2024 update

As we stride further into 2024, it’s time for a brief update from the atelier!

I had just opened my new workshop at the time of my last update, and I am thrilled to say the new space delivered everything that I hoped for in 2023. I see the workspace as an essential part in the delivery of high-quality work. That’s why last year I embarked on the task of creating a new workshop, designed by myself specifically for watchmaking. Clean and dust free environment at the bench,  with MEV (mechanical extract ventilation) and air quality monitoring, separate rooms, and a generous amount of space for the many machines I acquired through the years, all contribute to an excellent workflow, and ultimately benefit every watch going through the workshop.

Reflecting on the past year, 2023 was another very busy and exciting year at the bench. Allow me to share a glimpse of the many interesting projects I got to work on in recent months:

Once again, the workbench has hosted a diverse array of brands, with vintage watches taking centre stage alongside some of their modern counterparts. There were many of the “workshop favourites”  such as vintage Omega, Rolex, CWC, Heuer and O&W watches to name only a few. From routine maintenance to intricate repairs and complex restorations, each project has been executed with the passion and uncompromising commitment to detail that is so important to me.

I am immensely grateful to my loyal clients for entrusting me with their cherished timepieces. As always, I extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for your ongoing support and encouragement.

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch for any enquiries.

Best wishes

Olivier

2023 Update

As January 2023 is already behind us, I thought I would publish a short update. I would first like to wish all my clients, followers, suppliers and fellow horologists a very happy and healthy new year.

Looking back at the past year it is fair to say that 2022 has been an exciting one. Busy times, and many watches went through my workshop. I always enjoy some variety in the work, and last year certainly delivered that. I included below a couple photos of watches that I serviced in 2022. They are quite typical of my workload. Most brands are represented, predominantly vintage watches, but also some modern watches. Projects range from manual wind to automatic and chronograph watches, and also from mechanical to quality quartz watches.

The end of the year was particularly eventful. In November 2022 I had the honour to receive the BHI prize for best serviced chronograph for 2021. COVID prevented the ceremony from taking place in the previous years, but it was definitely worth the wait! We had a fantastic day at the British Horological Institute in Upton Hall, which I was very thankful to share with friends and family.

BHI 2022 Awards day

I also moved into new premises in December 2022. Having outgrown my previous workshop, I had been on the lookout for the right space to take the business forward for some time. I am delighted to have now moved to the new workshop. The space was designed and built to my own spec, with a clean room for watchmaking, and separate machine room, cleaning and polishing rooms.

More room means more space for machines and equipment, and I am pleased to report that I recently acquired a high precision CNC milling machine.

My CNC programming experience dates back from the early 2000s, so it is nice to get to use my mechanical engineering skills in my horological career. I always thought there are a lot of crossovers between engineering and horology.

CNC Milling machine

 

This new addition to the workshop is an exciting prospect as I will soon be able to manufacture some watch parts, opening the door to more varied and complex projects.

 

 

As always, thank you very much for reading, and do not hesitate to get in touch!

All the best

Olivier

Omega Calibre 285 9ct gold watch- Service

This week under the loupe I have another very interesting vintage watch with this 9ct gold case Omega Calibre 285. The owner, David, sent me the watch for a service and a bit of TLC. The watch belonged to his late father, and was an engagement present from his mother, so needless to say it has huge sentimental value to David. The serial number dates the production of the watch to 1961.

Omega Calibre 285 Service

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Omega Seamaster 600 model 135.011 Calibre 601 Service & Restoration

Today on the blog is this Omega Seamaster 600 model 135.011 in need of a bit of TLC. I purchased this watch at a local auction with the intention to return it to its former glory. The watch dates from 1965, and it is powered by the manual wind Omega Calibre 601, an excellent movement capable of great performance.

Omega Seamaster 600 Calibre 601

 

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