WELCOME...
Carey's Vintage Watches is for anyone who appreciates the timeless elegance of vintage watches. It features both high end and work-a-day watches which have been repaired and serviced to regain much of their former glory. The aim is to provide reliable and affordable mechanical manual wind, or automatic, vintage timepieces to both collectors and to those who appreciate the charm and elegance of their design, which seems to be missing in many of today's offerings.​
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I also have a shop where you can purchase some of my watches if you, like me, love that timeless classic vintage vibe!
Tools Of The Trade...
One thing I learned very early on is that there are NO cheap tools! There are poor tools, which really are not worth the money (I've tried), or good tools...there is no middle ground. And good tools are expensive. As a result, tools are a considerable investment.
However, I have some very high quality, industry standard tools that help me to repair and service my watches (mechanical watches only). These include an Elma watch cleaning machine, an utrasonic cleaning machine, a staking set, a jewelling tool, a jacot tool, various tools for opening/closing case backs, various balance tools, timegrapher, de-magnetiser, micrometers, crystal removal/fitting tool, Selkirk paperweights (absolutely nothing to do with watches, but I love them!) and of course, the essential movement holders, screwdrivers and tweezers. I favour Bergeon or Horotec tools if possible as, although they are expensive, they are fit for purpose and will last.
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​The amount of tools you need is astonishing and the list above doesn't include the little things, that all add up; Cannon pinion remover, hand/strap remover tools, movement trays, blowers, pin vice, various gauges, pegwood, staking block etc, etc. As well as the consumables; cleaning fluid, oils (more expensive than Unicorn tears!), crystals (glass), various glues...and the list goes on, and on, and on...​
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About...
Carey's Vintage Watches is run by Anthony Carey, a convert to the fabulous world of horology. It is driven by the beauty and elegance of vintage watches and a desire to let them live on for those who appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of a mechanical watch. Vintage watches are not always easy to work on but I think they're worth it.
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​A Carey's Vintage Watch is stripped, cleaned, any required parts sourced, oiled with industry standard lubricants (Moebius), and then reassembled, along with gentle polishing of the case parts and, normally, a new crystal (glass) and strap. Parts are not always easy to find for some, but I have built up a healthy stock of spare parts for common vintage movements (BFG, UMF, Kienzle, Smiths and Ingersoll, ST, ETA, Omega, etc). Some will also need balance wheel repair, jewell replacement, and other specialist tasks. Some others will need pivot holes broached and wheel pivots polished.
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I don't advertise as a watch repair business but, nonetheless, I have repaired and serviced watches for customers who have found me and trusted me with their vintage timepieces. You are welcome to contact me via the contact page if you would like to enquire.
