Grace, my new accountant's daughter showed a real interest in my fussing over watches one day so I asked her while she was looking around my shoulder at my work if she wanted to do her own!

So I dug through the "rubble" and found a nice dirty 1909 vintage Waltham 7 jewel in a gold filled case and with really messed up hands hiding what looked like a perfect dial. Grace was delighted when I told her that if she could make it work (with a little help from me), she could keep it!

We started taking it apart and I carefully explained some history of time pieces beginning with the sundial, and the questions began to flow, Grace was really warming to the subject!

Meanwhile in disassembly, I noted an interesting thing. This 7 Jewel 16s Waltham made in 1909 had mean time screws on the balance wheel and all the serial numbers matched. A good sign indeed!

The process of cleaning the watch and detailing the parts gave plenty of time to explain to Grace how these "modern" watches worked, all regulated by the escapement mechanism so wonderfully adapted to mass production with "American Know-How"

As you can see, Grace quickly found how simple it was to correctly apply a Jewelers screwdriver and re-assemble and time (within 6 sec/day in dial-down position) watch after everything was cleaned and tested for friction-free operation. (That smile will start a thousand watchs if they could only see it!)

Grace was especially helpful in the final re-casing of the watch, and I only had to help a little with the hands . . . but Grace put in the "Last Screw" to finish the job!

During the early 60's while living with the Ojibway Indians in Northern Minnesota for a year or two, I learned one main rule of "adulthood", WE have only 1 role in life, to be the CARETAKERS OF OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE!

I for one hope this little "lesson" helps Grace's future and life experience as much as it did mine. What a pleasant "Trip"! It really "made our day"!

Oh, and the watch runs very very well in all positions, it still had perfect poise. I think it loves it's new keeper!

David you are a great teacher of all! What a great story keep up the great work. Regards Ted

Wonderful story David and nice of you to share it with all of us.
Thanks

David,
You are the best! I am sure Grace will never forget her first pocket watch lesson.

THESE are the kind of threads I like to read!

THANK YOU DAVE!!!

HIGH regard! Mark

Great story. Children are indeed our future. Thank you Dave for sharing.

Dave,
You are very kind to share your special gift with her. No doubt a day she will remember forever. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Ray

Nice story and pictures Dave.
I know Grace will never forget this experience.
Brian C.

David,

Great story and wonderful pictures. I showed my four year old Anthony and my six year old Nicholas the pictures and he was fascinated. Nicholas' only comment was "Whoa". Anthony speculated that they (you and Grace) cleaned the watch with "some kind of oil".

As a student of horology who is currently working on getting the train to run freely on a 7J Elgin, I admire what you guys did.

Also, I think we should all teach kids this hobby if they show some interest.

Well done David.

John III

Great story Dave, may insprire to start teaching someone myself oneday.

David,

That was very entertaining and you archived it beautifully. Children never forget acts of cheerful kindness.

William

Great story Dave, Well done!

If more of the 'old school' watchmakers were as willing to pass on skills like this, then maybe both our nations would still be enjoying a thriving horological industry instead of it going to the Japanese and Swiss!

Best regards

John

Dave,

The story and it's documentation is awesome. Motivation and inspiration have been achieved through your excellent teaching techniques.

I also appreciated your other thread on accuracy and balance wheel poise.

Thanks,

Pete

Mr. Abbe, what wonderful documentation you have provided and a beautiful story as well.

Dave, we are all very lucky to have gentlemen such as yourself in our midst here at IHC185.

Grace will remember, forever, this experience each time she looks at her "1st watch".

God Bless you for taking the time to teach....and to share this with us.

Jerry