A unique opportunity to become a watchmaker in Sydney

Nicholas Hacko is a third-generation Master watchmaker and the maker of Australia’s first manufactured wristwatch.  We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person to join our team.  You will be trained as a watch technician in all aspects of watch repair, design, assembly, and watch manufacturing, and you will be trained directly by Nicholas Hacko.  A learning opportunity like this does not present itself often.  There are only a handful of watchmakers in Australia, and finding a Master willing to train and pass on his knowledge is quite uncommon.

PRE-REQUIREMENTS:

(1)     Australian Citizenship – This position is open to Australian citizens only

(2)     Technical Background – We understand that the set of skills you have already developed reflect your age and previous experience.  While there is no specific pre-requirement in relation to your skills, either formal or practical experience in the field of mechanics would be viewed favourably.

(3)    Formal Education – We would consider any applicant, regardless of formal education, from 18 year old school leaver to mechanical engineers.

(4)    Long Term Commitment – Watchmaking is more than just a career.  It is a calling.  A long term commitment to our project is absolutely essential.

HOW TO APPLY:

If we believe that you possess what it takes, we will invite you for an interview.  The next step of assessment would be a few days behind the work bench.  Thereafter, for the successful candidate there will be a three month probation period.

SALARY:

Since the first three years on the project would mainly relate to learning a new skill, your starting salary will be $36,000 per annum for the first year and $42,000 for the second year.  After the second year, you will be rewarded according to your developed skills and contribution to the overall project. Our expectation is that you will become more valuable as time goes by, which will reflect in your salary level.

To find out more about what we are doing in Australian watchmaking and manufacturing go to:

https://nicholashacko.com.au/

To apply please send your covering letter and resume to nick@clockmaker.com.au

Strictly no phone calls and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

More screwdrivers have just arrived from Switzerland

I cannot tell you how excited I am about more screwdrivers coming in from Switzerland and today we are pleased to introduce two new sets made by AF Switzerland.  Both sets are designed for professionals.  The first set can be described as Mercedes C Class, whereas the second one is more of an AMG version.

As we have said before, screwdrivers are the second most essential watchmaker's tool and whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, having a set of quality screwdrivers will take your enjoyment of horology to the next level.  AF Switzerland Ref. 18980 is a set of 9 screwdrivers on a rotary stand which comes with spare blades.

To order go to:

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/218-set-of-8-precision-screwdrivers-from-af-switzerland-ref-189770.html



The AMG set is a different beast altogether.  It's slick and ergonomic and designed to take the least amount of space on a crowded work bench.  8 screwdrivers on an aluminium stand.  Each screwdriver is fitted with a miniature ball bearing, allowing for smooth action.

To order go to:

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/219-set-of-9-screwdrivers-from-af-switzerland-ref-18980.html

"Better than Bunnings"

Many thanks to Graham from Mudgee who shared with us a photo of his "oldie but a goody" jeweller's saw.  A perfect example of a tool built to last forever.  He had just placed an order for blades from our shop.  "Better than Bunnings", he said.  We agree!  

Gold Shark blades available at:

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/search?controller=search&s=gold+shark

Why do you want to order your rebelde Chocolate V Pilots today?

A number of reasons: we are running out of stock!  While I am awaiting delivery of parts for MK1, I have assembled the last 6 pieces. These are the last 6 watches of the rebelde 'ribbed bezel' model which sells for $2500 - and when they are gone, they will be gone for quite a long time.  Our ribbed bezel steel 44mm is our signature piece, the very first rebelde designed and assembled in Australia. I am very proud of the fact that for all these years not ONE rebelde has returned to our workshop flooded with water or with a broken winding crown. This is a great testimony to a watch which has proved itself as robust, reliable and easily serviceable; a project which has stood the test of time.

Priced at $2500, rebelde V presents fantastic value for money, especially taking into consideration the fact that it is built to run for decades, even when worn daily.

The last remaining V Pilot numbers are:  2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 48.

Every single dollar from the sale of these last 6 rebelde V pieces will be reinvested back into Australian watchmaking, the training of young watchmakers, and expanding our manufacturing capabilities. 

If you order and pay for your rebelde today, I would like to thank you by extending my 'no cent to pay' guarantee to 10 years (an additional 5 years), throw in an extra strap (3 in total), PLUS a rebelde sterling silver pen ($175 value). But - most importantly - I will forever remain humbled and grateful for your support.

What the heck!  I'll throw in a box of chocolates by the official chocolatier of the rebelde project.

To place your order send an email to nick@clockmaker.com.au

Why rainbow unicorns can't fly

A number of subscribers have brought my attention to an announcement made last week:  Roger Smith and Manchester University have begun work on a mechanical watch which would need no lubrication.  Actually it would - but instead of oil, moving parts would be coated with "nano-coatings using molybdenum disulfide, which is deposited onto parts using a magnetron sputtering process".  As the celebrity blogger explains: "This coating could replace the use of traditional oil-based lubricants in mechanical watches. The goal is to develop a mechanical watch that would never need to be serviced, as long as it is not damaged by an external event such as a drop".

The announcement maker then quotes Breguet, the most famous watchmaker of all time:  "Give me a perfect watch oil and I'll make you a perfect watch”, in an attempt to highlight the obvious: oils are bad.

Let me unpack this 'great news' for you: an oil-free watch is the rainbow unicorn of horology - it simply does not exist.

Here are the facts:  

1. It's not the oil - it is the friction that is the problem. A mechanical watch mechanism contains a number of moving parts working, pushing and rubbing against one other. While the escape wheel pivot, barrel arbour, monster mainspring, pallet stones, incabloc jewels, yoke, clutch wheels and winding pinions live under the same 'hud', they are so vastly different they require lubricants of specific viscosity and in specific amounts.  Due to their geometry and the way they function and interact with each other, some of them could be pre-coated, while others cannot.

2. Even a novice watch enthusiast knows that a wrist watch consists of 3 distinctive units:  the mechanism, dial and hands, and the watch case.  While clearly the mechanism itself contains the most moving parts, the proponents of the 'no oil' project intentionally avoid discussing issues related to the watch case which also needs regular servicing due to the deterioration of lubricants: the winding crown, rotating bezel, chrono pushers, and casing seals. In my experience, problems associated with casing parts account for 50% of all servicing requirements in a watch.  A "watch that never needs to be serviced" does not exist.  Actually it does:  it's called a throwaway watch.

3. We already have a "perfect watch" which would fit Breguet’s criteria. It is called a smart watch. It keeps perfect time and requires no lubrication. There is not the slightest doubt in my mind that Brequet himself would wear two watches, one on each wrist: a mechanical masterpiece and a digital watch. And, yes, in Breguet's time watch oils were "bad", based on animal and vegetable fats . But since the 1950s, and especially recently, synthetic oils provide almost perfect lubrication properties. Thanks to better oils, a number of watchmakers have extended the servicing life of a watch from 3 to 4 years to 7 years and longer.

4. Contamination problems: even if all watch parts were nano coated, we still have to deal with a huge problem called contamination.  After just a few years, metal particles caused by wear and tear start to build up and stick to each other creating a fine grinding paste.  Dust, dirt, and moisture can penetrate into even the most waterproof watch. Without regular servicing, sooner or later, even the most well-made watch by the most reputable maker will simply grind itself to death.

5. Regular servicing in a traditional mechanical watch is part of "the horological sophistication package". Oils are here to stay - and getting rid of them is like trying to get rid of opera costumes, or trying to make a violin with pre-tuned strings. Ultimately getting rid of oil and servicing means getting rid of watch technicians and watchmakers. Our trade has never recovered from the quartz era, and an independent watchmaker like Roger Smith should be the last one to focus his efforts on an 'oil-less' watch.

6. Nano-coatings using molybdenum disulfide have been tried before - unsuccessfully.  In the late 1990s Jaeger LeCoultre spent a great deal of time developing a 'non-oil watch'. However, from what we know, the project culminated in the release of only one model in 2002.

Only one model was released - and the project was quickly abandoned. Rainbow unicorns can't fly. 

Saw blades play an essential role in the life of a watchmaker

It is regarded within the trade that Gold Shark Swiss-made blades are the best so no wonder they are the blades of choice for a true craftsman.

If you are new to blades, here are some basics: 



The blades are sold in a bundle containing 12 blades . Twelve bundles (144 individual blades) are called Gross. Gross is really 12 squared. Great Gross is 12 cubed (1728 blades). There is also a Small Gross which contains 10 bundles (120 blades). 

A blade is defined by its thickness and the number of teeth per centimetre of length. The more teeth, the finer the cut.  Blade number 0 (zero) has 20 teeth per cm and it is regarded as “medium”.  

From there, the sizes go up - 1, 2, 3 to 8 and down to 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0 and 6/0. 

Bottom line: the thinner the sheet you cut, the finer the blade. And while you can cut thick material with a fine blade, the opposite is not possible. 

At the moment, we carry in stock blade sizes 0, 3, 5 and 6 which covers medium to coarse, perfectly suitable for both watchmakers and hobbyists.  

Price: $6 per bundle (12 individual blades). Golden Shark, Swiss made.  

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/search?controller=search&s=golden+shark



Of course, hand cutting is an art form.  To make your cut perfectly smooth and make the blade last for 7 years use the cut lube AF Switzerland No. 180.100.  Apart from saw blades, the cut lube can be used with burs, drills, and gravers to virtually eliminate pull and drag.  Just dip your burs into cut lube with smooth cutting without chatter.  It comes in a handy stick dispenser.

$15

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/217-af-switzerland-cut-lube-lubricant-for-cutting-tools-ref-180100.html



Visit our online watchmakers' tools shop https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/

AF Switzerland's case back removal tool

Sometimes the most beautiful tools are simply beautiful because of their practicality.  If you are looking for an adjustable case back opener then AF ref. 167.761 is a perfect choice.  Without any effort I was able to take the case back off an IWC Mark XVI.  It also "works" on probably 80% of all inexpensive battery operated watches out there.  So if you are wanting to change a battery on your own watch this is the kind of tool to have in your toolbox.

$25 only

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/210-af-switzerland-case-opener-ref-167761.html

Swiss made spring bars for an Omega Moonwatch

$5 each or $39 for a packet of 10. You'll love them:  very strong and solid, broad shoulder, a perfect fit-through bracelet, great for leather or NATO straps.

Once again, these spring bars are not made by Omega or Rolex.  However, they are genuine Swiss made spring loaded bars and the quality is Swiss made.  Don't risk losing your speedy for the sake of saving a few cents!   And, of course we can fit them/replace your strap while you wait at no extra charge


https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/199-swiss-made-spring-loaded-bars-20ro.html

To fit Omega Speedmaster Professional 20mm between the lugs and Rolex models 20mm between the lugs, no pin hold.  






https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/199-swiss-made-spring-loaded-bars-20ro.html

The oldest tool in the world - the hammer

Watchmaker's hammers are sold by size, with the most popular being 60, 70,80 and 90. This measurement refers to the hammer head length in millimetres.  Here is a small curiosity: since the 1980s watchmaker's hammers have been no longer made in Switzerland, so even those signed by Swiss toolmaker brands are actually made in the capital of hammers: Lahore, Pakistan.

I use my hammers every day:  90 for removing bracelet pins, 70 and 80 with a staking set, and 60 for riveting the finest watch components like balance staffs.  Absolutely an essential tool in any precision workshop.

In stock.  

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/search?controller=search&s=hammer

The MaxiHulk - finally

When mid last year a Swiss tool manufacturer announced a high torque watchmaker’s screwdriver specifically designed for removing and tightening bracelet screws, I knew straight away I wanted one. The sample was every bit as good as advertised: a large 10mm diameter handle, beautifully knurled, and featuring a massive head fitted with a ball bearing.  Of course, with a replaceable tip perfectly held with a hex grab screw.

The only problem: the waiting time to get the screwdrivers manufactured!   It is now 5 months since I initially placed the order for 20 screwdrivers and, as of today, only 3 have been delivered!

Anyway, I can't wait any longer to share this great tool with you. The blade of the MaxiHulk has been shaped by myself to fit Rolex bracelet screws.  Indeed, if you are a Rolex enthusiast then the MaxiHulk is an essential tool for bracelet resizing. Taking a link out is no longer a worry: the blade fits perfectly into the screw head slot of almost any Oyster bracelet. The high torque can be applied locking the screws tight. You would be surprised how loose your bracelet screws actually are - until you give them a go with MaxiHulk.

Price $120 each, 3 only in stock. 

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/130-af-switzerland-maxi-bracelet-screwdriver-16mm-ref-189455160.html

Now stocking the best watchmaker's tweezers in the world - Dumont

As you already know, Dumont is considered the manufacturer of the world's finest tweezers. In business since 1881, Dumont makes tweezers in 11 different alloys, three classes, and dozens of shapes. If you are looking for "good tweezers" Dumont makes good tweezers. If you want "really good tweezers" Dumont makes really good tweezers as well. If you need the "Very Best Tweezers" made in Switzerland, then the Dumoxel and Dumostar alloys are the way to go – a perfect tool for professional watchmaker.

Six months ago, we placed our first order with Dumont for a selected range of watchmaker’s tweezers – and we are now proud to announce the very first delivery of hand polished, made ‘per order’ tweezers. In stock!

Dumostar 0109 (Style 1,3,5) This Dumont patented alloy is composed of C, Cr, Mo, Mn, Co, Ni and Si. Dumostar is more elastic and more resistant to corrosion than the best stainless steel. It is also resistant to mineral and organic acids as well as salt. Although slightly more expensive than other alloys, Dumostar is 100% anti-magnetic and is resistant to sterilisation temperatures of up to 500°C. Dumostar 0109 tweezers are simply the top of the Dumont range. Price: $81 + GST each Dumoxel 0103 (Style 1,2,3,4,5) Dumoxel is composed of C, Cr, Ni, Mo and Cu and is the most popular choice. This alloy was developed and patented by Dumont to offer the best in resistance to corrosion thanks to its high concentration of molybdenum and chromium. Dumoxel also guarantees an excellent resistance to sulphuric environments, hydrochloric acid, as well as to all other mineral and organic acids. Dumoxel is 95% anti-magnetic, resistant up to temperatures of around 400° C. A great choice for general bench work. Price: $45 + GST each.  Bergeon Tweezers: the famous Ref. 7026 set of 8 Set of 8 stainless steel anti-magnetic tweezers: 7026-1 / 7026-1-2 / 7026-3 / 7026-3C / 7026-AA / 7026-5 / 7026-7 / 7026-SS. All Tweezers are resistant to corrosion, acids and alkali. Price: $359 +GST for a complete box set. To all of you, we remain grateful, and we are here to serve you. https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/12-tweezers

A perfect tool for opening pocket watches

When you visit our online store, how about getting a great present for a fellow watch enthusiast or even yourself - the Bergeon Swiss made knife and case opener ref. 7403 "officier suisse" with the beautiful Victorinox symbol.  It features two blades.  A super sharp one and a blunt one.  A perfect tool for opening pocket watches.  Only $35.

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/115-bergeon-knife-and-case-opener-ref-7403.html

Swiss spring loaded bars for vintage Rolex watches

For those of you who like to change straps on your vintage Rolex watches, good news!  We just got delivery of Swiss made spring bars YH type in sizes 19 and 20mm.  The 20mm ones are fantastic replacement bars for vintage Rolex Sports models like Submariner and GMT Master with a pin hole on the side of the lug.  The 19mm is suitable for Daytona and all other models with 19mm space between the lugs. 

The price:  $19 for a bag of 10. 

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/97-swiss-made-spring-loaded-bars-19yh.html

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/98-swiss-made-spring-loaded-bars-20yh.html

Who ate the Swiss cheese?

It is said that in the 1980s the Columbian narco business was bringing in so much cash into the country that drug lords ran out of secure storage space. One cartel alone spent over $12,000 a month just on rubber bands and more than 10% of all dollar bills were eaten by rats.   Indeed, oversupply is as bad as undersupply, and in either case the logistics of running a business can be a nightmare.

From the 1940s to 1960 the Swiss were manufacturing more watches than all other nations combined. An army of watchmakers, brands, machinists, technicians, assemblers and tool makers worked in a bubble. The thirty golden years of Swiss watchmaking was the result of a perfect storm: two world wars, the need for an accurate watch, technical advancements in manufacturing, an endless supply of money looking for shelter, and cheap eastern and southern European labour.

The bubble burst in the early 1970s when the Japanese entered the global high tech economy in a mighty way - the world had enough of outdated pre-war technology: we wanted brand new Sony TVs, video recorders, Seiko quartz watches, Nikon cameras.  We wanted the cool stuff at a price almost
everyone could afford - and we got it all. The Japanese ate the cheese of Swiss horology; and the Chinese picked at the last few crumbs.

Swiss watchmaking reinvented itself in the late 1990s when big brands and fund managers figured out that there was still money to be made in watchmaking. But the 'new' industry focused on luxury, not volume. The only question the Swiss were desperate to answer was a weird one: what was the absolute lowest quality product that the luxury market would accept as a 'luxury watch'? A typical question asked by a fund manager - not a watchmaker. The answer was: really anything - as long as it had 'Swiss made' on the dial.

Vertical brand integration and the Internet took care of the rest: the Emperor's new clothes never looked better. Once aging, the Swiss got back into the cheese making business: the same Emmental, just larger holes, and a bigger box allowing more room for the brand's logo.  Everyone was happy.

But like the rat problem in Medellin, the 'new' Swiss watchmaking business plan failed to foresee one small detail: the new mass-produced 'Swiss' mechanisms no longer needing the army of technicians, tool makers, specialists, and even watchmakers to assemble new watches. Most of them were now obsolete, replaced by modern CNC machines and robots. The end result: an industry which had very little demand for quality, Swiss-made traditional watchmaking hand tools!

Here is just one example: a humble watchmaking staking set. For hundreds of years this was an essential tool for both watchmakers and watch repairers. The precision made punches are a work of art; the tool was used daily and would last for generations - but in 2019 modern Swiss brands need no skilled hands outside their own workshops. The restriction on supply of spare parts means less work for independent watchmakers. Less work means no future, no plans to invest, and no plans to employ or train apprentices. Consequently, the Swiss tool makers who need the volume to stay in business are the ultimate victims in 'the new Swiss horology'.

Yes, you can restart watchmaking of a luxury brand, but you cannot restart fine Swiss toolmaking without the support of hundreds of small independent watchmakers.

In December last year I placed an order for four staking sets and one jewelling tool. The two sets from Bergeon arrived promptly, but the two from Star are still on back order. The Seitz jewelling press is apparently on its way. And with each and every order of Swiss tools, it is obvious that we are dealing with remnants of what was once a mighty industry. As I type this, we have more tools on back order (fully paid for!) than tools in stock.

And then, there are some amazing, unexpected developments: in less than three months we have sold over 300 watchmaker's loupes, hundreds of screwdrivers, cleaning cloths and plexiglass polishers. Thanks to the support of enthusiasts - not professionals - our tool import business is growing; and quite frankly, Swiss cheese never tasted better.

             

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/126-bergeon-staking-tool-ref-5285-b.html

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/127-bergeon-staking-tool-with-base-ref-5285-d.html         

Finally - it's set and ready to go

Thanks to your interest, and trying to accommodate your demands, we've finally got the dates for the Watchmaker's courses to be held in the coming weeks.

But before we go any further, here is the answer to the most commonly asked question: are the watchmaking courses for me?

The answer is - absolutely yes!

Actually both W1.0 and W2.0 are designed specifically for you - "an enthusiastic watch enthusiast". If you have good eyesight, basic manual skills and attention to detail,  you will have the time of your life.  In just a few hours, over the period of one month, you will get a taste of what horology is all about, what makes the watch tick; how to disassemble and assemble both quartz and mechanical timepieces, and much more .  Your watch will never look the same again, and your appreciation for precision and workmanship will increase exponentially.

Class Dates:  

W1.0 - Four Tuesday evenings in May, starting at 5:30 pm.

W2.0A - Four Tuesday evenings in April, starting at 5:30 pm

W2.0B - All day workshop 9 am to 6pm Sunday, April 14th.

Please read carefully.

W1.0 is an entry level course.  The timepieces/watch movements you will be working on are provided.  However, you would need to invest in your set of tools which are available from:

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/178-nicholas-hacko-watchmakers-tool-kit-10.html

We will cover a number of topics - from how to sharpen and shape screwdrivers to the complete disassembly and reassembly of both quartz and mechanical manual wind watch mechanisms. It will be an exciting mix of 30% theory and 70% bench time. We also encourage you to setup your small work space at home. Tutoring fee:  $400.

W2.0A is a course focusing on the Seiko SKX divers watch, fitted with the 7S26 automatic mechanism. This course will cover complete step by step disassembly and reassembly of the Seiko, as well as time keeping adjustments. You will also learn cleaning, lubrication, water resistance testing, and jewelling.  This course is run over four evenings, 2 hours per session.  You will be required to buy our 2.0 tool set:
 
https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/184-nicholas-hacko-watchmakers-tool-kit-20.html

Having a Seiko 7S26 movement watch is absolutely essential - either your own or, optionally, you can buy one from us for $490 (brand new original Japanese made). Tutoring fee:  $490.

W2.0B is a full day course specifically organised for non-Sydney students. The topic and requirements are the same as for W2.0A.  The course will be held on Sunday 14 April, starting at 9:00am, lasting all day - until we're finished.  

Seats are strictly limited to 5 students for all classes. Please contact us ASAP to book. Note: buying a tool kit or Seiko watch does not automatically entitle you to the course – so, please, contact us first.  Tutoring fee:  $490

You will be required to buy our 2.0 tool set:

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/184-nicholas-hacko-watchmakers-tool-kit-20.html

Nick & the chocolate factory

It is official!  CHOKAMOUR, an Australian maker of the finest hand crafted REAL chocolate is now the official chocolatier of the Australian made watch! We love you, Kylie! Share the chocolate with someone special in your life, and keep the wooden box to store your Bergeon Swiss tools.  It's a win/win for everyone!

We've just opened up a bar and we all agree - Kylie's chocolate is something special.  Only two ingredients are used to make her chocolate - cacao and sugar.  You can't get much purer or richer than that.  Plus for the health conscious and ethically minded among you, these chocolates are organic, vegan, gluten free, and made with direct trade ingredients.  What more could ask for?

The cost is $20 for our uniquely-decorated wooden box and two 45 gram bars which is an absolute bargain for hand-crafted artisan Australian chocolate.

Of course, we have only a very small quantity of chocolates on hand so place an order as soon as possible.   If you are coming in to see us you are welcome to admire them in store (unfortunately, sorry, no samples allowed because we ate them!).

To order your Australian made chocolate box sets go to:

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/182-chokamour-wooden-box-set-orange-79-chocolate.html

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/183-chokamour-wooden-box-set-anise-mint-chocolate.html

PS:  Kylie, we are very grateful you gave up landscape architecture to become a master chocolate maker!  Hats off to this Australian pioneer.











                       

Ideal screwdriver for Cartier small and mid-size links

ustralians just love Cartier Tank watches.  For years they have been one of our bestselling ladies' watches and whenever one becomes available it's shipped Australia wide.  Of course, re-sizing the bracelet to the right size can be tricky for a new owner but to adjust the Cartier bracelet, regardless of the model (small size, mid size, large size) you just need one screwdriver.  Do it yourself in no time.  Order your "Cartier screwdriver" today.

Bergeon screwdriver 1.4mm ref. 30080.06 Chromium plated.  Grey coloured ring. $18 https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/110-bergeon-screwdriver-14mm-ref-30080-06.html

Watchmaking 2.0 – a unique opportunity to take your horology to the next level of sophistication!

How cool would it be to claim that the very watch you wear daily is the same watch you have personally disassembled, reassembled, modified  and  adjusted - all with your own two hands? Indeed, only a handful of watch collectors and enthusiasts that I know have taken their love for watches to this level.

Thanks to W2.0 you too can join the Hall of Fame - and tell/show everyone what you are made of!

I am prepared to help you reach this important milestone by offering a unique opportunity:  tools, assistance and all the necessary support to turn your project into a GUARANTEED success.

Watchmaking 2.0 is a group project, available to a maximum of 5 students. The watch:  Seiko Divers SKX007/009. Time: four x 2 hour sessions during the month of April.   At our premises.

I would be happy to provide the following:

- a brand new Seiko watch, original 'made in Japan' automatic day-date watch.   The cost of the watch is $490
- top quality Swiss tools, your investment of $498
- tutoring (4 x 2 hours) , access to specialist tools, lubricants, timing machine, cleaning machine, water pressure tester, and supervision at bench ( $490)
- guaranteed success:  at the end of the month, your Seiko will perform like a brand new watch again.                       



You are expected to :

-  set up your own work area at home and do the majority of disassembly/assembly on your own
-  be cooperative, enthusiastic and focused to complete the project
-  make a total investment of $1,478. Of course, the watch ($490) and tools ($498) are yours to keep.

A few years ago, I created an online disassembly tutorial for the Seiko 7S26 watch. Since then, hundreds of watch enthusiasts all over the world have successfully completed the project, but only 1 in 5 have completed the reassembly. Watchmaking is tricky: without the supervision and guidance, as well as access to expensive tools and professional environment, an online tutorial can only take you so far.

W2.0 takes a completely different approach:  it's time to get serious!  With all students working on  the very same calibre, using their own high quality tools, and guided by a third-generation watchmaker face to face, the chances of completing the project are 100%  guaranteed.

Seats are limited to 5 students. There are also a couple more pre-requisites:  good eyesight, a steady hand, and the willingness to learn. I am looking for students who will appreciate the opportunity to enter my private workshop space and spend time under my guidance - not merely a customer who will buy a watch or tools for the sake of acquisition.  If you are one of those online students who have previously attempted my 7S26 DIY course, then this is the time to get it right.

To book/reserve your spot, please email me directly, introducing yourself.   If we have a spot for you, Karin will take care of the rest.

Finally, a word of two about why a Seiko SKX divers watch is the perfect choice for intermediate students of horology.

- it is complex enough to work on, but in the case of loss or damage, parts are abundant
- it is a great value for money watch with huge base of online followers. Like no other Japanese watch out there, SKX has proven its relevance, adhered to Seiko’s strong reputation without mega-dollar Swiss-style marketing
- fully waterproof, very robust, a great looking sports watch recognisable not just by watch enthusiasts but real, everyday watch owners all over the world.
- possibly the only 100% in-house made watch in the world
- an excellent time keeper! While SKX models assembled all over Asia tend to be reasonably accurate, domestic Japanese pieces are absolutely fantastic. Here is the photo of a SKX out of the box , checked last night: +2 to +4 seconds per day, beautiful amplitude and zero beat error



- fully repairable: a complete brand new movement is available for under $100 . Brand new Japanese divers rubber strap: $19!



A photo of you , behind the workbenches,  with your watch disassembled down to the last bit, then reassembled and ticking like new? Priceless!

Watchmaking 1.0 class every Tuesday night

 

I'm glad to report that another Tuesday watchmaking 1.0 class went well.  Our focus was on probably the most famous Swiss quartz mechanism of all time - the ETA 955.412.  We got deeply into movement disassembly and the students had a unique opportunity to handle some of the smallest watch components.   Again, we stayed till late but the students who put in extra effort managed to even get their movements assembled with surprisingly little assistance.

     

Staying still for over an hour and a half, heavily focused on a task, was not easy but the ultimate reward is newly acquired skills and knowledge.  One thing is certain: the more time you spend behind the bench, the more you will appreciate your watch.  And for a watch enthusiast this is a priceless reward in itself. 

For those of you who missed our March course, good news.  On 2 May we are starting the next round with 5 new students. The cost of the course is $400 for four Tuesday night sessions plus the cost of the tools (see below).

https://shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/178-nicholas-hacko-watchmakers-tool-kit-10.html

While this is not a pre-requirement, we would like to give priority to students who are particularly keen to set up their own work space at home.  If this sounds like you please reply to this email and tell me about your skill level, your age, your interests, and what you would most like to achieve out of the course.

Those of you who are already asking about Watchmaking 2.0, this project is well underway but I'm not quite ready yet to announce it.  All I can say is we will be working on a Seiko diver's automatic watch and you will love it!                

You shouldn't suffer for horology

There is nothing more annoying than a short leather strap!  It's unsafe, ugly and unsophisticated.  If you are cursed (or blessed?) to have an XXL body or wrist, then you are fully aware that 'custom made' is often your only option when it comes to buying shoes, clothing, belts - and leather watch straps.

Occasionally we get asked to add links to a 20cm full size bracelet.  We know there are some big wrists out there and we don't want you to miss out on these beautiful straps. So last month we asked our leather craftsman, James Young from Alice Springs, to help us expand our range of fine hand-made kangaroo straps to include not just XL straps but XXL straps.  And a parcel of 10 pieces arrived yesterday: black, dark brown and tan. The good news: our monster straps are offered at the same price as standard length stock - only $140.

Width: 24mm suitable for all rebelde Titanium models and the newest NH 'manufactured in Australia' model. Of course, this strap would also be a perfect choice for any other watch with 24mm spacing between the lugs such as Panerai or IWC .  The buckle end width is 22mm.

 

 

Send me an email to nick@clockmaker.com.au to place your order