Hello everyone;

I just couldn't go any further without mentioning this on the forum. One of our members, Roger Nolfe has been working on my watches for quite some time now and he's always done a terrific job for me. The reason I'm writing this is to let you know exactly what he's like.

I sent one of my watches, a beautiful Hamilton 18s movement in a Hamilton display case because it had just stopped. To make a long story short Earlier, I had sent the watch to a local "Blacksmith" for an over-hall clean & oil etc., and it came back running. That's about the best I can say about it.

So, when it stopped running again a short time ago, off it went to Roger who quickly found the problem and fixed it. After checking it for accuracy Roger found that it wasn't keeping good time due to some other issues that he'd found. I think he said something about bad "thingy's" (my technical term for watch parts) and some not-so-pretty jewels and the fact that all the parts were swimming in oil. It now sounded to me that the "person" I'd sent it to earlier had made a total mess of it.

Anyway, Roger said that for him to fix these issues he would have to charge me a little more money. I thought to myself that this was just fine since Roger had always done excellent work at a fair price for me in the past, so I said ok, go ahead and fix it. The next day I get an email from Roger telling me that he had found another way to get it running and keep pretty good time without having to spend the extra $50. or $60. I could hardly believe what I was reading. Although coming from Roger I really wasn't all that surprised.

So, here's a man, repairing my watch, has one that he could easily have charged me an additional good chunk of change, but decides to write and tell me he has a way to save me $60. instead. I'm thinking what, is he serious?

I just don't have the words to tell you all how much I appreciate what Roger did for me. Not that he hasn't done it before because he has, but this time I just had to tell you all what an honest man Roger Nolfe is. He has become a good friend, as well as "the guy who fixes all my watches." I will always be indebted to him for his honesty.

It also goes without saying that when it comes to watches, this forum, IHC185, undoubtedly has, as members, some of the finest people that you can find anywhere. What a great place this is to come and learn, make friends, and get your watches fixed. Simply outstanding!!

Thank you Roger.

Bud

I'm with you, Bud. One of these days I'll get on the Harley and head East for a couple of hours and meet Roger.

He's helped me out several times. He patiently explains things in concise emails, and has done work for me on a few of my watches.

I'm glad he's a member.

I am with you too Bud!

I'm sure no one here remembers it, but I was told that a Hamilton 992 that I had sent to be serviced, was just a parts watch. Well, while talking to Roger about it and other watches, he told me to send it to him. He found the problem, which I believe was a roller, and came on here asking if anyone knew where he could find one.

Long story short, It is in a collection in Alaska now doing just fine!!

The other thing that I know for a fact, now that I am doing some work on them myself, is that Roger didn't charge me even CLOSE to what he should have, for all the time and effort that he put in to this watch, just to save it!

Thanks Roger!!

Regards,
Larry

What you guys do not know is, Roger subs his work out

Eric, if you do go let me know, I am over due for a visit with my mentor!

Thanks guys...Ed, see you Wednesday. I should have your watches back from my sub by then.

Eric...if you would like to join Ed at my place Wednesday let me know.

Anyone else who would like to join us in Ticonderoga, NY is welcome too.

Roger and I had a great visit yesterday. Much talk about watches and repair techniques. A super lunch and a historical drive around Ticonderoga.
Roger also had a very nice surprise for me. A pvt label 18s Hampden from Anderson & Haughton, Little Falls, NY, my home town! Thanks much Roger! My pvt label collection of local watches now has two Little Falls, NY watches.

This is a pic from the top of Mt. Defiance overlooking Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Chanplain.

Boy Roger lives in a big house!

Ed's visits are always a pleasure and he frequently surprises me as well. The picture doesn't do it justice, but look at the beautiful benchtop shelf and 6 drawers of storage unit that Ed built. Ed's picture looks across Lake Champlain into Vermont and the Green Mountains in the distance. It was a spectacular day.

Uh...Harry...I live in Ticonderoga, not the Fort.

Roger have seen more than a few of my watches, doing a great job bringing them back to life.

Confession time. I had a work area in the living area of our house. It was very nice as I had perfect natural light from the north and west. Unfortunately my wife thought it just didn't fit into the decor, so I was kicked out. I figured if I had to relocate, I might as well build a really nice workshop in the basement. I've been working in the new shop for about a year now, and it has really turned out to be a great work space. It is about 12x25 with lots of light (special daylight fluorescent bulbs work great), and quite a few acquisitions. I have 3 Boley 8mm lathes and a 6mm Wolf Jahn. All my ultrasonic and L&R cleaners in one place next to a sink I installed and plenty of electric outlets. Following are pictures of the working side of the shop. The other side is storage, reference materials, shipping bench, a dehumidifier and air cleaner. If anyone contemplates doing something similar and you have to build a wall like I did, I suggest doing it with 2x6. I did that so I could put 2x6 boards between the studs for additional shelving. It worked out great.

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Rogers new shop and equipment amazes me every time I walk into it. I feel like a "Little Leaguer" walking into Yankee Stadium!
He definately loves to work on problem watches. He has straightened out a few of mine!

I see why it's so hard to find a good used bench--they're all in Roger's basement! Very nice shop indeed.

What is the lathe base in pic 5? It looks like a piece of high-end audio gear with the brass plate, lights, and gauge.

Thanks Evan,

That is the 6mm lathe. I bought it with that base attached. I also have the box for the lathe with a bunch of accessories and collets. Whoever had it made up that plate. It's really more for looks than function. I don't know why they did it.

nice set up Roger.