Welcome!

9/23/2008

Feel free to leave me a comment or suggestion about the website or my work.

Jean Cote link

12/26/2008 03:44:54 pm

I discovered this site quite by accident while googling for information on the Cowells CW 90 lathe. Serendipity is the word that comes to mind to describe this find: eye-pleasing layout, clear and informative text, helpful photographs... I shall be returning often just for the pleasure of browsing - and for the inspiration. I should add here that I'm a modeller, not a watch maker, but more and more I find myself turning to techniques used in jewellry and clock-making.
Thank you for this excellent site, and I wish I possessed one tenth of your skill.

Jean Cote

You've tipped the balance for me: I shall be acquiring a Cowells lathe. With the British Pound now at a par with the Euro, I have no excuse for delaying further

John Midgley

2/1/2009 11:07:36 pm

Hi

I found your website 'by accident' whilst looking for something else; and then lost it again for a while.

I appreciate the work you've put in to the website - and the watch! I too have Daniels' book, though any thoughts of embarking on a project like this are some way off. In the meantime, I'm working on cleaning and occasionally repairing watches. I'm currently making a winding stem on a 6mm Lorch.

Cowells are only an hour or two down the road from me - I should pop in! I have a Myford ML7RB for the big stuff, but I don't have any means of cutting gears at present.

Anyway, ramble over - get back to the watch!

John

Claude Beck

2/21/2009 04:33:40 am

Site propre, sobre, d'une remarquable qualité. Félicitations!
Claude.

Stephen Benson

3/4/2009 06:30:11 am

Great site very interesting googled Cowells Lathe and found you. I will return often
Steve

Andrew Groom

3/24/2009 03:39:39 pm

Hi,

I wanted to write and express my respect and admiration for your efforts to make a 'Daniels' watch.

I have been an amateur watch repairer for a few years now, and was given a copy of Daniel's watchmaking as a birthday present last year - what an inspirational book. It gave me the vague idea of trying to make a watch myself, and I was browsing the web idly looking at other peoples projects when I ran across your site.

I'm watching with great anticipation to see your watch completed, and in particular how you get on with making the chronometer escapement and an engine turned dial, as I sense these may be the two most difficult parts to execute.

Thanks for sharing all the details of your project like this.

Andrew Groom

Curtis G. Norman link

6/1/2009 02:59:44 pm

Hello!

Like the others above, I happened on your website by accident while looking for info on the Cowell's lathes. I thank you for the in-depth look at one of their lathes, which is a great help in the decision to purchase one (though I am more interested in the ME series lathe).While I do have an interest in things horological, I will be using it for construction of model internal combustion engines and small instrument work. Thanks again for the look at your lathe.

Curtis

Stephen price

6/7/2009 10:22:40 pm

I discovered your site last year whilst looking for info on Cowells lathes. I am frequent visiter . great site very informative. My cowells lathe arrived in Feb 2009 along with their V mill to set up my workshop. Keep up the great work, may be one day I too will have a watch of my own crafting?

Jose Antonio

6/9/2009 03:46:25 am

Fabulosa la web, muy completa e interesante.

Web fabulous, very comprehensive and interesting.

Paul J. Weighell

8/17/2009 08:28:34 am

Very nice site and useful too!

Neil Wyatt link

10/1/2014 05:09:25 am

Hello Paul J. Weighell - if it's you who submitted an as yet unpublished article to Model Engineers' Workshop in 2009, please could you contact Neil Wyatt via the Model Engineer Website?

Graeme

8/20/2009 04:15:07 am

What a gem of a website. I too discovered it while looking into Cowells lathes. Really nice, well done. Hope to learn a lot here as i'm totally new to this

Axel

9/15/2009 05:30:04 am

Superb layout, interesting text!!!

Peter

11/16/2009 05:03:42 am

My deepest respect for your work, on the watch as well as on this site which does mucch more than just to show what you are working on mechanically.

Kind Regrads

Peter

Loc

12/4/2009 03:27:45 pm

Hello from Canada! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and making this knowledge available. This site is a gem, the perfect companion to Daniels book.

Looking very much forward to the next update!

Cheers

Jean-Louis

12/28/2009 09:54:26 pm

I hope you'll eventually make all this info available as a book in itself. Amazing info, useful for anybody interested in watchmaking or microengeneering.
Bravo!

Bevan link

1/7/2010 07:03:27 pm

I stumbled on this site looking for watchmaking information. Very well laid out, and very nice to see you work. It's also inspiring to see that it's possible to make a watch... It's something I hope to undertake some day (or decade...).

One note. Watchmaking lathe bits aren't anything special. Otto Frei, etc completely gouge their customers for HSS bits. Just buy HSS blanks form Enco, and using a bench grinder, shape them to form. It isn't very hard, is dramatically cheaper ($.59 per blank), and you will be more versatile because you can make your own cutters. This is standard practice in most machine shops.

Fred - Watchmaker (too) :-) link

1/15/2010 07:07:29 pm

I am astonished by your skills. Your website is 'a joy for the mind ánd body'. Utter concentration and hours of workmanship... Chapeau !!! ( my dear collegue ! )

antonio ramos

1/21/2010 02:07:47 am

Great work and great web!!Thanks for to share it with the world. Congratulations.
Regards from Spain.

Antonio

Steffen Pahlow link

2/13/2010 11:44:20 pm

Congratulations, makes me happy, your watchmaking.
Thanks for your review to my books
"Tou h rbillon, about my passion",
and
"Das klassische Taschenuhrgehäuse".
May I ask you:
Who is behind the website?
Regards
Steffen Pahlow

Stephen Benson link

3/1/2010 06:25:09 am

Hi
Great site,I have just finished making a pivot polisher to your drawing and I am very pleased with it. I will post pictures on the Cowells forum when I get time.
Steve

Jan de Klerk

3/22/2010 04:18:23 am

I must congratulate you on an excellent site, lots of information and help for the beginner.
Thank you very much.
Jan

Tom

4/3/2010 02:09:19 am

A wonderful website. It gives me inspiration to complete a model engine I started too long ago.
Thanks for the generous references to other publications or websites for more technical information.
Also, I can see a definite advantage to the Cowells lathe with the milling attachment for smaller parts. It looks like a more efficient setup than using a Myford for milling operations.

hershal link

4/29/2010 02:23:18 am

It seems like most people, I was looking for something else and found you. I am a watchmaker and still have learned so much from you. One would think that a lot of information would be out there about watchmaking, No. Please keep me informed on you progress; this is one of the BEST making of a watch I have ever seen, thank you.

Steve Wan link

5/10/2010 05:23:59 pm

Hello!

Happened to chance at your website!
Noticed that everything you have are new, is this your new setup? I don't make or repair watches but into design/make small tabletop machines. I have a Sherline mill/lathe with Cowells tailstock. Cowells is a great machine but very expensive! Wish to know you better! Keep in touch-Steve from Singapore.

Wilson T.

7/13/2010 03:58:24 am

Great

Lourival

8/3/2010 06:48:52 am

Great site!!! Lot of informations about watchmaking art!
Thank a lot for publishing this!
Regards from Brazil.
Lourival

supra footwear link

8/31/2010 11:05:55 am

I only recently started leaving comments! Makes me imagine a tiny additional about what I enjoyed and learned about the post! Fantastic ideas, thanks!

9/9/2010 07:32:16 pm

hi,
very excellent!

Todd Caldwell link

9/25/2010 06:13:00 am

Nice work.
I have the ME lathe and think i will buy the mill as well.
I am waiting for the re-release of this book in 2 months time and will attempt the same as you. Your work on the site is excellent and it will serve as an important reference for me.

Santa Cruz Clocks

9/30/2010 01:57:13 am

Stayed up late last night enjoying your hard work. I am a NAWCC clock and watchmaker using Levin, Prazi and Sherline equipment. Your site has inspired me to make a few more accessories! Good Job! Looking forward to more updates!
Kevin

Sarah

10/21/2010 02:46:20 am

Hello from central Minnesota!

We found ourselves with a bunch of donated watch tools and pieces. Your site was extremely helpful in naming all of these old treasures; thanks for the time and expertise that you put into this site!

Christoph Ritter

10/24/2010 02:21:57 am

Great site! Your work is incredible! I´m a watchmaker for 5 years now (only repair watches), and it´s
one of my biggest dreams to build my own watch like you have done!
So i bought "Watchmaking" a few weeks ago and NOW i have found your page, which will also be very helpful.

My biggest respect to your watch and thank you for sharing it with us!

Now i have to save money for a lathe :)

Stan Cichowicz

10/27/2010 12:14:13 am

Elegant and informative; beautifully done.
Although I don't expect to go into watchmaking or repair, I am restoring some fine old microscopes and making many adapters for various camera attachments and microscope adapters. Your methods of work help fill in some blanks and definitely carry over into other disciplines. I'm also making and restoring metal lathes and they keep getting smaller and smaller.

John Budd

10/30/2010 08:48:39 pm

Hi, I found your website a while ago. My in-laws are all in the watch industry - so I would like to understand horology. I have Daniels - much too complex for me - but your work has helped me understand it a bit more. I read it in conjunction with Daniels. The “Theory of Horology” was just about right for me. (I wouldn't know a lathe if I met one in the street :-) My models are helping me understand, too. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. To quote someone … “ … I shamelessly copied ... ”. You may be interested in looking at Google Warehouse Adventures in Watchmaking.

hector Marquez

11/14/2010 09:27:09 am

All I can said is , BEAUTIFUL work!!!!!
You are an inspiration for me, That's my final goal, I'm learning watchmaking just for hobby and one of my watchmaking goals is to make my own watch.

Don't give up, hope you have some videos, I'm documenting all my aventures in HD videos and soon i will post them in youtube,

Great work, I'm anxious to see your final work

Craig

12/16/2010 09:21:28 am

FANTASTIC reference website for hobby watchmakers that want to explore some real watch MAKING. I have searched for years for such a detailed, well written, thoroughly explained and clearly documented informational site about watch making. I really appreciate your efforts. Thank you. -Craig

Anthony

12/16/2010 09:23:42 am

You are living the dream, and I wish to one day build up all the skills to build a watch.

Thank you,

Anthony

Mark Wells link

1/23/2011 04:28:04 am

I found your website by accident while looking for WW collets. Your work is beautiful and your website is one of the most informative I have found on the subject of watch part fabrication. Excellent!
Thank you,
Mark

Lourival link

1/25/2011 12:06:09 am

Great work! Fantastic site!
Can I make a sugestion ... why don't you crate a RSS feed to follow your atualizations?

Dave

2/7/2011 09:37:11 pm

Very nice work. I check back frequently and I'm always excited to see your progress. Have you considered putting together a book of your photos and posts? It would be a welcome companion to Daniel's Watchmaking on my shelf.

Also, thanks for posting up Saunier's escapements chapter!

-Dave

Jon

3/6/2011 03:42:52 am

I am a student at the Nicolas G Hayek Watchmaking school in Miami, check us out on Facebook. I found your site while searching for info on making a balance wheel. Our class is planing to make a few for a ETA 6479 movement. We want to make a Daniels style 4 spoke. However, we are going to try using a flat rim with 8 weights in recessed cavities on the balance rim. Your outline is a great help in getting us started. Thank you for posting so much great info. Best of luck!!!

Robert link

4/8/2011 07:22:26 am

I've been thinking about this constantly since I started restoration and servicing my own collection. The reference you've created is about the best I've seen in hundreds of hours of searching the web. You're doing great work and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress.

Thanks for the great site, it's a must have bookmark in every Horology student or collector. Your link goes up today.

Manuel Díaz Vázquez-Madrid

5/11/2011 05:15:17 am

Le felicito por su estupendo trabajo.
Saludos: Manuel

Rob

6/18/2011 04:56:40 pm

A wonderfully inspiring project and website. I return often. Have you seen the 1 hour youtube video series by Roger Smith about finishing a set off watch hands? http://www.youtube.com/user/rwsmithwatches#p/u/13/hDcjrIoVz-E

Koenraad

7/20/2011 04:58:14 pm

Hi,
Watchmaking is a fascinating world but many times it has a dark or misterious edge. The old craftsman and also industries have kept their knowledge very much to themselves. The internet and some courageous writers have "opened" the knowledge to the world. George Daniels was one of the greatest.
You have achieved and completed his work.
Congratulations and thanks for this.
NB : very impatient to hear your watch one day tick on your website...

Ortolan

8/3/2011 07:59:18 pm

Hi,

Thanks for your website, really inspiring! Please keep up the hard work and posting your progress. I'm seriously considering the challenge and it's people like you that make it seem possible,

Peace

Bill Walther link

8/28/2011 12:11:32 am

Thanks for the wonderful site. One visit netted a lot of useful information and inspiration.

My Best Regards. Bill.

Gareth

8/31/2011 09:08:03 am

Your journey into the watch making world is simply amazing and inspiring. To be able to view your progress as you move forward is quite incredible. I am about to begin my own journey by enrolling in the online Timezone watch school. I have also purchased the George Daniels book though I am not ready for the knowledge contained in it's covers.

Gareth

Dean W. Larson, M.D. link

9/20/2011 12:55:38 am

You are an absolute genius. I can't believe that you are accomplishing this. I am in the process of making a Will Smith clock. Only about 1/1000 as hard as this project. Good luck. Thanks for making George Daniels book come to life. The world needed someone to do it. Thanks Dean W. Larson, M.D.
Oculoplastic Surgeon

Douglas Vogt link

9/26/2011 03:01:22 am

Thank you for a wonderful site, found when I was snooping for Cowells info (I have the Cowells 90 for clockmaking). I'm building John Wilding's Large Wheel clock and made his version of stopwork on a CNC Taig mill. I came across the Maltese Cross shape and the AWI was kind enough to email me The Archie Perkins article on making 4 and 5 turn stops. Wilding's clock needs 6 and I spent several weeks in a fruitless attempt to extrapolate the numbers to 6 turns. Retirement and a move put a halt to this but If I ever "decode Archie Perkins," I will surely follow what you have done in making a 6 turn stop work.

Nick Honiatt

10/24/2011 08:44:15 pm

Hi,

I live in the UK and and found your website whilst looking for information about Cowell's Lathes. Great website and very informative. My journey as an amateur into watch and clock work has been greatly enhanced by two very experienced watchmakers here in the UK, who have been only too happy to pass on there experiences. I collect pocket watches and mantle clocks. With the skills I've gained, I happily refurbish/repair all manner of mechanisms now. I purchased a Cowells 90ME Lathe from EBay followed by an IME watchmakers lathe. I have found Cowell's to be such a helpful company. Your website serves as an inspiration to others.

Ron

11/24/2011 01:22:30 pm

I really like visiting your site to see what your are doing. Very cool stuff. I hope you have kids or grandkids to teach.

Robert

12/5/2011 09:41:10 am

I really do enjoy your website. Your workmanship is inspiring and I especially enjoy the tool making pages. I also own Daniel's Watchmaking and it is very interesting to see the watch actually being made.

Please keep up the outstanding work. I can't wait to see the face you create for the watch.

REGjr

Patrick Wallin link

12/11/2011 09:29:50 am

I also discovered this site by accident on looking for a Bergeon Lupe. I am amazed, flabbergasted and thrilled at your work. It is fantastic and I posted it on IHC185 for all the members to check it out. You are doing a fantastic job.
Patrick.
P. S. I will be back.....

Rik

12/13/2011 03:28:46 am

All i can say is 'wow' , and that doesn't even come close. I have the Daniels book, but did not think anyone would actually try it. What a wonderful project, and what an amazing story here. I wish you all the success in the future parts and can't wait to see the watch completed!

Oscar

12/13/2011 08:50:14 pm

Thanks very much from Valencia,Spain...awesome!

Denis O'Kane

12/23/2011 10:31:14 pm

Just found your excellent site,and I must congratulate you on the work you are doing also. I got the daniels book when first issued and hope to do something when I retire. You have just given me a lot of encouragement. Thanks

David John Stoudt

1/8/2012 11:25:47 am

Thank you . Just, I mean just started watch courses from Gem City College, Quincy, Illinois. Was looking for advise on loupes, your site helped a lot, will be back often. Very informative!

John Mellor

1/18/2012 10:38:30 pm

What a wonderful site. I am not a watchmaker/repairer, but am interested in model railways. I have just bought a Simat 101 lathe in Sheffield UK, with little or no information. I find all part of your page on the Cowells interesting, including benches, tools etc. Thank you, John. Bradford UK

Will G

4/6/2012 06:16:36 am

This site is an inspiration. I am soon to embark on attempting to make a watch from scratch and to have all the stages laid out like this is fantastic. Your ability to make tools and parts, and to photograph every stage is, well, inspirational.

As per earlier comments, I keenly await watching and seeing your watch ticking!

Madman - Pierre link

4/16/2012 11:53:54 pm

Hi,
I just bookmarked your watchmaking site. A quick glance told me it was well worth coming back and read through all the marvelous articles you posted. I like the clear layout, the commented pictures and over all the knowledge you share with the rest of us. Kudos :-)
Pierre (Madman)
www.ateliermadman.com

Michael Script link

5/3/2012 04:45:12 pm

As an inventor I appreciate the level of dedication and persistence. You've given me the hope to establish my own workshop dedicated to some of the movement designs I've sketched out over the years. Bravo! Can't wait for the video series.

Rik

5/7/2012 06:11:17 am

hi, great site and a wonderful project! Would you mind posting more pictures of the box? Looks fantastic..

Doug

5/22/2012 10:46:54 am

NIce website and impressive project! I too have aspirations to make myself a watch. You have detailed your experience in this process and have shown that this "dream" can in fact become reality if one is willing to put in the time and effort. Keep up the good work!

Erich Pfister link

7/15/2012 04:09:13 pm

Thank you for creating a resource by which a average person can understand the creation of watches. I have always wanted to have a go at this, and it is truly inspiring to see - from buying tools to final product - what goes into and comes out of this beautiful craft. Please continue to publish your work, you have an audience that truly appreciates you.

Andrew Robb

8/30/2012 10:02:56 am

Greetings from Australia. It seems you are singlehandedly keeping Cowells in business which is a good thing. Sites like yours are the only reason the for the web. Thank you for the link to Bill Smiths site. Just being able to read his bio was worth finding your site

Dick Gower

9/17/2012 04:27:23 am

Fascinating website in both content and presentation. Thank you!

As good a read as the Great George Daniel's book.

Kind regards,
Dick Gower
Australia

Mark

9/21/2012 01:31:07 pm

I just found your website tonight 9-21-2012. Nice job
and very good pics.

thanks

Markus

Samick

10/3/2012 12:07:22 am

Very ispiring web site.
Watchmaking is very facinating job for me.
I also try to make my own watch someday.
Thank you for your sharing.

Phyllis

10/7/2012 07:45:50 am

Thank you very much for the information contained in your website! I really appreciate the time and professionalism displayed in putting this art profile out for others to enjoy. I would subscribe if I could, please consider that feature, again thanks!

Cengiz link

10/9/2012 08:59:22 am

I found your site while searching for bluing pan and mini torch. I simply am amazed at your patience and your work. I am very much attracted by the idea of creating a watch from scratch as well. You say you are more interested in watchmaking than watches themselves, that is also true for me. Actually when I studied your site for a while I thought and felt as if I had travelled in time 5-10 years future and come across my own site! What you aim to achieve and have done till now is marvelous. I might consult you and ask for some technical drawings later. Wish you success in what you are doing...
Regards from Turkey..

Michael Harding

10/18/2012 01:23:06 am

Great site - discovered (like so many other people, it seems) by accident whilst looking for info on ratchet wheel making. Brilliant and inspiring.

Scott Kobryn

10/18/2012 10:26:54 am

Wonderful and informative website! Keep us all up to date with your progress and project.

Miguel

11/26/2012 02:18:38 am

I have to say I really appreciate what you have done here. I own a copy of Mr. Daniel's book, but I have to say that the photos and detail that you have put into your site is inspiring and has answered many of my questions. Thank you very much for sharing your journey with us.

mario verin link

12/1/2012 01:34:09 am

Sono un fotografo professionista, con l'amore della meccanica, per caso ho incontrato il Vostro sito....
Your site is fantastic, the best I have seen.Why do not publish a book with your work, even an Ibook?

Chris

3/17/2013 05:59:41 pm

Hi there,

I really enjoy watching your progress, you are helping me out enormously.

Whilst my hobby is clockmaking, you have covered so much of the same territory, it is very helpful.

Good luck as your construction progresses, and I look forward to visiting your site often for help and guidance on my own adventure!

L Mazzenga

3/27/2013 10:55:23 am

Very nice website. I am particularly interested in your toolmaking section. I was not sure whether to by a quality bench lathe/mill, or use my Sherline equipment to make my own tools for clock making, but I like the work you have done on your Cowells equipment and it has inspired me to make my own tools with my Sherline equipment.
Regards,
LM

Brandon

5/31/2013 08:04:30 am

Im a huge fan of your site and you have inspired me to create a watch. Not sure if you still check this site and i dont have george daniels book yet but what did you do about a hairspring? Did you make your own or buy one? Thank you

David Meza

6/3/2013 02:48:49 am

Amazing website!, very informative, I love your work and attention to detail.

Juan Manuel

7/3/2013 03:39:07 am

Nice job and very very interesting information.

Lee Lieberman

8/7/2013 12:07:21 am

I have been a "serious ", but inpecunious watch person all my life. Recently, I was interested in taking the TimeZone introductory courses; and ofr couse, buying the basic tools to take apart and put together the suggested movement. Your superlative website has given me an idea of how limited my capabilities may be to repair real watches--which I had in mind!

Adriano L Barbosa

9/6/2013 09:51:05 pm

Um excelente trabalho, uma pagina que para os admiradores como eu do ofico da relojoaria, e de passar o dia vendo quanta informaçao que voce disponibiliza para nos... grato por isso.

Billy Jenkins

9/8/2013 11:44:43 am

I hope you can make it happen, it's a wonderful challange, i would also like to do this but is beyond my ability. Good Luck!
bj

Daniel

9/24/2013 02:27:46 am

Beautiful site!!

Micky link

9/26/2013 11:12:25 pm

Great site Jere, and thanks for the email :)

Başar

1/3/2014 02:40:39 am

Inspiring work and blog also! Thanks for all the great documentation. I am a fresh watchmaking enthosiast and practitioner wannabe. When I searched for a solid book to start off, 'Theory of Horology' from swiss vocational school seemed a solid option; bearing in mind that I would get Daniels' later. Now that I have a few books to keep me entertained; I am looking forward to the day I would be able to accomplish some real stuff done. Showing lathe work is also great.
Wish you a long watchmaking life...

Will Bryan

1/30/2014 06:15:37 am

Hello,
Your website is AWESOME!!! My name is Will Bryan and I am interested in making watches for some of the male members of my extended family as next years Christmas gifts; however, I don't want to dump $10k into it, as my wife would be very unhappy:) What I would like to do is basically buy the parts separately and online and then piece them together as an original. It seems like there are many aftermarket parts available in the market outside of the cases. Do you manufacture or know of a good source for watch cases? If you are interested, I would like to buy some from you. I like the idea of buying the lathe; however, I'm pretty sure that I will have limited time to use it. The other problem is that although I am interested in making watches, I am not the most technical cat in the world. I wouldn't say that I am untechnical; however, I am far from a mechanical engineer. I think it would be cool to have a really nice and fairly unique watch case (maybe squarish and hefty design) - nothing too large but larger than smaller if that makes sense.
I'm sure that many of these comments are coming from people who are well educated in watchmaking, but I am literally just getting started. I did purchase a watchmaking book and I am prepared to purchase a kit. I just don't want to purchase the equipment and tooling required to build each part separately.
Thank you for reading my message and I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions that you may have.

Best Regards,

Will Bryan

Christian Umscheid link

2/14/2014 03:58:37 pm

very nice.....best regards from austria

Billy Jenkins

4/11/2014 09:33:05 am

You are doing what i wish i could do. I'm excited to see how far you have come on this project. Carry on and make your dream come true.

bj

Billy Jenkins

4/11/2014 09:33:47 am

You are doing what i wish i could do. I'm excited to see how far you have come on this project. Carry on and make your dream come true.

bj

Lee Lieberman

4/12/2014 03:08:58 pm

The progress in the last 6 months is impressive. Your very detailed documentation is much appreciated; your patience in this very demanding work is heartwarming. Thank you.

AL Masters

4/26/2014 01:11:57 am

I am in awe of your work, and website. As many others have mentioned in their comments, I happened on this website by accident after googling for mainspring instructions—and, wow!

I am pleased with myself if I take a watch apart and get it back together, so seeing you make a watch is inspiring.

God bless, and I am thankful for your abilities and that you are willing to share.

Alan Swales

5/3/2014 11:05:38 am

I am nearing 80 now and have always had an interest in watches. I wrecked my father's Gindrat Geneve keywinder when about 7. I was removed from his good books. This site awakens my interest and relives some of my experience in the instrument shop.

David Cottrell

5/28/2014 06:12:22 pm

Just wanted to say that this site has been a big help in getting me started on the same road. Like you I started with the barrels and have spent more time making tooling than watch parts..!

However I have a detailed question. What size thread did you use for the stop work screw in the barrel? It looks as though 0.8M would be suitable.

Joel Todd

6/22/2014 07:10:16 am

Very nice website, and excellent work. I can only wonder how I didn't find your website before. Seeing what you have done, has convinced me that watchmaking is a hobby I could get into.
Thanks, and God bless you.

Paul Jones link

7/1/2014 12:57:44 am

The detailed photographs of your work are beautiful and your website is very informative. Years ago, I discovered your website and been visiting it every week now. There is so much to learn from your techniques and tool fabrications. I wish I owned the machine tools made by Cowells based on what I see on your website. Instead, I own a Unimat SL that I purchased new in 1970 while working as a prototype machinist to pay for my undergrad education. A couple years ago, your website inspired me to take the Unimat out of storage and improve its design, precision, and usefulness. It is still a work in progress but many of its photos can be found on my Pinterest webpages (see “Unimat SL Lathe Modifications”). I plan to build some of your tooling designs and incorporate these into the new and improved Unimat SL.

Thank you for taking the time to show us your work and insights.

Paul Jones

Enzo

7/20/2014 02:50:58 pm

You started where I'm starting, with just a copy of Daniel's book. I don't know hardly anything, except that I really want to do this. I have no idea how I'm possibly going to even begin without even having the money or time to source the tools I need, and to be honest I feel almost heartbroken by how vast an epense it will be just to get to where I can begin figuring things out. I really like your site and so far it has been my best guide.

Russell

7/25/2014 10:57:42 pm

Hello,

I've enjoyed visiting your website for some time now. I've an interest in the nicer end of the watch market both from a using & also a technical point of view, however I don't have any practical experience of watchmaking or repairing. I do have an interest in model engineering & model making though - I find the skills & talents of watchmakers to be fascinating & inspiring.

I've spent many enjoyable hours reading your descriptions of both toolmaking & making the the parts for your watch; a lot of watchmaking techniques are applicable to making any small part which is where I've found your site to be of practical value.

As an adjunct (replacement really) to the large lathe & milling machine I inherited from my father I recently bought a 18" Levin lathe which was a revelation in terms of ease of use & accuracy after struggling to make tiny items on full size lathes. I'm in the process of acquiring more tooling & accessories for the Levin which is a slow process as I'm in the UK & buying good used accessories means buying remotely from the US; sadly Levin prices rule out anything new other than the odd collet.

I've just bought the 'Watchmaking' book by George Daniels partly as many techniques described are transferable to model making & also I just wanted to read his instructions on how to make a watch. A wonderful book - the nearest I'll get to a Daniels watch!

Anyway thanks for making your website available & I look forward to reading about the next part to be made.

Regards
Russell

Mark

8/31/2014 12:59:16 am

thanks so much for taking the time to post instructions and great pics of your various projects. I have spent hours reading over your processes. I have also forwarded your website to various friends who appreciate your efforts.

keep up the great work
Mark

Kip Nichols

10/24/2014 10:12:31 am

Doing research for a book and found your site a wonderful resource. Thank you.

Amanda

1/18/2015 01:00:03 pm

This is an awesome and very resourceful website. Very cool!

Pete DeChant

2/6/2015 10:14:46 pm

You site is inspiring to me. I have beentrainingunder a watch maker of 40 plus years and buying his equipment as he slows in his work. Thank you for your time and inspiration

Robin Prince

2/27/2015 08:29:47 pm

Just want to say thank you for sharing your work. I've spent a number of hours here and find your page a real inspiration.

Fikret Yildiz

4/13/2015 04:35:19 pm

Great job. As almost everybody I found your site while searching in the web, and it is in my favorites now.

David Matthews link

4/15/2015 11:27:16 pm

I really enjoyed your site! Wonderfull pictures and explanation of each project.

Jack Owesn

7/30/2015 02:54:41 pm

This is an incredible goal, and I wish you much luck in completing this masterpiece! I sure will love to see the finished timepiece in the future :)

Guy Butcher

10/18/2015 08:24:28 am

Colin Childs told me of your website when I contacted him having bought a Cowells Lathe. It was very apparent to him that I was a clock virgin from the very naive questions I was asking him.
I have visited your site almost weekly as I try to make sense of what I'm trying to do. The photos and text is exemplary and I leave thinking; Oh that's how that works, do that etc.
My work in progress is an Alan Timmins Regulator.
I shall look forward to further visits and further gems.
Thank you !

Alan Chernomashentsev

1/24/2016 08:00:00 pm

Great feel of materials ! Clean, All 100% !!!

Christian D-H

2/14/2016 09:50:02 am

Thank You for sharing your experience through this journey of horological adventures. It's very interesting and educational.

Thank you

Rajan

2/16/2016 07:28:41 am

Whatever I am dreaming about you are executing. The website is simply great...
Like Daniels once quoted Eienstien 'One mans life can only comprehend one philosophy. When he is done with it he leaves it for others to continue...' Daniels's work and passion for horology inspires.... All the best on the Watch you are making...

Ben

3/27/2016 04:13:57 am

I'm going through almost exactly the same process, but I'm making a wristwatch. I've repaired watches in the past and have experience making most components form scratch.

It's amazing and incredibly useful to see your step-by-step processes, and thanks also for showing the failed attempts as it saves everyone else a lot of time (and often omitted by authors).

I've also done a great deal of modelling on the computer (I'm using Fusion 360).

I'm using a Sherline lathe and occasionally the mill (especially as an alternative to where you would use a drill press). There is no milling/gear cutting attachment for the Sherline lathe. Despite what come people say it's an excellent machine - however I wish I had gone for the Cowells having seen it in use on your site.

Please keep posting - I await with baited breath to see how things are progressing - and even if there are issues the final watch please post about it, it really helps us all. You are doing a huge service to the horological community!

Many many thanks!

marcello

4/9/2016 10:59:26 am

Amazing! have been watching the website and how your progress on the watch has progressed and it is a amazing thing to see you make a pocket watch from scratch.

Jay

4/10/2016 01:19:11 pm

Hi! I randomly stumbled upon your website in my research to purchase a precision lathe and it has convinced me to go with a cowells 90CW. Thank you for the inspirational work and fantastic website.
Jay

Ryan

4/24/2016 10:24:14 am

Thanks for sharing all of this great content! It's been a long time dream of mine to build a watch from scratch and seeing your site and progress has reinvigorated my curiosity to give it a go.

Christine

4/25/2016 07:44:31 pm

I have been interested in watchmaking for years now. I have only just rediscovered this website and am grateful for it. I seems as though it is an incredible feat to complete such a project. I look forward to giving it a go myself! No time like the present right?

Col Sanjay Bajpai

5/28/2016 01:39:02 am

I congratulate you for an exhaustive Trieste on watchmaking. A very well documented procedure. An eye opener for people who work but fail to document. A treasure clove of knowledge. Thanks for sharing all this. its been an education as well
regards
sanjay

Zachary Harper

6/29/2016 09:11:55 am

Excellent site and great piece on the custom eyeglass lenses!
Do you know of anyone that sells something similar to this design?
Cheers,
Zachary
Brooklyn, New York

Albert Rasch

9/28/2016 08:26:27 pm

Wonderful and informative website, even for the non-watchmaker! Thank you for your efforts!
AAR

Gary Hiorns

11/27/2016 12:20:53 pm

Great look forward to the progress, I would suggest a facebook site for this so people can follow the progress 👍

Andrew Cusick

12/15/2016 03:30:49 am

This is an extraordinary resource - you've built up so much knowledge and I'm just amazingly impressed. I'm fumbling my way through simple watch repair and trying to source information all over the place, and this is without doubt the best source I've found :-)

Keith

12/19/2016 01:14:14 am

I keep dropping by to see how you are getting on. You are a true inspiration, this is a fabulous site and I thank you for allowing us to share in your adventures.

Ulf J

12/28/2016 08:33:07 pm

I keep your site in my favorites. It is such a treat to stop by now and then and just admire your work and your story. I am so grateful for what you do for us!

Thank you so very much and best wishes for 2017.

Ulf

Phoebe

1/3/2017 03:44:39 pm

I am happy to see you are still making progress. You are so talented and amazing!

Tom

1/10/2017 05:47:45 am

Just stumbled across your website...fantastic! I can't wait to work my way through the posts. Keep up the good work.

Tom

Richard

1/17/2017 03:59:17 am

Excellent work, thank you so much for taking the effort to document so concisely all aspects of your progress. I always look forward to a new page appearing.

Geoff Martin

3/7/2017 06:15:18 pm

Wonderful website. Brimming with interest and information. Very generous to share your experience.

CESAR CABALLERO link

5/27/2017 12:24:01 pm

En primer lugar gracias por la excelencia. Para mi como profesor de escuela es fuente de inspiración. Vaya por delante mi admiración. Quedo a su disposición. Uno de las mejores web de relojería de todo internet. De nuevo muchas gracias.

Susan

8/8/2017 06:29:32 pm

Generous.Clear.A pleasure to read & ongoing information base for a fellow clockmaker such as my partener. I am stunned.

Justin link

10/10/2017 02:18:03 am

Great detail and very interesting , I'll be coming back

Elizabeth Weddington Grimm

11/25/2017 05:10:12 pm

I want to take a minute to let you know - your website has provided a new level of closeness with my father.

Dad passed away last fall at the age of 91 after ‘working in timepieces’ for more than 70 years. I am handling his estate and have been going through the tools he collected during that time. He had told me to “Just call in an auction company,” after he died, but as I look at these very familiar objects, I can’t help but feel a certain reverence toward them. I want to know how he used each one.

Dad was a brilliant man, but his family couldn’t afford to send him to college. He used his GI Bill funds to attend watchmaking school. He was an instructor briefly, then started his career as a self-employed watchmaker and jeweler, later becoming a Certified Master Watchmaker.

It is with these strange tools that Dad fed, clothed and housed us, gave us music and dance lessons, paid for medical care and put us through college, all while saving for his own retirement. These tools are an extension of my father - a testament to his dedication to his craft and his family.

I have been trying to learn what I could on the internet, looking for pictures of one tool or another. Today I found your website and the list of tools. It has been like taking a tour through my dad’s bench and shop. I plan to print the whole document to refer to.

Thank you for taking the time to put together this wonderful website. I look forward to exploring more of it.

Chuck

12/10/2017 06:24:55 am

Thank you for this inspirational site! It is now at the top of my favorites list. Perhaps I will make the commitment to begin a similar journey.

Robin

2/17/2018 04:46:22 am

Thank you so much for generously sharing your work and ideas, this site is an inspiration.

Adventures in Watchmaking

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