Apogee Watch Company

07/31/2024

I tried my hand at making a Cloisonné watch dial. You start with a blank that is 1 1/2" in diameter. You then cut and shape very thin silver wire for the design; then you paint enamel grains into the pattern; then you heat the blank to 1400 degrees and the enamel melts. Repeat the enameling about 5 times. In the end it was not good enough to use but it was fun trying!

07/31/2024

This is a movement from a Elgin watch made in 1919. In the old days, you would go to your jeweler, pick out a case, a movement, and the dial and hands. Then , the jeweler would assemble it for you (just like I do today). The craftsmanship is amazing and the decorative details were to catch the eye of potential buyers.

01/09/2024

We have a new watch available.

I am the most proud that this watch is constructed from 100% Swiss made parts and components. From the crown to the movement everything came out of the houses of watchmakers in Switzerland and assembled and timed here in California.

The Movement
The movement is made by ETA (ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse) which can trace some of its business roots to 1793.

The movement is known as the 2824-2 and is considered a “workhorse” Swiss watch movement.

This ETA manufactured movement is trusted and can be found in many of the most famous watch brands.

The Movement is graded "Top Grade" (the best) and ready to qualify for COSC certifications available only to the largest Swiss watch brands.

The movement has been adjusted in 5 positions and achieves an accuracy of +/- 4 seconds per day up to +/- 15 seconds per day.
The movement has a Glucydur balance which is made of two different metals (beryllium and copper) that expand and contract in different directions and allows the watch to be accurate across a large range of temperatures.

The balance is protected from shocks with an incabloc protection system.

On top of the accuracy of the Swiss movement, the makers used different machining and heat treating techniques to decorate the mechanics.
Decorations include
Heat treated blued screws
Cotê De Geneve striped rotar
Pearl and diamond cut bridges
Proudly marked by ETA as Swiss Made

Case
The case, bezel, and case back are made entirely of 316L Surgical Stainless Steel. It is mirrored polished by hand.
The front glass is made of sapphire for its hardness and scratch resistance.
The case back is engraved Swiss Made in addition to technical specifications.

Dial
The dial black with clearly legible printed Arabic numerals that are white during the day and glow green at night with Superlumanova luminescent paint.
The date is presented at 3 o’clock.

Hands
The hands are hand polished nickel with white Superlumanova luminescent paint.

Price: $950

01/09/2024

Hello Friends,
It Jim Bergman and Allen Harrel. We have started a small California based Watch Company. We make limited edition and custom watches. We would be so happy if you would follow us and help us spread the word of our new endeavor. Our webpage is www.apogeewatchcompany.com If you would like to learn more, feel free to message or call us.

There are 86,400 seconds in a day, the springs, gears and levers of mechanical watches are made to be accurate to seconds per day. A truly amazing feat of engineering.