VISIT!

  WEEK 129

Michael

Origin : Malaysia 

Watchmaking class: Technician & Fullskill 

Current mood: We went to visit Mr Simonin today. It was great to see him and the weather was fantastic as well. He was explaining the methods to make bimetallic components such as the Bimetallic thermometer. I have been preparing myself for the final exam which is in two weeks time. 

Renato & David

Origin: Zug, Zürich, Switzerland

Watchmaking class: Fullskill

Current mood: Worked exclusively on a winding stem for another high grade chronograph (pocket watch) movement. Started directly with silver steel, no brass prototype. The existing winding stem was broken and not original, i.e. cannot be used as a basis. Someone screwed the squared press fit crown onto it, excellent.... Taking the measurements on the movement was interesting, because most cannot be measured directly. So, pivot gauges and other tricks have to be used. Stem looks good now after heat treatment and tempering. Just have to make and check the slot for the setting lever spring. Afterwards I can do the finish/polishing next week. Can't wait to see the stem in action! This movement will also get a clear display case afterwards, which will be interesting to make. Renato

This week I again worked on practicing making winding stem slots in hardened and tempered steel. I had to modify the specialised slot graver that I have previously made from tungsten carbide steel. The reason being is that I left graver too long and too high. I used the Agathon diamond grinding machine to modify the graver to the desired dimensions. Turning steel in the 8mm lathe is still easy with this tool, but the right technique needs to be applied to achieve the correct results. David

Francesco, Åsmund & Robert

Origin: Italy, Norway, USA

Watchmaking class: Fullskill 

Current mood: This week I started with the Aciera F1, I’ve chosen the brass anvil for the first project. The first part was quite easy, I had to do several cuts with four cutter diameters.

The tricky job was doing the rectangle in the back part of the tool. After some hours of calculation and several trials, I got the right dimensions for each side. I’m pretty happy with the result, now I’ve to hand-file a triangle into the rectangle. Have a nice weekend! Francesco

Hey

We started the week with Monday off since it was a holiday, which were convenient since I had a visit from Norway last weekend. We went around for a sightseeing to Neuchatel and Saut du Doubs. 

On Tuesday I started the day with some test milling which was a great challenge for the brain, compared to turning on the shaublin, lots of different variables to consider. That’s part of the fun with machining 

For the rest of the week I finished my brass wheel holder and the steel angular ruler, so now I only need to wait until we’re having the finish courses to make it look presentable before I give it to Henrik for evaluation. 

We also went to Simonin today(Friday), got a good pile of good books for watchmaking and complications. Probably need another 10/15 books before I get everything I need 😂

-Å

STEP 1:  MAKING A WINDING STEM! (RENATO)

Renato working on his winding stem, adjusting the fit to the crown as its a friction fit square type!

Tapered square!

Before heat treatment, slot cutting and finishing.

The movement he is making the winding stem for!

STEP 2:  MILLING! (FRANCESCO)

Francesco squaring up brass stock for one of his tools!

STEP 3:  BOOKS, TOOLS, & WATCHES! (ALL)

Asmund checking out a pocket watch from Mr Simonin collection!

Francesco checking out some watchmaking tools!

Mr. Simonin explaining the concept how one could make the bimetal part of the bimetal thermometers for watches for example, as its very hard to find any literature on this rather specialized subject.

STEP 4:  DRILLING! (ÅSMUND)

Asmund setting up the drilling machine prior to drilling one of his tools!

STEP 5:  WATCHES! (RENATO)

Another nice book from Renato!

STEP 6:  TIMING! (MICHAEL)

Michael checking the 24 hour timing of the ETA 7001 movement!

STEP 7:  WATCHES! (RENATO)

Zenith 8 day onboard watch/cockpit clock, bezel wound and with one interesting feature; at 12 o'clock when it is enough wound the small dot turns white!

HENRIK's WORDS:

This week was short due to Monday being a holiday in this area of Switzerland. We had a great visit to Mr. Simonin book store this week as well, as we have not been there for a while it was a large order this time! Had amazing weather as a nice bonus too! Renato nears the completion of one of his winding stems for one of his pocket watches, only finishing left to do! Michael continued repairing movements to practice for his upcoming final exam. All in all it was a short but pleasant week!  Have a great weekend everyone!