Off Hours

Jon and Chris sit down for a chat with Daniela Marin, co-founder of the original Speake-Marin brand and the driving force behind The Naked Watchmaker as well as their recently released Masterclass. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon Associates Program. As a part of the program, the […]

Jon and Chris discuss the future of filmmaking, the transmission of know-how, and ornamental turning. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon Associates Program. As a part of the program, the show earns from qualifying purchases […]

Having recently rescued some sorely abused collets after acquiring yet another lathe, Chris is now swimming in a sea of collets. He and Jon discuss various tools, blackest black ink, hyperwhite paint, watch photography, and movement finishing. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was […]

Chris and Jon continue their discussion of finishing techniques, as well as custom tools, and specialized work holding techniques. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon Associates Program. As a part of the program, the show […]

Chris and Jon are back recording after lockdown. They discuss the first-documented watch produced in Canada, which Jon recently performed some conservation work on, Chris’ many machine woes, and what constitutes a perfect finish. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in […]

Playing with light. From eccentric applications of phosphorescence to designing guilloché patterns in Excentro, Jon and Chris discuss a number of new releases and prototypes in progress. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon Associates Program. […]

An off-hand remark from Jon leaves Chris‘ lathe in pieces. The duo also get into what just might be the most expensive liquid on earth, as well as the exciting results of Chris’ latest casting experiment. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made […]

Chris and Jon discuss joining the 21st Century, some interesting dial experiments for Project Minotaur, and Chris’ change of (mechanical) heart. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon Associates Program. As a part of the program, […]

Chris and Jon discuss the standing desk and standing watchmaker’s bench Chris has made, as well as Jon’s attempts to automate himself. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon Associates Program. As a part of the […]

A new year comes with reflections on last year’s themes, and new themes for 2021. Chris and Jon also discuss where they are in the process of building Project Minotaur. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the […]

It’s been a year since Chris and Rich moved into their new studio. Chris and Jon talk about the ups and downs of the first year, what has changed, and how it has affected our work. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made […]

Chris and Jon are joined by precision machinist, vintage pen restorer, and pen maker, Paul Burberry. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon Associates Program. As a part of the program, the show earns from qualifying […]

Jon Chris discuss the first chips made on Project Minotaur, using the new wobble stick, and what the next steps are in the process of making their first watch caliber. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the […]

Chris and Jon follow up on a number of topics old and new, including Christian Lass’ new movement, Ferdinand Berthoud’s FB 2RE, fumé dials, the “Faberge Egg” of Octopussy, as well as some new tools Chris has been making. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off […]

Chris and Jon discuss the model making techniques of The Mandalorian, Ferdinand Berthoud’s FB 2RE, and a new project they’re collaborating on. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, the […]

Chris and Jon continue their conversation with independent watchmaker, Christian Lass. They dive into more details about his upcoming watch, complex mechanical marvels, and collaborating with his wife, master engraver, Hanne Gleich. Part 1 of Jon & Chris’ conversation with Christian Christian Lass Official website in English (also available in Danish) Follow Christian Lass on […]

Christian Lass is an independent watchmaker hailing from Denmark. He has worked for the likes of the Danish Royal Family under the tutelage of Søren Andersen, spent several years working with renowned independent watchmaker, Vianney Halter, and served for nearly a decade as the watchmaker responsible for the collection at the Patek Philippe Museum. In […]

Chris and Jon discuss some new potential camera and video options for watchmakers, specifically in the studio, as well as some follow-up on free-sprung balances. Seeing Through a Watchmaker’s Eyes IWC’s Cyberloupe IWC Virtual Tours In light of COVID-19, IWC has launched an online initiative allowing people to tour their manufacturing facilities virtually, including getting […]

Jon and Chris follow up on a few projects discussed over the last few years, and take a deep dive into the details of free-sprung movements. “Beginners acutely feel the struggles of other beginners” Tatiana Mac on why beginners should teach Watchmaking by George Daniels Dean DK YouTube Channel USB C Unicorn Jon took North’s […]

Chris and Jon take a deep dive into a few of the open source movement projects online, as well as discuss the business of independent watchmaking. SPEMT A collaborative watchmaking project, with a novel escapement Open Movement Project ETA 6497 Dan Spitz An interview on Minutia Repeater Remy Cools SIHH 2019 Jon & Chris chatted […]

Chris and Jon discuss Christian Lass’ online Masterclass, Dr Rebecca Struthers’ talk on Fakes and Forgeries, and how Chris uses reference books for inspiration. Awair Air quality monitors Esembl-o-graf by William O. Smith Sr. and William O. Smith Jr. The Hardy Boys Old school, blue, hardcover Franklin W. Dixon mystery fiction Farewell The last day […]

Chris and Jon discuss the current reality of holding major conferences virtually, as well as the challenges and importance of sharing knowledge. T4AP vGTG Season 1 Wrap Up Time 4A Pint is taking a (much deserved) break Google Meet Adding Blurred Backgrounds Last episode Jon & Chris spent some time discussing how to use external […]

Jon and Chris chat about their appearance on Time 4A Pint, along with some follow out from that show. Bellus3D FaceApp A tool Jon & Chris used to 3D print tailor-fit frames for face masks in the fight against COVID-19 DIY Surgical Mask Brace Another option for making close-fitting masks, using a rubber sheet Time […]

Chris and Jon discuss new 3D printers, becoming more opinionated in design choices, and virtual pints. Richemont’s Artificially High Losses Turns out the 67% drop Jon & Chris spoke about last episode is closer to 34% when their acquisition of Net-A-Porter is properly accounted for — Formlabs Form 3 3D Printing The episode of Off […]

Jon and Chris discuss more outrageous gear ratios and other objects of wonder. Making a GOOGOL:1 Reduction with Lego Gears Here’s What a Googol:1 Gear Ratio Looks Like The googol:1 gear ratios Jon & Chris spoke about back in Episode 61 BrickLink LEGO Technic Bucket Wheel Excavator Ruhla Watches LEGO Tensegrity Sculpture Tutorial Can you […]

Chris and Jon discuss the possible death of Baselworld, the birth of virtual get togethers, marketing in 2020, and laser experiments. Raynald Aeschlimann Interview Gear Patrol’s pointed interview with the head of Omega Watches Omega “Speedy Tuesday” Limited Edition Omega “Ultraman” Limited Edition Rolex, Patek Philippe, et al Pull Out of Baselworld LVMH Brands Pull […]

While still in lockdown Chris is able to get his straight line engine assembled and shoot some video. He and Jon discuss the new iPad and its utility for design, as well as a few resources for making your own masks. Plant Straight Line Engine Chris’ straight line engine all dressed up with new leather […]

Jon is housebound. Chris is bubble hopping. As a pandemic sweeps the globe—bringing laser prices down along with it—they discuss two very different globe-like complications. Underwater Adventures Time4APint Episode 53 Casio F91W G-Shock Dream Project A solid gold Casio G-Shock G-Shock Full Metal 5000 Geometric Casio adds a new laser-etched design to the G-Shock line […]

Chris has returned from WorkbenchCon with a new fidget spinner and knowledge of plasma and saws. Jon and Chris discuss the updates to the new studio as well as a few watches at opposite ends of the manufacturing spectrum. WorkbenchCon Chris’ New Toy SPROK-IT Bernie Solo’s fidget spinner Send Cut Send The service Solo used […]

Jon and Chris discuss the new Speedmaster with the 321, Seth Kennedy and engine turning, making watch crowns, a quick shop update, and more. Omega Caliber 321 Rereleased in stainless steel—at long last Velcroing SSDs to a Macbook Tyler Stalman on 12 of his latest, favourite filmmaking accessories The Watchmaker – Seth Kennedy A short […]

It is yearly theme time again. Chris and Jon discuss how successful 2019’s themes were, what their 2020 themes are, and an update on Chris’ shop move. My Chaos is Self-imposed Last year’s ‘Yearly Themes’ episode Silver Hand Youtube Channel Loen Design YouTube Channel Rich Loen WorkbenchCon Chris & Rich will be attending WorkbenchCon in […]

Chris and Jon discuss a number of articles and videos covering Kari Voutilainen’s shop and watchmaking, Dean DK’s excellent YouTube channel and his shop visits while in Switzerland, as well as the new home of Silver Hand Studios. Prince Horology School A new watchmaking school will be opening in Cambodia in 2020 Off Hours Episode […]

Chris and Jon discuss the new pad printer from Kent Printers, as well as the typeface design Lee worked on for Chris’ new dial. Kent Pad Printers Chris picked up his pad printer & attended some training on it at Kent Pad Printers Heat Transfer Paper A product Chris mentioned experimenting with for watch dials […]

It’s Bladerunner Month! Jon and Chris discuss Bladerunner inspired watches, the Only Watch auction, GPHG, and some of the subtleties of dial making. Bladerunner Chris’ favourite film is set in the same month & year that this episode was recorded Bladerunner Inspired Watches Lee Yuen-Rapati’s One Hour Watch series is focused heavily on Bladerunner this […]

The perfect cookie, the perfect moon phase, perfect silence, and the perfect black. ChefSteps’ Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Chip Cookies Skillet Cookie AirPods Pro Tools Episode Jon & Chris discussed some of their favourite items to use around the shop back in Episode 6 of Off Hours Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphones Bose 700 Headphones Geneva […]

Chris and Jon discuss the end of the Santa Fe Symposium, archery tag, Apple’s Series 5 Watch, and Chris’ upcoming pad printer purchase. Santa Fe Symposium Eddie Bell The Goldsmiths’ Company Jewellery Materials Congress Portland Jewelry Symposium SNAG The Society of North American Goldsmiths Dr. Robert Organ ChefSteps’ Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Chip Cookies “The […]

In the fourth instalment of our series on George Daniels’ book, Watchmaking, Chris and Jon discuss the watchmaker’s lathe, its uses, and what to look for when buying one. Watchmaking by George Daniels Lathes Struthers’ Project 248 2 Minds, 4 Hands, One 8mm Lathe Turning Between Centres Makers Rendezvous Chris tried his hand at turning […]

Peter Speake-Marin joins Chris and Jon for a conversation about life as an independent watchmaker and his most recent endeavour, The Naked Watchmaker Project. This is part two of two. Part one can be listened to here. Peter Speake-Marin Part One If you haven’t listened to it already, we recommend first listening to part one […]

>Peter Speake-Marin joins Chris and Jon for a conversation about life as an independent watchmaker and his most recent endeavour, The Naked Watchmaker Project. This is part one of two.

Chris and Jon discuss the horological parts of Chris' recent trip to the UK, including Greenwich, a visit with the #watchnerd, pad printing, and the BHI's chronograph course.

Chris returns from the Goldsmiths' Congress. He and Jon discuss Crown Jewels, gold jugs, and the horrible things people do to nice cars.

Jon and Chris continue their series on George Daniels' book Watchmaking, delving into the craft of drafting and various forms of magnification useful to watchmakers.

Jon and Chris discuss the tribulations of baking the world's best chocolate chip cookies, as well as a new method Chris is experimenting with to rapidly prototype watch dials.

Chris and Jon continue discussing Chris' month of travel. This episode they discuss Makers Central and the Santa Fe Symposium.

Chris has returned from a month of travel. He and Jon discuss the day/date and automatic course he took at the British Horological Institute. BHI Short Courses Chris recently attended another short course at the British Horological Institute Seth Kennedy Antiquarian watchmaker Seth Kennedy Cousins A horological supply house in the UK ETA 6497 Assembly […]

Chris and Jon continue their discussion of George Daniels’ book Watchmaking. In this episode they discuss work benches. Watchmaking by George Daniels Phone Posture An article about the toll that craning our necks has on our spines Archer Watches California Closets Economical Watchmaking Bench Popular in jewellery shops, an appropriate height bench for watch work […]

Chris and Jon begin a series discussing George Daniels' book Watchmaking.

Chris and Jon talk about a unique balance wheel, resin-based 3D printers, and wireless earbuds. If you're in Birmingham, UK on May 11 or 12, 2019 be sure to drop by Makers Central to say hi to Chris.

Blued screws, blued indices, blued hands. Steel isn’t the only thing that’s blue in this episode. Chris and Jon chat about tempering steel, Baselworld 2019, and Swiss customs.

Chris and Jon discuss some of the interesting dials Chris is using for inspiration in his own watches.

USB C is serving up a mixed bag of terror and delight, Chris is preparing to bring his niello knowledge to the UK, and smartglasses don’t look smart on Jon.