The Oberlin Watch Company

Well, I guess the cat is now officially out of the bag.  

Over the past 6 months I have been trying to (quietly) work away on a personal project. What you see in the photo is the prototype / sample of the Oberlin Watch Company's first model - the OBIE1.

So in fairness, some background. As you know, I am a Northern Youth. Born in Zanesville, Ohio but raised in a small northern town - Oberlin.

Oberlin is noted for a college, a conservatory, some very open-minded and liberal thinking, being a station on the Underground Railroad, and in horological terms it is literally within walking distance of Kipton, where the Great Kipton Train Wreck took place -

https://postalmuseum.si.edu/node/2072

Oberlin is also a town founded with the same zeal and ideals as many towns in the midwest were, and if you've ever read Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt, you could probably picture what it might have been like. It is also rumored that Mark Twain wrote The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg as a response to a less-than friendly reception he received when visiting Oberlin: Twain had given a lecture in a church at Oberlin College in 1885, and it was unpopular with the academic audience. The Hadleyburg story may allude to this event. Scholar Russel B. Nye wrote that the story "was Twain's way of taking revenge on the small town" after being jeered at and rejected by the academic audience.^[5] Writes Nye, "the story is coexistent with the publication of Twain's tale of exposed hypocrisy, the townspeople remembering his visit and noting the parallel situations. There are some interesting and provocative parallels between Twain's Oberlin experiences and the Hadleyburg of fiction". The town of Oberlin had been founded as a religious and educational settlement in 1833, and is and was known as an educational and religious center. Nye says that Twain read three stories that were received coolly by most of his Oberlin audience: "King Solomon" (an excerpt from Huckleberry Finn, ch. 14); "The Tragic Tale of a Fishwife," an excerpt from A Tramp Abroad; and "A Trying Situation." The fishwife tale is from Appendix D in A Tramp Abroad, subtitled "The Awful German Language."

per Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_That_Corrupted_Hadleyburg

And lastly, it was common to name a watch company for the town that it called home - Waltham (MA) and Elgin (IN) being just two examples.  Wendy and I have been nomads most of our married life, but if I do have a hometown, it would be Oberlin.

Now for all of you watch fans out there -

The watch is of stainless steel and measures 40 mm in diameter.  The thickness is 9.3, lug to lug is 48 mm, and the lug width is 20 mm.  The movement is the Citizen 2035.  The straps were sourced by the good folks at Lic Straps in Belgium, and feature quick springs -

And in case you need a reminder of what place your watch represents -

The dial design and case back are courtesy of my friend Armand Billard, the mad savant behind Sartory Billard.

Watches should be fun, and should evoke some emotional response. And judging from some of the emails I received today, I think it's a big success already.

I am not a watch maker, and I am not a designer.  

So I thank Armand, as well as the folks at Swiss Watch Consultants (the same dream team that make the Swiss Watch Company watches - Rod, Stephen et al.) for their support and assistance in making this happen.

The first series of the OBIE1 retails for $97.97 plus whatever shipping.

If it's in your wheelhouse, drop me a line -

Oberlin Watch Company

Making American Watchmaking Great Again...in Switzerland.

Okay,  a little back story and some inside baseball.  Following Hamilton, Waltham is perhaps the best known of the "original" made in America watch companies. Hamilton was slowly diluted and ultimately acquired and moved lock, stock and mainspring to Switzerland and is now part of the SWATCH Group. Despite what their crack marketing team would have you believe  the brand today is about as American as Nutella - you can buy it here, but you'll most likely go for strawberry jam or peanut butter. 

Waltham has had a much bumpier passage. It has been traded back and forth like a slightly damaged (not in mint condition) Spiderman Amazing Fantasy #15. 

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Sure, it's interesting, it has historical "what's it", but because it has been neglected, it is not going to fetch "new/mint in mylar" prices. A few folks tried to take whatever goofball idea that they had and slap the name Waltham on it and hope it would sell. And this has proven that there is more to a successful watch brand than simply a well-known brand name.

One thing that is known is that the Waltham name has been registered in one form or another by a few different entities, but the word around the campfire is that the actual rights to use the name in the manufacture and sale of watches belongs to one unique owner based in New York, and according to the TESS search system, it is M. Z. BERGER & CO.

So when news popped into the Tempus Fugit mail box this Boxing Day morning that the Waltham Depollier (or the Field & Marine) watch will be coming back - like Return of the Jedi (props to Mohandas Dewese - that's Kool Moe Dee to you), I was curious.

Here is the info just as it arrived -

Courtesy of Watch Angeles

The forerunner of the Dive Watch is coming back!
 

All dive watches watches owe their existence to the Waltham Depollier Waterproof "Field & Marine" Watch, the watch that started the waterproof market. 

In February 2021 a new chapter of the biggest story in American Watchmaking - Waltham Watches - will be Crowdmanufactured by Watch Angels.

Follow the project on our social medial channels and sign-up to participate.

And this is where, gentle reader, I have to admit that I am a bit, well, scoobied. Does this mean that the "Angels" at Watch Angels have struck a deal? Does it mean that the watch will bear the Waltham name, or the Depollier label?

And truly confusing, why use both names?

They are currently operating out of a website labeled: https://waltham.ch

And good news for all of you out there who believe in pixies - a truly nationalistic tag line to appeal to real red-blooded Americans -

Making American watchmaking great again.

And then if you read the top menu language, that apparently means - Making American watchmaking great again...in Switzerland.

Well, we will wait, and we will see.

In the meantime, for those of you seeking some interesting background on a real Waltham Trench Watch from a trained historian and actual archeologist, I highly recommend Dr. Jack Carlson's entry in A Man & His Watch.  Just promise me you won't buy it from Hodinkee ; )

Sticky Fingers and a President's Gift

Watches, even historically significant ones, are stolen every day.

Courtesy of the Metropolitan Police

But then again, it's not every day that a gift from a US President to the naval officer of a foreign (albeit friendly) nation gets lifted from an antique store.

Courtesy of the Metropolitan Police

The watch in question was presented to Charles Lawrenson, the Master of The Nubian by US President Woodrow Wilson.  Mr. Lawrenson originally hailed from Liverpool.  

Now as to why?  Why would the President of the United States present a solid gold Waltham pocket watch to an officer on a British flagged steam ship?

Well on March 7, 1914 the SV Julia A. Trubee, an American flagged schooner apparently ran into difficulty and Master Lawrenson and his crew rescued the crew.  If I read the logs and records that I could find correctly, the Julia A. Trubee was lost, but thanks to the actions of Lawrenson and the Nubian, the crew was saved.

Courtesy of the Metropolitan Police

Back to present day, the watch was in an antiques dealer in Islington, north London.  From the reporting, it is clear that the thief was not your Thomas Crown level criminal mastermind.  The thief came in, attempted to purchase a vase, the credit card was declined, and while the cashier was returning the vase, the thief somehow got into the display case holding the watch and was away.

With the Met involved, I suspect that one will not be so easy to shift, unless the thief (or whoever retained his services) was specifically seeking this watch for themselves.

Made In America - The Witch City

The plain and simple truth is that at the moment, there are just a couple of fully, totally made in America watches.  And Vortic is one of them.
Now they do have a new release that you can read about at another outlet, but I thought I'd share mine with you today -

I had this one made back in 2017.  It is the Witch City -

It is based on a Waltham pocket watch. Wendy and I had moved to Salem, MA and owing to this a Waltham seemed like the most appropriate basis to build on.

It is good to know that some things are still made here, but moreover it is GREAT to know that history will continue to tick on and on thanks to Vortic.

Why I Bought it - The Vortic Witch City

So before anything else, I need to disclose that I do some freelance work for Vortic.  While I am not an employee, I do assist in certain projects.  I purchased the Vortic watch discussed in this story, and as such am also a customer.  Having said that, in the interest of practicing what I preach, I felt it important to disclose this relationship.

In all honesty, I didn't really get Vortic at first.  It was an interesting idea, taking a no-longer utilized pocket watch, and giving it a new life as a wrist watch.  Moreover, it offered pretty much the only 100% made in America watch.  But I just couldn't really get my head around it.

That was until I met one of the key people behind Vortic, R.T. Custer.  R.T. was in town for an event in Boston, and we got together to talk about Vortic, and to give me the opportunity to finally clap eyes on the actual watches.

And then, suddenly, I got it.  We live in a throwaway society.  That is the plain and simple truth.  And it's not every day that you get an opportunity to design something on your own and see it come to life.  So pals and gals, I introduce you to the Witch City -

As Salem is now home, I wanted a watch that was somewhat reflective of that.  I gave some basic parameters - I wanted a "local" basis for the watch, and that would be Waltham of Waltham, MA.

R.T. and his gang found just the right pocket watch and sent me a short video so that I could give the okay.

But then, I wanted it to have some elements that would tie it to Salem, MA.  For those of you who are not acquainted with my new hometown, Salem is in/famous for the Salem Witch Trials (and subsequent executions).  Interesting to relate, the Salem Witch Trials did take place in Salem, but also in Danvers (a town next to modern day Salem that did not have as strong a PR department).

So I went for a blackened case.  The case is blackened titanium and is produced by 3D printing, then polished and finished. 

The pocket watch was then adjusted and inserted into it's new house.  

And although I've seen plenty of display back watches, they have nothing on this -

The watch is secured with a black Horween cordovan strap.

You can, of course, commission your own Vortic watch, but this one is mine ; )

The Boston

From Vortic

Courtesy of Vortic

Seeing as Tempus Fugit is based here in Boston, this seemed like an appropriate watch to feature today.  This is part of Vortic's American Artisan series.

Fort those unfamiliar, Vortic offers a made in America watch by creating a titanium case via 3D printing technology to offer something that harnesses some leading edge US manufacturing technology.  But it is important to understand that while the team at Vortic is creating a somewhat "new fangled" watch case, the heart of the Vortic Boston is a restored vintage Waltham pocket watch movement.

Courtesy of Vortic

Here are the pertinents, straight from the source -

Watch Specs

• Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
• Product Year: 2017
• Warranty: Vortic 2-Year Revolving Warranty
• Watch Dimensions: 
  • Diameter = 46mm
  • Height = 12mm
  • Lug-to-Lug = 55mm
  • Lugs = 22mm
• Case Finish: Raw Titanium
• Crown/Hardware: Knurled Raw
• Crown Location: 3 O'Clock (Hunting)
• Water Resistance: 1 ATM
• Crystals: Anti-Fingerprint Gorilla Glass
• Case Back: Exhibition, Stainless Steel
• Hands: Original Blued Steel
• Strap: Leather

Movement Specs

• Original Manufacturer: Waltham Watch Company
• Jewels: 17j
• Size: 12s
• Function: Manual Wind
• Power Reserve: 36-42 Hours
• Finish: Nickel

The Un-Met Relative

Now I know that most of us have an aunt.  And in fairness, I am sure that most of us have really nice aunts.  For the record, my aunt is the best in the world!
                                       

Today my aunt and I had lunch together and she presented me with this wonderful family heirloom.  My understanding is that this was given to my great grandfather back in either 1945 or 1947,
                                                     
                        

This is a key wound pocket watch from the American Watch Co.
The case is silver, and although it is running a bit, I am going to hold off on doing anything too crazy with it (i.e. setting and winding) until I have had it looked at and serviced as my suspicion is that it has not been "opened-up" since the 1940s.

I have done some cursory digging, and will post a much more in-depth update once I have it back from it's "spa" treatment.

Thank you Judy, and thank you Walter who passed it to her to pass to me.                                  
                                                                                                                                                         

Waltham - as American as...

So let me be very clear about one thing right away, I understand the need to have a story to help introduce a watch.  Moreover, I understand the value of having an "historic" story to help sell a watch.

Courtesy of Waltham

BUT - when I read the announcement/statement from Waltham's CEO:

“We want to vigorously reassert Waltham's free spirit, because we believe that making unconditional choices is the greatest value a real man can have; the highest form of exploration and discovery in modern times”.

Antonio DiBenedetto is the entrepreneur and current President and CEO 

I read a lot of press releases, I'm a former English teacher… I have absolutely no idea what the hell this means.

Yes, I can just hearken back to those thrilling days of "yesteryear" in dear old Roxbury.  I can just see David Davis, Edward Howard, and Aaron Lufkin Dennison throwing back a few belts after a "manly" bout of arm wrestling David saying to Edward and Aaron -

"Gentlemen, let's build a watch factory that will produce timekeepers, and as an expression of our free spirit, let's make some unconditional choices!"

To which Aaron replied - "Damn well said David!"

Aaron then heartily slapped David on the back and said: "Seeing as we are all, clearly 'real men', and partake in exploration and discovery in these modern times (with gusto I might add), let's incorporate!"

Okay, all kidding aside, I applaud anyone who takes the challenge to re-boot a brand.  But - if you're going to trade on your historical past, do yourself and the buying public the favor of actually paying attention to it.  Today's Waltham watches are perfectly okay, but visually they have about as much to do with the original Waltham as this blog has to do with the Academy of Arts and Letters.  And as a bonus, they are based in that famous American bastion of horology -  Marin-Epagnier, SWITZERLAND ; )

And PS - there's nothing wrong with that - but be honest and sincere about who and what you are - otherwise it is just talk, and sounds like another American classic...

Wrist + Pocket = Wrocket!

So if you're anything like me, you have come across old pocket watches.  With luck, you might even have one or two in your collection.  But Richard Paige decided to take it a few steps further.

Dissatisfied with what was available at the $2,000 - $3,000 price point, and wanting to have something that wasn't dependent upon the whims of the SWATCH Group (ETA), he became determined to create something else.  Necessity met conservation! 

Courtesy of RPaige

In their own words -
The limited edition Rpaige Wrocket watch is a play on words. The watch uses an antique/vintage "12 size" (39.78mm) American pocket watch movement made by either Elgin of Illinois, or Waltham of Massachusetts.

Courtesy of RPaige

Essentially, Richard has sourced these movements, refurbished them, and encased them in new art deco inspired case. 

Courtesy of RPaige

These are limited editions, and available direct from RPaige.


Courtesy of RPaige

 And because I know you are interested are the specs:

Rpaige Wrocket Watch with white Dial and round hands

Courtesy of RPaige

Limited edition of 50 worldwide

Case:
Polished Stainless Steel Convex sapphire crystal front, diamond coated glass display back.

Dimensions:
44mm diameter, 14mm thick, 52 mm end to end

Movement:
15 or 17 jewel, Waltham or Elgin antique/vintage American pocket watch movement
Weight:
Steel case - 82.7 grams

Price: US $2,400




Rpaige Wrocket Watch with Black dial and round hands

Courtesy of RPaige

Limited edition of 199 in steel

Limited Edition of 99 in titanium

Case:
Polished Stainless Steel or titanium, Convex sapphire crystal front, diamond coated glass display back.

Dimensions:
44mm diameter, 14mm thick, 52 mm end to end
Movement:
15 or 17 jewel, Waltham or Elgin antique/vintage American pocket watch movement

Weight:
Steel case – 82.7 grams
Titanium case – 67.3 grams

Price:$2,400

www.rpaigewatch.com