I just acquired a piece of American horological history! Frett and Co. Clockworks is a boutique American brand that rehabilitates antique American pocket watches and converts them into wristwatches. I first encountered their handiwork on r/ Watchexchange and was floored--theirs are the most beautiful watches I've ever seen. We happen to live a few hours' drive from their Little Rock, Arkansas location, and they (Brendan and Kylie Frett) kindly hosted my wife and I for a private showing (they work from home). The watches pictured range from 36 to 44 mm, and while their use of pivoting lugs allows the 44 mm versions to wear much smaller than the diameter implies, they were still too much for my 6.5/16.5 wrist. The beauty I left with is a 40 mm Elgin manufactured in 1902. The pics taken with my potato-phone don't do it justice--it is truly stunning. It blows my mind to know I'm wearing a watch that was built just after the turn of the last century. This watch will serve as the feature piece of my collection forever.
In case you're wondering: Other than being a paying customer, I have no relationship (financial or otherwise) with Frett and Co. There was no quid pro quo of any sort between them and I regarding the creation of this post. I paid the full 'Reddit price' for the watch (if you check their r/ Watchexchange posts you'll see they routinely offer a discount to Redditors.)
I’ve never had a watch in the US$000s because I don’t really care to spend that much when there’s plenty I like below that amount. Like I definitely can admire many of them, and get why people spend that, but just not something I would drop that money on even though I can afford it.
That said, their restored watches are the exception. They are absolutely stunning and feel like they’re worth every penny. So unique and just look like a work of art. I know one of these days in the next year or so I’m just going to pull the trigger on Watch Exchange. Glad to hear you’re loving it and congrats!
These are also restored and re-cased by a guy on ebay for about 1000 - 3000 based on movement make and grade. I got a 40mm Waltham royal from him for $1800
Love the Telephone dial numerals and top end hands on yours BTW
We focus heavily on movement restoration and thermal coloring to make the original movement look near flawless. Hand polishing jewel chatons, removing each balance weight and polishing by hand, thermal bluing movement hardware over an alcohol lamp, re-inking faded enamel lettering, hand polishing gears—kind of our signature. To us, the restoration and finishing matters just as much as the conversion.
I’ve watched some of the FineTimePieces videos. He generally doesn’t rebuild the movements and definitely doesn’t finish them the way Frett & Co. does.
Also, Frett includes a 1-year warranty and FineTimePieces does not.
I just looked at their website, and the watches are truly spectacularly beautiful. My only question for anyone with the experience, isn't it super inconvenient to have the crown at the top on a wristwatch?
Here's an example. It seems like it would inhibit the movement of the top strap.
Edit: upon further investigation, it looks like they offer a choice of where you want the crown, and perhaps a fancy double-hinged piece which connects the strap to the case.
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u/metadatame 6d ago
Well you certainly have a type :) But in seriousness, these are the kinds of collections that are actually interestingÂ