March 2024 - W.E. Clark & Son Limited

Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph Servicing

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Artemis Marketing

As a Tag Heuer Authorised Workshop we are approved to repair Tag Heuer watches. We are able to order parts direct from Tag Heuer to repair almost any fault – from a broken glass or crown through to parts needed to repair the movement.

This job involved working on a Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph which arrived to us in well used condition. From the condition of the case it appeared to be our client’s daily wear watch. These watches are absolutely meant to be worn, so some aesthetic wear is to be expected.

On arrival the automatic winding was not working and putting the watch on our timegrapher showed it was not in good working order.

The movement – a Tag Heuer calibre 16, based on an ETA 7750) – was in desperate need of a service. The reversing wheel, part of the automatic winding mechanism, was thoroughly worn out. This needed replacing during the service alongside a few other components.

Servicing the movement involved completely stripping down the Calibre 16 automatic chronograph movement. These are excellent movements and the base calibre is used in many high quality chronograph watches. Everything is checked and cleaned by hand, before being put through our watch movement cleaning machine. Reassembly and oiling can then take place. We use a variety of different lubricants and oils based on the part and function. We adhere to the manufacturers specification for this, as given on the movement data sheet.

Once the movement is serviced, we can begin complete reassembly. We reunite the movement, dial and hands with the thoroughly cleaned case. We can then pressure test the complete watch for water resistance before it goes on test prior to collection by our client. A job well done – this Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph is back to excellent working order after this intervention.

Yours sincerely

David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.

Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®

W.E. Clark & Son Limited

Tag Heuer 2000 Watch Repair and Service

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Artemis Marketing

We are able to offer a comprehensive range of repairs for Tag Heuer watches. Our workshop is a Tag Heuer Authorised Workshop – this means we have been assessed to meet the standards required for on-site Tag Heuer repairs, covering the full range of interventions up to full servicing and repair.

This Tag Heuer is one of the 2000 range and dates from the mid-1990s. On our initial inspection, the watch appeared to be in decent aesthetic condition. The date change was a little sluggish so this needed looking into. We also found it to be very “clicky” when winding by hand – a sure sign that something is amiss. Otherwise, the hands set as they should, and the watch appeared to be running albeit with poor performance according to our timing machine.

On opening the case back the movement is revealed – a calibre 2824-2 automatic movement produced by ETA. These are excellent movements and we regularly work on them.

During disassembly, we found a number of faults. The winding pinion was worn – this was the cause of the clicking sound when manually winding the watch. The ratchet wheel teeth were also worn, so this needed replacing, as did the barrel where two teeth were almost completely missing.

The date jumper spring had weakened, so we needed to replace this. This would correct the fault with the sluggish date change.

As a Tag Heuer Authorised Workshop, we are able to order the required parts to complete this repair direct from the manufacturer. While they were not required in this instance, we are able to obtain case parts too, such as bezels, crowns, glasses, pushers and seals. Only authorised workshops can order these parts for Tag Heuer watches.

After a full cycle in our specialist watch movement cleaning machine, we can begin reassembly. We follow the manufacturer’s technical guidelines for correct assembly and use the specified oils and greases. This ensures the watch is running at optimal performance after servicing.

After a full service, this Tag Heuer 2000 watch is back to excellent working order. After closing the case back for the final time we pressure test the watch to its original rating of 200m before testing timekeeping performance using our Elma Cyclomotion automatic watch winder over a number of days. It is then ready to return to our client.

Yours sincerely

David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.

Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®

W.E. Clark & Son Limited

Rolex 3235 movement

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Artemis Marketing

Unveiled in 2015, the Rolex Calibre 3235 represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of Rolex movements, combining cutting-edge technology with the brand’s timeless design aesthetic.

One of the standout features of the Calibre 3235 is its remarkable precision. Rolex is renowned for its stringent timekeeping standards, and the Calibre 3235 is no exception. The movement boasts an accuracy rate when new of -2/+2 seconds per day, surpassing the industry standard for chronometers. This remarkable precision is achieved through a combination of factors, including a high-precision balance wheel with a blue Parachrom hairspring and the brands patented Chronergy escapement. The movement beats at 28,800 beats per hour – this ensures exceptional stability, allowing the wearer to rely on their Rolex timepiece for precise timekeeping in any situation.

The Parachrom hairspring, made from a paramagnetic alloy, enhances the movement’s resistance to magnetic fields, a common challenge in modern environments filled with electronic devices such as mobile phones and smart speakers.

The Chronergy escapement, another hallmark of the Calibre 3235, improves energy efficiency and reduces friction. Crafted from a nickel-phosphorus alloy, this escapement enhances the movement’s longevity and reliability. With a power reserve from new of approximately 70 hours, the Calibre 3235 ensures that the timepiece can be set aside for a weekend and still maintain accurate timekeeping upon resumption of wear. Efficiency improvements include utilising a cut out design escape wheel and smaller pallets.

In addition to its technical prowess, the Calibre 3235 is a testament to Rolex’s dedication to innovation. The movement incorporates the brand’s patented Syloxi hairspring in the balance, a silicon-based component that further enhances resistance to temperature variations and shocks. This innovation not only improves the movement’s overall performance but also positions Rolex at the forefront of technological advancements within the watchmaking industry.

The Rolex Calibre 3235 movement stands as testament to the continuing pursuit of increased precision and innovation. As Rolex continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in horology, the Calibre 3235 serves as an example of the brand’s commitment to excellence, helping to set the standard for quality mechanical movements in the 21st century.

Yours sincerely

David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.

Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®

W.E. Clark & Son Limited

What traits and characteristics makes a good watchmaker?

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Artemis Marketing

When people discover our chosen profession, it is often followed with comments like “You must have very good eyesight” or “you must have the patience of a saint”. In this blog post we hope to outline some of the traits and characteristics we feel makes a good candidate for becoming a watchmaker.

Firstly, having good finger dexterity is important. As watchmakers we are manipulating small components, using hand tools and specialist equipment. The ability to do this with precision and excellent hand-eye coordination is very much required. It is possible to learn and improve this skill, but some natural dexterity is a must.

The other half of hand-eye coordination – good eyesight – is likewise needed. You don’t need 20/20 vision, but we work using Loupes and Microscopes, so it’s a must to be able to focus clearly on small parts for prolonged periods of time.

Indeed, the nature of our business means we are working on the same job sometimes for hours at a time. Having patience and the ability to concentrate for long spells is vitally important. Anyone without a calm, patient attitude is at a huge disadvantage in the world of watchmaking. Getting frustrated with a job will often only result in problems getting worse.

Showing excellent patience may also mean you’re a perfectionist – another asset in the world of watchmaking. We’re dealing with tiny, intricate mechanisms where small imperfections can make a huge difference to the correct functioning of a watch.

Fixing watches is about identifying and solving problems, so having strength in this area is another plus. Watches are complicated mechanisms, so linked to this is the ability to understand how they work and to then be able to translate this understanding to the watch you’re working on. This means you need good understanding and ability to comprehend often quite technical information.

The above are our main “base” characteristics for who we consider to be an excellent candidate to be a watchmaker. It is possible to learn and enhance some of these traits. Indeed, much of watchmaking is an unending educational journey where skills are constantly honed and knowledge gained. Educational institutions exist to teach watchmakers, though the number of locations is somewhat limited. We support the British Horological Institute as Business Partners and we are in full support of their role leading the education of Watchmakers here in the UK.

Yours sincerely

David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.

Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®

W.E. Clark & Son Limited

Famous British Watchmakers – George Daniels

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Artemis Marketing

George Daniels (1926-2011) stands as an iconic figure in the realm of horology, leaving an indelible mark on the world of watchmaking. Born in London, Daniels embarked on his journey into the world of timekeeping at the age of 15, commencing an apprenticeship that would shape the course of his illustrious career.

Despite lacking formal education in watchmaking, Daniels exhibited an innate talent and an insatiable curiosity for mechanical devices. His early twenties saw him gain recognition as a skilled and inventive craftsman.

One of his most groundbreaking contributions was the invention of the Co-Axial escapement, a transformative breakthrough that significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of mechanical watches. Initially met with scepticism, Daniels’ invention ultimately revolutionized modern watchmaking, showcasing his prowess in pushing the boundaries of what was achievable in timekeeping mechanisms.

Daniels was not merely a technical innovator but also a passionate advocate for preserving traditional craftsmanship in an era dominated by mass production. Faced with the encroachment of quartz watches, he staunchly defended the art of handmade watchmaking. As documented in the excellent film “The Watchmaker’s Apprentice”, Daniels’ acted as a mentor to Roger Smith who has continued with George Daniels’ work on the Isle of Man. Roger Smith has further developed and refining the co-axial escapement in his own fantastic range of handmade watches.

One of the masterpieces that exemplified Daniels’ technical and artistic brilliance was the Space Traveller watch. This double-dial timepiece featured both mean solar time and sidereal time, along with various astronomical indications, showcasing Daniels’ ability to blend functionality with intricate design.

Daniels’ commitment to craftsmanship extended beyond his own creations; he penned the authoritative book “Watchmaking,” a seminal guide in the field that shared his knowledge and insights with aspiring watchmakers. His teachings became essential resources, ensuring that his legacy would continue to shape the next generation of horologists.

Unsurprisingly George Daniels has received numerous accolades throughout the years. These include the prestigious Gold Medal from the British Horological Institute, Gold Medal from the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, Gold Medal from the City and Guilds of London Institute, a CBE in 1981 and even a Gold Blue Peter Badge.

In essence, George Daniels’ story is one of innovation, craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to the art of watchmaking. His technical brilliance and commitment to preserving tradition have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and guide watchmakers worldwide. Daniels’ contributions have ensured that the timeless beauty and appreciation of mechanical timepieces will persist for generations to come.

Yours sincerely

David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.

Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®

W.E. Clark & Son Limited