IndianaRog and the Temple of Steam

In June 2013 I felt it was "time" to create a standalone tab for my growing interest in mechanical (wind up) clocks and watches. 

It's taken a few steam engine sales and then some to fund this effort, yet I'm already thinning out my timepieces too.

Steam will always remain near and dear, but like my interest in model trains, it all gets to co-mingle here in the Temple of all things mechanical. 

Mechanical Clocks

Mechanical Watches

Check out these clocks.  Some just tell time and nothing more, others also play chimes, gong and/or cuckoo to signal the time.

I find I really like old Seth Thomas clocks...preferably weight driven with visible moving pendulums, but I also have a number of other spring driven examples from various makers.

Actually, I collected several of these clocks going back 40 years, but most have been acquired since 2012. 

• Column & Cornice Shelf Clock (1866) by Seth Thomas

• Omaha City Clock (1886) by Seth Thomas

• Outlook No. 5 Mantel Clock (1921) by Seth Thomas

• Salem Cottage Case/New Haven Movement (1924-28)  by Seth Thomas & New Haven

• Corsair No. 6 Marine Wardroom Clock (1941) by Seth Thomas

• Sharon Steeple Clock (2007) by Hermle (Seth Thomas Reproduction)

• Regulator No. 2 Railroad Clock (2013) by Chervin (Seth Thomas Reproduction)

Rest of the collection

• Cuckoo & Quail Clock (1903) by George Kuehl

• Cuckoo Clock (early 1970's) by Cuckoo Clock Mfg. Co. Inc.

• Royal Mariner Chiming Ship's Clock (mid 1960's) by Schatz

• Royal Mariner Barometer (1968) by Schatz

• Russian Sub. Clocks (1997, 1999 & 2001) by Vostok

• Regulator Wall Clock (1986) by Howard Miller 

• Gauge to Clock Conversion (1926/2012) by Rog

I found the following poem that for me sums up a lot of feelings about winding my clocks...here 'tis:

At the time of this entry (Feb. 2015), the Seth Thomas Omaha, early 1886 City Series clock below, is the nicest 1800's clock in my collection...this almost looks new except for a bit of dial flaking.


This first release of the Omaha 1886 Time and Strike clock has some nice features not available on later 1894 examples, such as the satin, solid walnut cabinet. The later examples also had a lesser movement than this one.

I purchased this example from eBay seller Steve Blackwell.

All photos and much of the descriptive text here was Steve's...I could not do it any better, so I used his!  I will be keeping an eye on Steve's future eBay auctions...I tend to like perfect!

I WON'T be touching this clock, it simply couldn't be improved on!




The Omaha is listed in noted authority Tran Duy Ly's "Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements" Version 1, 3rd Edition, page 202.



Additional features include:

• A heavy, original pendulum ball - silvered and bearing a damascene pattern
• The original lyre time and strike movement was fully restored to like new specifications
• The pendulum shaft, bob and all portions of the running equipment are original and flawless
• This 1886 catalog version of the Omaha is equipped with the original 6 inch painted dial with black Roman numerals and the signature Seth Thomas full spade cut steel hands.
• A full traditional top railed crest with matching upper spindles of walnut
• The heavy original period door glass with gold back tablet and original walnut door with stiles and rails intact
• An extended base that gives a nice rise to the lower cabinet which is set on fully intact, matching pediment feet
• The full, 19 inch tall cabinet is tight and sits properly with no warp-age or other defect often seen in clocks of it's era

The 8 day Seth Thomas Lyre movement with 5 7/8" pendulum drop is one of the best time and strike movements ever manufactured. 

The movement was then properly reassembled and lubricated.


Seth Thomas never had such precise instrumentation to calibrate his clocks 100+ years ago, but it's nice to know that even after all this time, this movement was made so well it can be very tightly calibrated with

both electronic and mechanical means.


While some of my clocks are lesser examples I don't mind restoring or tinkering with myself, this is a fairly rare clock and I am fortunate that it came to me in properly restored and like new operating condition, despite the passing of 129 years since it was first made. 

I'm in awe that a clock was made well enough and cared for well enough to survive such a duration, it is no wonder there is such a loyal collector following of Seth Thomas clocks.

Outlook No. 5 ~ 1921...a simple but pretty Seth Thomas mantel clock. 

Clock features a mahogany veneered cabinet in what I will call an abbreviated tambour style.  In fact, it was those shorter "wings" on the base that attracted me to this example in the first place vs. typical wide body tambour style mantel clock which does not appeal to me.

The Outlook No. 5 has an 8 day Seth Thomas 89AL movement striking once on the half hour and counting off the hours at the top of the hour.  The cathedral coil gong sounds bigger than it is, maybe due to the case shape, as it sounds like a much larger clock.

Measurements of this clock are: 9 1/2" H, 11" W and 5" D. 

This is one Seth Thomas clock I did NOT acquire from eBay seller Michael Short, instead another very nice eBay seller gave this clock a basic cleaning and oiling only, not the "nuclear refurbishment" approach I tend toward.  But, heck, it didn't cost me much and I am delighted with it, having had it ticking over my desk for almost a month now with no issues. 

Convex 5" dial and convex glass.  Enameled dial with black Arabic numerals and the hands are the correct Seth Thomas iteration for this clock.  Gilt sash, dial, bezel and hands hands are all correct and pristeen.

The Outlook No. 5 is listed in noted authority Trans Duy Ly's book: "Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements", Third edition, Vol. 1, page 493.

I don't believe this clock has been refinished, though seller shared that it had been cleaned and oiled with a product called "Natchez Solution", consisting of beeswax and lemon oil in an FDA quality mineral oil base.  Supposedly this stuff feeds the wood with no wax buildup. 

If that is what gave this clock such a nice wood finish, I'm going to have to get some of it!

This clock was obviously well cared for during it's 92 years of life as of July 2013.  It looks like it was made yesterday both inside and out.  The mahogany veneer is perfect including on the finished rear side.

I added a label direction copy to the inside of the rear door where they were originally affixed.

Here is the business end...the 89AL movement.  Seth Thomas made the #89 movement in many iterations designed to fit different case shapes...it seems robust and and by all reports a quality movement.  

UPDATE:  Sept. 2018...after 4+ years of flawless operation, this clock just kept stopping on me...cleaning and oiling didn't help other than show me up close that several pivots were badly worn creating slop in the movement.  

I removed it and sent it for refurbishment by:  Back In Time Clock Parts and Restoration.  Kevin Souder did a beautiful job on the movement, cleaned to look like new, replaced all pivots and bushings and corrected worn teeth on the escape wheel.  2 week turnaround door to door and it's running flawlessly now, back in it's case.  

I'm confident this movement will be going long after I've stopped!!!

This clock is modest of style, but mighty of sound and it makes me very happy every time it sounds it's gong.

My fascination with mechanical clocks continues...this one having a maritime background. 



This example is an American made, Seth Thomas Corsair #6 Marine Wardroom Clock, built in May 1941 and initially installed on a WWII era U.S. Navy Ship, most likely in a wardroom, the mess-cabin of naval commissioned officers above the rank of Midshipman.

Unlike my Schatz "Ship's Clock" which sounds off a series of bells to designate change of "watch"...this is a time only clock.  

The clock's diameter is 7 3/4 inches and depth is 3 inches. Clock is equipped with a 7 1/2 inch screw type waterproof bezel with original glass.  Brass is fully 1/8 inch thick...something not seen on modern renditions of this clock.  

This same clock can be found listed in the book:  Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements, 3rd edition, volume 2, page #774, by noted Seth Thomas authority: Trans Duy Ly.

The silvered dial and Seth Thomas signature spade style hands and center sweep second hand are original.  The dial has been professionally re-silvered.

The fully restored, time only American made movement No. 5164, is an 8 day, 11 jewel platform escapement, signed and dated: May 1941. 

Restoration of movement included total dis-assembly and inspection of all components which were then cleaned with ultrasonics. 

Any worn pivot bushings were replaced, time mainspring was unloaded, properly cleaned and inspected/lubricated and reloaded into the mainspring barrel. 

The brass case was re-polished and sealed with a fresh new lacquer finish. The movement was then properly reassembled, lubricated and adjusted.

Clock came ready to run, all I did was mount it to a nice wooden backing, attach that to the wall and wind it up...it ran the claimed 8 days on my first winding and kept good time too...can't ask for more than that!
 
The photo below is off an old post card...it shows the Seth Thomas "Marine Shops" in Thomaston, Connecticut, USA, the place this Corsair #6 would have been made.


My thanks to Michael Short, clock maker and restorer extraordinaire.  Mike did the restoration seen here and sold me this clock...a real gentleman to deal with. 

Michael can be found on eBay under the seller name: "msho3356".  He specializes in Seth Thomas clocks primarily and packs well to protect these jewels.

The following photo was from an eBay auction by clock seller "champsclock" (Champs Clock Co. of Douglasville, GA).  

The stained glass definitely caught my eye when I bought this Hermle steeple clock reproduction, new in early 2014. 

For many years I sang tenor in a church choir and stared out from the choir loft at a stained glass window much like the one featured as a backdrop for this clock...that photo touched me enough to capture it here!

I had been searching for an original Seth Thomas Sharon Steeple Clock (first made in 1924), but most I found were in rough shape or electrified...neither of any interest to me.

While the stained glass window ad caught my eye, Hermle's rendering of the steeple clock as well as my own positive experience with this movement maker sold me.

Although I purchased this clock "new" in 2014, I found the movement itself was made in 2007 based on Hermle's dating scheme (letter "T" above the Hermle name = 2007 year of mfg.). 

When the movement and case were mated is unknown, but most likely closer to 2007 than 2014.  I believe Champs Clocks had bought a large Hermle inventory which perhaps hadn't moved in a while and hence it was sold at a significant discount.  I'm an easy touch for a pretty face and a sale price too!

I have had experience now with three other clocks using Hermle movements and I have found them to be very reliable and accurate.  The floating balance feature in this clock and one other I have means you don't have to be so particular to absolutely level them.

So, in a departure from mostly older clocks in my collection, I opted for Hermle's new rendition of the classic steeple clock and I am extremely pleased with the quality of movement, sound and cabinet eye appeal. 

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Here's my clock on location in the master bedroom atop a bookcase...not as dramatic as a stained glass window for a backdrop, but I don't have one of those handy!

The cabinet is made of solid mahogany and veneers with an elegant satin cherry finish.  The two pane glass door has etching to the lower half that nicely sets off the brass pendulum. 

Cabinet dimensions are: H 21 5/8" x W 11 3/8" x D 6"

The dial is similar to the original Seth Thomas version with leaf and vine motifs, black Roman numerals and black metal serpentine hands.

The reverse is nicely finished as well and a door swings open to access the movement and pendulum.

Hermle incorporated their German made #351-020 8-day, key wound mechanical pendulum movement that plays 4/4 Westminster chimes on 5 hammers and counts off the hour.  The included "silent" lever is an option if all that chiming interrupts sleep. 

Notice the finish inside the cabinet...it's as nice as the outside, something usually given little attention in most older clocks I've seen.  I love the overall presentation.

Nearly one hundred years ago, Franz Hermle began manufacturing and selling mechanical clocks.  In 1922, he founded the Franz Hermle Clock Co. of Gosheim/Wuerttemberg, Germany.

They have continued to build the company into a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of clocks and mechanical movements. Now in it's third generation, Franz Hermle and Sohn employs over 500 people in 4 locations in German and an additional US facility.

Hermle has been the maker of Seth Thomas clocks and movements since the 1950's when the Seth Thomas factory was flooded out of business, a fact virtually unknown to the casual clock buyer that buys the Seth Thomas "name". 

Hermle clocks and movements have also been sold under names such as Howard Miller, Sligh, Ridgeway, New England, Emperor, Hamilton and more.  This is my first complete clock made under the Franz Hermle & Sohn label and I am very well pleased.

Hermle's Black Forest Steeple Clock, Steeple Mantel or Shelf Clock was originally sold years ago through the NEW ENGLAND Clock Company.  Unfortunately, Hermle seems to have discontinued manufacture of this specific clock.  Examples are still out there at several websites and occasionally on eBay, but supplies will dry up if they are no longer being made.  No idea why...styles come and go, but if you like it, shop for one soon!

Antique clocks are wonderful, but a quality reproduction is pretty nice too...it even comes with a "new car" sort of smell!

This beautiful Seth Thomas No. 2 regulator is a reproduction manufactured by Chervin Woodworks in Hawkesville, Ontario, Canada ~ circa 2013 !!! 

You can still find old, original Seth Thomas No. 2 clocks on eBay and other outlets, but I was impressed enough by the Chervin product to opt for a brand new, but historically accurate rendition. 

No regrets buying new, this thing is gorgeous in every way and with a weight driven Hermle movement, the mechanics are solid as well...runs perfectly and is incredibly accurate after just a couple of weeks getting it dialed in.

I own a number of original, antique Seth Thomas clocks and I love each for it's uniqueness and history.  BUT, it sure is nice to experience a "NEW" Seth Thomas clock, even if it is a reproduction. 

It's a bit like buying a new car...there is just something nice about NEW!

Size: 36" H. 16" W. 6" D.
Wood: Quarter Sawn White Oak

In the early 1860's, the Seth Thomas Clock Co. began production of the No. 2 Regulator, a clock that graced the walls of railroad stations across North America. 

The clock was produced, with very few changes, for nearly 90 years until 1950, likely the longest produced single model in clock manufacturing history.

Although the Seth Thomas Clock Co. no longer manufactures this clock, this authorized, Seth Thomas labeled reproduction, is now being made exclusively in Canada by Chervin Woodworks. 

Through careful study of the original clock and precise painstaking craftsmanship, this clock has been produced to match the original down to the very finest detail.  Quality is superb IMHO!

Cabinet

If you look closely at a piece of fine antique furniture, you will find a unique grain pattern generally not found in newer pieces. That's because fine furniture, like the Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2, used to be constructed with quarter sawn lumber, an expensive but attractive method of cutting the wood to achieve dramatic results.

Chervin have replicated that process and crafted this case using solid quarter sawn white oak, even using solid oak in areas where Seth Thomas used veneers, increasing the weight of this clock by over 20% vs. the original. 

Chervin even used an 8 piece assembly of wood around the glass dial door like the earliest Seth Thomas No. 2's (later Seth Thomas No. 2's went to a simpler 4 wood piece assembly).

No corners were cut with this fine case...even the rear side is finished as nicely as the front! The joining methods and hand rubbed finish are done superbly.

This delightful chiming ship's clock by Schatz of Germany, dates from the mid 1960's.  It's almost 50 years old yet it looks like it was made yesterday. 

The clock is about 6 inches in diameter and stands out from the wall about 3.5 inches.  All brass with a beveled glass porthole like face that unlocks on the right and swings open to the left for winding.  It features a German made Hermle, eight day "rack and snail" ships bell strike movement with a 7 jewel platform escapement.

Along with all my other windups...the Schatz gets wound every Sat. morning, a pleasant routine!  I can be smitten by a pretty face and they don't come any prettier than this.

CLICK HERE:  For an instant video to hear the 8 bells chime at change of watch

CLICK HERE: For original instructions to set up the Schatz Royal Mariner

YES...I have managed to accumulate THREE of these as of July 2013 !!!

The first is an 8 day, 13 jewel, wind up Russian Sub clock bought from a now defunct catalog firm with a great name... "Sovietski.com".  This one was made in Feb. 1999 and purchased/mounted in 2001.  As best I can figure it, this would have been the third clock acquired in my collection.

Not long ago, high end catalog outfits like that seemed to have cornered the market on selling Westerners bits and pieces of Russian military stuff after the breakup of the Soviet Union.  Today (2015), similar clocks can now be found via eBay, so they are out there if desired and I highly recommend them...a whole lot of quality/value for not much cost.



I am sure this clock never saw the insides of a sub, as it was brand new in consumer packaging when received, but it was made by Vostok of Chistopol, Russia who produced the same clocks for actual Russian subs and surface fleet vessels. 

This model was designated as the 5-CHM, and such clocks were used by the Soviet Navy's ships and submarines for over 70 years.  A photo taken inside the sunken Russian sub Kursk, indicated virtually the same clock was used onboard that modern Russian nuclear sub.

I believe the dial graphics on mine might have been jazzed up a bit for the American souvenir market and I have seen several dial graphics versions (two right here!), but it is still a very nice, well made clock that has been faithfully ticking away over my desk for 14 + years now as of Feb 2015.

Built like a tank, the clock's 1/4 inch thick solid aluminum housing is supposedly waterproof and good for any depth charge shocks it may encounter. Face is highlighted with a brass ring for good measure.

With the included key the gasketed front opens and swings to the left like a porthole.  Once the front is swung open, the same key winds it at the spot above 6 pm position. It ticks with a pleasingly loud sound which reminds me by it's absence if I forget to wind it (which rarely happens).

I think it's Ground Hog Day

I liked my sub clock so much I bought a second as a "backup" a few years later should this one ever fail.  Well, as of Feb. 2013 I began to think since my 1st clock had faithfully run for 12 years straight as of then, it could outlast me. 

So I just took the backup out of storage and decided if one is good, a second one running elsewhere in the house only makes sense!!!  My wife does not see my logic and just rolled her eyes!

I mounted my second sub-clock to a former Jensen steam engine wood base and then screwed it securely to a wall over my workbench...it won't come tumbling down from minor earthquakes we get (or depth charges if that should occur).  Aside from the graphics and a chrome ring on the face, it looks identical in construction to my first sub-clock.  Dang I love these!

My "backup" sub clock below, made in Jan 1997...finally mounted and lookin' fine Feb. 2013:

Here comes a third one....

Since I mounted my backup, I actually went shopping again on eBay to find a replacement "backup"...got it quite cheaply...new in the "Sovietski.com" box from another clock hoarder.  On receipt I just could not hide it away awaiting a depth charge that might take out one of my other two. 

Soooooo, Sub clock No. 3 is mounted like No. 2 on another Jensen steam engine wood base and ticking away in another room of the house. This slightly younger example did not come with the round, black plastic mounting plate and was of a slightly different mounting design allowing direct mounting to a wood surface without the plate. 

The dial graphics and brass face ring are the same as my original sub clock, not surprising as this one originated from "Sovietski.com" as well.  If you cruise this whole timepiece section of my website, you will see I have a penchant for Seth Thomas vintage clocks, but these Russian babies are just a whole lot of cool in my opinion.

Here 'tis, my third Russian Submarine clock built in Feb. 2001 and mounted April. 2013

If you have ever considered buying a high quality wind up clock, you just can't beat the build quality and value of these Vostok made sub clocks.

Every guy needs at least one of these!!!

Here is an example of merging my collectibles.  On the one hand, I am a lover of old toy and model steam engines etc., on the other I have developed an appreciation for clocks and watches. 

Well, here's a good example of the best of both, an old brass water pressure gauge converted into a desk clock. 

I searched eBay for an appropriate piece to convert that meant something to me, and came across this gauge from 1926, labeled:  Providence Pipe & Sprinker Co.   

My dad worked in Providence, RI and our family lived nearby.  Years later I moved a thousand miles away to the mid-west where I have been for 35 years, so re-purposing this gauge into a clock has a special meaning to me on several levels.

Here 'tis...



Though this conversion is powered by a quartz/battery clock, not a windup, it's just high on the cool scale, I love it!

As a parallel to my recent (2012) focus on mechanical clocks, I have also collected a few vintage, wind up, railroad approved pocket watches and several modern wrist watches that self wind with wrist movement. 

Watches with visible front and rear "display" cases are my favorites as they let you see the movement within doing it's thing...marvelous bits of tiny engineering going round and round!!!  All but my Seiko pocket watch offer the ability to see the movement in motion.

I seek out this type of watch and feel I have found some of the most beautiful examples out there.

Railroad Pocket Watches (by age):

• Hamilton 992, 21 Jewel Pocket Watch (1925)

• Waltham Crescent St, 21 Jewel Pocket Watch (1926)

• Seiko 5 SNK793 Wrist Watch (21 jewels)
  

• Sea-Gull M171S Wrist Watch (33 jewels)

• ZULUDIVER Submariner Wrist Watch (21 jewels)
  

• Belocia Dual Watch Winder

The 992 model was the most successful pocket watch made by Hamilton who produced more than 1 million of them between 1912 and 1957.  Hamilton made them in Lancaster, PA with both form and function at a pinnacle.

This specific 992 watch was made in 1925 per the 2313685 serial number.  The case is a #16 size at 2 inches in diameter.  The Double Sunk (D.S.) dial is enamel, with crisp black Arabic numerals.  Outer track is a combined red 5-minute and black 1-minute.

The 992 was built to railroad standards of the day which required that the time setting function could not accidentally be bumped, as precise time was critical to the engineers and conductors who carried these watches.  Hamilton accomplished this with an internal "lever set" feature.

To change the time, the user must purposefully remove the front cover, pull a small lever near the 2 o'clock position and THEN adjust the time with the top stem in the usual way. After pressing the lever back in and replacing the front cover,  turning the stem now will only wind the watch, not change the time accidentally. 

Case reverse (with mineral glass cover on)..."Narrow Stripe" damaskeened pattern can be seen clearly in this photo.  Hamilton also offered a wider stripe pattern, but of the two I prefer this one and sold off a wide stripe example!

I like seeing how things work, so I fell in love with this Hamilton 992 given it had a mineral glass front and back display case marked "HAMILTON" on both bezels vs. the typical unmarked glass front/solid reverse. 

• 21 Jewels refers to friction reducing ruby or sapphire bearings that the gears run in
• Double Roller Escapement refers to the two small rubies that control the watch escapement
• Adjusted 5 Positions means the watch was regulated to keep correct time no matter what position you hold it: face up, face down, stem up, stem down or on it's side

Case reverse (with mineral glass cover off)

I had a complete servicing of the 992 done in March 2013 by watchmaker Chris Abell, and I want to put in a plug for his work which was superb. 

This Waltham Crescent St. Railroad Watch is a beautiful 21 jewel, high grade model 1908, circa 1926.  I usually show the movement photo AFTER the front/dial photo, but in this case I break my own rule.  This movement is simply gorgeous and on par with my Illinois Bunn Special!

You can see how in the late 1920's Waltham was out to catch Hamilton and Illinois with "over the top" damaskeened movements.  They don't get much more dazzling than this!  It even has a snowflake around the center jewel!

NOW, the front side with clear bezel on!

The watch winds like a new one and can't have seen much use.  To showcase this gorgeous dial and movement, I have recased it in a spare Hamilton salesman's display case featuring clear glass front and rear bezels. 

If I find a Waltham case like this or one without the Hamilton engraving, I will again recase it, but for now, this will "do".

Rear side with clear bezel on.

Dial with front bezel off is also looking like new...a very handsome watch indeed.

Though in nice shape as received, I want to keep it that way and sent it in April 2013 for a full COA by my certified watchmaker, Chris Abell.

I have admired Seiko mechanical watches for many years, but until recently this Japanese brand simply cost too much for my liking. 

BUT, when their entry level Seiko 5 could be had for under $60 via Amazon.com (Sept. 2014), my price resistance ended and I happily bought one in Mar. 2013.

The Seiko has a certain mystique for me and I was almost giddy to finally get one.  They may be made in Malaysia now, but the fit, finish and reported performance is still superb.  Mine came with the 21 jewel "caliber" 7S26C movement and is as perfect as I hoped for. 

The "5" after the Seiko name stands for:

1. Diaflex (unbreakable mainspring)
2. Diashock (Seiko's shock resistant design, equivalent to the Swiss "Incabloc")
3. Automatic winding
4. Day/date indication
5. Water resistant

A clear/viewable reverse was the deciding factor on this watch, so one can see the inner workings...a common theme in each of my watches.

Case Reverse:

This Seiko is quite robust including the stainless steel bracelet, and though I am careful to not abuse it,  I wear it if my day's tasks might be too physical for a more delicate watch.   

The quality is outstanding and I'm happy to finally be a Seiko owner...stories of decades of operation without service are legend with this model...I hope mine holds up like that!!!!

Though I was leary to consider modern watches of Chinese origin, I did some reading on the Sea-Gull watch company, in business since 1955, and currently making about 1/3 of the worlds mechanical watches. 

Notice the prominent "China Made" on the bottom of the dial. Sea-Gull is proud of their heritage unlike some Chinese watch makers who try to hide their origin behind fancy names or no name/ID at all.

In my opinion this watch rivals anything coming out of Switzerland and at a fraction of the price Swiss watches command.  As an aside, many Sea-Gull movements are being installed by the Swiss manufacturers themselves, then the watches are passed off as "Swiss Made". 

I feel a watch's heart and soul lies in the movement and I prefer to buy a watch from those who MAKE the movement vs. just repackage it!  Given rave reviews for Sea-Gull by owners on several watch forums, I decided to buy the M171S and now 18 months later I am still delighted with it.

I like a quality, artistically appealing movement first and foremost,  but the attention to detail visible in the M171S's dial, hands, case and leather strap with double butterfly deployment clasp are first rate in every way.  "Stunning" is an understatement!

What initially drew me to this model was the "open heart" or "flying wheel" as Sea-Gull calls it, an open, round viewing port in the dial where the oscillating balance wheel is clearly visible.  I really love this feature and I find myself staring at that "flying wheel" quite often.  I think I could be a good candidate for hypnosis!

In addition to being auto-winding, the M171S offers retrograde day and date indicators and of course, a clear reverse to enjoy Sea-Gull's ST2504 calibre movement with 33 jewels. 

Case Reverse:

The M171S also features blued internal screws seen from the reverse and nice damascening of the inner components including the auto-winding rotor.  Another nice detail is an etched "S" in the surface of the crown. 

Sea-Gull makes no qualms about it's cases being made of stainless steel.  That is fine with me, I like a beautiful watch, but it needs to be durable as well.

I picked this watch up for two reasons...it is powered by a Sea-Gull movement...a brand I have a lot of respect for, and I just liked it's looks from the simple but robust front to the see thru back with it's attractive damascening.

OK...one more silly reason...I love the name ZULUDIVER !

A bit more info on this homage to a Rolex Submariner (a brand I won't be getting anytime soon)

• Model #: ZD-SUB-2107-TY2806
• Sea-Gull movement: calibre TY-2806, automatic wind, 21 Jewels 
• One of only 100 pieces (supposedly)
• 21,600 beats per hour
• 36 hour power reserve
• Winding mechanism: Bi-Directional Japanese Miyota type with Seiko-style magic lever (whatever that is!)
• Quick set date function...date visible with aid of built in magnifier
• Shock Resistance: Incabloc shock resistance
• Hacking Function: The seconds hand stops when the stem is pulled out for time setting

It might sound silly, but if you have more than one auto-winding watch, you have to re-set the watch that has sat around a few days unworn.  How hard could it be to wind and re-set? 

It's not hard to rewind and set a basic time only watch, but watches like the Sea-Gull M171S and the Seiko 5 have day/date features which when left to wind down are a PITA to reset.

'Til I got my watch winder...I wore a watch on each wrist to ensure my three auto-winders did not run down, rotating in the third every other day. BUT, I must admit I looked ridiculous wearing two watches and needed a better solution.

I found the better mouse trap in the form of a Belocia brand two watch winder bought off Amazon.com.  Mine sits on a shelf over my desk taking up a space 6" x 6" by 10" tall and plugs into wall power.

The black door on the front has two windows so you can see which watches are inside. The door swings to the left for access, but closes to keep them dust free. It takes just seconds to remove a watch and place another on the spring loaded blocks that snap into the rotation sockets.

The Belocia will keep two auto-winding watches always wound and ready to go in a day, week or month since last wearing them. It rotates both watches simultaneously for one of four alternating clockwise/counterclockwise cycles over 24 hours.

Each morning I usually swap out the watch I wore the day before for one in the winder and put yesterday's watch back in so it remains wound.  The Belocia pictured above has been running silently and flawlessly now for 24 months as of Sep. 2014...not bad for such a low cost unit.