can anyone help

[SunChaser]

I want to get a custom pocket watch made but I dont know how to go about doing that...I'm also wondering if my dream watch already exists and I just have to hunt it down, could anybody help me?

D.

[JohnF]

Hi -

Welcome to the forum. :-)

Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any custom pocket watch makers, unless, of course, you have very, very deep pockets. In that case, George Daniels is your man. Prices start around $100 000 and the wait is around 6-7 years, depending on what you want. Given that George is well into his 70s, you might want to hurry.

Seriously, can you describe what you are looking for? It's hard to visualize based on what you've said. There really aren't many pocket watch makers around any more, as the demand is very low, and if you are looking for true custom work, then you need to find the watchmaker first, as he or she will be the person to make it for you.

JohnF

[Ray MacDonald]

With the millions of great pocket watches already manufactured I don't know exactly what you'd gain in a custom made pocket watch anyway. There are railroad grades, solid gold models, chronos, repeaters, even the legendary Gruen 50th anniversary watch already out there. Not to mention some of the complications that have been made by Patek and others.
What exactly does your dream watch have to be or do?

[Chascomm]

Had you inquired a couple of years ago, I would have offered the contact details of the Chelyabinsk Watch Factory, makers of Molnija, but unfortunately I hear that they're winding up production of pocket-watches. (they could probably still do you a personalized aircraft panel-clock, though :-d ).

Hong Kong as always has hundreds of assemblers of pocket-watches, but I don't think I'd recommend any of them.

Depending on what you're after, it might be best to purchase a base movement and (probably vintage) case and get a competent watchmaker and/or jeweller to create the watch you want. If you go that way, it would be best to discuss it first in detail with a trusted watchmaker before you buy anything.

[SunChaser]

That sounds like a good idea. what I want is a little complex. Its a two sided water proof wind up watch. one side has a watch on it with gears exposed, the other side has a compass built in and a fold out astrolabe. I have ideas for personal engravings on both the outside cases. I already have the basic watch picked out. thanks for the help, if you have any other suggestions let me know