Got any questions for the watchmaker's or myself? Which part of the watch journey was your favorite? Date or no date on your timepieces? And lastly, would you like to see more videos on watchmaking and the schooling required to get into it? Let me know in the comments 👍
This BEN BRIDGES video is spectacular. I don’t think anyone would have a SCINTILLA of an idea of what goes into making a watch and particularly how much work is necessary to diagnose and repair a watch. Moreover, the importance of these watches to each owner, especially for those who want to pass on their watch as part of their legacy to a family member. The BEN BRIDGE methodology is priceless, as is the tradition for the watch owner. Israel, who is the first watchmaker was remarkable to view. I was honored to see him in action and the responsibility with which he as the other master watchmakers carry out their very precise actions. The management and team at Ben Bridge should be commended for sharing this video with the public. Congratulations!!
Wow, thank you for the kind words! I’m happy to hear you found value watching this - hopefully I can bring you more of these types of videos in the future 🤗 and yes, props to Ben Bridge for opening their doors and allowing me to showcase some of the magic!
@thetimist I was a watchmaker at BB, for almost 20 years. I miss that environment. All of the talent in that room is nearly overwhelming. Again, thanks
Thank you so much for this incredible video. It was so well done and Miguel was so clear and precise as he led you through the whole service process. I particularly enjoyed seeing the watchmaker segment as they described their part in the process. I would certainly like to see more videos on watchmaking and the schooling required. In regards to the date or no date function I tend to like to see the date on the dial although there are always exceptions.
Thanks for the kind words of support! Indeed Miguel and everyone one of the watchmakers I spoke with were super thorough and knowledgeable, and kind to top it off! I will definitely try to make more videos focusing on watchmaking itself. Thanks for sharing your date/no-date preference (I agree with you by the way) 😄👍
Interesting! Totally confused by the pre cleaning, what happens after? The whole thing needs stripping down and cleaning, and 2 rinses, then assembly, more checks, oiling, regulation etc. Wish we’d seen all this. Didn’t see. Microscope, still old school achy back and shoulders. Thanks.
I wanted to include the cleaning portion but this 57 minute long video (which is long by most standards) would have been 90 + minutes. Scott explains that after pre cleaning the watch gets fully disassembled and inspected. The work required gets performed and then the movement gets reassembled with lubricant added as needed. Then it goes to timing, which I show in the video, and if further timing adjustments are required they are performed by the watchmaker 👍 thanks for watching!
In your video before they put the movement in the cleaning machine the technician did not remove the balance complete from the movement. Was that the preliminary cleaning?
40:32 Cleaning is unbelievable since the movement is complete. Unless you disassemble everything, you won't be able to remove even the smallest stains.
Normally yes, but the portion you saw in the walkthrough was specific to the pre wash phase only. When movements get overhauled they get pre washed to get the larger particulates loose so that when the watchmaker moves into the inspection phase they have a better view of the components. The final wash does indeed have all of the joined components disassembled for maximum cleaning 👍
I think it’s more tied to how you within said profession or field see yourself - there are perfectly happy plumbers and absolutely miserable lawyers for instance 🤗
There is a difference between a professional watchmaker and a watch technician. Each have different duties. Think of Doctor (Watchmaker) VS Physician Assistant: both practice medicine, however one has a Doctoral degree and one a masters. Watchmakers are certified in watchmaking and have extensively studied Horology including various aspects of horological history, metallurgy, social aspects of watches, etc. A watch technician usually receives on the job training to replace a battery, adjust bands, links, clean the watch. Again, there are varying degrees or duties of watch technicians.
Normally yes, but the portion you saw in the walkthrough was specific to the pre wash phase only. When movements get overhauled they get pre washed to get the larger particulates loose so that when the watchmaker moves into the inspection phase they have a better view of the components. The final wash does indeed have all of the joined components disassembled for maximum cleaning 😃
That last chap said they also put quartz watches on the timegrapher? … 🤔. Whaaa? Some of the machines had homemade Rolex stickers stuck on them. So a generic machine, but shop is probably mandated by Rolex to only let it be used on a Rolex?. A bit of conceit from the crown! No grubby Breguet or Cartier should sully the Rolex parts washer! When I inquired at our Vancouver BC Rolex AD about service, the sales associate told me Rolexes must go to Switzerland for service, and would take months, perhaps years, and is cost prohibitive. So maybe it’s different here? Or, he just wanted to be rid of me, explaining also that I wasn’t allowed on any waiting list for any steel men’s models. Women’s precious metal only for heathen me. Rolex ADs single-handedly made me hate the brand 😂, luckily so many other better brands to collect. 😊 Looking forward to visiting the new BB location next time I’m in Seattle!
I don't recall that in the video (about the quartz timing test) but I do know that they test the battery/capacitors on the quartz timepieces that come in. I'll say that I didn't get any sense of brand preference from anyone while I was there. I'm sure some folks enjoy working on specific movements over others, but the timepieces themselves were all treated with care. The Rolex and Tudor watches do however have their own separate section though haha! Oh that's interesting - I can't speak about others, but I can say that the Ben Bridge watchmaker's workshop did NOT have a year-long backlog of service watches! I'm sure the amount of work/type of service matters when it comes to timelines, but "years" is pretty...unrealistic. Even servicing a Skydweller or a Yacht-Master II which are the most complicated movements Rolex makes shouldn't take more than a year. I'm sorry to hear - I'd recommend you visit the new flagship Ben Bridge in Seattle, or also check out the Ben Bridge inside Bellevue Square Mall, they've always treated me well and hopefully you'll have a better experience because it sounds like in the past it's been rough for you.
Glad to know the video helped! I was very impressed with the whole operation, and like you said, there's a whole new level of appreciation and understanding now that you see how the process works.
Video dragggggged during the watch hand off portion. Other than that, cool edit. I am also 5th generation and I love watches because grandpa returned from a successful fishing season in Alaska to buy a gold filled Hamilton pocket watch and a Hamilton marine chronometer. He wouldn’t recognize his beloved Seattle these days. I certainly don’t. 🤡
Thanks for dropping a comment - the handoff could in theory have been its own video but I wanted to take people along the complete journey. From drop-off to complete service to back on your wrist. Thanks for watching!
Got any questions for the watchmaker's or myself? Which part of the watch journey was your favorite? Date or no date on your timepieces? And lastly, would you like to see more videos on watchmaking and the schooling required to get into it? Let me know in the comments 👍
Thank you for this excellent video. I was thoroughly fascinated with the inner workings of the watch service center.
Glad you enjoyed it - it really was a labor of love and everyone was so kind and welcoming! Thanks for watching and for dropping a comment!
Fantastic presentation and professional quality
Thank you - glad you enjoyed it 🤗
This BEN BRIDGES video is spectacular.
I don’t think anyone would have a SCINTILLA of an idea of what goes into making a watch and particularly how much work is necessary to diagnose and repair a watch.
Moreover, the importance of these watches to each owner, especially for those who want to pass on their watch as part of their legacy to a family member.
The BEN BRIDGE methodology is priceless, as is the tradition for the watch owner.
Israel, who is the first watchmaker was remarkable to view. I was honored to see him in action and the responsibility with which he as the other master watchmakers carry out their very precise actions.
The management and team at Ben Bridge should be commended for sharing this video with the public. Congratulations!!
Wow, thank you for the kind words! I’m happy to hear you found value watching this - hopefully I can bring you more of these types of videos in the future 🤗 and yes, props to Ben Bridge for opening their doors and allowing me to showcase some of the magic!
Awesome video, want to watch more.
Thanks! I'm really glad you enjoyed it - I hope to make more of these in-depth longer format videos this year, so stay tuned 😃👍
This was fantastic and insightful! Definitely made me feel more comfortable submitting my watches for service knowing how well they’re taken care of.
So glad to hear! It definitely helps to see what exactly happens once you say "see you soon" to your watch - happy you're more comfortable now!
Thanks for posting this video.
Its been a fabulous visit.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! I'm hoping to do more of these deep dives in the future, so stay tuned 😃
@thetimist I was a watchmaker at BB, for almost 20 years.
I miss that environment.
All of the talent in that room is nearly overwhelming.
Again, thanks
Very cool video! As a customer of Ben Bridge it's nice to know that they have such in-house expertise.
Thanks for sharing 👍 exactly my sentiment as well!
As always, great video from The Timist!
Massive thanks 🙌 glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for this incredible video. It was so well done and Miguel was so clear and precise as he led you through the whole service process. I particularly enjoyed seeing the watchmaker segment as they described their part in the process. I would certainly like to see more videos on watchmaking and the schooling required. In regards to the date or no date function I tend to like to see the date on the dial although there are always exceptions.
Thanks for the kind words of support! Indeed Miguel and everyone one of the watchmakers I spoke with were super thorough and knowledgeable, and kind to top it off! I will definitely try to make more videos focusing on watchmaking itself. Thanks for sharing your date/no-date preference (I agree with you by the way) 😄👍
Wow great video!! Thank you for sharing man! 👌🏻
Massive thanks! I’m working on another in-depth video this time focusing on the schooling and training aspect 👍
Well done Chief!!!
I appreciate the support 🤗
Love this! Thank you for sharing. Your video and narration was well done! Really like the focus on the movements being repaired. Excellent!!
More watch making videos!!!
Happy to share! I plan on publishing more videos like these so your comment is encouraging 👍
Interesting! Totally confused by the pre cleaning, what happens after? The whole thing needs stripping down and cleaning, and 2 rinses, then assembly, more checks, oiling, regulation etc. Wish we’d seen all this. Didn’t see. Microscope, still old school achy back and shoulders. Thanks.
I wanted to include the cleaning portion but this 57 minute long video (which is long by most standards) would have been 90 + minutes. Scott explains that after pre cleaning the watch gets fully disassembled and inspected. The work required gets performed and then the movement gets reassembled with lubricant added as needed. Then it goes to timing, which I show in the video, and if further timing adjustments are required they are performed by the watchmaker 👍 thanks for watching!
Wow, Scott is such a talented watchmaker.
He sure is - they all are in fact 👍
Great stream. Very interested to see as a hobby watchmaker. Great tips to improve my work.
Please close your labcoat next time you enter a workshop😅
Glad you enjoyed it! And sorry, it was too hot to close the lab coat 😅 next time I’ll wear fewer layers!
In your video before they put the movement in the cleaning machine the technician did not remove the balance complete from the movement. Was that the preliminary cleaning?
That's exactly right - that was the prelim and I was told there would be additional cleaning phases that the movement would be run through - correct!
40:32
Cleaning is unbelievable since the movement is complete. Unless you disassemble everything, you won't be able to remove even the smallest stains.
Normally yes, but the portion you saw in the walkthrough was specific to the pre wash phase only. When movements get overhauled they get pre washed to get the larger particulates loose so that when the watchmaker moves into the inspection phase they have a better view of the components. The final wash does indeed have all of the joined components disassembled for maximum cleaning 👍
Great content! regards from Breitling Wings.
Many thanks 👍 I appreciate the support!
There is no glamour in being a watch technician but a watch…maker! Is a completely different concept
I think it’s more tied to how you within said profession or field see yourself - there are perfectly happy plumbers and absolutely miserable lawyers for instance 🤗
There is a difference between a professional watchmaker and a watch technician. Each have different duties. Think of Doctor (Watchmaker) VS Physician Assistant: both practice medicine, however one has a Doctoral degree and one a masters. Watchmakers are certified in watchmaking and have extensively studied Horology including various aspects of horological history, metallurgy, social aspects of watches, etc. A watch technician usually receives on the job training to replace a battery, adjust bands, links, clean the watch. Again, there are varying degrees or duties of watch technicians.
Ive never seen a movement washed w/only the rotor removed. I thought the entire thing had to be disassembled.
Normally yes, but the portion you saw in the walkthrough was specific to the pre wash phase only. When movements get overhauled they get pre washed to get the larger particulates loose so that when the watchmaker moves into the inspection phase they have a better view of the components. The final wash does indeed have all of the joined components disassembled for maximum cleaning 😃
That last chap said they also put quartz watches on the timegrapher? … 🤔. Whaaa?
Some of the machines had homemade Rolex stickers stuck on them. So a generic machine, but shop is probably mandated by Rolex to only let it be used on a Rolex?. A bit of conceit from the crown! No grubby Breguet or Cartier should sully the Rolex parts washer!
When I inquired at our Vancouver BC Rolex AD about service, the sales associate told me Rolexes must go to Switzerland for service, and would take months, perhaps years, and is cost prohibitive. So maybe it’s different here? Or, he just wanted to be rid of me, explaining also that I wasn’t allowed on any waiting list for any steel men’s models. Women’s precious metal only for heathen me.
Rolex ADs single-handedly made me hate the brand 😂, luckily so many other better brands to collect. 😊
Looking forward to visiting the new BB location next time I’m in Seattle!
I don't recall that in the video (about the quartz timing test) but I do know that they test the battery/capacitors on the quartz timepieces that come in.
I'll say that I didn't get any sense of brand preference from anyone while I was there. I'm sure some folks enjoy working on specific movements over others, but the timepieces themselves were all treated with care. The Rolex and Tudor watches do however have their own separate section though haha!
Oh that's interesting - I can't speak about others, but I can say that the Ben Bridge watchmaker's workshop did NOT have a year-long backlog of service watches! I'm sure the amount of work/type of service matters when it comes to timelines, but "years" is pretty...unrealistic. Even servicing a Skydweller or a Yacht-Master II which are the most complicated movements Rolex makes shouldn't take more than a year.
I'm sorry to hear - I'd recommend you visit the new flagship Ben Bridge in Seattle, or also check out the Ben Bridge inside Bellevue Square Mall, they've always treated me well and hopefully you'll have a better experience because it sounds like in the past it's been rough for you.
FYI Ben Bridge has an internship for watch makers.
Amazing! I'm working on another video that dives deeper into the watchmaker's training program here in Seattle 😉
I now know where the A$950 was spent 10 years ago. 😮
Glad to know the video helped! I was very impressed with the whole operation, and like you said, there's a whole new level of appreciation and understanding now that you see how the process works.
NO DATE ALL DAY
Well that didn’t take very long 😅👍
Video dragggggged during the watch hand off portion. Other than that, cool edit. I am also 5th generation and I love watches because grandpa returned from a successful fishing season in Alaska to buy a gold filled Hamilton pocket watch and a Hamilton marine chronometer. He wouldn’t recognize his beloved Seattle these days. I certainly don’t. 🤡
Thanks for dropping a comment - the handoff could in theory have been its own video but I wanted to take people along the complete journey. From drop-off to complete service to back on your wrist. Thanks for watching!