Build a watch (craft, train, watches, enthusiast)

[k7baixo]

Late last year, someone posted a link to a "Build a watch" event that the AWCI was hosting in Phoenix. While it wasn't exactly inexpensive, I signed up for it.

I love watches - I think they're the perfect mechanical invention that literally is almost error-less in its execution so assembling a movement, regulating it, casing it and then, pressure testing it was very, very attractive learning process to me.

The AWCI maintains an RV especially for educational purposes. They have well over a half-million invested in this exclusively for education ie training watchmakers and introducing others to the craft.



Inside the RV, there are stations set up with state-of-the-art tools. It's tight but completely comfortable:



Some pictures from the assembly process - this is a relatively simple 6497 movement. My assigned workbench for the day. We started at 9 am and finished around 5 pm with a short break for lunch.



Yep - there's a movement in this tray!



Here are the parts that we'll use:









And, the fully assembled, tested, watch:



In our throw-away-world, this will give you an idea of the intricacies and skills involved to make a working timepiece. The AWCI team does a great job and while I have absolutely no affiliation with them, the instructors are patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and I highly recommend them.

[jcp123]

Yup, that’s pretty dang cool! As a little Watch 101 thing, I’d love to do that.

[M3 Mitch]

That is really cool, mind saying what it costs? Is it just one day, do they have other classes that go on longer?

[k7baixo]

Originally Posted by jcp123

Yup, that’s pretty dang cool! As a little Watch 101 thing, I’d love to do that.

Watch their site. I know they just taught a class in Dallas but it's just a matter of time before they return again. There's another organization that will guide you as you assemble a watch but, it's not yours. In fact, it's probably a movement that been torn apart and re-assembled dozens of times.

The watch we assembled is comparable to this one however, you get to select your own case, the dial of your choice, the hands and the strap.

A little expensive? Yep. But again, the education. the end product and the pride you'll get from wearing a watch you assembled is worth every penny.

[k7baixo]

Originally Posted by M3 Mitch

That is really cool, mind saying what it costs? Is it just one day, do they have other classes that go on longer?

Here's their site along with the next several classes. We paid $1245 for ours and that seems to be the going rate.

We had 5 students and two instructors so it's a great student-teacher relationship.

I did notice that one class in Portland will be at Chris King Precision Components. Those who are into cycling will recognize this as a well-known supplier of cycling components. It's a nice tie-in!