Welcome to Chapter 185 René
Just got my Pacer back from René. Another fine overhaul. Thanks René

Wow! A true celebrity. I bought my first Hamilton Electric from René. Welcome.

Larry

Watch and Clock Collectors are Really Very Special People

We share a passion, which is deeper than an interest.

We marvel at history & celebrate innovation.

We honor the past, and desire to carry information and relics from the past, through the present, and into the future.

We also share a profound respect for time.

I welcome Rene Rondeau to the IHC, and I am very delighted that he has joined us.

I've only met Rene Rondeau once, and that was last September at the Dearborn Show. Prior to that, he and I exchanged hundreds of emails. He restored many of my "important watches", and sold me almost all of my "most important watches".

Sure, Rene is "The Dean of the Hamilton Electrics" (Where did that come from anyway?).

Sure, a Rene Rondeau restored Hamilton is worth 20% to 30% more than any similar Hamilton.

Yes, He wrote "The Book on Electrics", and "The Guide for Hamilton Collectors".

My experience is that Rene Rondeau is also one of the most generous wrist watch enthusiasts that I've ever met. He has graciously responded to hundreds of questions that I've asked him, most of them being the really absurd ones of a young collector (Rene, Should I buy the Altair on Ebay with the buy it now of $1400?).

Rene Rondeau shares all of the ideals that I mentioned above. His research regarding Hamilton wrist watches, and his specific research into the electric is extraordinary. His passion for the history and technology is unmatched. The quality of his restoration skills is unrivaled, and the prices of his watches are below market value. (Note to self: Edit that last line. Why share this??)

I am so delighted that Rene is the 500th member of the IHC.

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I'm honored to be #500 -- a very fitting number somehow! My only problem now is to figure out where I'm going to find the hours I'll need to read through all the posts on this site. It looks pretty daunting!

(And Bill -- yes, you should buy that Altair.......)

LOL! 3 years ago, when I had no understanding about the value or importance of Hamilton Electrics, someone listed an Altair with a buy it now of $1400. Being a timid collector, I emailed Rene to ask his advise. In the moments between my question, and his answer, our own Steve "Spockstudio" Pagano bought the watch!


As an aside...several months ago, Steve sent the watch to me....

Welcome Aboard René!

We look forward to your active participation in our chapter.

Debbie

Welcome Rene, Great to have you aboard.All good people. Ted

Outstanding idea Lindell.

A real thrill and honor to have you with us Rene!

We all look forward to your participation at IHC 185! I want your autograph Rene!!!

Welcome Rene'! I know what you mean about the time to read it all. I usually catch up on weekends, but sometimes even that is a stretch. However THIS site is my priority and I feel confident that you will agree after a few weeks. This is home.

Welcome René I know you will enjoy Chapter 185 .

Welcome Rene'
Cogratulations on becoming #500
Hope you enjoy all the tyme you will spend with your new Family
Cheers Shawn

Welcome Rene'! Great to have you with us!
Joel Sarich

A week ago a man told me that, "if you want to know anything about Hamilton Electrics, I have a connection in US", Rene Rondeau was his name. I must admit that I only recognize the name from somewhere but nothing more than that. And a few days later, I see his name on this board. You are well known here in Sweden aswell and have a great reputation as a true Hamiltonian. Even if I was not updated in my mind, others are.

By this chapter I now hopefully have the connection myself, with you AND 500 other watch people around the globe. Amazing.
Welcome on board!
Best wishes!
/Bernhard

Welcome aboard, Rene. It's nice to have a chance to encounter you in an informal manner. I hope you enjoy these forums and the people. I feel certain you will be a true asset to the chapter.

- Greg

I don't know what else can be said, but I'll give it a try. I have known Rene for the better part of 10 years, and he is the consummate gentleman and the watch dealer you wish everyone was like in terms of his honesty and integrity. Despite being busy as a dealer and a technician, he has, on countless occasions, selflessly given of his time in answering my questions, especially as pertains to horological research.

Welcome aboard, Rene.

Welcome Rene, I had wished my member number would be 770 but I'm afraid I couldn't wait that long.