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    Resources for Identifying Watch Parts

        The reason for starting this web site was to help professional repairs to obtain parts which are unavailable through normal watch material suppliers.  However, it appears as though the non-professionals outnumber the professionals.  While I have no objection to helping anyone who needs a part to repair a vintage watch, I spend much time every week trying to help those who don't know how to identify what part it is they need.

        I could simply trash those requests which don't clearly identify the part, because putting them up on the web site would simply be creating clutter.  None, or at least very few, of the people who may be able to furnish the part are likely to spend a great deal of time trying to identify a part for which they might get a few dollars.  But trying to be helpful, I often e-mail the person making the request, and after two or three exchanges I am usually able to determine what is needed.

        Note that there is no money in this for me.  I support this web site with my own funds and have no advertising and don't allow any posting of items "For Sale".  This is a purely altruistic venture.  I am a working watchmaker and with the worldwide shortage of watchmakers--the Swiss Industry claims we are short 25,000--as you can imagine, I'm very busy.  Candidly, I've got other things to do besides researching parts books and web sites for obsolete parts identification.

        So, if you don't know what it is you want, do the research.  Assuming you are interested in watches, you can learn an amazing amount about them on the web and by accessing a few books.

        Several watch material suppliers maintain web sites.  Some have very complete parts listings, which can help you to correctly identify your part, especially vintage Swiss parts.  Here are a few:

Jules Borel and Co.
www.julesborel.com 

The William S. McCaw Co.
www.mccawcompany.com 

Otto Frei
www.ofrei.com 

CasKer Co.
www.casker.com 

        These are U.S. firms. There are many others in the U.S. and around the world.  For example if one was to do a Google search for: Watch material suppliers U.K., one would be rewarded with several U.K. dealers web sites.

        In addition to the web, there are a books which are excellent sources of information regarding watch parts.  For Swiss parts, try Bestfit #111 Encyclopedia of Watch Material Part I & II.  For American pocket watches try Illustrated Manual of American Watch Movements, commonly known as Swigart's, because the book was originally published by a now defunct material Dealer E.& J. Swigart.  Both Bestfit and Swigart's are old publications, but they are available as reprints, either from some of the above material suppliers, or from horological booksellers.

        The above are the sources I most generally use when trying to help someone.  You can do it yourself, just put in the time.

        You could also join the American Watchmakers/Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) http://awci.com/ or the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) www.nawcc.org .  Both have web sites and discussion groups which can be very helpful.  There are probably dozens of other horologically related sites on the Internet where you can seek information.

        The information below is copied from the "Post" page.

The description should include the following for Swiss watches:
•Maker - Keeping in mind that the name on the dial is not necessarily the ebauche maker.
•Caliber
•BestFit^® Part Number - If known
•Ebauche Part Number - If known (See "Help" Pages)

For American watches:
•Maker
•Movement Size
•Grade
•Jewel Count
•Open Face or Hunting
•Movement Serial Number

       The overall height of cannon pinions, hour wheels and sweep second pinions is required to obtain the correct part.  For escape wheels and pallet arbors the pivot types need to be specified: Straight (S) or Conical (C) ( cap jeweled).  Commonly, the pivots are specified as S/S, C/C, S/C, or C/S with the bridge side pivot specified first.

        Suggestions or additions to improve this page are welcome.

This site is sponsored and maintained by James Sadilek, AWCI, BHI, NAWCC
230 Annapolis Avenue
Carson City, Nevada 89703 USA
Contact: ccwatchmaker@gmail.com
Created: June 05, 2005 - Last changed: February 23, 2007