Internet Horology Club 185
Size 12 Tiffany needs balance

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/1241024133

January 03, 2009, 11:17
Steven A. Cohen
Size 12 Tiffany needs balance
Hi All,

I have a Tiffany approximately size 12 pocketwatch that was a gift for my 50th birthday about 41/2 year ago. I ahve taken it to two local jewelers for cleaing and repair. Neither can find the parts - balance. The last watchmaker said it was a Breguet. It is in an 18k gold case and has a white dial with gold arabic numbers. I would appreciate any help form this great group in repairing this watch. I am picking it up today from the last jeweler so Idon't have pictures.

Thanks Steve Cohen


Steve Cohen
January 03, 2009, 12:19
Robert Schussel
Steve
Tiffany contracted with many high end watch companies.

Without a picture of the movement it is impossible to do anything.

You might have to have someone like Chris Abell who is a watchmaker make you a new part.If it is a balance wheel you will need to have people search for one as it would cost more than the watch to make.

Bob
January 03, 2009, 12:27
Steven A. Cohen
Thanks Bob,

I am going to pick up the watch now and I will get as much information as I can. I will try to take pictures but I have been afraid to open the movement of such a nice watch!


Steve Cohen
January 03, 2009, 14:29
Chris Abell
Hi Steve,

When you get the watch if you want to send me a email with all the information you have on it I maybe able to help.

Thanks
Chris


Abellwatchmakers@nctv.com


www.Abellwatchmakers.com
January 04, 2009, 12:39
Steven A. Cohen
Thanks Chris,

I picked up the watch and dropped it off at a Tiffany Store near me. I am going to wait and see their estimate. I will share what I find out. The watchmaker did show me the broken balance though.


Steve Cohen
January 04, 2009, 15:46
Robert Schussel
Steve
Do you mean the balance staff or do you mean the balance wheel.

I hope Tiffanys estimate doesn't result in cardiac arrest

Bob
January 05, 2009, 07:59
Steven A. Cohen
Bob,

The balance wheel and I hope the estimate doesn't result in a cardiac arrest as well. I'll let you know via this post in about 7 days.


Steve Cohen
January 10, 2009, 12:31
Steven A. Cohen
Well it's seven days later and Tiffany was no help. They can't fix it either. they said the hairspring was broken or bent. the gentleman I talked said that once they saw the problem with the hairspring they stopped looking because they knew they couldn't fix it. I tried to open it myself but I couldn't. I am all thumbs. Any help wouls be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,


Steve Cohen
January 10, 2009, 12:54
Chris Abell
Hi Steve,


Check your Email.

Chris


www.Abellwatchmakers.com
January 10, 2009, 13:13
Steven A. Cohen
Done,

Thanks Chris


Steve Cohen
February 25, 2009, 20:06
Chris Abell
Hi Steve,

Check your email again Smile


www.Abellwatchmakers.com
February 26, 2009, 08:26
Steven A. Cohen
Thanks Chris for repairing my Tiffany watch and for the great pictures!




Steve Cohen
February 26, 2009, 08:26
Steven A. Cohen
The movement




Steve Cohen
February 26, 2009, 08:27
Steven A. Cohen
The case




Steve Cohen
February 26, 2009, 11:50
Gerald Zimmermann
Steve,

fine watch and well done by Chris !

The movement is a 19j swiss made by Touchon & Co

If you want more informatio about it i've got a link: Touchon . (in text: http://www.touchon-watch.com/). The movement of your watch can be found there under 'The Bosun's whistle´.

Regards Gerald
February 26, 2009, 12:39
Mary Ann Scott
Beautiful watch, Steve! I have not seen a bridge configuration like that before. And kudos to Chris for another outstanding repair!
February 26, 2009, 13:21
David Abbe
A treasure of art and Horology. Congratulations for being with us and being able to restore it properly through the "magic hands" of Chris Abell.
February 26, 2009, 14:21
Jerry King
Lordy, Lordy what a beautiful piece.... and Chris is the Houdini of Horology.... Eek Amazing, simply Amazing....
February 26, 2009, 14:29
Steven A. Cohen
Thank you all for the nice comments about my watch. and definitely many thanks to Chris. I took the watch to three differnt local watchmakers including Tiffany's which has a store in this area and nobody would touch it! they all said they could not get the parts! I can't wait to get the watch back from Chris in a few days.

I am glad to be a member of this great group. I have learned so much.


Steve Cohen
February 26, 2009, 16:20
Chris Abell
Hi all,

Well I have had the watch running for a few days now and looking good should be posting back shortly.
I added it to my web site with a short video of the hairspring SmileCLICK HERE if you want to see it.


www.Abellwatchmakers.com
February 26, 2009, 16:49
Tom Brown
Nice little video Chris, thanks for posting it & great looking watch Steven.

Tom
February 27, 2009, 09:02
Steven A. Cohen
Nice video Chris and thanks again for fixing my watch and thanks Tom


Steve Cohen
February 27, 2009, 09:15
Steven A. Cohen
Gerald,

i finally went to the sight you listed. It was facinating! I didn't understand alot of it but I think Bosum's whistle is interesting.

Thanks


Steve Cohen
February 27, 2009, 11:34
David Abbe
The privilege of having a member of our group who "outshines" the claimed "watch making skills" of the likes of Tiffany (and many others I must add) is only one of the countless benefits we all share in our group.

Maybe we can make a new Cloisenne "FOB" Marked IHC185 "OWL Organization of Watch Lovers". The last one was nice, this one could be great!


February 27, 2009, 13:44
Steven A. Cohen
David,

I love it and I would definitely buy some depending on the price of course


Steve Cohen
February 27, 2009, 15:01
Jerry King
I'll second that motion....
February 27, 2009, 17:32
Gerald Zimmermann
David,

I joined this forum just a few days ago and i've seen just a small part of all the knowledge which has been brought to public during the last years, but i think you should create a watch fob as an order(non buyable) for persons who made this forum going: the lifetime members; the moderators and people like chris who share their knowledge to all.

Regards Gerald
February 28, 2009, 00:22
Robert Schussel
The ebauche on your watch is one of my favorite.
I have seen on used for several different brands including Gueblin.

The Gueblin I have is 21J adjusted to 6 positions.

I have always assumed that the different companies bought the ebauche and finished it to their standard.

Bob
February 28, 2009, 11:32
Steven A. Cohen
Bob,
Thanks, I need to learn so much and i'm glad you like it.


Steve Cohen
March 03, 2009, 19:49
Steven A. Cohen
Chris,

I got the watch today. It's beautiful and I'm currently running it.

Thanks Again!


Steve Cohen
March 03, 2009, 20:49
Lindell V. Riddle

Everyone should read and contemplate every word of this topic.

Tiffany and Company said Steve's beautiful Tiffany watch could not be repaired... but Chris Abell made it well.

That defines the word WATCHMAKER my friends!


www.abellwatchmakers.com


March 04, 2009, 09:16
Steven A. Cohen
Lin,

I couldn't agree more!


Steve Cohen
May 13, 2010, 19:07
Tom Brunton
maybe that's where the navy coined the phrase "abell seaman" for a skilled sailor LOL Wink