. The dial is now in the process of being refinished to its original condition.

The date ring was also damaged and needed to be replaced.

Another view of the water damage under the crystal.

This shows the extensive damage that was done to the dial.

The total restoration of this Rolex is now well underway. All damaged parts that need to be replaced are in stock and we are in the process of refinishing the dial to its original condition. Each part of the movement has been removed and each part is being hand-cleaned of rust using fiberglass brushes. After all of the rust is removed the movement and all of its parts will be cleaned using our automatic cleaning machines. When this movement is completed it will be good as new and will again provide its owner with many more years of service.

For more information about our Rolex repair service please visit our web site at Horologist.com.

Rolex Submariner RED Meters First Dial Sells For $10,000.

2009-11-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

Yes you read that right, this dial sold for a little over $10,000.00. It was an original Rolex Submariner flat black dial with Submariner being printed in RED. The other thing that made this dial worth much more is that it has the meters listed first rather than the more common version that lists the feet first.

Another version of this dial would be what is known as the Double Red. We will post some pictures of the Double Red version later.

Below are some pictures of this dial. Note the original details as well as the black colored flat background of the dial.

Visit our web site at http://www.horologist.com/

Rolex Mid-Size Registered Design 68000. DateJust.

2009-11-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

The Registered Design 68000 is a mid-sized Rolex watch that is made of stainless steel. The interesting thing about this watch is the fact that it uses a typical ladies 2135 Rolex movement. The dials have the usual Rolex markings.

The movement fits into a spacer ring which allows it to fit into the larger case.

These are very good running watches. The crystal is sapphire.

Rolex Sapphire Crystal Conversion For Rolex Design 1603. 295C Crystal.

2009-11-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

This is another example of a Rolex sapphire crystal conversion. As explained in a previous posting of a Rolex Registered Design 16030, this Rolex design is a 1603 which has the 18kt. gold machined bezel and also an 18kt. gold crown.

Both examples use a 295C crystal with a height 3 nylon gasket. Other Rolex crystals that the 295C replaces are the 135, 118 and the 114.

These crystals are available from Antique Time and can be seen at http://www.rolexcrystal.com/. All prices listed include installation.

Antique Time provides expert Rolex Sapphire Crystal conversions to replace old looking and out-dated plastic crystals.

Please feel free to contact us for all of your Rolex crystal needs.

http://www.rolexcrystal.com/

http://www.horologist.com/

Rolex Sapphire Crystal Conversion For Rolex Design 16030. 295C Crystal.

2009-11-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

Sapphire crystal conversions for Rolex watches are available now from Antique Time http://www.horologist.com/.

The following men's Rolex is a Registered Design number 16030. This model uses a higher than normal plastic crystal. In order to convert this model to a sapphire crystal requires a taller nylon crystal gasket. When the new sapphire crystal is installed the bezel may have to be replaced with a higher machined bezel in order to completely cover the nylon gasket. When adding a diamond bezel to this watch after the conversion has been installed a slightly thicker diamond bezel can be used to compensate for the heigth difference.

All of the pictures below show the 16030 design after the conversion crystal has been installed.

For converting your Rolex to a new and modern sapphire crystal please contact Antique Time http://www.horologist.com/.

We will be happy to assist you.

Father Time Pictures And Other Watch Related Pictures.

2009-10-23T01:29:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be interesting to post some pictures of Father Time along with some other pictures that relate to watches.

I thought this one of Father Time on the moon was amusing.

This is one of my favorites about a dealer who sold Waltham pocket watches. This was from about 1900.

This picture show a page from a watch supply house that also sold watchmaker signs.

This is a watchmaker at work at the old Elgin National Watch Company.

Advertising pinback buttons from the Ball Watch Company, Cleveland, Ohio.

Watchmaker and Jeweler advertisement.

Early Father Time advertisement.

Another Father Time Image.

Father Time image used in a bus advertisement.

Watchmaker looking at a pocket watch.

Cartoon of a clockmaker.

We have many more pictures that we have collected over the years. We will post some more advertisements in another posting.

Rolex Mainspring Barrel Showing Lack of Maintenance

2009-10-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

It is very interesting just how long a men's Rolex can actually function even when the movement displays an obvious lack or care and maintenance. The pictures below show a Rolex mainspring barrel along with its spring and arbor. You can see that the lubricant or grease has totally dried out leaving behind a thick abrasive paste like substance.

It is very important to properly maintain your Rolex to prevent this type of abuse. Dried grease and lubricants can cause premature wear of the movement.

DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOUR ROLEX!

You should have your Rolex serviced every 5 to 7 years depending on your personal wearing habits.

Note the thick dried grease which is also comprised of fine metal particles from the mainspring.

The barrel arbor is located at the center of the barrel. Failure to maintain this Rolex resulted in having to replace the entire mainspring barrel along with the arbor.

Just another view of the Rolex barrel.

For more information about Rolex service and repair please feel free to visit http://www.horologist.com/.

Hamilton Pocket Watch Motor Barrel Information.

2009-10-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

The Hamilton Pocket Watch was one of the most well built and constructed watches used in railroad service. Hamilton had many inovations which made them very good timekeepers. One of unique features was the motor barrel which supplied even and constant power to the gear train of the movement. Below are some documents which relate to this feature along with some other interesting Hamilton information.

Hamilton General Information.

This diagram shows how the motor barrel operates. Note the fact that the motor barrel uses two arbors as compared to only one barrel arbor as found in most pocket watches. The barrel contains the mainspring which powers the gear train of the watch.

For more information about Hamilton pocket watches please visit

http://www.horologist.com/

Rolex Hairspring Guards Used In Movement Reference 1570.

2009-10-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hairspring guards are designed to prevent the coils of the hairspring from jumping over another coil in the hairspring. When this happens the movement will start to run at a much faster rate often gaining several hours per day. Hairspring guards are most often found in early Submariner or GMT Master Rolex watches.

These early Rolex movements used a blue colored hairspring rather than the white alloy hairspring found in the later models. The movements with the blue hairspring have a slower beat per hour vs the white alloy hairsprings.

Below are some pictures of the hairspring guard found in a Rolex movement 1570. The movement serial number is D905606.

This shows the hairspring guard which is the brass wire that is over the balance at the left.

Here is another view showing the hairspring guard extending over the hairspring to the center of the balance wheel.

This view shows the hairspring guard over the balance. Most of these movements have a hole for installing the guard. The base of the guard has a notch so that it can be rotated away from the hairspring in order to remove the balance for service.

A side view of the Rolex 1570 movement showing the hairspring guard over the balance wheel and hairspring.

This is the dial side of the Rolex 1570 movement showing the date wheel and dial washer.

These Rolex movements are some of the best designed movements that Rolex manufactured. They are very durable and rugged and will last many years and provide good timekeeping abilities if properly maintained. If the watch is to be used in a rough environment where it might be subjected to shocks and extreme bumps it may be necessary to have the hairspring guard installed to prevent the coils from jumping over one another.

Rolex Diamond Bezels Professionally Installed Best Prices Available.

2009-10-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Antique Time is your source for fine quality diamond bezels for your Rolex watch. Each bezel is professionally installed and are designed to fit your Rolex to exacting standards and specifications.

Gents Rolex President with a new diamond bezel. Each of our diamond bezels are manufactured to fit your Rolex to exacting specifications. The carat weights are identical to those sold by Rolex. You also have your choice of diamond quality and weight.

Correct sized bezels should not extend over the edge of the watch case. There should be clearance to properly operate the crown of the watch.

Be sure to contact Antique Time for the purchase of your fine quality diamond bezel. We also offer the best in Rolex Service and Repair.

http://www.horologist.com/

We look forward to taking care of all your Rolex service needs.

Saint Gaudens High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin 1907.

2009-09-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful Twenty Dollar gold piece ever minted by the United States was the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle. The most amazing one was the High Relief one that was minted in 1907. Now in 2009 the mint has again struck another High Relief Double Eagle that is based on the original Saint Gaudens design.

The coin shown below is an original one struck in 1907.

Coin in PCGS grading holder.

This is the reverse side of the coin with the Flying Eagle.

Note the Roman Numerals used for the date.

Detailed view of the reverse side of the coin with the Flying Eagle.

You can see the very high relief of the Eagle on this coin.

Note the Roman Numeral date and high relief details on the obverse side of the coin.

These coins can be purchased for prices ranging from about $7500.00 to as much as $10,000.00 in conditions that are still very good and not showing much wear at all.

This is a picture of the new Saint Gaudens Double Eagle that has been struck by the United States Mint. We will feature this coin in another posting.

New 2009 Lincoln Pennies. They Are Rather Neat.

2009-09-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

I remember back in 1959 when my Dad showed me the new Lincoln penny. To me as a kid I remembered just how neat the new ones looked with the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side of the coin. I was only 8 years old at the time. Now many years later we have four new Lincoln pennies for 2009.

Below are pictures of the new series of Lincoln coins.

This is my favorite showing the building of the United States Capitol.

This one shows Lincoln in his early life as a rail splitter.

This one shows Lincoln's cabin where he was born.

All of the new Lincoln pennies depict important events in Lincoln's life.

I have checked many times at the local banks and they do not have any of these new coins available. If you are looking for them you can always try the store at the United States Mint. They have a web site at http://www.usmint.gov/.

So keep your eyes open and check your change and maybe you will find one of the new Lincoln pennies.

The Official Count Down Timer To 12-21-2012

2009-09-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

Many people think that something will happen on 12-21-2012. Actually they believe that the world will come to some sort of a tragic end on that date. What do you think? The History Channel has run several programs on this subject.

So here is your "Official Countdown" timer so that you can make the appropriate plans for the end!

The Official Countdown

Making Your Own Watchmakers Screw Head Polishing Tool.

2009-09-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of watchmaker's screw head finishing or polishing tools. Some are designed to mount into an 8mm WW style lathe commonly used by watchmakers. Some are made to be operated by hand while revolving both the screw and finishing wheel. However, one of the most handy types can be made using the following instructions. This one is made so that it can hold any size of lathe collet making it possible to polish any size screw head.

Diagram showing design details.

This shows the actual tool and a nice storage holder for it.

This shows the bottom of the tool with a collet holding a screw for polishing.

Another view of the bottom of the tool. It is important that all three legs be of the same length otherwise the screw would not be level after polishing.

Part of the fun and enjoyment of watchmaking are the neat small tools that you get the opportunity to use almost on a daily basis.

We hope you take the time to make one of these and better yet we hope you actually put it to good use as there are many old pocket watches that have screws that are rusted or pitted. Polishing them will help to make your watch look like new.

Post Office Badges As Collectibles. Uniform Shirt Badges.

2009-09-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Obsolete Post Office badges are very collectible items.

These early badges were most often worn by Letter Carriers and window clerks. The obsolete badges were inlaid with blue fired enamel and came with a unique number at the top of the badge. Also on the lower portion of the badge the city would also be embossed.

Some of these badges did not have the city listed but simply said "Employee."

The center of the badges always had the Pony Express rider.

The reverse side of the badges were also marked
as being U. S. Government Property. If one was ever lost the finder could drop it into any mail box and it would be returned to the correct Post Office.

Reverse Side of Badge

Some versions of the badge simply showed the word "Employee" and the city and state were added to the center ring. The Pony Express rider image changed a little on these versions.

As for values most of the time depending on the location of the Post Office these badges sell for between $75.00 and as much as $150.00.

Another type of Post Office badge are the ones used on hats. We will show some of these in another posting about them.

Fires In Medford & Ashland, Oregon. 9-21-09

2009-09-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today there were two major fires located in the Rogue Valley. The first one was located in Ashland, Oregon just south of Medford. Then at about 3:00PM another fire started burning in Medford, Oregon. We were more aware of the Medford fire as we are located across the street from one of the Medford fire stations. All of their trucks left and then we noticed more air tankers leaving the MFR airport.

To me it would appear that both of these fires were probably acts of arson as in all the years I have lived here I have never heard or seen two major fires in one day within only a few hours or each other.

As of now three television stations are off-the-air as well as two radio stations. Also in the Medford fire there have been several explosions and there appears that several homes have been destroyed.

Many air tankers have been fighting the Medford fire and several spotter planes are also in the air.

Below are some pictures that I took of the Medford fire. Look close as you can see the tankers dropping water on the flames.

View from about 1.5 miles away.

This photo taken about one mile from the fire in Medford across from the Rogue Valley Mall.

Wide angle view of Medford fire.

Picture shows fire that is about to destroy a few homes on the hillside.

If you look at the edge of the smoke on the right side you can see a tanker in the air.

View of fire from the parking lot at the Rogue Valley Mall.

Another view of the Medford fire that is located east of the Rogue Valley Mall.

It is now 5:15PM and the tankers are still in the air working to stop the fire. The thick black smoke is getting much lighter in color.

Will keep you posted when we know more about the causes of these two fires.

eBay Has Started Its Top Rated Seller Program.

2009-09-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

eBay has now started its so-called Top Rated Seller program. How sweet is that? Ever since eBay got joined at the hip with the morons that brought us DSR's or for those that don't know, Detailed Seller Reports, here is just another eBay mess based on those horrible DSR's. I would imagine that the brain trust at eBay who are in a desperate battle to keep their jobs simply had to create something of value based on the unfair practice of DSR's.

Not only does eBay have their Power Seller program which is based totally on sales volumn but now here comes just another thing to take up screen space and auction space. The large seal that is shown is displayed inside of a seller's auction or listing. A much smaller version is seen when potential buyers are surfing eBay listings.

So does the new Top Seller program actually do anything at all? We asked around and found out that most buyers pay no attention to these cute little impressive seals. Buyers are searching for specific items of interest such as a certain year of a Morgan silver dollar. When they find what they have been looking for it makes no difference to the buyer if the seller is "Top Rated" or not. What the buyer wants is his item. He is not buying from someone just for the honor of saying later that he bought his coin from an eBay Top Rated seller. Buying from a Top Rated seller adds NO VALUE to the item purchased.

The other problem with the Top Rated seller program is the fact that it is based directly on the Detailed Seller Ratings. Sellers have known from the very beginning of this flawed program and that it is totally unreliable at best. A seller can do everything by-the-book and still get a low rating. The reason is just simple human behavior. Many buyers are very critical people and nothing a seller does will please them. You could give them the moon-with-a-fence around it and they would still give a seller low marks which results a lowered eBay rating. There are buyers that don't believe anyone deserves all high marks. They believe everyone can still be better and that there is always room for improvment. It's the buyers chance in life to be like a teacher grading some term paper.

A perfect example of this are those sellers that even get marked down on the price of shipping when all of their items come with FREE shipping. Try and explain that one oh great and wonderful brains at eBay.

I think it is time that eBay does some real soul searching and goes back to the basics that made eBay what it once was. None of these cute little eBay programs does anything for their bottom line. Rather it hurts them and sellers alike. Sellers are leaving eBay in record numbers due to eBay's constant changing of policies and rules and regulations.

eBay is a sinking ship and yet nobody at eBay seems to understand this. Why you ask? Because nobody who works for eBay has any experience being a seller and they can't relate to the hell eBay puts its sellers through.

Pacific Postal Telegraph Cable Company History & Insulators.

2009-09-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Pacific Postal Telegraph Cable Company

I am posting this information because of the wonderful insulators that were used by the Postal Telegraph. One of the later insulators is posted below that shows the "Postal" embossing.

The history of the Pacific Postal Telegraph Cable Company is simple. When Mr. John W. Mackay, the famous Bonanza millionaire, and Mr. James Gordon Bennett, of the N. Y. Herald, associated themselves together for the purpose of building the “Commercial” cable across the Atlantic, they readily recognized the fact that the “Field” cable was operated in conjunction with the Western Union lines, and that a rival cable must be fed by friendly inland lines. Of course, where a direct message was sent—say from London to San Francisco—the Western Union Company, as a common carrier, was obliged to accept it from the “Commercial” Cable Company, but at the same time such business was subjected to delays and inconveniences, which would soon be ruinous. In order to overcome this difficulty, Mr. John W. Mackay resolved to organize the Pacific Postal Telegraph Cable Co., and to endow it with appliances and resources which would enable it to compete with any and all existing lines.

The affairs of the new company were at this time placed in the hands of Mr. Henry Rosener, one of the Directors of the Commercial Cable Company, and an old-time friend of Mr. Mackay. Parenthetically, it may be remarked that Mr. Mackay and Mr. Rosener became acquainted during the Washoe excitement, when the latter was engaged in business in Virginia City, and the former was laying the foundations of the great fortune he now possesses, and a warm friendship was subsisted between the two gentlemen ever since. Events, however, have demonstrated that Mr. Rosener had other qualifications for this high trust besides Mr. Mackay’s friendship. The demonstration is, so to speak, ocular. It is found in the wonderful way in which the Company has succeeded in the face of the opposition of the Western Union monopoly. A vast system has been organized, which represents a perfect network of wires, extending from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, where it meets the Mackay and Bennett Cable, and through it is united to the telegraphic system of the world. The Pacific Postal Telegraph Cable Co.’s system is now completed, and in a few days the doors of its offices, which are located in the Nevada Block, will be opened for business. The system has been built with the greatest care and of the very best materials. The Company had ample financial backing, and Mr. Rosener wisely resolved to equip his lines with very modern improvement, and so be in a position to render the public a quicker and in every respect better service than the Western Union could. It is upon this basis that battle is about to be fought. The Pacific Postal Telegraph Cable Co., with its strong new wires and improved instruments, will be able to carry messages through all kinds of weather with the utmost celerity. There will be little or none of those annoying break-downs, which so often interfere with the transaction of business. The lines have for a starter two number six and two number ten hard-drawn copper wires all the way through from the Pacific to the Atlantic coasts, and these wires, when operated in conjunction with the improved instruments with which the Company has furnished its offices, will be capable of doing as much work as sixteen ordinary wires.

That the business world will rally to the support of the new enterprise goes without saying, because it will furnish a better and fresher service than its rival ever did. Its very existence will destroy a monopoly which most people have regarded as exceptionally overbearing and cruelly exacting. For this reason, if for no other, the business world should see to it that the Pacific Postal Telegraph Cable Company be liberally patronized.

San Francisco News Letter and California Advertiser

Social Networking Sites In The Business Environment.

2009-09-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Yes this sort of does smell like old people but I believe that in today's business environment social networking sites have no place. This might be "old people" thinking but it is true.

A few years ago I thought it would be really neat and kind of fun to join MySpace even though I am not a typical "joiner" of anything let alone any social networking site. Friends told me it was a dumb move on my part and after about two years I know what they were talking about.

To make matters worse I joined Facebook which opened the floodgates of disaster. The problem with both sites is all the so called "friend" requests that you have to muddle through. The other problem is that people simply just can't leave you alone. So I decided to close my MySpace account. MySpace is all or none. If you close it everything your friends posted for you and all of your cute little comments will vanish into the black hole of cyberspace.

Facebook is a little better. If you close your Facebook account they save it for you just in case you decide that you were really drunk or something and made the wrong choice about ending it all.

But my point is this. You are better off directing your efforts to your own company web site where you have total control over your content and you don't have to worry about the so-called privacy settings of MySpace and Facebook. The other benefit is the fact that YOU and only YOU control the ads that appear on your own web site. With MySpace and Facebook if you enter any information about your business and what your business does, then the next day you see nothing but advertisements from your competitors. Really nice huh? In effect you may be cutting your own business' throat.

So my humble suggestion to you is that you eliminate any connection with MySpace and Facebook. There are much better places to post quick content and information. For example Twitter is very good for this. Instant updates that customers can view. The downside of Twitter are all the spammers and all the girls with their porn sites. You really have to police your Twitter accounts and promptly block these offenders. If you don't, some people might think you are "following" some porn site.

The other thing with Twitter is that many people think it is the new age Pog and all they do is "collect" "followers." I avoid following many people. To me I pick the ones that have like interests such as antique collectors or watch collectors. I also avoid the users that post worthless information every 30 minutes. Afterall it is a proven fact that about 50 percent of all Twitter posting are worthless pieces of junk and useless information.

So for me it is Good Bye to MySpace and Facebook. Let the kids play on them so that some unknown person can guide and direct your child. In my opinion both sites should be shut down as both places represent the best of human error.

Watch Repair Booth on the Street in Bangkok, Thailand.

2009-09-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

This is a cute little watch repair stand in Bangkok, Thailand.

You actually see many of these around. It is also amazing at just how much these "watchmakers" can actually do from one of these benches.

New York 212 Area Code Cell Phone SIM Cards.

2009-09-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

eBay 212 Area Code Listings.
It is totally amazing that people go and get 212 area code sim cards for mobile phones and then offer them on eBay at very high prices.

Some of them come with about $10.00 worth of air time and then you can port them over to any carrier.

Save yourself some money. If you really want one of these go and get your own for next to nothing.

The 212 area code was a rare prefix, but as of late they are NOT and you would be better off NOT buying one of these on eBay.

eBay Motors & Dealer Fees. Don't Get Ripped Off.

2009-09-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dealer Fees. Don't Get Ripped Off!

by: timebuilder( 879)

27 out of 29 people found this guide helpful.

Guide viewed: 2282 times Tags: E350, E420, E430, SLK, CLK
Mercedes Benz
S Class, E Class, C240, C230
Benz S500
Kompressor, Benz AMG
Many sellers on eBay Motors use hidden seller fees. Avoid these sellers who add Dealer Service Fees, Vehicle Preparation Fees, Document Fees, Administrative Fees, and Vehicle Inventory Tax Fees.
Please read this and PLEASE VOTE for this guide. This is intended to save YOU, the potential buyer from paying more than you should for a vehicle on eBay Motors.
In addition to your winning bid or when you use Buy It Now to purchase a vehicle on eBay Motors you may run into many sellers who add many extra fees to the purchase price of your vehicle. Most of these sellers are dealers who either own or work for a dealership. You seldom encounter these extra fees when buying from private sellers of vehicles on eBay Motors.
It should be noted that eBay Motors permits dealers to charge these hidden fees and they make no attempt to regulate excessive fees that are charged by sellers on eBay Motors!
These "hidden" fees can add hundreds of dollars to the purchase price of your new vehicle. These sellers often admit that they do not have any legal requirement to charge these fees but do it anyway. Don't buy a vehicle from them!
It is very important to READ all the FINE PRINT in each eBay Motors Auction before you bid or buy. These fees can be avoided. Here are some of the fees you may encounter and you should avoid.
Vehicle Preparation Fee: One seller charges $49.00 to check the tires, check fluid levels and vehicle interior and the brakes. Avoid these types of fees. It is only prudent that the seller check these items before selling the vehicle in the first place. Remember that it is illegal to sell or offer for sale an unsafe motor vehicle.
Dealer Service Fee: These fees will run as high as $150.00. Sellers never seem to say what these fees cover but these dealers should be avoided.
Document Fee: I have seen these fees run on the low end at $50.00 to $500.00 on the high end. Most sellers have document fees that range between $199.00 to $399.00. I would suspect that most of these fees are used to cover the cost of listing the vehicle on eBay Motors. Don't buy from these sellers.
Administrative Fee: Many of the sellers on eBay Motors seem to charge this fee. The typical cost is $52.00. Again most of these dealers fail to explain what this fee actually covers. Avoid these sellers.
Vehicle Inventory Tax Fee: This fee or tax is usually charged by dealers in the Texas area. This tax or fee is .002679 per cent of the sale price of the vehicle being sold. So on a $10,000.00 vehicle the tax would be about $26.79. Are these dealers so cheap that they can't pay this tax? Avoid these sellers! If they are so cheap that they can't pay this they are not worth buying a car from.
I have only found one dealer who admits in his auction that he has NO LEGAL basis to charge the extra fees that are listed in his dealer auctions for vehicles, but does it anyway.
Again, if you are looking to buy a good vehicle on eBay Motors, there are many sellers to purchase from that don't charge these extra fees.
Look before you buy and READ all the details of the auction first. If you don't like what you see, move on as there are many other cars available on eBay Motors where these fees don't exist.
You can also call most of these dealers and negotiate these fees with them. Remember, they want to make a sale and most of the time will remove these EXTRA charges. Don't get E-Screwed by these dealers.
Here are some typical examples:
There is a nominal Processing Fee of $299.00, this applies to EVERYONE so please don't ask for an exception, none will be made. Out-of-State Residents; Processing Fee of $299.00 is due at the time of sale.
Don't buy from these sellers. Your money looks better in your pocket NOT theirs!
The only fee associated with the sale is a $150.00 transaction fee which covers processing of all paperwork, vehicle pre-delivery costs, cleanup, FedEx of paperwork, and In-Transit plates so the vehicle can be driven prior to transfer of title in your area.
It is obvious that this seller is covering the cost of selling the vehicle on eBay Motors. Charging the buyer for "cleanup" and "pre-delivery costs." Pre-delivery cost is just another term for "eBay listing fees and first bid fees" that eBay Motors charges sellers.
Don't fall victim to these extra seller fees. Don't pay them and don't buy from sellers that charge them!
Here is another example from a dealer in Ohio. This one makes no sense at all.
Fee and Tax Information: A documentary fee will be applied. Its 10% of sale price from $1 to $2499.99, and $250.00 from $2499.99 and up. Title fee of $25.50 will be applied at the time of sale.
Like I have stated many times before, avoid these sellers and save yourself hundreds of dollars.
Below is an example of how one eBay Motors dealer hides the extra costs of their auctions by making the fonts sizes small and also makes the text very light and hard to read in the auction. The original text was very small and very light colored and blended into the auction background. It was not possible to duplicate it here due to eBay restrictions on using HTML tags.
Please note: Texas residents are responsible for state sales tax (6.25%), vehicle inventory tax, license fees, documentary fee ($50.00) and a miscellaneous fee ($250.00). Out of state buyers are responsible for vehicle inventory tax, documentary fee ($50.00) and miscellaneous fee ($250.00). Inventory tax is calculated at 0.21% (that is 21 per $10,000).
These sellers appear to be trying to hide their fees which amount to $300.00 extra in addition to the purchase price of the vehicle. If they try to hide the "fine print" what else are they trying to hide?
The award for the eBay Motors dealer with the HIGHEST FEES goes to a dealer in Knoxville, TN. Their fee is well hidden in their auctions. It simply states, "all bids plus $597.80 dealer fee."
all bids plus $597.80 dealer fee? What are these sellers giving you for almost $600.00? The answer is this. NOTHING but ripping you, the BUYER off.
Save YOUR money and only buy from private parties or eBay Motors sellers that DON'T charge these fees.
Its about time that eBay Motors puts a stop to the rip off of auto buyers on eBay Motors. Why does eBay protect these sellers anyway?

Mulford & Biddle UPRR Threadless Insulators

2009-09-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

If you are collecting railroad pocket watches then you may as well collect the wonderful threadless insulators that were used on the telegraph lines that followed the railroads.

This insulator is a threadless type and was made by Mulford & Biddle. The ones used on the original UPRR railroad were marked with the UPRR embossing.

These wonderful insulators came in many different colors. Values on these are now at about $400.00.

Ball Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen Pocket Watch.

2009-09-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

To me one of the best and most interesting of all American pocket watches are the 18 size Ball watches. Out of these are the Brotherhood watches that related directly to the many jobs associated with railroads.

These Brotherhood watches have become very expensive over the last several years. The one shown above sold for about $2500.00.

More Ball information to come later.

eBay sellers & Buyers Are Closing Accounts In Protest Of eBay's Decision To Discontinue The eBay Blogs.

2009-09-13T23:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a posting by an eBay member and blogger. After many years he is closing his eBay account because eBay has decided to discontinue operating the eBay Blogs.

I Will Miss you all

Posted Sep-13-09 21:14:32 PDT Updated Sep-13-09 21:16:15 PDT

The message says it all, EBAY is committing murder to its own company. And it is a shame that all of us have to pay for ebay stupidy but I do not know if I will get another chance to say what is on my mind so I am saying it now. I have meet some wonderful people on the blogs and I buy most of my stuff from the blog so now that they will be closing it for good, I am closing my account with ebay as well, without the blogs I have no reason to be on ebay. I slowed down on selling on ebay for the same reason, Ebay is going down and it is horriable that they do not see they are destroying there own company.

Love you all and i will miss you all

Watchmakers and Horologists. An Interesting Trade In Modern Times.

2009-09-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Watchmakers and Horologists. An Interesting Trade In Modern Times.

Posted May-14-07 13:24:06 PDT

Watchmakers and Horologists

http://horologist.com/watchmakers.htm

Being a watchmaker is a wonderful trade. Myself, I never really expected to become a watchmaker. My first love was the jewelers bench. All I wanted to do was set diamonds and precious stones. I loved to carve wax patterns and create beautiful one-of-a-kind rings and necklaces. I knew how to make diamond bezels for watches. I had been doing them for years. I also repaired many watch cases and gold watch bands. But it was the Rolex diamond bezel that would probably change my life.

As a small child, I did love watches. Everyone had one, especially the old-timers that were friends of my Grandfather. They all wore vests, dressed very dapper, and all carried a wonderful pocket watch at the end of a fabulous gold chain. My Grandfather many times would show me the "workings" of his watch. I was hooked, and the love of the pocket watch never left me. I think this is the main reason why I loved to do the "jewelry end" of watches. I loved to enhance them, repair the bands and add a few diamonds here and there. I also took great joy in repairing old pocket watch cases. Again, the worn out old watch could become like new again in the eyes of the owner.

But working on the movement, that strange mysterious ticking thing that somehow measured out the seconds of the day. Who would do that? I do remember going into many stores as a child and seeing the little old watchmaker, head bowed, hidden in his micro-world of watch repair. I was fascinated, amused, but soon walked away so not to annoy these strange little old men. In all, I became acquainted with five of them. But it was not until later that I would meet one that would change my life.

The year was 1974. I owned a trade jewelry company. We did the wholesale manufacturing and jewelry repair for the retail jeweler. We had many different accounts. Some were just your common run-of-the-mill ma and pa stores, some where high volume discount jewelers and several were the upper end guild division stores. These were the stores that carried watches such as the Rolex brand and others like Corum and Movados. I had often wondered who did the watch repair. I knew someone did as I often got many Rolex watches that needed bezels made or ones that needed lugs rebuilt. They were always given to me without the movement or the crystals. I would do my job, deliver the watch and a few days later, the district manager would show me the finished watch. They were beautiful, adorned with my bezels or diamond set lug ends. They were polished and looked "factory."

One day I was doing my appointed rounds delivering jewelry repairs. I noticed another man delivering watches. We started talking. The jeweler and the watchmaker had finally met. We went to dinner and continued our conversation. Thus began a relationship that lasted well over twenty years and would have a very great impact upon my life.

The colored picture was taken when Joe was 50, his age when I met him. The two black and white photos were taken in our shop in the late 80's.

Joseph A. Saitta, Certified Master Watchmaker, the man in the three pictures above, had moved to Salt Lake City back in 1951, from Brooklyn, New York. In New York, he owned and operated the Reliable Watch and Clock Repair company.

He began his watchmaking career at a very early age working in his uncle's watch shop. His uncle, Nunzio Lizzio taught Joe the basics of watchmaking. Later Joe would work for Henry Engle. Joe's uncle and Mr. Engle learned their trade at the Hungarian School of Watchmaking. This was at the time the premier college of watchmaking in the world. Mr. Engle had the most prominent watch repair business in New York. It was there that Joe completed his training as a watchmaker and thus becoming approved by the National Bureau of Standards, the agency that certified watchmakers in the 40's. Later the Horological Institute of America certified watchmakers. Then the HIA and the American Watchmakers Institute combined and most watchmakers were certified through this combined group.

Mr. Saitta and I decided to combine our services to the trade. Joe continued with the repair of high grade watches and I continued my trade as a jeweler. Joe insisted that he train me as a fully qualified watchmaker. I resisted at first, as this meant letting go of my jewelry trade for the next several years. I agreed to his training. I worked on pocket watches at first, and as my abilities improved, I started working on very small ladies wrist watches. I then moved into high grade watches such as the Rolex line and other fine timepieces. I learned how to jewel a watch, install new balance staffs, level a hairspring and everything in between. I became very good at gear cutting. After about 5 years of training, there was nothing that could not be accomplished at the bench.

Joe and I continued to work together until he retired from the bench. I continued to run the business. I have always been grateful that my linage as a watchmaker could be traced back to such wonderful beginnings. Because of Joe, I learned from his uncle Nunzio and I learned from Mr. Engle. Mr. Engle always said that the watch was not smarter than you. These three men were in fact real watchmakers, and they were the best. They didn't have the high tech machines that we use today to test watches with, all they had was the skill in their hands and the knowledge in their minds. I thank God that Joe took the time to train me, test me, encourage me and most of all befriend me. Because of Joe and his foresight and what he passed on to me, the business of watchmaking continues.

The Watchmaker
Mind to Conceive, Eye to Perceive, Hands to Achieve
Coordination in Finger Dexterity

Antique Time Vintage Watch Repair. Rolex Repair and Service.

2009-09-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

Antique Time Vintage Watch Repair. Rolex Repair and Service.
Posted May-14-07 12:14:27 PDT

www.horologist.com

We specialize in the precision repair and service of Rolex Watches. Antique Time is also your source for Professional Service of American Railroad Grade Pocket Watches. We maintain a large inventory of Genuine Factory Parts. In addition to servicing your watch movement, we also have the ability to rebuild watch cases and watch bands. We repair and size all Solid Gold Watch Bands.

Rolex Case and Band Repair Is Our Specialty
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES

Professional Rolex Watch Repair Service.

We Use Genuine Factory Watch Material For Most Repairs
Complete Overhauls of Vintage American Pocket and Wrist Watches
We Service Most Mechanical Watches. Gruen, Omega, Tissot
Hamilton, Waltham, Elgin, South Bend, Rockford, Illinois
We Stock All Sizes of Pocket Watch Glass Crystals
Solid Gold Watch Case and Band Repair.

Pressure Testing of Watch Cases to 3 Atmospheres & Beyond
Complete Jewelry Repair Service, Stone Setting, Sizing & Soldering.

The Rolex watch is a beautiful machine comprised of hundreds of precision parts all working in unison to precisely measure the escapement of time. Power delivered through the gear train by the mainspring is transmitted to the fast beating balance wheel, that due to its rapid arc of motion, is largely unaffected by external forces exerted upon it by the person wearing this fine tuned machine.© Text from an article by Stan Hoffman. All rights reserved.

http://horologist.com/rolex_service.htm

Be Sure To Visit Antique Time For Professional Rolex Service and Repair.

Antique Time Professional American Pocket Watch Service and Repair.

2009-09-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Antique Time Professional American Pocket Watch Service and Repair.
Posted May-14-07 12:25:11 PDTwww.horologist.com

Pockets watches have always been treasured by their owners. It may have been your grandfather's Ball railroad watch, or maybe it is one you found yourself in an antique store. No matter what the history is, rest assured that we have the PARTS, EQUIPMENT & EXPERIENCE to bring it back to life.

We have one of the largest inventories of POCKET WATCH parts & material supplies available. This is important to our customers because we usually do not have to rely on material supply houses for our everyday material needs. This means you get prompt professional watch repairs delivered without delays.

Our Pocket Watch service and repair prices are very affordable. Railroad grade pocket watches can be fully serviced for as little as $82.50. Lower grade pocket watches such as seven jewel models can be serviced for as little as $62.50.

We do not cut corners when we service your pocket watch. They are taken completely apart and all parts are inspected and examined for any defects. The parts are then cleaned using the latest in automatic watch cleaning machines. These machines were designed specifically for cleaning watch movements. Your parts are cleaned in three different solutions. Our cleaning machines also have ultrasonic attachments which enhance the watch cleaning process.

After the cleaning process your watch is put back together and all parts are properly oiled and lubricated with the latest synthetic lubricants and oils. These synthetic lubricants last many years giving your watch the highest quality protection against wear.

Your pocket watch is then electronically timed and calibrated using quartz controlled timing machines to insure its proper timekeeping abilities. Your watch is timed according to your watches original manufacturers specifications.

Your pocket watch case is then polished if desired. The case is then cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners. The movement is then installed into the case at which time we make the final inspection of your watch.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK BELOW AT SOME OF THE MATERIAL
WE STOCK TO MEET YOUR REPAIR NEEDS

Complete Watch Movements & Parts in all sizes
Genuine Factory Material Assortments
Pocket Watch Dials. Original & Reproductions
Glass Watch Crystals For Pocket Watches & Wrist Watches
Plastic Crystals By B&B, Rocket, & GS.
Mainsprings, Hairsprings, Balance Staffs
Roller Jewels, Balance Jewels, Cap & Plate Jewels
Pocket Watch Case Parts, Stems & Crowns, Sleeves
For The Finest In Professional Pocket Watch Repair Visit Antique Time

http://horologist.com/pocket_watch_repair.htm

Do YOU love ANIMALS? Please Support The ASPCA and Help Rescue Abused Animals.

2009-09-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Do YOU love ANIMALS? Please Support The ASPCA and Help Rescue Abused Animals.

There are animals that need your help. These pets, many of which have been abused by their owners need your help now. Both cats and dogs. These wonderful pets love their owners even when they have been abused by them which is sad and shows the innocense of these pets.

Please help them by joining the ASPCA by calling 1-888-460-9998 or you can visit the ASPCA web site at http://www.supportaspca.org.

Please give something back to animals that have given so much to us.

eBay, Amazon and Internet Sellers: Get Ready to Collect and Pay Sales Tax in all 50 States.

2009-09-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

July 16, 2009
eBay, Amazon and Internet Sellers: Get Ready to Collect and Pay Sales Tax in all 50 States.

While everyone is paying attention to Health Care, the Sotomayor hearings and Cap & Trade, congress is quietly getting ready to impose sales tax on all internet sellers
Great Magicians master the craft of misdirection. They create a diversion with their right hand while the left hand is doing the real work. It seems our congress has studied the craft of magic too. Everyone pays attention to the big bills while hundreds of small --yet critically important bills are being crafted out of sight --and with no debate.

Lobbyists from firms such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Target and the National Retail Federation are throwing millions of dollars at House and Senate members to draft a series of bills that will force every internet retailer --large and small, to collect and pay sales tax in all 50 states. The pressure is not only coming from the retailers, but from state governments too who need the revenue.

Such a bill would kill millions of eBay and Amazon sellers and any small business that sells online. There are over 6 million people who make all or part of their income from online activities and they represent a huge chunk of the economy. And many of these companies employ people. All of these sellers will be affected. Such a bill would cost millions of job losses by small business.

If you sell on eBay, can you imagine how much work it would be to collect and pay sales tax in all the different states. Just registering for a sales tax number in all of the states would take weeks of work and cost thousands of dollars in fees.

These bills are being crafted and debated now. eBay, Amazon and other big online companies are lobbying against them, but they are outnumbered. But its not hopeless. Lobbyists may have the money, but we have the votes. And congress does listen when they get emails and phone calls.

Just go to: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml to email your congress person and senator. If you don't make some noise then this is coming. Be polite - but tell them NO TAX ON INTERNET SELLERS!

Precious Metals Market Continues To Rise.

2009-09-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Over the last few days the precious metals market continues to soar almost out of control. Today alone gold climbed $12.20 per ounce. Over the last week gold has climbed almost $50.00 per ounce.

http://www.horologist.com

http://www.timebuilders.com

http://www.timebuilderebay.com

The New Wedding Dance. You Have To Watch This Video. It Will Make You Happy.

2009-09-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

The New Wedding Dance. You Have To Watch This Video. It Will Make YOU Happy.

Posted Jul-26-09 18:37:13 PDT

My friend in BKK found this video and sent me the link for it. These people in the video are getting married and their friends put together what I would have to say is simply the best wedding that anyone could ever have.

It would be great to have a group of friends just like these. So enjoy this video. It might make you smile.

http://bit.ly/ceVSm

From your friends at Timebuilder Auctions.

Rolex Registered Design Numbers and Models.

2009-09-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

Rolex Registered Design Numbers and Models.

Model Numbers: Rolex model numbers range from four to six numbers. The number is located at 12 o’clock between the lugs and under the bracelet. The first two or three digits determines the type of watch. If the watch has five digits, the second numeral from the last describes the type of bezel. The last numeral describes the metal that the watch is made from. In the year 2000, Rolex began adding a 1 in front of some model numbers.

Air-King : 4365, 4925, 5500, 5501, 5506, 5520, 6500, 6552, 7784, 14000, 14000M, 14010, 14010M

Air-King-Date : 5700, 5701

Datejust : 1600, 1601, 1603, 1607, 1625, 1630, 6305, 6518, 6604, 6605, 6827, 16013, 16014, 16018, 16030, 16078, 16200, 16203, 16220, 16233, 16234, 16238, 16248, 16250, 16263, 16364, 116138, 116139, 116203, 116208, 116233, 116238

Datejust Mid-Size : 6824, 6827, 68240, 68243, 68248, 68273, 68274, 68278, 77080, 77014, 77438,77518, 78240, 78243, 78246, 78248, 78266, 78273, 78274, 78278, 78279, 78286, 78288, 81158, 81208, 81209, 81308, 81338, 81339, 178158, 178159, 178238, 178239, 178245, 178246, 178248, 178269, 178275, 178278, 178279, 178286, 178288

Day Date President : 1803, 1804, 1807, 6511, 6611, 18026, 18038, 18039, 18078, 18238, 18239, 18248, 18346, 18946, 18948, 18956, 18958, 118205, 118206, 118208, 118209, 118235, 118238, 118239, 118296, 118338, 118339, 118346, 118348, 118366, 118398, 118399

Daytona : 6239, 6240, 6241, 6239, 62,40, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264, 6265, 6240, 6241, 16518, 16519, 16520, 16523, 16528, 116509, 116518, 116519, 116520, 116523, 116528, 116589, 116598, 116599

Explorer : 1016, 1038, 5500, 5501, 5504, 6098, 6150, 6298, 6305, 6350, 6610, 14270, 114270

Explorer II : 1655, 16550, 16570

GMT-Master : 1675, 6542, 16700, 16713, 16750, 16753, 16758

GMT-Master II : 16710, 16713, 16718, 16760

Oyster Perpetual (Time-Only) : 1002, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1010, 1014, 1018, 1023, 1024,1025, 1030, 1038, 1500, 1501, 1565, 5500, 6085, 6103, 6177, 6202, 6284, 6518, 6532, 6546, 6548, 6549, 6551, 6552, 6556, 6564, 6565, 6567, 6569, 6580, 6582, 6584, 6590, 6605, 6623, 6634, 14203, 14203M, 14208, 14208M, 14238

Oyster Perpetual Date : 1500, 1501, 1503, 1505, 1550, 1560, 1603, 1625, 5075, 6075, 6335, 6518, 6534, 6605, 6627, 15000, 15010, 15037, 15038, 15053, 15200, 15203, 15210, 15223, 15238, 15505

Oyster Perpetual Lady : 6718, 6719, 6723, 6724, 76180, 67193, 67194, 67197, 67198, 67230, 67243, 76030, 76080, 76094, 76183, 76188, 76193, 76198, 76243, 77518

Oyster Perpetual Lady Date : 6516, 6517, 6519, 6916, 6917, 6919, 69160, 69163, 69173, 69190, 69240, 79160, 79190, 79240

Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust : 6916, 6917, 6927, 69136, 69163, 69173, 69174, 69178, 69179, 69278, 79068, 79078, 79079, 79088, 79089, 79126, 79136, 79138, 79158, 79159, 79163, 79166, 79168, 79173, 79174, 79178, 79179, 79238, 79288, 80318, 80319, 80298, 80299, 80309, 80318, 80319, 80328, 80329, 80359, 179136, 179138, 179158, 179159, 179165, 179166, 179168, 179173, 179175, 179178, 179179, 179239, 179298, 179368, 179459

Oysterquarz Datejust : 17000, 17013, 17014

Oysterquarz Day-Date : 19018, 19019

Sea-Dweller : 1665, 16600, 16660

Submariner : 5508, 5512, 5513, 5514, 5517, 6200, 6204, 6205, 6536, 6538, 6538A, 14060, 14060M

Submariner Date : 1680, 16800, 16610, 16610LV, 16613, 16618, 16803, 16808

Turn-O-Graph Datejust Thunderbird : 1625, 16253, 16268, 16263, 16264, 116261, 116263, 116264

Yacht-Master : 16622, 16628, 68623, 68628, 168622, 168623, 168628, 169623, 169628

Please note: As newer models arrive on the market we will update the information here.

Skype Us.

2009-09-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

You can call us using Skype if we are online. Our Skype ID is Timebuilder. We can also be reached using our Skype phone number which is 541-397-0009