The Art of Vintage and American Timepiece Restoration for Pocket Watch Conversions
Restoring a vintage American timepiece is about more than just getting it running again — it is about honoring the history, craftsmanship, and spirit that made American watchmaking world-renowned. At our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, we specialize in vintage American timepiece restoration, bringing these remarkable pieces back to life so they can be worn and appreciated for generations to come. Whether the timepiece remains a pocket watch or is converted into a wristwatch, we always deliver the most meticulously restored version possible. Every restoration is done entirely by hand using in-house techniques we developed specifically for these historic movements, ensuring that each conversion stays true to its original character. Here is a closer look at the work that goes into every project.
Plate Restoration (Hand-Polished to Remove Corrosion, Developed In-House Method)
The plates form the structural and aesthetic foundation of any timepiece. Over time, they can tarnish and oxidize, hiding the beautiful damaskeening beneath. We developed a hand-based, in-house method to remove corrosion while preserving the original finish — no machines, no harsh chemicals. Restoring the plates is essential for both the beauty and performance of a movement, and is one of the first steps we take in the restoration process.
After plate restoration
Before plate restoration
Hand Restoration (Polishing and Thermal Coloring — Multiple Steps to Get the Color Just Right)
The hands are one of the first things you notice on a watch — and they need to be perfect. We begin by polishing the original hands to remove corrosion without altering their shape. Then we carefully heat the hands over brass shavings in a controlled process called thermal coloring. This traditional method can take multiple heating, cooling, and polishing cycles to achieve the deep, rich blue hue that defined early 20th-century American watch hands.
After hand restoration using thermal coloring
After hand restoration using thermal coloring
Jewel Settings Restoration
The jewel settings are critical not just for function, but also for the visual appeal of the movement. We restore each jewel setting by hand using the same method developed for the plates — bringing back the original golden luster without damaging the surrounding material. In a vintage American timpiece, restoring these small details ensures the finished wristwatch gleams from every angle, just like it did when it first left the factory.
After jewel settings restoration
Before jewel settings restoration
Gear Train Restoration
The gear train is the heartbeat of a watch — and it deserves meticulous care. Every gear is individually hand-polished to remove oxidation, using our proprietary method. Restoring the gear train not only improves the visual beauty but also reduces friction, helping the movement run more smoothly and reliably. This is especially important when completing a pocket watch conversion as the timepiece must run well in all positions.
Gear train after restoration
Gear train before restoration
Balance and Balance Weight Restoration
Restoring the balance and its weights is one of the most delicate parts of our process. We dismantle the balance assembly completely, hand-polish each component, and then reassemble and re-time for peak performance. A properly restored balance is essential for keeping accurate time in both the original pocket watch form and after a pocket watch conversion. When done right, the golden hues and fine detailing of the balance shine through, giving the piece both beauty and life.
After balance restoration
After balance restoration
Consistency Across Restoration
One of the hallmarks of our restorations is consistency. Whether it is the jewel settings, the gear train, the balance, or the plates, we apply the same in-house developed hand-polishing method across every part of the movement. This ensures that every vintage American timepiece restoration feels cohesive — maintaining the integrity, appearance, and spirit of the original watch while preparing it for a lifetime of new wear.
