Why should we care about preserving our horological past?

For a simple reason: there is not much left to be preserved. Every watch or pocket watch which bears unique Australian markings - regardless of how humble it may look- has a story to tell. Here is a perfect example: a 1960 Peerless wrist watch imported for Victorian Railway. What makes this piece special: when Tasmanian Government Railways had a need to issue some wrist watches, they asked Victorian Rail for help. This particular piece was sent down to Tasmania, where it was numbered TGR A205. The VR W marks are still there as well. This is the first and only 'double issued' piece I have seen so far. The watch has been overhauled yesterday as 'an apprentice project'. The mechanism: an AS1900 which features a unique 'cannon pinion' assembly rarely seen in other calibres. The study of the click, click spring, and engagement with the ratchet wheel was bit of fun too. The Peerless case is non-standard with 19mm spacing between the lugs, so we fitted on a 19mm NH leather strap(Italian leather) with our steel buckle. These are usually reserved for the Mark 1 line. Super handy! Two points: if you ever come across an Australian Railway issued watch, snatch it. They are cheap as chips because "megabrand collectors" could not care less about our history. Second point: if you don't want it in your collection, drop me a note, I'll buy it. Much appreciated! Finally, if you have a vintage watch which has 19mm non-standard lug spacing, we have black, brown, tan, and red leather straps in stock. These straps are in very limited supply (yes, we like to keep them for our Mark 1 customers). Strap price $50. Buckle side width: 18mm. NH Steel buckles are made of the finest surgical steel. Buckle price $50.

The buckles have landed

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About six weeks ago, we were happy to report that we were expecting delivery of our stainless steel buckles, machined out of surgical steel.   Good news!  The buckles arrived last week and we have already shipped free samples to the first 20 subscribers who put their hands up last year.  Of course, due to the overwhelming response we could not send a free buckle to all.

However, if you would like to order one, the price is $35.

The buckle is 18mm wide and comes with a slender pin – which means it’s perfect for fine, thin, leather straps like those on Omega and IWC watches.  The photo above shoes the straps for our upcoming Mark 1 automatic watch (both kangaroo leather and Italian cowhide).  The kangaroo leather straps are made by James B. Young in the Northern Territory.  As our buckles can be shipped in a flat envelope we will throw in free delivery on buckle orders.

PS:  Once again, the $35 is the for buckle only and not for the buckle and strap.             

  

Happy Collecting,

Nick