Welcome back to the Weiss Watch Company workshop! Today, we’re diving into another Q&A session, and I’m thrilled to see some fresh, unique questions that I haven't encountered before. Let’s jump right in!
Current Employment Opportunities at Weiss Watch Company
We often get asked about open positions here at Weiss Watch Company, and it’s a great question. The watchmaking industry, especially in the U.S., has a unique set of challenges when it comes to finding skilled people. Ideally, I’m looking for individuals who already have some experience, particularly those who can disassemble and reassemble a simple movement without causing damage. This would be the starting point for a watchmaker’s apprentice.
Beyond watchmakers, I’m also seeking CNC operators, machinists, and administrative or customer service professionals. These roles require specific skill sets, and finding individuals with the right experience for these unique positions can be tricky.
The Art of Watch Dial Making
When I first started, I made the watch dials myself from raw brass, machining, painting, and printing each one. While I enjoyed the process, working with paint and ink proved to be quite messy. Now, I’ve partnered with specialists who handle the painting and pad printing processes. Pad printing involves etching a plate, filling it with ink, and using a silicon stamp to transfer the design onto the dial. These partners, who typically work with the automotive and aerospace industries, provide high-quality dials that I then inspect and finish as needed.
What Does It Take for a Watch to Be “Made in the USA”?
The term "Made in the USA" is more complex than it might seem, especially in the watchmaking industry. Unlike the automotive or clothing industries, where there are clear guidelines, watchmaking lacks a standardized definition. At Weiss Watch Company, we interpret “virtually all” as producing almost all components in the USA. However, there are materials and components, like hairsprings, that are difficult or impossible to source domestically. While I could produce hairsprings here, the true craftsmanship lies in pairing them with balance wheels to ensure precise timekeeping. This process is what I consider the essence of watchmaking.
The Complexity of Adding a Second Time Zone
Adding a second time zone to a watch, like the GMT hand on the Rolex Explorer, involves integrating an extra hour hand that rotates once every 24 hours. While it’s not overly complex to add this feature, the challenge lies in the setting mechanism that allows the hour hand to jump from hour to hour. This feature, though not currently available in Weiss watches, is something I’d like to explore in the future.
The Impact of Running a Chronograph Constantly
Running a chronograph constantly is akin to driving a car in four-wheel drive all the time—it puts extra wear on the components. The most wear occurs during the start-stop cycle of the chronograph, which can be tough on the mechanism. If you use your chronograph regularly, it’s important to have it serviced to ensure the additional gear train remains clean and well-oiled.
Comparing Richard Mille and Rolex
Comparing Richard Mille and Rolex is like comparing apples to oranges. Rolex produces around a million watches a year, while Richard Mille produces fewer than 5,000. Richard Mille watches are more like art pieces, using cutting-edge materials and intricate engineering. While they may seem ostentatious, the quality and innovation are undeniable. However, their collectibility in the future might differ greatly from that of vintage Rolexes due to the differences in production and intended market.
The Practice of Assembling Watches Twice
Brands like A. Lange & Söhne (ALS) often assemble their watches twice—a practice common in high-end, small-run watchmaking. The first assembly allows the watchmaker to ensure that all parts fit and function perfectly. After disassembly, the components are then finely polished and decorated before the final assembly, ensuring the watch is flawless.
Using Affordable Tools for Watchmaking
Even with a budget set of tools, it’s possible to disassemble, service, and reassemble a watch. While I prefer using high-quality tools due to the frequency and precision required in my work, I’m considering an episode where I demonstrate how to work with more affordable tools—showing that anyone can try their hand at watchmaking with the right guidance.
A Public Database for Weiss Watch Models
The idea of a public database for Weiss Watch serial numbers is intriguing. While I’ve kept meticulous records of every watch I’ve made, including serial numbers and original purchasers, creating a public database could help track and verify watches as they enter the used market. It’s something I haven’t explored yet, but it could be a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts.
Preventing Rust in the Workshop
Rust is a constant enemy in a watchmaking workshop. To prevent it, I maintain a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity levels. In addition to running heat and air conditioning, I use dehumidifiers and rust-inhibiting tabs in drawers and toolboxes. Handling materials with gloves and storing unfinished parts in oil also helps keep rust at bay.
To Polish or Not to Polish?
Polishing a watch is a personal choice. While some prefer to embrace the scratches as part of the watch’s character, others opt for regular polishing to maintain a flawless appearance. It’s important to remember that each polishing removes a layer of material, which can eventually alter the watch’s shape. I typically recommend polishing only if the scratches are bothersome or if the watch is being prepared for resale.
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! I love sharing my knowledge and demystifying the watchmaking process. Keep the questions coming, and we’ll continue exploring the fascinating world of watches together.
