The British Watch & Clock Makers’ Guild

TIMEPIECEThe Newsletter of the Guild

N U M B E R 8 7 ● M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0

Founded 1907

President: Julian Miles Holland OBE

Supporting the Industry for more than 100 years TIMEPIECE www.bwcmg.org

Watchmaker Apprenticeship Gets Underway

First students in the workshops

Joanna Migdal, Lady White, is the first female professional horologist in the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers’ 389 year history to be elected Master. Find out more on Page 19.

After four long years of planning, the very first apprentices on the new Watchmaker ‘Trailblazer’ Apprenticeship Scheme have settled into the classroom and finally begun their training.

The four apprentices in the first group will be learning a variety of horological skills over the two-year long apprenticeship.

David Poole, Education Officer, George Daniels Educational Trust, along with Matt Bowling of Watchfinder, have played a key role in getting the scheme up and running.

All apprentices will study on a ‘block release’ basis at the Watchmaker Apprentice Training School, of which Nick Towndrow is Director. After the first block, the students will return to their places of work and put the skills they have learnt into practice – for example, changing batteries, adjusting bracelets and fitting stems to quartz and mechanical watches. As they progress through the scheme, the apprentices will learn to service and correct faults in auto-matic watches. The aim is to achieve high

standards within this range of servicing which can then be used as a building block for working on more complex watches, such as chronographs, in the future.

The apprenticeship follows a joint approach involving the employer, the student and the staff at WATS, to ensure the good practice taught at the school is carried through to the workplace. In total there will be 14 block release weeks, with periods spent in the workplace in between.

Funding of up to £27,000 per student has been allocated by the Government Education and Skills Funding Authority, although some of this has to cover admin costs and assessment fees.

The next cohort of apprentices will start in January 2021. If anyone is interested in taking on an apprentice or finding out more about the scheme, get in touch by email: enquiries@watchmakertraining.com

You can find out more about the new apprenticeship in an article by David Poole on Pages 8, 9 and 10.

One of the new students at WATS inspecting a mechanical movement.

New WCC Master

It’s a wind up...

Can you guess what is being wound up in this picture and what purpose it serves? It was made by Horstmann and there are around 1,500 still in use in London today. You can find the ‘illuminating’ answer on Page 18.

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Message from the Chairman

Paul Roberson FBHI

Ringing in the changes Welcome to 2020 and our new 24 page TimePiece. We have been working towards increasing the size of our Guild magazine for several months and, at last, here it is!

We are very pleased with it as I hope you will be too. It gives us a lot of extra scope to bring you more practical articles and horological news. So now we have these extra eight pages, please do let us know if there is anything in particular you would like to see. Don’t forget, we are also always looking for interesting material, so if you have an unusual job in for repair or a favourite tool or anything that you think would be of interest to other Guild members please do put pen to paper and get in touch with Jayne Hall, our Editor.

I did just that after I got chatting to one of the team that wind the mechanical timers in the gas lamps around London. You can read my article on Page 18. I hope you enjoy it and find it as fascinating as I did. Some of our best articles are submitted by ordinary members.

We now also have some extra space in TimePiece for advertisements, so if you have been thinking of advertising why not support your Guild and do so through our magazine.

We have been busy over the last few months promoting the Guild to horological training centres around the country, visiting some of these, and taking the opportunity to meet the students and see what they are doing first hand. It has been very encouraging to see happy students and very well equipped centres. I am also pleased to report that there has been a very good uptake of free student membership of the Guild.

As the Guild Chairman, I attended the BHI Awards Day at Upton Hall, to present the Guild Prize to the student achieving the best result for the Diploma in Watch and Clock Servicing. We will continue to do this but have decided to increase the prize to £500, which will now be in the form of a tool voucher from one of the large material houses. We are also going to extend this prize to other horological training centres around the country, with Birmingham City University, the British School of Watchmaking and West Dean College also now benefitting. The Guild Board strongly feel that it is important to support new people entering our trade.

One of the things I would like to remind you is to check that you have paid your subs and have paid the right amount.

The preferred way to pay subs now is by direct debit and many members have already signed up for this. I would like to

encourage the rest of you to think about signing up too as it saves such a lot of time for our Treasurer.

I have been keeping very busy since I left my job at The Palace of Westminster. I was hoping to slow down a bit but it’s not turning out that way, although I’m now in the very nice position of being able to pick and choose the work I take on. I’m really enjoying working on some lovely clocks for customers who really appreciate my skills.

One of the first jobs on my list was to build a new workshop but I have to report that it is coming on very slowly. I am finding it quite hard to decide on very simple things; where to put the sockets, what colour the walls should be, what sort of floor covering and that sort of thing. And, the more I ask around the harder it is to decide. I have, however, fitted LED strip lights and they are really good, so I’m pleased with those at least! I also hope to squeeze my vintage Juke Box in, so I think it is going to be as much of a ‘Man Cave’ as it is a workshop.

I’m very fond of Pultra Lathes and have had an almost unused Pultra 1770 on the makers cabinet/stand in storage for what seems like many years. In fact, it was prob-ably under warranty when I first got it. I’m really enjoying recommissioning that. The next task is to try to sort out the hy-draulics on my old L&R Varimatic. I know its very old and probably should be re-placed but it’s been a good machine and I can’t justify the cost of a new one. It doesn’t get used very often but is nice to have when you do need it. Anyway I will sign off now to go and get covered in L&R hy-draulic fluid – just for a change.

Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Board of Directors (The Council) of the British Watch & Clock Makers’ Guild will be held at The Clockworks,

6 Nettlefold Place, West Norwood, London, SE27 0HX on Thursday 21 May at 4pm

The normal Council meeting will be held at 2pm followed by the Annual General Meeting at 4pm. AGM AGENDA

1. To read or take as read Notice convening meeting. (Previously published)

2. To read or take as read Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting. (Previously circulated)

3. To receive or take as read the Director’s Report for the year ended 31 December 2019. (Previously published)

4. To receive or take as read the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019. (Previously published)

5. To elect Officers.

6. To elect members of the Council.

7. To agree the appointment of Solicitors for the ensuing year.

8. To agree the appointment of Accountants for the ensuing year.

9. To receive any motion of which due notice has been given

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It’s Cold Outside... ... and owners look to their clocksGuy Gibbons, MIMechE, MBHI

There is always a steady flow of clocks for repair when its cold outside, but this year things were complicated by a summons to jury service at the Crown Court, which meant that at least two weeks had to be blocked out.

As some will know, for the most part jury service in England consists of sitting around all day in a common room waiting to be called to a panel of 16 only then to find out that one is not required for reasons ranging from not making the final 12 to there being some unexplained legal reason why the case will not now be heard.

I can’t say I learned a lot or found it anything other than rather depressing at man’s inhumanity to man, but I am seriously considering writing to the biscuit manufacturers to complain that their less-than-twelve luxury packs do impose the need for an unwanted secondary judgment to be made in the jury room at coffee time.

Anyway, all is now past, so today I called round on three of the customers who I had had to put off. The first – a fine bracket clock serviced by me back in 2009 – was a bit of a waste of time, the primary defect being her failure to wind the clock – Figure 1. The second had got bored with waiting, passing the clock over to the tender mercies of her son, so I expect it will come back.

But the third was a more genuine cri de coeur, as I called round to find East Wind had just konged her pong1. ‘Oh, thank you for coming around, Guy. We do miss Mr Lee (the longcase maker) as we use the hour strike to tell us to finish off the hand before adjourning for a refreshment break.’

She broke off from the game: ‘Yes, I was winding the clock when the driving weight caught under the pendulum and it just fell off.’ Hmmm, interesting, but noting that the rating nut was also missing, I refrained from asking more and left her to draw her next tile from the wall.

The rating nut was recovered from the bottom of the case and I could see that the poorly-formed thread inside the nut had just ratcheted along the equally poorly formed thread at the end of

Figure 1: The first clock, which responded well to rewinding...

the rod. I suspect that the nut slipped off when the lower end of the rod hit the floor, the heavy bob then firing off the poorly- engaged nut due to its sudden deceleration.

Fortunately, there appeared to be no other damage, the pendulum suspension, the back cock and the crutch all seeming to have survived the crash.

Well, an hour back at the bench using a die plate of a very close pitch sorted things out, an old nut from the come-in-handy box being found of a conveniently very similar size.

Figure 2 shows the before and after, the rating thread being smeared with a touch of microcrystalline wax before final assembly.

I took the pendulum back around and fitted it without any further ado. Timing is always a problem if only on-site for half an hour or so, and experience has told me that the acoustic pick-up on the Microset will not get a longcase that has been not working for a while to better that half a minute a week. You know the problem: set the pendulum swinging and wait until it has stopped wobbling and reached a guessed steady state amplitude – time over a few minutes – stop – adjust the rating nut – set the pendu-lum swinging..., etc. And it is probably not helped by the pen-dulum not yet having got up to room temperature after its winter journey in the boot of the car.

Figure. 2: The poorly rating nut and rod, and (inset, centre right) the repair

But a few days later she rang to say that the clock was now ‘sulking’, striking 1 at 11 o’clock and 2 at 12 o’clock. Seemingly simple to correct in this count-wheel mechanism, two questions immediately sprung to mind: what might have gone wrong since I left it perfectly set up, and was she competent enough to stick her fingers inside the movement to re-synchronise the strike? But it was pouring with rain and the City clogged up with shoppers so, perhaps selfishly, I suggested that she left it alone for a few days to see if things got further out of synchronisation.

It didn’t, so a quick stop by for a couple of flicks to the locking lever set things aright.

1. Mahjong

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CNC Milling for Watch and Clock Makers 6

A minute recorder jumper for a Landeron 48 Chronograph

Frank Boswell & Christian Dannemann

In the last issue Christian described how to re-bush watch movements, this time Frank Boswell tackles a tricky minute recorder jumper.

For further help or information you can contact Frank or Christian by email on:

christian@watchguy.co.uk fbrom@btinternet.com

Figure 1.

In this issue I’m going to tackle a very difficult part that is much easier to make with the help of CNC – a minute recorder jumper for a Landeron 48 Chronograph, part number 8270.

So let’s get started. First you will need an image for this part. I used my mobile phone with clip on macro lens x20 to take a picture and transferred the jpg file to my computer. Open it up in the picture viewer and crop it as close as possible, file and save the image. On checking the file, I found the dimensions to be 958x331 pixels at 76.0kb. Open it up in the paint program and go to resize. In the X value change the pixel value, in this case 958 to 1500, make sure the box is ticked to maintain aspect ratio. File and save keeping it as a bmp picture. The file size has now shot up to 2.22mb. Don’t worry, this is not a long term problem as you only need the image to generate the vector file.

Next open up the picture in your CAD/CAM program. I use Vectric VCarve. I then measured the hole for the eccentric setting screw and it says it is 54.06mm diameter, see Figure 1.

At this stage draw round the part. I use the Vectric VCarve software as it has node editing and I find it easer and faster to use than most. There is also the facility to trace the part. You now have the vectors to make the part, but at the wrong size, but the software now allows you to resize to actual. I know the hole should be 1.5mm diameter, so open up the resize tool and high-light the line in Figure 1. It says size 54.06=100%. Delete the 54.06mm figure and replace it with 1.5mm, the % value changes.

Copy the value and close the window. Next highlight all parts you wish to change. Re-open the resize tool window, it comes up as status quo ie; 54.06=100%. Delete the 100% value and paste in the copied value. It will resize all the parts relative to the size you told the program it should be, Figure 2.

At this stage you can delete the image as it is no longer needed and still be able to modify the vectors as required, plus it brings the file size down considerably. One aspect of doing it this way is that the vector drawing generated is reduced by 36.4 times and that reduces any drawing size errors by the same amount. This is helpful measuring for missing parts.

Within the program I now can manipulate the vector drawing to correct any original part wear or damage or, if necessary, make improvements. In this case I am drawing in tabs, Figure 3. This is a simulation when the CAM part of the program has generated the program for Mach3, the software that controls your machine, see Figure 4. This explains my reason for tabs and gives an advantage when I machine the part with very tough material, which eliminates the need to harden and temper.

As we all know it is very hit and miss on small parts and the downside is that the cutters take a beating. I would expect approximately 12 of these parts out of one £6 end mill. The burr

Figure 2.

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Figure 5.

A library of parts you can make is now available in

CAD Section of the Watch Parts Database

Go to www.bwcmg.org and follow the link.

Figure 3.

Figure 4.

starts to get to large, but by using the tab method as in Figure 4, you can deburr and polish both side faces while the parts are still in situ.

To get the parts out of the skeleton I made a small chisel to cut into the tabs. I have positioned the tabs in a convenient place that is not critical to the part operation and easy to dress-up.

I have left enough material on the springy part to polish to size. To achieve this go back into the CAD program and use the vector drawing to make a support jig for both profiles to glue or wax fix the part, Figure 5.

The springy part is machined to 0.12 mm to give it enough stability to get to this stage. To get to the finished size by polishing both sides, measure over the width of the jig with the part fitted to achieve approximately 0.06mm. The flexibility of the spring is dependent on material used. For machine set-up, the only differ-ence from any previous set-up principal is to make sure the grain of the material runs the length of the spring bit. Wherever possible I buy strip rolled steel that is hot and cold rolled tempered, the grain is pre-designed.

Hints and Tips Here’s a useful tip to achieve a good results on the finish of the above part: As a principal of using tough material to eliminate hardening and tempering, which is very hit and miss, I find unless a fine needle or escapement file is new or little used the outcome is not as desired. I also find the affordable diamond files to course. Over a number of years I have purchased fine lapping plates, normally 50mm x 150mm x 6mm thick made up of a steel plate with one surface impregnated with diamond grit. Extended use means the centre gets the most wear, so I cut various width strips from the side of the long side cutting, from the back to the front for obvious reasons. Also for my spent needle or escapement files, I cut narrow strips of fine diamond impregnated paper and stick it to the files with a PVA glue or similar. The spent paper is easy to get off.

The last for now: I acquired some strips of cast iron which is porous and when charged with a spot of diamond paste gives good results. Tip Of The Day When fitting or taking out these small diameter cutters, mainly from the ER range of collets, they can fall. Placing a piece of polystyrene on the machine bed saves a lot of heartache.

Figure 6. The finished Landeron minute jumper in situ.

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Making the VFR Timer A functional hand-made military style chronograph – Part 2Günter Dähndel MBHI

In the last TimePiece, Gunter described the design and preparation process and how he made the dial, hands, case and crown. In this article he moves on to the movement, finishing the watch and tells us what other horological projects he is planning for the future. Movement I was lucky to secure a sufficient number of the Valjoux 7733 chronograph move-ments which I use for this limited series of VFR-Timer chronographs as well as for some future models. They are all new unused movements. These movements are completely dismantled and require certain alterations and some refinishing before they can be cleaned, re-assembled and used.

The jewelling of the movement was upgraded and some of the plate and bridge surfaces were bead blasted to obtain a more uniform finish. The blasting chamber used for this process was an addition to my workshop which has proven to be well worth it. It has to be done with great care to limit the amount of distortion of the parts.

Screws are hand polished and blued in the traditional way using a Boley screw- head polisher. This tool enables me to process screws much faster than the tripod or bolt tool. It takes a little practise to get good results, but when it comes to hand finishing ten movements worth of screws, one will appreciate the time saving. Figure 14.

It is important that all parts treated this way are checked afterwards and are

adjusted for flatness and correct clearances. The bridges are then nickel plated rather than finished in Rhodium, because the plates and bridges of the 7733 movements that I use were nickel plated from new, which is the sensible choice for this design.

I tried different decorative finishes on a test movement, but found that they tend to get visually lost below a multitude of levers, detents and chronograph train work. The 7733 has a rather more techni-cal appearance and the more neutral and simple finish to the plates blends in much better with its mechanics. Figure 15.

Apart from the reasons, already men-tioned, why I choose this particular calibre, it is also important to mention that the 7733, as a hand wound calibre, forcing the user to interact with the watch in a more direct way on a daily basis. This is

intentional as I would like the combination of daily winding, checking and setting the time to be part of the experience owning this chronograph. Checking and interact-ing with the mechanics of a watch in this way is supposed to become a routine, not unlike doing pre-flight checks on an aircraft and equipment before flight. I could, of course, have used a Valjoux 7750 which is available in a manually wound variant, but it didn’t appeal to me in the same way, not least as there is an abun-dance of mechanical chronographs on the market nowadays using the Valjoux 7750 in all its variants.

Strap and Box The VFR-Timer comes with a choice of a Cognac or a dark brown hand-made 20mm leather strap, inspired by the

Figure 14. Polishingthe screws. Figure 15. The movement.

In the cockpit.

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leather straps fitted to 1940s Luftwaffe pilots watches and is finished with a stain-less steel screwed rivet. I designed the strap after looking at some of the few remaining original leather straps on WW2 Pilots watches which can sometimes still be found fitted to museum exhibits and in photographs.

Although it is possible to fit a metal bracelet to the chronograph, I do not offer this option as it will, in my opinion, clash with the classic retro style of such a watch. Figure 16 & 17.

The chronograph is supplied in a bespoke solid Mahogany box with an Italian leather watch cushion. I designed this box specifically for the VFR-Timer and it is hand made by a small company specialising in this kind of work. Figure 20.

Future Projects I am aiming to produce a limited series of 20 watches using the Valjoux 7733 calibre using the basic concept of the VFR-Timer. However there will be variations to the original series which is limited to just three pieces. Future models will have a Tachymeter and differing minute counter and versions with different dials. I am also planning to make a small number of chronographs inspired by historic designs, using vintage Valjoux 92 NOS movements.

Besides the VFR-Timer l, I have started to produce a series of gents, hand wound wrist watches, which are developed from an early prototype I made some years ago.

These watches feature just the indica-tion of hours and minutes on a minimalist dial, in a stainless steel case, featuring a vintage Peseux 320 (NOS) movement. As with the chronograph this watch will be only available in a limited number.

Producing hand-made watches in a small series is a very intense and time consuming undertaking. It is very difficult to do alongside repair and restoration work. In the future I hope to be able to concentrate all my work time on produc-ing bespoke wrist watches with repair bench work gradually moving into the background.

Figure 20. Beautifully presented in a bespoke solid Mahogany box.

Figure 17. Inspired by a 1940s Luftwaffe model.

Figure 16. The hand made leather strap.

Figure 19

The Valjoux 7733 chronograph movements, which are completely dismantled, altered,and refinished before being cleaned, re-assembled and used.

www.mytime-watches.com info@mytime-watches.com

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Is it better to travel than to arrive? The very first apprentices started block release training at the Watchmaker Apprentice Training School (WATS), on 6 January 2020.

The ‘apprenticeship journey’ has taken over four years but we have now ‘arrived’. The route has been challenging and demanding, to say the least, but a glimpse of the workshop with students actively enjoying their learning confirms there is no doubt it is better to have arrived.

Four apprentices form the first cohort; the two-year appren-ticeship teaches watch servicing from ‘part jobs’, changing batteries, adjusting bracelets and fitting stems to quartz watches, mechanical watches and servicing and correcting faults in automatic watches. The objective is to achieve high standards within this range of servicing in the knowledge that these skills will form the building blocks for more complex watches such as chronographs.

The syllabus has been designed to steadily build competence over the two-year period; this first week concentrates on the ability to undertake basic, partial repairs, quartz testing and mechanical timing:

• The watchmaker’s bench, storage and maintenance of tools.

• Opening and closing cases and water resistance testing. • Replacing batteries and testing quartz watches. • The components which form the quartz movement and

their function within the watch. • Replacing and adjusting bracelets. • The adjustment of mechanical watches, rate and beat. At this first block release, the maintenance of screwdrivers is

a key daily task. A file is used with apprentices progressing by practice from peg wood ‘screwdrivers’ through nickel silver to the actual screwdriver blades. The emphasis is to ensure the screwdriver really fits the slot in the screw to avoid damage to the screw and the surrounding plate.

New Watchmaking Apprenticeship First students start trainingDavid Poole FBHI

A well-equipped workshop.

Tom with a mechanical movement.

A visit during the first one-week block release session quickly dispelled any doubts that might exist. The apprentices are from various parts of the country from Preston to Bristol; only one is local to WATS. They stay nearby during each period of block release. Prior to enrolment, a skill scan identified previous knowledge and experience to ensure the apprentices would be commencing at a similar level of experience. This is required for funding purposes to ensure government money is not wasted teaching skills that are already familiar.

Rachael replacing a stem.

Apprentices are encouraged to take notes to aid understanding and a daily record is maintained through OneFile, a computer-based portal, central to the learning process. Assignments have been developed to reinforce learning and extend knowledge and understanding. OneFile encourages an integrated approach so that the apprentice will be reinforcing the skills that have been taught when they return to their employer. The OneFile assignments continue in the workplace, ensuring underpinning knowledge is extended to develop the understanding required to become a proficient watchmaker.

In fact, throughout the apprenticeship, a joint approach involving the employer, the apprentice and the staff at WATS will help to ensure the good practice taught at the school is carried through to the workplace. This relationship is encouraged by supervisor visits and Skype conversations from the beginning through to the Gateway Assessment when a decision is made about readiness for the End-point Assessment.

For a Trailblazer apprenticeship on-programme assessment is used at each block release to monitor progress but the End-point Assessment is the ‘final examination’ which determines whether the level of competence and understanding for both practical skills and knowledge is sufficient to award a pass or a pass with distinction.

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Josh adjusting a watch for beat rate and beat error.

The apprentices will be back in the workplace for three weeks before returning for the second block release session when they will learn about servicing quartz watches. In total, there are fourteen block release weeks during the two-year apprenticeship. Each session extends skills and knowledge which are, again, practised in the workplace.

Block Release, learning theory through on-line activity, mentoring through visits and Skype are all funded from the money provided by the Education and Skills Funding Authority (ESFA). Funding is allocated for each apprentice according to the anticipated cost of delivery but, sadly, it doesn’t all reach the apprentice.

For the Watchmaker Apprenticeship, the maximum Funding Band available is £27,000 but some is used by the ‘Training Provider’ for administration and some for the ‘End-point Assessment’. The money used to deliver apprenticeships is raised from large companies through the ‘Apprenticeship Levy’. Businesses where the annual wage bill is over £3 million pay at the 0.5% rate. These companies can use the money to set up their own apprenticeship schemes funded from their ‘digital account’. Smaller concerns are ‘co-funded’; they pay 5% and the ESFA pays 95% – excellent value if you consider how much fourteen weeks of practical skills teaching would cost. It can make all the difference between being able to employ an apprentice or not. The apprentice will quickly become able to actually contribute to your business.

The Block Release sessions are managed by experienced staff using a carefully planned scheme and resources to teach effectively. The focus is on ETA movements.

Zac filing the end of a stem.

It has been mentioned that the development of the appren-ticeship began over four years ago; from the outset, the initiative was supported by the George Daniels Educational Trust. The Industry Lead, Matt Bowling, Watchfinder Director, arranged

the first employer group meeting in June 2015. There were many meetings and working group meetings to decide the content of the apprenticeship. This led to the ‘Apprenticeship Standard’ describing what the apprentice would have to learn to work as a watchmaker. The next task was to develop the ‘Assessment Plan’; this forms the basis for the End-point Assessment. Throughout, representatives of the watch servicing industry were responsible for deciding what should be taught, how it should be assessed and what standard is required for competence. These two docu-ments are required by the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA). Now, with the introduction of T-levels, it has become the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

The architects of the scheme (left to right): Nick Towndrow, Director, Watchmaker Apprentice Training School (WATS), Matt Bowling, Director, Watchfinder, and David Poole, Education Officer, George Daniels Educational Trust.

By April 2017, the documentation was complete and approved but there was a struggle to increase the Funding Band. The apprenticeship was ‘Ready for Delivery’ in March 2018; the search to identify a Training Provider began. Although government money had been earmarked for the apprenticeship, the funds are not just available to businesses for the asking. There are strict Funding Rules to follow and only registered Lead Providers are able to access government money. This is subject to detailed pro-cedures and regular OFSTED inspections – not for the faint-hearted.

The difficulties were overcome through a link forged with Uxbridge College. Jo Withers (Executive Director Employer Services and Partnerships) patiently considered a range of possible approaches. Representatives of the Industry Group voiced priorities and the best ‘fit’ was to use a training workshop in a major, long established, independent watch servicing company, Swiss Time Services. The equipment in the training workshop is superb and wider facilities in the company will be used for

Jo Withers from Uxbridge College.

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specialised processes such as case refinishing, movement cleaning and water resistance testing.

The Watchmaker Apprentice Training School is being established as a centre of excellence. Without the commitment of Tony Coe, Managing Director of STS, this would never have happened. However, equipment is of little benefit without skilled teaching staff, Nick Towndrow, Commercial Director, provided the educational background and experience. Nick was a driving force for the establishment of the British School of Watchmaking. In addition, Paul Murray, originally an apprentice at Swiss Time Services, with a broad experience of watch servicing has been appointed tutor to deliver the teaching. It is a great team, working hard to provide the structure and teaching materials, making it a huge success. Lesson plans with detailed assignments, both for

The Passage of Time Exhibiting Space Traveller II for the very first time

Paul explaining about the balance.

practical and theory, are being prepared to extend and reinforce learning.

The next cohort of apprentices will commence in January 2021. We have already received interest in the next course; application forms for anyone interested in participating are avail-able from: enquiries@watchmakertraining.com

How can you help? We regularly receive emails from ‘wannabe’ apprentices but lack a list of employers with vacancies. If you are considering employing an apprentice, it would be helpful if you could let us know so that a database of employers and apprentices can be developed. Interested? From the first Industry Group meeting there has been a real determination for WATS to train quality watchmakers. The project began with Matt Bowling of Watchfinder and continues with support from Richemont. This contribution should not be underestimated, without it the Trailblazer watchmaker apprenticeship would still be a vision instead of a reality.

WATS may be the ‘new kid on the block’ alongside Birmingham City University and the British School of Watchmaking but they must not be viewed as rivals. Each provides training in a different way.

Get in touch: enquiries@watchmakertraining.com

A few months ago TimePiece carried an article on the news page stating that the George Daniels Space Traveller II had gone on display for the very first time at the Science Museum, London, as part of the Worshipful Company of Clockmaker’s collection.

Guild member, David Pay, was quick to point out that this was not in fact the case, as the watch first appeared before the public at The Passage of Time – an Exhibition of Timekeeping Through the Ages, which took place at The Olympia Fine Art and Antiques Fair, from 15th-21st November 1999.

David explained how the now world-renowned watch came to be on show: ‘George was a good friend of mine going back a number of years. We often used to meet up at the old AHS meetings at the Science Museum, taking watches along to show one another.’

‘George had his eye on an unusual French sweep-seconds repeater ‘Leplastrier’ which I owned. I had both an Arnold and an Earnshaw pocket chronometer at the time. I said to George if you restore these two watches for me, I will give it to you. He agreed and also allowed the Space Traveller II and another watch of his own to appear at the Exhibition.’

‘I remember meeting George as East Midlands Airport to collect it. He just got the Space Traveller and a Daniels’ wrist-watch out and said ‘‘put these in your pocket’’. I don’t think you would do that today with a watch which is now worth several millions of pounds.’

David, who was Chair of the Organising Committee, said the event was a huge success drawing the great and the good of horology to view many interesting exhibits. The catalogue for The Passage of Time was published by The Antiquarian Horological Society in 1999. It features a Foreword by Sir Arnold Wolfendale FRS, former Astronomer Royal, and, at that time President of the AHS. There were 70 exhibits in total.

The Space Traveller II as it appeared in the programme.

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Cleaning Dials How to clean and preserve the original finish on dialsMitka Engbretsen

I have been experimenting on cleaning and removing old varnish from dials, where the varnish has discoloured, with some success. I then apply new varnish to protect the raw suface.

Here’s the process I use, which I hope is helpful. Be aware that problems can sometimes occur with loss of print.

The dial before treatment.

I heat water up to boiling point. I then soak the dial.

The varnish is partly dissolved after soak-ing. I now use a soft sponge to wipe off the remaining varnish. It is very important to be careful over the lettering as this can, in some cases, come off. When clean I blow-dry the dial and inspect it. The dial still has some old varnish around the markers that I clean off with wet pegwood.

I use quick drying water-based varnish that I dilute to the consistency of milk.

An airbrush kit for models is perfect.

Everything is ready for spraying.

I now have a dial ready for varnishing and I spray the dial with as little varnish as possible so it doesn’t run. However, too little varnish gives a poor, uneven result. Perhaps a few practice runs would come in handy.

And the finished result with new luminous compound applied, which I think, looks too good to be true!

Below is another set of before and after pictures, this time on a Longimes watch, using the same method.

So, in conclusion, if you have a dial that is dirty beyond what you can tolerate, then it is worth trying this initially, rather than going for a full restoration. The fin-ished result is very nice and is much more authentic. If you are planning to restore the dial anyway, you might as well try to clean it first as you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. After completing his apprenticeship, Mitka now runs his own business, Mitka Vintage Watch Services. www.mitka.co.uk

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The George Daniels Lecture 2019

The Development of the Mechanical Watch – Dr Roger Smith OBE

Dr Roger W Smith OBE gave the 2019 George Daniels Lecture to a packed audience of over 300 people, at City University, London, at the end of November.

Roger’s presentation, ‘The Development of the Mechanical Wristwatch’, featured his latest insights into the development of escapements within the broader context of the watch.

He said: ‘I have to say that it was very gratifying to see so many people of all ages, including people who had travelled from all over the country, attending.

‘I wanted to deliver a lecture that I hoped was educational but also made what, for me, is an important statement about the problems of mechanical watches in 2019.’

‘More importantly, it was about sharing the insights I have gathered during my attempts to create solutions. Above all, I wanted the audience to never accept the ‘accepted standards’ and to strive for better.’

‘Relentless improvement is where the future of British watch-making is to be found and, seeing so many young horologists in the audience, I really felt buoyed by the enthusiasm in the room. I have to say that the quality of questions that came after blew my mind and, combined with the energy of all these up and

coming watchmakers, you really do feel confident about the future of British horology, added Roger, who trained with Daniels, and is Britain’s most highly regarded watch-maker.

George Daniels CBE, DSc, FBHI, FSA (19 August 1926 to 21 October 2011) created the co-axial escapement, one of the most significant developments in watchmaking for the last 250 years and which has since been licensed to Omega, and further developed by Roger.

George studied horology at City’s predecessor, the Northampton Institute. After Over 300 people packed the auditorium.

his death, the George Daniels Educational Trust has administered the funds he bequeathed to provide undergraduate scholarships, bursaries and PhD studentships for City's engineering students.

The lecture was envisaged by George as an annual moment of connection and learning between masters and students of watch and clockmaking.

Royal Academy of Engineering – George Daniels Professor of Scientific Instrumentation, Professor Ken Grattan said:

‘Dr Smith’s lecture illustrated so well the fusion between the skill and craftsmanship seen in the work of the UK’s most renowned watchmaker, the elegance of the wonderful hand-made watches that he produces, and their quality as precision time-pieces. His work goes from strength to strength, inspired by the workmanship and traditional methods of Dr George Daniels, but also now taking the benefits of new software which helps in the design process.’

You can view the full lecture on YouTube – search Roger W Smith Watchmaker and look for The Development of the Mechanical Wristwatch.’ www.rwsmithwatches.com www.city.ac.uk

Roger with students, staff and guests at City University, London, for the recent George Daniels Lecture.

Roger at the lectern.

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Turning Back Time Biedermeier-period Austrian Musical Picture ClockAdrian Overton

A very large, rare Austrian musical picture clock dating from around 1830 has arrived in the workshop recently. Back in the day, these clocks were a very expensive purchase and would only have been found in the finest of homes.

The picture itself measures 42”x33” and depicts a group of gentlemen out shooting. The group are gathered outside a small hamlet with a church, complete with working clock set, and beyond the alpine lake and mountain scene another church can be seen across the water. The painting is of a very good quality but seems to be unsigned.

Behind the canvas is an eight-day clock movement with silk suspension. A countwheel mechanism strikes against a large blued steel gong, which is placed directly behind the church. Next to the clock movement is another mechanism that strikes a smaller, quieter gong which is placed behind the second church. This second mechanism is timed to strike two minutes after the main clock, I assume to give the impression of the distant church clocks bells being heard once the sound has travelled across the lake. The tone of the second gong certainly sounds as though it is far away. All of this is quite an achievement for a clock that is 200 years old!

As well as the clock movements, the picture also has a Grande Musical Box, numbered 11947, which plays four tunes on a large pinwheel barrel. The maker, Nicole Freres, is said to be the finest maker of his time. The music box is operated via two levers, one to start and one to change the tune. The mechanism is simply held via a cranked lever that catches the fly. When operated the lever rides up over an indentation that lifts it out of the way and allows the pinwheel to rotate for one revolution. Each tune plays for one minute and can be selected via the second lever. They include a rather rare one ‘The Waterloo March and the others are ‘The Switzer’s Return’, ‘Sleeping Maggie Scotch’ and ‘Those Evening Bells’.

All three mechanisms were fully stripped down to their component parts and carefully inspected, cleaned and repaired. The musical box needed the release mechanism remaking because it was badly damaged.

Once completed the brass was polished using chalk. I make the mixture myself and it gives a finish that simply can not be replicated with modern compounds. It also stops the brass from tarnishing so quickly.

These picture clocks were produced during the first half of the 19th century when Francis II (1792–1835), found himself at war with France in the First (1792–1797) and Second (1798–1802) Coalition wars, the prelude to the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), in which Austria lost further territory.

The inside layout. The clock movements. The music box.

The Biedermeier-period Austrian musical clock.

A close-up of the main clock.

Following further Austrian losses in the Third Coalition War (1803–1806) the future of the Habsburg Empire looked increas-ingly uncertain. Napoleon had declared himself Emperor of France in May 1804 and was busy reorganising much of the lands of the Holy Roman Empire, and looked to be assuming the title of emperor too, as a second Charlemagne.

Francis II responded by proclaiming the Empire of Austria in August, taking the new title of Emperor. In 1806, having held both titles in the interim, he resigned the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, which then ceased to exist.

Following the Congress of Vienna, Austria became part of the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. www.overtonclocks.co.uk

The shooting party.

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Adventures of a Clockmaker Problem solving by eliminationMichael Guiver

With Christmas and the new year safely out of the way and having survived the festive rush where everyone wants their clock back for the magical two days; it is time to reflect on what our policies should be for 2020.

At one time, in my younger years, 2020 seemed like an unimaginable number that would be impossible to reach. Now, however, it feels like it closely resembles the huge number of repairs expected from me at this moment in time. I’m not complaining, but we are always fully booked and very busy which leaves me to wonder where do all the clocks keep coming from?

Sadly not all repairs are straight forward so we begin the new year with a problem clock by Benjamin Russell of Norwich, Figure 1.

The clock in question is an 8-day striking weight-driven tavern wall clock. These clocks are also known as trunk dial wall clocks. This example has developed a habit of stopping when in its case in the customer’s home. I am going to run through the likely causes of this for the benefit of those likely to be encountering one of these clocks for the first time. Getting to the heart of the problem involves a process of elimination.

Firstly you must not compare this type of clock to a longcase. Although both types are weight driven and have a long pendu-lum, that is where the similarity ends. You can see from Figure 2 that the clock has very small barrels, around a 35mm diameter, which compared to a longcase clock is very small. A longcase usually has a 50mm barrel. The reduced size was to allow a shorter drop for the weight, due to the wall clock having a shorter case. However a clock with smaller barrels needs heavier weights in order to maintain the swing of the pendulum and keep the clock running. The last time we encoun-tered a clock of this type we chose to fit the heavier of the two weights to the going train, i.e. the right hand side.

As many clocks have suffered at the hands of the ‘botcher’ it is well worth checking a few points to see if anything has been changed incorrectly or otherwise.

Firstly we checked the suspension spring it was found to be 0.20mm thick – standard sizes are usually around 0.15mm – so we changed this to conform. If the suspension spring is too thick the clock will struggle to maintain the swing of the pendulum.

The second thing we looked at was the driving weight as the clock seemed to struggle maintaining a good arc. The existing weight (the heavier) is 16.8lbs, adding 11.5lbs to this made no difference at all to the swing of the pendulum. To prove a point we reversed the two weights putting the lighter on the right (as is normally the case with a longcase clock). On the test stand in the workshop, the clock still continued to run with the lighter weight, thus confirming that weight was also not the issue with this clock. Strangely, the clock never stopped whilst in our work-shops, giving me a clue to the problem.

Thirdly we made some adjustments to the escapement until the action was perfectly balanced and produced the same Figure 1. Benjamin Russell of Norwich.

Figure 2. The tavern clock has small barrels.

amount of recoil with each swing of the pendulum. Further adjustments also included slightly reducing the diameter of the crutch pin – contact with the slot in the pendulum must be observed although any movement must be kept to a mini-mum. With these adjustments we gained an extra inch of swing on the pendulum, so the effort was worthwhile or so you would think.

Although this clock is yet to be reunited with its owner (and its case) it is none-the-less running well. I suspect this will change when it is returned as the real reason for the clock stopping at random times and without exception starting up again upon swinging the pendulum is most likely to be that the clock is moving on the wall. Although the case is hung from a strong bolt at the top, I think it needs to be secured at a second point further down.

The most likely cause for it stopping is involuntary movement of the case, caused by the swinging of the pendulum.

So the first policy for 2020 is to insist that all clocks are properly secured, long-case clocks bolted to the wall and wall clocks fixed at two points, at least. This also applies to Vienna Regulators, although with these, levelling plates must be present or fitted if missing – this not only secures the clock firmly but prevents the clock

15

from ‘swinging round’ when the door is opened for winding. Figures 3 & 4.

Likewise fusee dial wall clocks often have lower fixing plates and it is important that you replace these if they are not Figure 3. Levelling plates.

Figure 4. Securing plates.

present. Not only must a clock NOT move but it must also be kept in beat.

Our second policy for 2020 is not to give any indication of completion dates, but to tell customers’ we will keep them informed as the work progresses. And we certainly won’t be guaranteeing anything for Christmas either. Even if you think that you can guess accurately what is wrong with the clock, you could well find that the odd ‘problem clock’ which takes up a lot of time, will cause delays that have a knock-on effect to other jobs.

Everyone will guess what policy number three is of course – to make more tea!

www.theclockmakersworkshop.co.uk

NAWCC Conference 2020 ‘Horology 1776’

Timekeeping and the American Revolution

‘Horology 1776’ is the subject of the NAWCC’s annual Ward Francillon Time Symposium which will take place from 1-3 October, at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Conference organiser, Bob Frishman, says its broad themes will focus on time-keeping, timekeepers and clockmaking during the American Revolution, not only from an American perspective but also from the English, French, and Hessian viewpoints.

Important international speakers, including representatives from the UK, have already confirmed presentations on these themes.

Keynote speaker, Jenny Uglow, will give the James Arthur Lecture on ‘Ideas of Time and of Timekeeping in 18th Century Britain’. She is an award-winning British scholar and author, best known for her book The Lunar Men.

Emily Akkermans, Curator at the Greenwich Observatory National Maritime Museum, will also speak on ‘Timekeeping in the British Navy during the American Revolution’.

The event will take place in one of North America’s oldest historic cities and will open with a reception and the James Arthur Lecture on the Thursday, in the Benjamin Franklin Hall of the American Philosophical Society. For the next two days of the programme, including the banquet, the venue will move across the downtown street to Liberty Hall atop the new Museum of the American Revolution.

Bob, who is the NAWCC Time Symposium Committee Chair, says he looks forward to welcoming many English friends and colleagues to Philadelphia.

‘Your country’s timekeepers, clockmak-ers, and watchmakers are an important part of the story of the years of the American War of Independence.’

Jenny Uglow.

Emily Akkermans.

‘It is the first time that the horological focus will be on the American Revolution. Participants will learn of the constant and vital role of timekeeping, and the active roles of clockmakers such as David Rittenhouse, in the birth of our republic.’

Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia.

For further details and to book go to:

www.horology1776.com

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The Watch Register The largest international database of lost and stolen watchesKatya Hills

The Watch Register database is the largest international resource for the recovery and registration of lost and stolen watches. It is used by the horological trade, police, insurers and theft victims.

The database was launched in 2014, as a specialist service of the Art Loss Register offering due diligence searching to the jew-ellery trade and, over the years, has reunited many owners with their much-loved timepieces.

Here Katya Hills, Managing Director of The Watch Register service, explains how it all works. What type of watches get stolen most frequently? The Watch Register database includes pocket and wristwatches by over 850 different makers and manufacturers, but Rolex wrist-watches are without doubt the most commonly stolen. Of the 70,000 watches we have registered on our database, 25,000 are stolen Rolex watches. Of those, the Datejust, Daytona and Submariner models are most targeted by thieves, and men’s watches are always more commonly stolen than women’s due to their higher values.

Thieves are becoming very astute however and over the last year we have seen them setting their sights on the models experi-encing stratospheric demand, such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus or the Rolex Pepsi which have long waiting lists. Are there any trends you are noticing in how watches get stolen or any particular types of thefts on the rise? We have seen a sharp rise in the number of watches reported that are implicated in fraud. This area involves a multitude of different

scenarios, with suspects posing as both sellers and buyers. Types of cases include watches purchased with stolen or cloned credit cards, stolen cheques, fake cash, account takeovers, or sales of watches that are fake or never shipped to the buyer.

Similarly, we see suspected fraudulent insurance claims against watches that the policy holder never lost or owned in the first place. Watch paperwork is frequently bought online and used to feign ownership. A particularly nasty type of scam on the rise targets elderly victims, who are persuaded to buy or hand over very expensive watches. Other tactics include watches stolen from gym lockers, and shoppers targeted outside luxury stores for their recently purchased goods. How long does it take to find a stolen watch? The feature of watches that make them extremely easy to identify, compared to other items we recover like artworks, furniture or antique jewellery, is the unique serial number. Yet there is no hard and fast rule about how long a watch takes to surface: it could be anything from a few hours to many years.

We encourage everyone to register watches immediately after a theft, to give us the best chance of spotting them as soon as they appear on the market. The international nature of our operations is crucial as watches move quickly around the globe.

There has been an exponential growth in the number of watches we are identifying thanks to a growing proportion of the market searching our database both in the UK and internationally and the rapid rate with which watches are being reported. 30,000 watches were registered on our database in the last three years alone, and this figure is increasing year on year.

Given the velocity of circulation in the watch trade, with watches often changing hands several times in a day, we fortunately have many opportunities to identify those that are stolen. In 2019, we located 265 stolen watches; in 36% of cases where the theft date was known, the watch was stolen that same year. This demon-strates how quickly stolen watches are now turning up.

‘Rolex wristwatches are without doubt the most commonly stolen. Of the 70,000

watches we have registered on the database, 25,000 are Rolex watches –

the Datejust, Daytona and Submariner models are most targeted.’

A recently recovered Rolex Datejust which will soon be reunited with its rightful owner.

A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, one of the models most targeted by thieves.

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Where would a stolen watch typically turn up? We find the majority of watches as a result of searches from traders such as high-street jewellers, online dealerships and pawnbroker stores, who check our database at the point of trans-action as part of their standard due diligence practices.

A quick five-minute search against our database helps to protect them from the financial and reputational risks associated with buying a stolen watch. 50% of the watches that turn up are actually checked with us by small or independent dealers. We also encourage watch repairers to check timepieces that are sent to them for servicing, to ensure they are not returning watches to people who do not have good title to them. What is the process that leads to a watch being recovered? Typically, when we locate a watch with a trader it has been brought into a store or offered to them in person, so the watch and the seller are physically present. The most urgent priority is then to ensure the watch is secured. Taking the watch out of circulation so that it can be returned to the rightful owner is crucial. We then inform the claimant (who might be the owner or their insurer) and, in cases where a crime has occurred, we also inform the investigating police force.

The police will look to trace back the chain of events to identify the original perpetrators and they may seize the watch as evidence before returning it to the victim. Alternatively, if there is a civil dispute, The Watch Register team will assist in finding an amicable resolution. What precautions should watch owners take to protect against theft?

As a watch owner, your first step should be to record the serial number and keep a digital copy of the accompanying paperwork and purchase receipt. Ideally take photos of yourself wearing the watch. All these elements serve as proof of your ownership. Do not make yourself a target – watch thieves are professionals and will spot a piece of bling on your wrist from far off, so keep your watch entirely out of sight when on the street or in public spaces.

It is wise to get insurance that covers you in the event of a domestic burglary, street robbery or abroad. If you do fall victim to a theft, it is vital to report the incident to the police, and register your loss on The Watch Register database without delay.

What advice do you have for traders buying pre-owned watches? Check the authenticity of the watch and all its parts (don’t be caught out by a fake movement!), as well as the papers. Make sure the watch matches the paperwork offered with it.

Check every luxury pre-owned watch against The Watch Register database, regardless of whether you know the seller, you have seen the watch before on a previous transaction, the seller says that it has already been checked, or the condition is brand new (unless it comes directly from the manufacturer or distributor).

The status of a watch can change at any time, so you should request an updated certificate through The Watch Register website in your name and never rely on anyone else’s search. Our certificate can be used to demonstrate you took appropriate steps to check the ownership history of a watch. Keep a copy of the seller’s ID and contact details and check they are genuine.

A sale agreement that specifies the serial number of the watch should be kept on file for every transaction. Make purchases by bank transfer wherever possible (avoid cash or cheque) to ensure you have a record of the transaction and the price you paid. Finally, if a deal is too good to be true, avoid it at all costs! What is the future of The Watch Register? As part of our development and growth it has been our objective to make sure we are a central resource and that we work towards consolidating all the available data on stolen watches.

Our ultimate goal is for every loss of a watch to be reported and for searching The Watch Register database to become a pre-requisite for the sale of any pre-owned watch worldwide. We are launching a new database and automated searching system in 2020 which will allow anyone worldwide to submit a search and receive an immediately response 24/7. This will enable us to develop further into major watch markets such as the US, China and the Middle East.

If every pre-owned watch was searched at the point of every sale globally, it would make it impossible for stolen goods to be sold without detection. Tackling watch crime is the responsibility of the industry as a whole and requires collaboration from the manufacturers, police and the trade, especially at a time when the pre-owned watch market is experiencing such enormous growth. www.thewatchregister.com

The Watch Register strives to reunite owners and their watches.

A recovered Panerai Luminor Marina Automatic.

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It’s a Gas... Lighting up London since 1812Paul Roberson FBHI

Have you ever looked at the old gas lamps scattered around London. I have, on many occasions, and wondered just how they work.

A few week’s ago, I was strolling through Green Park and saw a chap actually up a ladder working on one of the lamps, so I decided to introduce myself and find out more.

What a fascinating insight I got into his job and the gas lamps of London. His name is Stephen Hilton and he told me he is one of a team of five people, employed by British Gas, who are responsible for the 1,500 gas lamps still in operation in the City today.

The first gas lamps appeared in Pall Mall in 1812 thanks to Frederick Windsor, and originally had wooden gas pipes. Unfortunately these resulted in several explosions and were soon replaced.

In the early days gas lamps had to be manually lit every night using an eight foot long pole with a pilot light. The last lamp to be lit in this way, until 1976, was sited around Temple.

Today the lamps are lit using mechan-ical timers that turn on a gas valve. The main burner then ignites from the pilot light which remains burning all the time.

Stephen and his colleagues have to go around and wind these timers up. They were made by Horstmann and are 8-day duration although, he told me, if you are lucky they will last ten days.

The team also need to adjust all the timers every couple of weeks to allow for the days getting longer or shorter and, at the same time, check the lamps, clean the glass and replace the mantle when needed. It is very important that the pilot light is carefully checked because if it blows out there is no cut off so the gas escapes until it gets re-lit.

The lamps also get checked at night a couple of times a week to make sure they are all lighting correctly.

The oldest gas lamps, which are near Carlton House Terrace, have George IV’s initials on them. Westminster Abbey Cloisters are also lit by gas. The oldest lamp is in Deans Yard and is fixed to the wall. It has been there for over 200 years as a gas lamp and before that it was an oil lamp.

Another little known fact is that there is a gas lamp beside The Savoy, in Carting Lane, which burns 24 hours a day, but not from the gas mains but from methane gas from the sewers below. It was designed by Joseph Webb to burn this gas rather than allow the unpleasant smell to escape into the surrounding streets.

It was a real pleasure to speak to Stephen about the work he and his col-

leagues carry out and it was obvious by his enthusiasm how much pride he takes in his job.

Fortunately it was a pleasant sunny morning when I spoke to him but spare a thought for the ‘gas lamp men’ when it’s cold and wet, who are out in all weathers keeping London lit.

Stephen Hilton, one of a team of five responsible for winding and looking after the old gas lamps which still light up parts of London.

One of 1,500 old gas lamps still working in London today.

TIMEPIECE

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NEWS

LONDON WATCH CASE CO – HELP NEEDED

NEW WCC MASTER FOR 2020

Joanna Migdal, Lady White, became the new Master of the Wor-shipful Company of Clockmakers at a recent installation service.

Born in West London, she attended Art College after she left school and undertook a demanding seven-year apprenticeship of the traditional kind, with established sculptors. This included every aspect of the profession, including lettering and hand- engraving.

By chance, her first commission as a journeyman was for a properly calculated sundial. The challenge of combining art, mathematics and astronomy greatly appealed to her.

After 36 years as an independent artist making award-winning sundials, clocks and public sculpture, she is regarded as one of

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP FOR LIONEL

the best in her field. Her work can be found in institutions, such as the Guggenheim Collection, Venice, as well as private gardens and collections in Britain, the Channel Islands, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Australia and America.

In London her public work includes the Newgate Street clock, the Millennium Measure (beneath the Millennium Bridge), the Memorial to the Bomb Victims (at the B.M.A., Tavistock Square), the Memorial to John Harrison in Westminster Abbey and a memorial to Thomas Mudge, clock and watchmaker, in St. Dunstan’s, Fleet Street. Armillary spheres by Joanna can be seen in London in Gray's Inn, Kew Palace and Holland Park. A wall sundial by her can be found at the Globe Theatre and another at the City of London School.

The Clockmakers’ Company’s 1631 Charter specifically covers sundial-making, as sundials were used almost universally to regulate and set the clock and watchmakers’ products before the electric telegraph and wireless made accurate time available to all. However only three specialist sundial makers have been elected Master in all those years. Joanna is now the fourth to reach high office and the first female professional horologist in the Company’s 389 years to be elected Master.

Joanna is also a proud liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers, where she has served as a Steward and is a Brother of the Art Workers’ Guild. She is an active member of the Hand Engravers’ Association, and has twice received the British Sundial Society’s premier award.

She is married to Sir George White Bt, a Past Master of the Clockmakers’ Company and Keeper Emeritus of the Company’s Museum and Library. They live in South Gloucestershire, where their family connection with the old Bristol Aeroplane Company and its Car Division ensures much classic and vintage motoring. www.clockmakers.org

Former Treasurer Lionel Blowes, who has dedicated many years service to the Guild, has been made a Honorary member.

Lionel, who is a Vice President on the Board, has played a key role for over 50 years. He joined in 1968 and has served on the Board of Directors since 1982, being Vice Chair from 1991-1992 and Chairman from 1993-1995.

Lionel was responsible for creating the very first Guild newsletter (now Time-Piece), which was circulated to members in April 1992. He retired from the post of Treasurer last year due to ill health.

Guild Chairman Paul Roberson said: ‘I am full of admiration for the work Lionel has carried out for our organisation over many years. We want to thank him for his dedication be making him an Honorary Member.’

WEST COUNTRY CLOCK & WATCH FAIRS 2020 19 APRIL & 29 NOVEMBER

The 11th West Country Clock & Watch Fair will be held on Sunday 19 April 2020, at the usual Taunton Holiday Inn venue. A further fair will take place later in the the year on Sunday 29 November.

These ever-popular events are run by the BHI Bristol Branch to raise funds for Branch meetings.

One of the organisers, Malcolm Pipes FBHI, said: ‘We aim to hold two fairs every year and they are always very successful, providing modest profits, which ensure our continued viability and allow us to continue to invite quality speakers to our monthly Branch meetings.’

The installation of the new Master. Photograph by courtesy of Captain Anthony Gray.

He added: ‘Our success can be judged by more than just financial gain of course. We continue to further our relationships with the many other horologists who visit and support us on the Fair days, which typically attracts about 40 stallholders, and around 150 visitors. www.westcountryclockfairs.co.uk

I wonder if any Guild member may be able to help. I am trying to find a pocket or men’s watch where the case has been made by London Watch Case Company (LWC Co).

It is my husband’s 40th birthday this year and his great grandfather was a smelter for LWCCo. I am hoping to find a watch for this occasion but have really struggled to find any information about the Company. Its become even more of a challenge to find a watch with this case mark.

If anyone can help and point me in the right direction I would be very grateful.

Amy Punter Email: aimsz@hotmail.com

,

20

A Round Peg in a Square Hole

Dominic Cooper raises an interesting question in his letter (TimePiece, January/February 2020), which is not dissimilar to that I faced some years ago in a Ca. 1800 Scottish drum-head regulator (see picture).

Guy Gibbons, MIMechE, MBHI

Cogitating long, my tentative conclusion was that there is nothing intrinsically ben-eficial in a circular hole, the key requirements being that (a) the contact area is sufficient to carry the imposed loads, (b) the frictional drag is minimised, and (c) the arbor is kept in a position sufficiently accurately to permit the mechanism to function correctly. After all, in other engineering applications there is nothing new in a discontinuous plain bearing such as found in a motor car split big-end bearing, the staved lignum vitae stern shaft bearing in a ship or, closer to home, perhaps the U-shaped bearing for a winding/hand-setting stem in a keyless watch.

Providing the rubbing surfaces are smooth, I suggest the worst that can happen is a slightly reduced life as there is less surface area to rub away, though much of this will occur for want of servicing as the oils deteriorate and become dust laden.

To me, the more interesting question is ‘why make the hole other than round?’, the round hole being by far the simplest (and cheapest) to make as a moment’s thought will reveal.

For example, did Mr Cooper’s deceased colleague have a full range of spline push-broaches for making the hole of a size that would be close enough to the pivot diameter for final sizing with the smoothing broach, subsequent use of a cutting broach, drill or reamer in a serrated hole (or my square hole) now no longer being possible?

Or have I got it the wrong way around, the circular hole being finished to size and then the serrations subsequently cut (and my hole subsequently squared at the ‘corners’)? Does this provide somewhere for any entrained dirt to accumulate, perhaps?

So, to return to Mr Cooper’s question: yes, I have come across something similar, but providing my criteria (a) to (c) are met, I don’t think I would replace the bushes. But what the benefits might be for low rotational (clock) speeds I just don’t know.

Tim Treffry comments From its colour the inner ridged bush looks to be bronze rather than brass. Bronze is of course a traditional bearing material.

I understand that friction is proportional to the contact area so, in principle, wavy ridges should reduce friction. In practice, I suppose, any accumulated 'crud' may cause jamming.

The idea of the valleys between the ridges is almost certainly to provide oil sinks, or perhaps allow loading with a light grease. In the 1980s I examined the vandalised (Potts of Leeds) remains of a remarkable Paine clock in the tower of St George's Church in

Sheffield (since ‘defrocked’ and owned by the University). The main train bar of the majestic birdcage movement is now in the BHI collection at Upton Hall. The escape wheel pivots ran in

agate bearings shaped like watch jewels. The pivots of the arbor below that ran in in hardened steel bushes with square holes! These were highly polished and showed no signs of wear at the lines of contact. Again the idea was to provide an oil sink and minimal contact surface.The barrel arbor had the bronze slipper bearings found on steam engines.

Last month, Guild member Dominic Cooper was looking for answers to ‘a ridged bushing riddle’.

He wrote of coming across a ‘kind of bushing’ that he had never seen before and one that had been puzzling him for a while.

He explained: ‘The bushing is not smooth on the inside but very heavily ridged. As I have spent the last 45 years trying to get all bushes as smooth and as polished as I can, this has completely thrown me. To me it looks quite different to the polygonal hole that can sometimes happen when using a large broach. And as it appears quite consistently on the clocks that one par-ticular man repaired (mainly on the larger holes but sometimes also on the smaller ones too) I’ve come to wonder if it was done on purpose.

‘Was this perhaps an attempt to create less contact between the brass and the steel pivot – and so less friction? And yet I would have thought that the steel being dragged across all those ridges would actually increased the friction. So far I’ve been methodically replacing these bushes with nice, smooth ones. But am I wrong?’

We received responses from Guy

Gibbons MBHI, and Tim Treffry. Here’s what they had to say...

A Ridged Bushing Riddle

,

21

TIMEPIECE

MEMBERSPutting Pen to Paper

NEW GUILD MEMBERS The following members of the trade have applied for membership of the Guild and have had their application accepted. RICHARD SYKES SUFFOLK EMMA MYERS YORKSHIRE CAITLIN PERONI MANCHESTER HAMID RAHMAN ABERDEEN MICHAEL BARNELL CORNWALL MATTHEW ARDRON SOUTH YORKSHIRE WILLIAM FAIRHEAD BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LAURA NEW EAST SUSSEX JAMES HEMMIN MANCHESTER GREGORY DURKIEWICZ MANCHESTER ALISON EARDLEY STAFFORDSHIRE

STANULEWICZ KRZYSZTOF KENT IKLERIYA ABBAS MANCHESTER HOWARD CHEETHAM MANCHESTER NAIS HAMELIN MANCHESTER IAN WESTWORTH LONDON ANNA-ROSE KIRK EAST SUSSEX

FREE membership of the British Watch and Clock Makers’ Guild is offered to those studying horology for the period of their studies.

If you would like to apply, please download an Application Form from www.bwcmg.org, fill it in and ask your tutor to sign it.

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

Update your details – act now!Members are being encouraged to update their details on the Guild’s new database so we can be sure that we put the correct information on our website and in next year’s Green Book.

It only takes a moment to log on and check that we are holding the right address/phone number/email address, etc. It is also important that you let us know your horological specialities, and if you want to be included in the Guild website’s ‘Find a Repairer’ section.

Equally next year’s Green Book is in the process of being revamped and we need EVERYONE to confirm which sections (maximum number of 10) they wish to appear in. If you don’t respond you will no longer appear in the Classified List.

To respond go to https://members.bwcmg.org/members/ enter your email address and you will get a link to edit your data by email. If you don’t have an email, you can send information to us via the address on page 24. Remember to include mem-bership number and first name and surname and we will do it for you.

FREE to good home Horological Journals 1980-2013 Clocks Magazine 1978-2019 Timecraft 198-84, some from 1985, 1987 and 1988. Contact: Julie Alessandro Email: julie.dalessandro994@gmail.com Cambridgeshire FREE to good home A selection of old watch materials (end-stones, mainsprings, old jewel holes), some dating from 1919-1937. Most in unopened packaging. The late owner lived in Coven-try and some carry a Rotherham name.

MEMBERS’ MART BUY-SELL-BUY-SELL-BUY-SELL

Contact: George Fowle Email: gfowle@btinternet.com Nuneaton, Warwickshire WANTED An escape wheel or broken movement for a Looping Model 51 Clock Contact: Malcolm Wild Email: malcom@j-m-w.co.uk If you want have something you want to sell or are having trouble finding a par-ticular part why not advertise in the Mart, which is completely free of charge to members. Send your advert to editor@bwcmg.org

I hope you are enjoying the extra news and articles in this issue of TimePiece – having eight more pages certainly gives me more scope to develop the magazine, which is great news all around.

Firstly, I would love to find out what you would like to see more of amongst the pages. Do you think the present mix of news and practical articles is about right or would you like to see more benchwork pieces or maybe historical articles? What about the length of the articles – too long, too short, just right?

I do value your opinion so would love to hear from you and I promise to try to take on board all of your comments.

Secondly, along with more pages comes more space, so I am also keen to encourage people to submit articles to ensure we can

continue to fill the pages with good quality and interesting material.

It may be that you working on an interesting movement or have a rare clock or watch on the bench. Perhaps you have learnt a new technique which makes life a lot easier. You could have read a brilliant horological book you want to share or per-haps attended an interesting sale. Maybe you are arranging a horological event, such as a clock fair or an exhibition.

Whatever it is – I would love to hear from you and I can guide even the most trepidatious writers into Shakespearean glory (well almost).

Seriously though, TimePiece can only ever be as good as you help me to make it. Without your submissions, there simply wouldn’t be a magazine, let alone one that members genuinely look forward to receiving and reading every other month.

So please put your thinking caps on and give me a call or drop me a line via email if you think you can help.

Jayne Hall, Editor

editor@bwcmg.org

22

Time Well Spent 30 Rose Street, Wokingham Berkshire, RG40 1XU Tel: 0118 375 8883 Mob: 07917 406486 Email: info@orawatch.co.uk www.orawatch.co.uk

Shuajb Berisha MBHI Watch and Clock Specialist

ENGRAVING The finest horological engraving for backplates, dials,

cocks, hands, watches, bird box grilles and cases, etc,

in brass, steel, gold and silver

MICROWELDING

Restoration of worn pinions, pallets, etc, without loss

of original material using state-of-the-art

argon welding techniques

Richard Higgins Conservation Ltd 01939 210765

office@antiquesconservation.com

For some the future can seem bleak. Financial worries, mixedwith health concerns can bring depression and despair.

The watch & clock trade has a charity which seeks to 昀nd those who are in need of help. The trustees, all of whom have many years of experience in

the trade, meet regularly and personally oversee all applications.Once approved, bene昀ciaries can then receive regular grants.

So, if you know of someone needing 昀nancial assistance, who has worked in the trade and you want their future to seem brighter, please contact us,

or pass them our details. Help to make a difference in their lives.

The Secretary, 19 Illett Way, Faygate, W Sussex, RH12 0AJ020 8288 9559 sec@nbswcm.org

You can 昀nd out more at www.nbswcm.org

The National Benevolent SocietyOf Watch And Clock Makers

Your Trade CharityHereTo Help

Helping Those Who Served The Trade

Vacancy Full time Horologist/

Clock Repairer required

Position to be based at our workshop in Plumley, Cheshire, WA16 9RS.

Flexible hours. Working with one other horologist Extra training also given. Rate of pay negotiable

Here at Coppelia we undertake repairs for many

VIP clients around the UK.

Please apply by email to: pendulumclocks@aol.com www.coppeliaantiques.co.uk

WANTED a Part Time

General Watch and Clockmaker for a busy North Essex Market Town Jewellers

Basic watch and clock repairing skills required Three day week

Full/Supplementary training given Good pay package

Immediate start

Phone: 01371 872369 Email: peter.clocks@btinternet.com

23

Adam Phillips

Clock/Watch Case Repairs 35 years experience as a Goldsmith

I make and repair all types of watch cases, from antique pocket watches to modern wrist watches.

www.watchcaseworks.co.uk

Adam Phillips 07767 678926

Church and Public Clock Specialists

Reports and quotations are undertaken free of charge and without obligation within the UK

Tel/Fax: 01768 486933

Email: info@clockmaker.co.uk Website: www.clockmaker.co.uk

PAINTED DIAL RESTORATION

Robert B. Loomes FBHI Family business since 1966.

Prompt turnaround.

4 Saint Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DW Tel: 01780 481319

Email: robertloomes@gmail.com www.dialrestorer.co.uk

THE COMPLETE GILDING SERVICE TO THE HOROLOGICAL TRADE

Refinishing & Burnishing Satin & Polished Gilding

Replacement of Missing Pieces (Over 30 years experience)

RAY WALTON (SILVERSMITH)

CREEK CREATIVE, 1 ABBEY STREET,

FAVERSHAM, KENT, ME13 7BE

TEL: 01795 538674

www.raywaltonsilversmith.co.uk

CLOCKWHEELS Wheel and Pinion cutting to pattern or drawing using

Swiss CNC machines, longcase ‘scape and date wheels always in stock

30 Years Experience to Trade & Public 2 Meadow Close, Beetley, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4SR Tel: 01362 860545 Email: richard@rfcharman.plus.com

Essex Clock and Watch Clinic Antique and modern clock and watch repairs

Vast stocks of Ebauche and Non Ebauche watch parts Many considered obsolete, Calibres from A-Z just ask!!

74 Mayesbrook Road, Goodmayes, Essex. IG3 9PJ

Tel: 020 8503 8337 Email: essexclockandwatch@hotmail.com

Website: www.essexclockandwatchclinic.com Established 1975

Looking for a Spare Watch Part?

or Want to get rid of some workshop

surplus?

Why not take a look at the Guild’s

‘Spare Parts Database’.

Go to the BWCMG website

www.bwcmg.org and follow the link or go directly to

www.watchparts.org.uk

CNC PARTS A library of parts you can make are

now available in CNC Section of this website

2424

Administrator’s DeskTIMEPIECE

GUILD DIRECTORS: Chairman: Paul Roberson FBHI; Vice Chairman: Robert Ball FBHI; Treasurer: Christian Dannemann; Vice Presidents: Angus Matheson, Lionel Blowes, Jean Jones; Directors: Frank Boswell, Shuajb Berisha MBHI; Christian Dannemann; Chris Papworth MBHI; Alex Photi MBHI; Keith Scobie-Youngs FBHI; TimePiece and Web Editor Jayne Hall. Guild Communications to: BWCMG, Unit 2, Merretts Mill Industrial Centre, Bath Road, Woodchester, GL5 5EX Email: sec@bwcmg.org Website: www.bwcmg.org – Facebook & Instagram: @bwcmg

The British Watch & Clock Makers’ Guild is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England & Wales No 4613321. Registered Office: 1 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4BZ. Copyright © 2020 The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the officers and council of the Guild and no responsibility is accepted for the content of any article or advertisement. No article may be reproduced without prior permission being obtained.

Printed and distributed by: MYPEC, 10 Festoon Rooms, Sunny Bank Mill, Farsley, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ.

DIARY 2020 March 8 Ryton Clock and Watch Fair Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Leamington Road, CV8 3FL. Tel: 01895 834694. wwwclockandwatchfairs.com 15 Birmingham Clock and Watch Fair, The National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Solihull, B92 0EJ. Contact Sarah Roberts 07598 072645. www.thebirminghamclockandwatchfair.com April 5 Brunel Clock and Watch Fair, The Sports Hall, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PN. 01895 834694. wwwclockandwatchfairs.com 19 West Country Clock and Watch Fairs Holiday Inn, Taunton, Somerset. TA1 2UA. May 17 Birmingham Clock and Watch Fair, The National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Solihull, 07598 072645. www.thebirminghamclockandwatchfair.com 21 BWCMG Board Meeting & AGM, The Clockworks, 6 Nettlefold Place, London, SE27 0JW. June 7 Ryton Clock and Watch Fair Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Leamington Road, CV8 3FL. Tel: 01895 834694. wwwclockandwatchfairs.com

July 5 Birmingham Clock and Watch Fair, The National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Solihull, B92 0EJ. Contact Sarah Roberts 07598 072645. www.thebirminghamclockandwatchfair.com August 13 BWCMG Board Meeting The Clockworks, 6 Nettlefold Place, London, SE27 0JW. September 6 Birmingham Clock and Watch Fair, The National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Solihull, B92 0EJ. Contact Sarah Roberts 07598 072645. www.thebirminghamclockandwatchfair.com 6 Brunel Clock and Watch Fair, The Sports Hall, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PN. 01895 834694 wwwclockandwatchfairs.com October 11 Ryton Clock and Watch Fair Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Leamington Road, CV8 3FL. Tel: 01895 834694. wwwclockandwatchfairs.com November 12 BWCMG Board Meeting The Clockworks, 6 Nettlefold Place, London, SE27 0JW. 19 West Country Clock and Watch Fairs, Holiday Inn, Taunton, Somerset. TA1 2UA

If you have a horological event coming up let me know and I will include it in the next TimePiece and on the Guild website in the

Events section. Jayne Hall, editor@bwcmg.org Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram

www.bwcmg.org

Payment of Subs Thank you to the Guild members who have already paid their subs for 2020. Prompt payment is a huge help to our Treasurer, meaning he doesn’t have to spend endless hours chasing people for payment.

We now offer Direct Debit payments which is a first for the Guild. So far 187 members have signed up for this and payment is taken automatically in the first week of January. We are hoping that eventually this will supercede the old Standing Order method of payment.

As TimePiece went to press, the Treasurer reported that a total of 111 members hadn’t paid. A total of 17 members have overpaid and they have been asked to contact treasurer@bwcmg.org with their account details so a refund can be issued. Some 28 members have underpaid. They have also been contacted and asked if they can send the missing amount.

As well as Direct Debit, other payment options are available, including PayPal, BACS and by cheque. If you haven’t already done so, please go to https://members.bwmcg.org/pay/ to find out how to pay.

Treasurer, Christian Dannemann, said: ‘If I spend five minutes on each member chasing up payments, that would add up to 50 hours of my time gone – so every little bit helps. I would urge members to sign up for direct debit if they haven’t already done so. For those who don’t want to pay this way for whatever reasons, that’s no problem at all, we have plenty of other options – please just make sure you pay your subs on time!

Annual General Meeting The Guild will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 21 May, at The Clockworks, 6 Nettlefold Place, London. SE27 0JW. Everyone is welcome to attend. There will be the usual Board Meeting from 2pm, followed by the AGM at 4pm. If you would like to come along, or have any matter that you would like the Board to discuss, please contact the Secretary. Advertising in TimePiece Hopefully you will have noticed by now there are a few more pages in this issue of TimePiece – eight to be exact!

We want to be able to pass on as much information as possible to our members and keep them in touch with what’s happening in the horological world and this extra space will enable us to do just that.

We now have room to carry a few more adverts. If you don’t already advertise in TimePiece you might want to give it a try – we do get very good feedback from our existing advertisers. Small adverts start from as little as £15 and there’s a 20% discount if you book a year’s worth (six adverts). If you want to give it a try contact the Jayne Hall, the editor.

GUILD CONTACT DETAILS POST: Please send all Guild correspondence to BWCMG, Unit 2, Merretts Mill Industrial Centre, Bath Road, Woodchester, GL5 5EX. PHONE: Chairman, Paul Roberson, on 07955 192263 EMAIL: sec@bwcmg.org – general membership queries/payments chair@bwcmg.org – membership queries/complaints editor@bwcmg.org – TimePiece, Website, Green Book