Watch out! It's watch time!

We are now being introduced to the wonders of watch work.  After another trip to the horological suppliers to get some of the specialist tools required we start with... a clock!

Platform escapement on a carriage clock

The platform escapement on a carriage clock is the same technology as found in a watch, but on a larger scale - ideal for learning about how a watch works and the techniques for servicing a watch.  Take it apart checking for faults along the way, clean it and then reassemble while putting all the right oil in all the right places.  Practice makes perfect so repeat, rinse and repeat.

Then we move down one step on the size scale and start working on... a watch! (albeit a pocket watch.)

Pocket watch ETA 6497 movement

The practice with the carriage clock platform escapement has stood us in good stead for dealing with this little beauty.  We only started on it yesterday but it has been a lot of fun so far.

And after this we move on to quartz watches.  Apparently, there is more to them than just changing the batteries ;-)

Into the second term...

It seems a long time ago, back in September, when fourteen of us arrived at the School of Jewellery and started on our journey into the world of horology.  And what an adventure it has been so far!

There has been plenty of work to do: technical drawing with pencil and paper and using CAD; the history of timekeeping and the theory of horological mechanisms; The "Longitude Problem" and the history of the marine chronometer;  study of design in historical and modern context; materials, mechanics and the use of tools and other fabrication processes and machinery.  Every other spare minute was spent in the workshop, honing our hand skills and putting the theory into practice.

We all enjoyed time in the workshop the best.  After the traditional apprentice's exercise of filing a cube we moved on to making a Mini Clock.  It looks like a clock, it is built using the techniques required to build a clock but won't actually become a working clock.  (We make a working clock, to our own design, in the third year).  It was a real challenge, especially if you had no experience of metalworking at the start of the course!

My Mini Clock at the end of the first term

Unfortunately one of our number had to leave the course so that he could spend more time with his family.  A great loss to the team.

And so, into the second term...

Omega Geneve Restoration

I bought this lovely gents 1960s Omega Geneve last year and finally in 3rd year thought it was the perfect time to return it to its former glory. It had been massively neglected and water had gotten into the winding mechanism.

 

 The glass was badly scratched up and the crown was missing.

The case was banged up and the strap was very badly worn.

London Hackspace

Over the summer I was introduced to the London Hackspace which resides in Hackney - quite appropriately I think. It's an amazing place where creative things happen and has a treasure trove of resources. I have visited the Brighton and Birmingham version in the past and knew that there was equipment for computer hacking and machines such as 3D printers however I was surprised to find that they had gadgets for all kinds of creative construction. It's a community affair and anyone can use the facilities so I recommend having a look and potentially becoming a member. It would be a great place to use in the holidays away from the college workshop.

Workshop Wednesday 03/12/14

A before and after shot of a balance spring Lance is working on

2 1/2 weeks left of term before the Christmas holidays and deadlines are fast approaching. Second and third years need to hand in half of their repair portfolios of clocks or watches and the first and second years have making projects to hand in - the mini clock and the cock and plate project.

It's been an exciting term with many people showing an interest in the course, most notably The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles came and spoke to our students.

Workshop Wednesday 29/10/14

Longcase clocks on test

After a long summer break, we are back in full swing with the third years working hard on their final masterpiece, the second years starting their portfolio of work and the first years on their cube and mini clock. It's been so busy we haven't had time to update the blog so we'll ease in gently with some pictures of what's going on in the workshop.

Watch Case Refurbishment

This week I've been polishing cases on watches that are being serviced. It's not something that's normally done by watchmakers unless they own their own shop, but is a great skill to have. I've documented the process of refurbing a Tag Carerra for you to see how it works. At the end are before and after shots of a selection of other Tag Heuer watches, too!

BHI Practical Exam - Second Year

Over the last few weeks Rosie and I have been working on the BHI practical exam, in which you are given a technical drawing for a multi-part item made from different materials and finishes with tolerances of 0.05mm, and required to make it - this year it was a cock and plate. You're given three weeks, but this is to allow you time to make mistakes. I was definitely glad for the excessive time last year, but this year having made a more similar, but much more complex, practical piece as part of the degree, I found this exam to be largely straight-forward. See after the break for a picture diary!