Horological Meandering

The short version of the long story is that I acquired a '50 IWC cal 89 from a reputable source who acknowledged the watch needed servicing, and priced it accordingly.  The first watchmaker found a problem with the seconds pinion, but apparently resorted to a 'work-around' to get the movement running instead of sourcing a replacement.  After wearing it for only a day, I noticed the seconds hand wouldn't advance beyond the 50 second mark without faltering every third minute or so.   It was only in retrospect that I learned the reason: seconds pinions are about as rare as hen's teeth.  The second watchmaker also tried but was unable to get it running, so I was forced to scour the internet in search of a seconds pinion.  I finally found one in Germany.

Finally, after well over a year between two watchmakers, it was running with a properly advancing seconds hand.   Unfortunately, it was running about half a minute per day slow in my timing tests.  Back to the watchmaker.  Finally, after many months, came the answer: the minute wheel was heavily worn, and beyond repair.  

I must've spent twenty hours scouring the internet and communicating with parts suppliers.  Finally, a minute wheel was found on a German website, and my watchmaker placed an order.  The minute wheel didn't arrive.  He placed a second order.  Still, no minute wheel.  He called the supplier, and you guessed it: they were looking for a minute wheel to fulfill the order!  They had a picture up on their website, and a price, too, but apparently never had the part in stock.

Fortunately, the seller made up for the defective IWC with a perfectly sound Omega in trade.  I lost out financially, undoubtedly, and had a good chunk of funds tied up for three years while attempting to revive a corpse.  Oh, yes; the IWC was actually running when I traded it back to the seller, but it stopped a week later.  

At least it's out of my hair now.  

Relieved,

Art

 

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