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Pocket Watch Conversions

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Subjeff

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Just wondering if anyone else owns or has built watches using old pocket watch movements? I purchased one, have built one and currently have parts coming for several builds. This is my latest addiction.

This was my purchase with all intent to swap out the case to a rose gold but. Now I think I'll leave it the way it is.

gen dial, hands and 52 movement.


The watch that actually started the obsession... By accident. I was trying to sell the movement but nobody wanted it.


Here is the next one on the list. My son wants to build this one with a Big Pilot theme. Here is the movement.
 
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SUMIKITO

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Interesting Jeff...........hmmm, would like to see others here who are into this too. It's like going back into time, "the birth of the 'large' wristwatch" folks !! And how it's done !!
 
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Subjeff

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Here is the case and dial I ordered from HR. The Hamilton movement should fit nicely!
 
Cheesemonger

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I know how you feel on the conversions. That has become my new obsession with these pieces vs reps. Just got these two built by Henio and working out the details of a 3rd with a Hamilton 900 or 920 engine for him to create.

rolerai with Moly





PAM custom with ETA Swiss 6497


 
Cheesemonger

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That IWC is a thing of beauty! On the PAM build, is that a cal618 movement in there?
 
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Subjeff

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Freaking awesome Cheese!!! I'm eyeballing a 616 for a Rolerai build. Love em bud!
 
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Subjeff

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Cheesemonger said:
That IWC is a thing of beauty! On the PAM build, is that a cal618 movement in there?
Click to expand...
Not sure of the caliber.... Everything I have seen written is its "rare". I have only found 3 and none state the movement cal.
 
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Subjeff

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SUMIKITO said:
Interesting Jeff...........hmmm, would like to see others here who are into this too. It's like going back into time, "the birth of the 'large' wristwatch" folks !! And how it's done !!
Click to expand...

The rebirth Joe....everything old is new again!
 
Cheesemonger

Cheesemonger

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Subjeff said:
Not sure of the caliber.... Everything I have seen written is its "rare". I have only found 3 and none state the movement cal.
Click to expand...

Not sure if the 618s all have the cal engraved on the plates, but it is quite rare I believe.
 
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Subjeff

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Yes, the movement is cort616. This would be a grail build for me. I'm going to cut my teeth on some less expensive stuff then maybe take the plunge.
 
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cybee

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I did one a few moons ago using an Elgin dial with the Hamilton movement.







Then I made this one also many moons ago using a rep movement with a size 10 pocket watch dial from a 100 year old pocketwatch...it's still my favorite watch of all. Its hard to find a dial with no seconds hand hole.





 
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clareynet

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That looks great! I might consider something similar for my own pocket watch.

Just thinking, the crown on my pocket watch sits at 12 o'clock so that's not going to work for me.
 
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Subjeff

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clareynet said:
That looks great! I might consider something similar for my own pocket watch.

Just thinking, the crown on my pocket watch sits at 12 o'clock so that's not going to work for me.
Click to expand...
Most of the crowns are a 12:00. When recased you just turn movement so it's at 3:00. A new dial is needed to account for this change. Post a pic of the pocket watch.
 
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cybee

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Thanks Jeff. It's been awhile since I put one together but I'm getting the bug to do another one. I love the IWC you put together, keep up the good work.
 
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Alex_P1

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Yep, I've done a couple. Have a look on the Homage Forum, there is loads of inspiration over there.

The problem I found was that I was buying the pocket watches and didn't have the heart to scrap them, so just ended up cleaning and keeping them!
 
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Subjeff

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Alex_P1 said:
Yep, I've done a couple. Have a look on the Homage Forum, there is loads of inspiration over there.

The problem I found was that I was buying the pocket watches and didn't have the heart to scrap them, so just ended up cleaning and keeping them!
Click to expand...
I'm a member at HF. I would like to think I'm giving the pocket watch new life. My rolex pocket watch never say the light of day in 10 years now it's on my daily rotation.
 
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