Royce "Art Deco" Ladies' Stainless

There aren't many ladies' wristwatches that really fill the bill when it comes to Art Deco stainless

steel watches... but this one does! It is a beautiful, Swiss, 15 jewel with a stainless steel case that has a very dramatic lug configuration. The case measures 16mm wide (not including the crown), by 41mm lug to lug, by 10mm thick (including the crystal). The profile of the case, seen in the photos, is quite dramatic in its presentation and is highlighted by the very curved "Hi-Dome" crystal. The sculpted lug design is to die for as is the two-tone dial with its rose gold dial center and outer minute track centered by a silvered chapter square that displays the cardinal Arabic numerals with dots at the intervening chapters. Even the crown is special, with the shape of a derby hat. The black cord band suits it to a "T" and can be custom fit to your wrist quite easily. The movement is as clean as a whistle and running great! This is simply a wonderful ladies' "Art Deco" watch from the late 1930s that can be yours. Our famous one year warranty will allow you to buy with confidence... don't miss it!

Father Time Antiques
2108 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-880-5599
Father Time Antiques

Gruen "Shield" Ladies' Wristwatch

As many of you that visit our site regularly already know, we are very fond of Gruen watches and are

always pleased to locate one in great shape that has a bit of pizazz to it. Here is such a find! This 17 jewel, 14k solid gold ladies' Gruen is in wonderful condition and running like the proverbial top. It measures 16mm in width, at its widest (not including the crown), by 27mm lug to lug, by 7mm thick (including the crystal). This was a presentation watch for loyal service which was the norm back-in-the-day. It is engraved on the reverse with the following: "Presented to Tobie Altmaek for 5 years of loyal service 9-28-64". We always think that this is a big plus, because it nails down the date and also carries with it a sense of history of the owner, even if we don't know his or her story. Being solid gold adds to the value and longevity of the presentation. Make sure you notice the "Shield" shape of the dial and the bezel... it is what makes this one a stand-out. Our one year warranty will allow you to put this one on without any trepidation about its performance.

Father Time Antiques
2108 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-880-5599
Father Time Antiques

Jules Jergensen Chronograph

"Opie, it is said that the time progresses in three stages, son. It's what we call the past, present and future. However, the past and the future intersect each other with such intensity that hardly anything is left for the present. With lightning speed, time has been transformed and, what we describe as the present, is only useful to us when we borrow a bit from both the recent past as well as from the nearest future and add them to the present. Now Op, here's what a man, wiser than me, said about it way, way, back when".

“What is time? We surely know what we mean when we speak of it. We also know what is meant when we hear someone else talking about it. What then is time? Provided that no one asks me, I know. If I want to explain it to an inquirer, I do not know”.

Augustine 354-430

This is surely sage advice from Andy. If we delve into the past, circa 1745, with our time machine, we would be able to be present at the birth of Jurgen Jurgensen, in Denmark. He was to become the founding father of the horological dynasty that became Jules Jurgensen. His son, Urban Jurgensen, became a famous Danish watchmaker that launched the manufacture of high quality pocket watches. The early company name was Larpent & Jurgensen and they started production of pocket watches in 1781. As a matter of fact, Jurgen Jurgensen was appointed as Court Horologist by King Fredrik VI, in 1784. In 1801, Urban introduced a bi-metallic pocket thermometer and, by 1804, successfully published his book "General Principles Concerning Timekeeping by Clocks and Watches". 1810 saw the production of Marine Chronometers and, by 1815, Urban was accepted into the Royal Danish Academy of Science. By 1822, Urban announced a new idea, that of a detached double-wheel Chronometer. Sadly, 1830 brought the death of Urban, but his two sons, Louis and Jules, continued under the company name of UJS.

By 1936, Jurgensen has been permanently established in Le Locle, Switzerland and this signaled the start of "Jules Jurgensen", in Copenhagen. From here on out, the company was garnering one award for excellence after another; over 34 from 1834 to 1912. To this very day, the company is revered for their prowess in horology.

The Jules Jurgensen Chronograph we present here is a watch devoutly to be wished for. It is a wonderful, stainless steel, Black Panda Dial Chronograph from the late 1960s that is in wonderful condition. It sports a Landeron, 17 jewel movement that is spotless. Our head watchmaker has it running, winding, and setting like the day it made its way here to America. Make sure you take a gander at the dial. It is impressive with its reverse Panda subsidiary dials and precise markings on both the dial perimeter and the bezel. The case measure 37mm in diameter, by 47mm lug to lug, by 13mm thick including the crystal. We have fitted it with an 18mm, minimally stitched, leather, racing band that suites it well. "Yes Opie, this can be yours, if you are a good boy!"

Father Time Antiques
2108 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-880-5599
Father Time Antiques

Optima Sapphire Crown

Founded in 1923 in Bienne, Switzerland, the Optima Watch Company was dedicated to making all

their movements in-house, with exacting precision and Swiss quality. This particular "Art Deco" Optima is a very elegant, ladies' dress watch, executed in a very fancy, engraved, 18K solid white gold case that boasts a sapphire blue, cabochon crown, case corners with sapphire blue stones, four diamonds (set north and south and east and west), and a silvered, engraved dial accented with blued steel hands. The silvered dial is just spectacular, with its engraved design and arcaded chapters. The bezel is also beautifully engraved and this gives the watch a wonderful look. The movement is a seventeen jewel mechanical marvel that is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it should. This is a scarce watch from a company that did not compromise and it can be yours!

Father Time Antiques
2108 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-880-5599
Father Time Antiques

Thanksgiving 2016

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

Expert Antique Timepiece Repair & Restorations

What makes us different than many other watch and clock sellers that you see on the internet, is our level of commitment to the restoration process. We purposely set our standards high so that our customers can rely upon Father Time Antiques to deliver only the best available in the Vintage and Antique watch market. Learn More

Ordering from Us

How to Order:

Please phone (773-880-5599) or email us (fta@sbcglobal.net) to check the availability of a particular piece. Please use the inventory number at the end of the description and provide a brief description for clarity.

Father Time Antiques is open from 12p.m. until 5p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, Central Standard Time and has an answering machine to receive your calls at all other times. We will honor the order in which calls are received. Leave your name, telephone number, the time of day that you called, which timepiece you are interested in, and we will return your call asap.

Payment:
For purchases within the United States we will accept Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, Personal Checks, Cashiers' Checks, or PayPal with a confirmed address. There is a ten day hold on merchandise paid for by personal check. International Orders may be paid for only by PayPal to a confirmed address and are shipped by Express Mail.

Shipping:
We ship by UPS Second Day Air, Ups Next Day, Fed Ex Next Day, Registered Mail, and Express Mail. Shipments are promptly expedited when payment has been verified.

Warranty:
Remember all our watches are fully restored and warrantied for a full year and as a further guarantee of your satisfaction Father Time offers a three day return privelege on all our watches purchased on the internet. All in-store sales are final. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, notify us by phone within the three day period, and we will refund your purchase price (less a 10% restocking fee) upon receipt of the watch at our store in the same condition as when it was shipped to you. You will be responsible for the cost of return shipping, insurance and packaging of the watch in the same carton and packing material that was sent to you.

One of the nicest original Omega Ranchero's we have ever had!

In "The Wild One" when someone asks Johnny what he is rebelling against he says "Whadda ya got!"

Either ya get cool or ya don't! This dial has a patina that leaves no doubt that this Omega "Ranchero" is completely original and "cool" as hell.

These are near impossible to find now in the correct case, with the correct movement! Because the original configuration is so desirable we are seeing a lot of pretenders coming into the market. This one is all original and has all the proper markings to make it a true Omega "Ranchero". And what a desirable timepiece it is!

As you may know, we here at Father Time are high on Omega wristwatches and are especially pumped by this current addition to our inventory....the Omega "Ranchero". This is a watch to conjure with! Take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos to really appreciate this killer wristwatch. The stainless steel case, measuring 44mm lug to lug by 36mm in diameter not including the crown, is in very nice condition and it has the proper "Waterproof" markings and reference number. The original dial has such a great patina that we all had to hook-up our drool cups over our ears before we took a look. The original "Broad Arrow" hand set makes it look even cooler. Just beneath the 12 is the Greek letter symbol that is the Omega logo and, of course, the Omega name.

Underneath the name is the "Ranchero" designation in a neat script and beneath that you can see the "30mm", 17 jewel, movement designation. The hour markers are a great looking coffee-with-cream color and are interspersed with thin minute hash marks. At the 12, 3, and 9 while Arabic numerals call out the quarter hours. Just above the 6 o'clock position is the sunken seconds bit that mimics the case shape. The movement is clean and functioning perfectly and bears the proper Cal. 267 designation. All these details are spectacular but it is the overall mystique of this "Ranchero" that calls to the prospective owner. Whomever ultimately wears this handsome watch WILL be noticed for their great taste and their understanding of fine timepieces.

This is the only "Ranchero" (Circa 1958) of this caliber (Omega 267) that we have had the pleasure to own in a long time and we hope that we may make you it's caretaker for the next lifetime. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.

Price: $4250
SKU: w2904

Order or Inquire

Illinois 60 Hour Bunn Special

This Illinois 16 size open face Pocket Watch is simply spectacular. The 21 jewel movement is unsurpassed for this era and the "Bunn Special" iterations are some of the most desirable Railroad watches ever made! The case is yellow gold filled and is what is called a "Railroad" case with a non-pull out, bar over crown bow. These cases were designed to have a screw back & screw bezel thereby preventing dust and debris from entering the movement. The user would simply unscrew the front bezel to access the lever for setting, and, if he wanted to see the movement he would unscrew the back of the case. When you take a look at the\"Zoom-In" photos of the movement you can see that it is as clean as the proverbial whistle. Our master watchmakers have it timed to within an inch of its life and it is performing like new. Make sure you notice the interesting damaskeening pattern on the plates. Pride of workmanship is everywhere on this watch. The double sunk, porcelain dial is spectacular displaying red dot 5 minute indicators. 

The Illinois Watch Company had its beginnings in several other incarnations starting in December of 1870 at Springfield, Illinois. Thetwo founders were John Whitfield Bunn and John C. Adams. They started the Springfield Watch Company by attracting several other investors until they had amassed the princely sum of $100,000.00 which in those days was no small task. William B. Miller was to be their first secretary as they started production and a journey over what was to be a bumpy financial road. By 1877, after some difficulty, the company was reorganized and renamed the Illinois Springfield Watch Company and Erastus Newton Bates was choosen to lead them out of the financial difficulties they had encountered, but by July of 1878 they were once again faced with a re-organization and the named changed once again to the Illinois Watch Company, the final iteration that we know today. The chief executive was Jacob Bunn Sr. (1814-1897) and he was an all round entrepreneur with his fingers in finance, newspapers, land development, coal, banking, railroads, wholesale groceries, politics and even the manufacture of rope. The Bunn brothers, John & Jacob, were close friends with Abraham Lincoln and whose political career was financed and managed by them. The growth of the enterprise grew steadily from this point on under the management of the Bunn brothers. The fortunes of the company were starting to rise and by 1880 they had over 400 employees up from 260 in 1879, and ultimately 1200 at their apex. Production was up as well from 33,285 in 1879 to 47,065 by 1880. Just ten years later they could boast offices in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. With the advent of the Railroad Commission, in 1893, Illinois became one of the leading forces behind the design and manufacture of the highly accurate railroad timepieces that became world standards for accuracy and reliability. If you are longing for a very accurate, high-grade, railroad watch then this may be the one for you. It is fully restored and warrantied for a year for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.

Price: $1750
SKU: PW1644
Order or Inquire

Benrus Manual Wind

Benrus is often underestimated. They made really nice watches, as you can see here, but are often overlooked in favor of more expensive watches. We think this is a tragedy since Benrus watches are great looking and well-made. This particular Benrus has a yellow gold-filled round case, with stainless steel back measuring 30 mm in diameter (not including the crown) by 38 mm lug to lug. This nice case houses an even nicer 21 jewel movement that is in great condition. Now take a look at the dial, it is a silvered classic

that has Roman Numerals at the even chapters and pointed bar markers at the other positions with a small seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position.This particular Benrus is indicative of mid century American wristwatches. Yes, it was someone's prized possession and gently used over its lifetime and now our master watchmakers have restored it to like-new performance. It is running, winding, and keeping time like the day it arrived on these shores from Switzerland. This is a fully restored and warrantied watch that you can buy for very little dough. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence!

Price: $650
SKU: w2728
Order or Inquire

Rolex Oyster Precision "Telephone Dial"

Rolex is, of course, a legendary brand and is one of the industry standards by which all other watches are measured. This particular Rolex is a real find since it still has its original dial with the best patina we've seen in a long time. The so called "Telephone Dial" pattern that emerges when the dial ages is so cool looking that we couldn't resist. When these dials were originally made radium was used for the lume in the skeletonized numerals and at the center of the hands. Over the years, as the dial oxidized, that little amount of protection from the lume was afforded to the tiny circles that you can now clearly see around each number. The dial has long since lost its ability to glow in the dark but the resulting effect is stunning. If you have ever lusted after an all original dial with perfect patina then this may be the one for you. Not only is the dial spectacular but the stainless steel case and 17 jewel movement are just as sweet. Make sure you take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos to see what I mean. Everything is spotless. Made circa 1951 it sports the Ref. 6082 movement that is running perfectly. Not only is it keeping time like new, it winds and sets "like butter"! It is quadruple signed on the case, dial, crown, and movement and it
sports the Rolex designation of "Oyster" and "Precision" on the dial. This is the real deal in a classic configuration....don't let it slip through your fingers! Remember all of out timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence!

Price: $4250

SKU: w2898

Order or Inquire

Bulova Art Deco Grey Dial

Every time I fly into New York's La Guardia Airport and grab a cab to Manhattan, I glance left shortly after we leave the airport to get a glimpse of the old Bulova Building, executed in greystone, that sits just off the highway. The Art Deco style of the building speaks of a bygone era as does this grey dial Bulova we are displaying here. An architect customer of our pointed out that he feels there is a very architectural element to this particular watch. I guess it is the cross-bow case elements contrasted against the complimentary Roman Numerals at the cardinal positions interspersed with the red chapter markers at every other chapter. The "Spider Web" seconds bit adds an element as well. When all is said and done this is a really fun watch that could be worn by a man or a woman, even though it started out life strictly as a man's watch. The yellow gold filled case measures 24 mm side to side (not including the crown) by 37 mm lug to lug, and it has a stainless steel back for hypo-allergenic purposes, strength, and longevity. Make sure you take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos to see how clean the 17 jewel movement is in this mid 1930s wristwatch. It is just amazing!

We have matched a nice vintage grey, stitched, leather band to carry the color of the dial around the wrist for an integral look. Its really a great buy for some lucky soul. Remember all of our timepieces come with a one year warranty, for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence. Is this one calling your name.

Price: $725

SKU: w2239 

Order or Inquire

 

14k Oversize LeCoultre

LeCoultre is a legendary Swiss watch manufacturer and every thing they turned their hand to was perfection. Their manufacture stemmed from the many inventions that they produced. Founded in 1833, they invented a machine to cut steel pinions for watches and went on to produce hundreds of inventions and thousands of calibers in the years since. One of the most impressive accomplishments, achieved in 1844, was the invention of the Millionmeter the world's most precise measuring instrument. In 1847 they invented a device that did away with key winding, and by 1866 the first manufacture under one roof in the Valle de Joux. We here at Father Time have had a good number of gentleman's LeCoultre Wristwatches over our 36 years in the business, but we have never seen this one before...and what a handsome man's dress watch it is! Raise a toast! This watch deserves it! It has a 14k solid gold case that measures 37mm in diameter. (a very nice oversize). It has a hidden lug too, where the band ends are not visible, but attaches to the lugs out of sight. Notice the broad band of gold that surrounds the dial...no skimping here. The dial sports its original finish and it has a great looking patina that speaks to its age circa 1955. The 17 jewel cal 480 is in fantastic condition winding, setting, and keeping time just like it did when new. If you are looking for a real nice solid gold dress watch then this may be the one that steals your heart! Remember all of our timepieces comes with our famous one year warranty, for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence.

Price: $2675
SKU: w2865
Order or Inquire

Hamilton T-403

Hamilton, which we feel was the preeminent watch manufacturer in the USA, garnered a lot of attention with its asymmetric watch cases. The T-403, which is one of the most unusual asymetricals, is not only avante-garde, but rare. This model, made Circa 1962, with the date window at the three o'clock position, is even harder to find, so we were delighted to locate this one. It was first introduced in 1960 and its styling is reflective of the era. It conjures up images of cars with high tail fins and guys with duck-tail hair cuts. I personally have one of these in my own collection and I wouldn't give it up without a fight. This T-403 (a number/letter designation that was given to those models that stepped into the nether regions of design) is in very nice condition. The two tone dial is also sports an asymmetrical design that coordinates with the fin-like sweeps of the yellow gold filled case. The movement is a 21 jewel, automatic that was Swiss made for Hamilton. The case top is yellow gold filled, backed by a stainless steel screw-down back for wearing longevity and comfort. It measures 34mm in diameter, by 39mm fin to fin. What really sets this one off, however, is the two tone dial that has a sharp demarcation exactly where the "fins" are. The smaller dial area is a lustrous silver, while the larger portion of the dial is an elegant gold color. The Hamilton logo is off-set, as is the "Automatic" designation, and these two are perfectly balanced, proportionally, by the date window at the 3 o'clock position. If you are jonesing for a watch that you won't see walking up and down the street, then this may be the one for you! A true collector's piece that could easily live on your wrist. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.

Price: $4400
SKU: w2876
Order or Inquire

Gallet Military Chronograph

Its not often that we have one of these phenomenal chronos in stock....they are extremely scarce and highly sought after!

This Gallet Chronograph is a watch that will knock you out! You may have seen similar watches on the internet but you have not seen anything of comparable quality! This watch comes from the prestigious firm of Gallet, makers of complicated Swiss watches, and the world's oldest watch company. The founder, Humbertus Gallet, who resided in Geneva was making timepieces in 1466. In 1864 Gallet opened the first outlet here in Chicago, and by 1885, Gallet became the first purveyor of wristwatches made exclusively for mass consumption. By 1914 Gallet had won the Grand Prize in the Chronometer category at the Swiss National Exhibit in Berne, and by 1915 Gallet was supplying hand held and cockpit mounted timepieces to the United Kingdom during WWI.

This watch is one of their fabulous pocket chronometers that has been customized for wrist use, but it has been done with the skill and finesse that you rarely see in these watches! This is one BIG puppy measuring in at 47mm in diameter by 56mm lug to lug. Definitely a watch for the larger men out there or if you simply prefer a larger watch. The case work is outstanding and the dial is impeccable, but the best part is inside! The 17 jewel Gallet movement looks and functions just like new. There are no signs of wear or rust that you commonly see in conversions coming out of eastern Europe! This watch was custom made by our Master Watchmaker friend in Canada whose family has been watchmakers since 1750! We snatched it up before a collector got it so you would have a shot at it. He has only made 12 of these and they are extremely scarce! This may be that last we we will be able to own.

Just look at this dial...it is simply fantastic, nice and mellow, with curb appeal to-die-for! The outer ring shows a telemetre scale in kilometers, the inner ring displays the seconds, while the red numbers inside of the chapters show the 24 hundred hour markers for military time. At the three o'clock position there is a 30 minute accumulated minutes recorder while the constant seconds is at the nine o'clock position. The luminous material in the hands and skeletonized numerals have a wonderfully mellow color that indicates its WWI vintage, circa 1916. The crown is a modified onion shape that has a central pusher that is concentric with the crown for actuating the chronograph functions. Now take a gander at the case back...it is in fantastic condition for a military watch.

The crowning glory is the movement. It is as clean as a whistle and functioning perfectly. Need I say more. Once you see this large, masculine, complicated timepiece you will want to strap it on and show all your friends.

Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.

Price: $4650
SKU: w2885

Order or Inquire

How are we doing?

Let us know ---> http://reviewourcompany.com/7812/Father-Time-Antiques-

Timepiece Restoration in Chicago, Father Time Antiques

What makes us different than many other watch and clock sellers that you see on the internet, is our level of commitment to the restoration process. We purposely set our standards high so that our customers can rely upon Father Time Antiques to deliver only the best available in the Vintage and Antique watch market. The first step in the process is to select only the watches and clocks that are in the best "as found" condition. In order to do this we work with contacts all over the globe who are constantly on the look out for prime pieces that we can restore and then offer to our customer base. We also attend regional, and national, watch and clock shows under the aegis of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors organization. We have been members of this seminal organization since 1980 and have done business with dealers around the world for over 36 years. We also comb the internet looking for those choice pieces that have not been on the market for many generations and, because we are a "bricks and mortar" store, we can also acquire timepieces over the counter from private collections and past customers.

Once we have acquired a choice watch or clock the process begins in earnest. The piece is inspected by our head watch maker and he decides what will be needed to fully restore the particular timepiece. Then it is completely disassembled and visually inspected under a ten power loupe with great attention to wear, finish, proper function, alignment, originality of parts, and strength. He produces a timing tape, as a diagnostic, if the watch is functional, so that it can be compared with the final timing tape once the restoration has been completed. The piece is then estimated for cost and time to complete. Then the parts are sourced and ordered. We only use original parts for those timepieces for which parts are available, and for those watches or clocks that do not have available parts we can fabricate parts. Parts sourcing is a full time job that our Store Manager, Chuck, has on his plate everyday. We sometimes have to scour the globe to find an elusive part to restore a precious watch or clock. I can remember parts coming from every corner of the globe this year. This extensive search can take several weeks (in most cases), to several months in the extreme.

While parts are being sourced our clock maker and watch maker are busy polishing and restoring cases, replacing crystals, refinishing dials, and cleaning movements so, that the minute the correct parts arrive, they can begin the task of bringing the timepiece back to life. Whether the timepiece is one of ours, or a customer's, they all receive only the highest quality of restoration that we can deliver.

When parts have been acquired we start the restoration process in earnest. First the parts are examined to determine if they are correct for the particular timepiece at hand, and then they are positioned in the movement to determine proper fit. Then the movement is completely disassembled including all cap jewels, plates, screws, bridges, mainsprings, levers, springs, staffs, gears, pinions, and any other removable part. The various components are carefully separated and compartmentalized for cleaning. The cleaning process uses various chemicals to remove old oils and dirt that may have accumulated in the movement. Once the first cycle of the cleaning process has been completed the hole jewels and caps jewels are inspected for a spotless appearance. Many times very old, hardened oil, will still leave a residue, even after cleaning, especially on the surface of the caps jewels and in the hole jewel recesses. The watchmaker will then use French pegwood to

manually remove this residue and then the chemical cleaning process is repeated to make sure the jewels are spotless. Once the watchmaker is happy with the the cleaning process he starts the assembly of the movement. First the front plate of the movement is positioned in a movement holder to support the assembly procedure and then he begins the assembly of the gear train, gear by gear. Once the train is in place (in the front plate), he positions and aligns the back plate and then he checks the freedom of movement of the gear train by apply a small force with his tweezers to the main wheel. If the train moves freely he can proceed to the next step of installing the mainspring and its barrel. The mainspring is first inspected for wear and loss of strength and, if found wanting, is replaced with a new original specification spring. The spring is then lubricated over its entire length and installed in the barrel bottom. Now the mainspring arbor is installed with attention to the proper positioning of the hook and engagement of the arbor. Then the barrel lid is positioned and closed tight. The mainspring, in its barrel, is now ready for installation into the movement. Once the barrel has been installed the watch maker's attention is on the assembly and proper adjustment of the escapement. Then the entire movement is properly oiled and wound. This is the moment of truth. If the watch or clock has been properly assembled, and all the parts are in their proper positions, the timepiece will start to tick. The next few steps in the restoration process really separates the amateur from the professional. The proper adjustment of the hairspring, the balance staff, the roller jewel, banking pins, and regulator are all critical. In a watch the first step is to properly poise the balance wheel, especially if the restoration required the installation of a new balance staff. The watch maker

accomplishes this by placing the pivots of the balance wheel on a poising tool. The parallel ruby jaws of this tool provide a level and perfectly smooth surface for the pivots to rest on. If there is a heavy spot on the perimeter of the balance wheel it will cause the wheel to revolve on the poising tool indicating where the heavy part of the wheel may be. Just like balancing a tire on an automobile with small lead weights that can affect the true running of the tire, the watch maker uses very small weights to bring the balance wheel into a poised state. He uses tiny little gold washers that are place under the heads of the screws on the perimeter of the balance wheel. These washers are rated in terms of seconds per day as to how they affect the overall timing rate of the watch. The proof of the pudding is the fact that no matter how it is placed on the poising tool, after being properly balanced, it will not favor a heavier or lighter portion of the wheel. Once the balance wheel is properly poised the watch maker can place it into the watch and put it into action. Now the task becomes regulation. By placing the watch into the jaws of the Vibrograph he can immediately tell if the watch is running fast or slow and make the proper adjustment to the regulator. He can also tell if the banking is correct and if the watch is in-beat.

At every step we examine and inspect our work so that, when the work is done, it has been completed to the best of our ability.  Our one year warranty, for parts and labor, is further insurance that, if something was missed, or if there is a subsequent part failure, it will be covered.

For quality restoration work in the Chicago area, turn to Father Time every time!

Elks Memorial at Elks National Veterans Memorial

We are used to being in some amazing places!