Last evening, I had one of the most enlightening experiences of my adult life. I had the rare privilege of attending the Watchmaking 101 class presented by The Horological Society of New York, the first American horological guild established in 1866 headquartered in New York City's Upper West Side and Hodinkee, a world renown online watch enthusiast magazine started right here in New York City in 2008.
The class was conducted by Horological Society Vice President Nicholas Manousos and Society trustee, Aaron Berlow. Unknown to me, the class was very intimate with only four students, myself included and our two well versed instructors. We learned a bit about the Society first, and dove right into the class. The 101 task, to disassemble and reassemble an ETA 6497 Swiss movement, learning all of the components and placements along the way.
I must say the respect I had for the accuracy, skill and precision of this craft is amplified significantly after having this experience. I felt like a wide eyed student again, and that was exactly the feeling I was looking for. I truly wish I could go back in time and enroll in a watchmaking school, because learning a skill such as this gives someone so much more of an understanding of engineering and science.
Disassembled ETA 6497 components taken off of the mainplate.
Disassembled components, mainplate, loupe and tools on my work station.
Getting the first of two plates in place before attaching the Pallet Fork.
Reassembly complete!
Thank you Nick, Aaron, The Horological Society of New York, and Hodinkee for this absolutely amazing experience. I will never forget it.