I’ve been smoking too much incabloc
Posted: July 1st, 2023, 3:46 pm
Hello all, I’ve been lurking for far too long, figured I’d get registered and join the fun. I’ve been a watch guy for decades, and had always wanted to build some Franken watches (I’m also big on custom motorcycles). When the pandemic hit I figured it was either time to start drinking heavily or build that Panerai I’ve always wanted. I could have bought one, but then I’d just be sitting there looking at a really expensive watch and nowhere go. Besides that what I’d always wanted was an Angelus 8 days (like everyone else!) and that was a heavy spend.
I’d looked at Panerai in the shops, but for the money it seemed like I could build something more unique and interesting, like the gorgeous builds you guys do. The cheapest around here (west coast US) was a Black Seal around $4500, and I thought for that I could build at least a dozen of my own.
Well, it’s been three years and I’ve built several dozen. I’ve spent more than I planned on, but I’ve learned so much. Up all night listening to Alan Watts, Richard Feynman and The Cramps, researching shock protection systems from Breguet, Depolier, incaflex, CYMAflex, Incastar and Incabloc. Measuring everything, memorizing Ranfft, diving into Perezscope’s manuscripts, hand polishing bevels, learning how to repair bent hairsprings, etc.. I took Mark Lovick’s watch repair courses (still need to do the chronograph course) and of course have been watching all the repair channels on YouTube.
I’ve been inspired, enlightened and educated by lots of you over the years, thank you! I’m still working with pretty basic tools (haven’t bought a lathe(s) or milling, still need to get a proper cleaning machine, etc., but I’m having a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to being here with you guys, learning more and sharing some pictures of my somewhat unorthodox builds.
I’d looked at Panerai in the shops, but for the money it seemed like I could build something more unique and interesting, like the gorgeous builds you guys do. The cheapest around here (west coast US) was a Black Seal around $4500, and I thought for that I could build at least a dozen of my own.
Well, it’s been three years and I’ve built several dozen. I’ve spent more than I planned on, but I’ve learned so much. Up all night listening to Alan Watts, Richard Feynman and The Cramps, researching shock protection systems from Breguet, Depolier, incaflex, CYMAflex, Incastar and Incabloc. Measuring everything, memorizing Ranfft, diving into Perezscope’s manuscripts, hand polishing bevels, learning how to repair bent hairsprings, etc.. I took Mark Lovick’s watch repair courses (still need to do the chronograph course) and of course have been watching all the repair channels on YouTube.
I’ve been inspired, enlightened and educated by lots of you over the years, thank you! I’m still working with pretty basic tools (haven’t bought a lathe(s) or milling, still need to get a proper cleaning machine, etc., but I’m having a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to being here with you guys, learning more and sharing some pictures of my somewhat unorthodox builds.