Fixing watches of all ages, shapes and sizes
Fixing watches of all ages, shapes and sizes
Hey there, fellow watch lovers and wisdom seekers! Come on over, we’ve got a story to share. Today, we’re rolling up our sleeves and diving into the world of watch servicing, specifically a Vostok Komandirskie watch. Imagine a timepiece that’s seen better days, running slower than a Monday morning. But don’t you worry. Our father and son watchmaking duo, armed with their know-how, a bit of British humor, and a promise to preserve the watch’s unique patina, are here to turn things around!
A friend’s friend sent us a Vostok Komandirskie watch he’d bought on eBay. It wasn’t exactly in working order, and he wanted to get it ticking again. This poor thing was in a sorry state, running slower than a kid with untied shoelaces in a race. It was all dusty inside, and the lubrication had dried up. But here’s the thing – the customer didn’t want us to make it look brand new. He wanted us to keep its glorious patina and all its imperfections. Well, challenge accepted!
Vostok Watches, the Russian horological marvel, began ticking in 1942. Born amidst the chaos of WWII, they soon became the ‘go-to’ for Soviet soldiers. Known for their robustness, they’re like the grizzly bears of the watch world – tough, resilient, and with a dash of Eastern Bloc charm, and this one had plenty of “charm”.
When we first saw the Vostok Komandirskie, it looked like it had been on quite an adventure. It was dirtier than a pig in a mud bath. But we respected the customer’s wishes and accepted the watch, battle scars and all. We were determined to breathe new life into this timepiece while preserving its unique character.
We took the watch apart, piece by piece, revealing the hidden secrets within. It was like peeling an onion, without the crying (well, maybe a tear or two of joy). We were committed to reviving this watch while honoring its past.
With the watch taken apart, it was time to get rid of the dirt and grime, and this thing was, well there’s no other word for it, “goopy”. I think the previous owner had deep fried it in an attempt to get it running again.
We scrubbed away years of neglect, giving the watch a well-deserved clean-up. It was like watching Cinderella’s transformation, but with gears instead of glass slippers. And all the while, we carefully preserved the watch’s patina, letting its unique story shine through.
After cleaning, we delicately put the watch back together, making sure every gear and spring was in its right place. It was like solving a puzzle, but with tiny pieces that needed a surgeon’s precision and a saint’s patience. We were determined to make it work again while keeping its charming imperfections.
Next up, the magic touch – lubrication! We applied just the right amount of high-quality oil to each pivot and bearing, ensuring smooth movement and reducing friction. It was like giving the watch a warm, well-oiled hug, making it purr like a contented cat. And through it all, we kept the customer’s wish in mind, letting the watch’s unique patina shine.
Then came the moment of truth. We wound up the Vostok Komandirskie, and held our breath. Tick-tock, tick-tock – the watch sprang to life, as if it had just won the lottery. It was running smoothly, keeping perfect time. And all the while, its cherished patina stood as a testament to its journey. Here she is, in all her glory!
Our journey with the Vostok Komandirskie watch was a wild ride of dirt, determination, and triumph. We took a watch that was barely ticking and turned it into a symbol of watchmaking excellence. But the real highlight was preserving the watch’s unique patina, honoring its history and the customer’s wishes.
So, if you have a watch that’s seen better days and you want to keep its character, don’t worry! With our expertise, a dash of British charm, and a whole lot of elbow grease, we can make it tick again. Just like the Vostok Komandirskie, your watch can go from worn to wonderful, ticking beautifully for years to come, with its patina telling a story that’s all its own.
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