The cost.

[santaman2000]

Interesting comment about ball point pens. Apparently a lot of money and research was spent on developing pens that would operate without problems in space. The Russians used pencils.

Yeah. I read that too. A few later articles conflicted. First somebody commented that pencils wouldn’t work in space because the dust from sharpening them would contaminate the contained atmosphere in a weightless environment. Next another reminded everybody that mechanical pencils don’t need sharpening.

 

[Nice65]

I keep looking at canvas packs, kind of dementedly really. I have a relatively recently acquired Duluth Scoutmaster in white, which I like alot and which I also thought was going to kill the bug. But no. Still I keep looking and longing. I am about to buy some beeswax and give it a good soak, in the hope that'll see off the itch. Might work; not holding my breath though.

Been meaning to post a pic of the refurbished ex military hold-all I got from Wynnchester. I thought I had, but I can’t see it. Here, with a waxed and worn Amazonas Tarp Hat Company wallet.

A new lease of life, but getting close to hipster territory. I have to say again, I love it.

 

[Billy-o]

Looks good ... and has me looking at canvas duffels all over again

Did you do the wax yourself, Rich? Never done a full wax to a heavy canvas and am wondering how much to order for a future project ... which now, judging by the handsomeness of that one, may become two future projects

 

[Nice65]

Looks good ... and has me looking at canvas duffels all over again

Did you do the wax yourself, Rich? Never done a full wax to a heavy canvas and am wondering how much to order for a future project ... which now, judging by the handsomeness of that one, may become two future projects

No, Wynnchester did the full ‘furb. It’s a bit sticky, they certainly got it to hold a lot.

 

[GuestD]

Been meaning to post a pic of the refurbished ex military hold-all I got from Wynnchester. I thought I had, but I can’t see it. Here, with a waxed and worn Amazonas Tarp Hat Company wallet.

A new lease of life, but getting close to hipster territory. I have to say again, I love it.

I've just ordered a similar looking bag for the back of my motorcycle. Wax canvas too.

 

[Nice65]

I've just ordered a similar looking bag for the back of my motorcycle. Wax canvas too.

Splendid! That’ll look great on the back of a bike.

 

[GuestD]

Thanks Deekin; what a great site.

So, my watch is a Borgel Trench Watch imported by Robert Pringle and Sons in 1915/16 (sponsored by their employee Arthur George Rendell), and assayed in the London assay office.

The luminous paint almost certainly means it was produced as a military watch and the paint, although no longer luminous, is still radioactive

I think I'll get it cleaned and make my own strap for it and wear it occasionally

Managed to identify the movement, it's made by "General Watch Co."
Scroll down to the relevant section.

http://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/movements.php#general

 

[Broch]

Managed to identify the movement, it's made by "General Watch Co."
Scroll down to the relevant section.

http://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/movements.php#general

Thank you. I am really grateful for the effort you've put into this. The watch has languished in a drawer for years but just handling it again over the last few days has renewed my pleasure in owning it and knowing a lot more about it has just increased my attachment

 

[Janne]

Yes, NASA bought the Fisher space pen. Privately developed, not by NASA.

 

[Janne]

The Omega watch used by NASA was mainly chosen because it had very low ( close to Zero ) water resistency, and an acrylic (Hesalite) crystal.
The low WR made the inner pressure to change rapidly with the pressure outside the watch. This way the crystal did not pop off if the pressure surounding watch decreased suddenly.

The Hesalite crystal was less shatter proof, and if it broke it usually only cracked. Sapphire shatters into pieces.

 

[GuestD]

Thank you. I am really grateful for the effort you've put into this. The watch has languished in a drawer for years but just handling it again over the last few days has renewed my pleasure in owning it and knowing a lot more about it has just increased my attachment

It would be worth having it serviced. Even for its age, it could still be accurate. There are a few decent independent watchmakers who can do the work. A period style Bund strap would look good.

http://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/watchstraps.php

 

[Broch]

It would be worth having it serviced. Even for its age, it could still be accurate. There are a few decent independent watchmakers who can do the work. A period style Bund strap would look good.

http://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/watchstraps.php

Agreed; it keeps pretty good time as it is but I've asked David if he can recommend anyone as we're not a million miles apart.

I've now found the Depose No 9846 stamp is a specific design so, as I do a little leatherwork myself, I think I'll have a go at a 9846 style strap - I may have to make the buckle myself out of silver wire - oh well, it will be worth it

 

[Janne]

Ask in the closest higher watch store if they know a watchmaker in the area.
I have had luck that way.

My JLC dealer in Tunbridge Wells recommrnded me a person that I used until he retired a couple of years ago.

 

[GuestD]

[QUOTE="Broch, post: 1900667, member: 12238" I've asked David if he can recommend anyone as we're not a million miles apart.[/QUOTE]

Good. If you get stuck, let me know. I send most of my stuff to a guy in Essex. Old school, and he always gives me a price first. Royal mail special delivery is usually around £8 each way, so that needs to be accounted for. Good luck.

 

[Janne]

I recall there is a watchmaker in Wales with a good reputation.
Christopher George

I chrcked a watch forum I freqvent from time to time!

 

[santaman2000]

The Omega watch used by NASA was mainly chosen because it had very low ( close to Zero ) water resistency, and an acrylic (Hesalite) crystal.
The low WR made the inner pressure to change rapidly with the pressure outside the watch. This way the crystal did not pop off if the pressure surounding watch decreased suddenly.

The Hesalite crystal was less shatter proof, and if it broke it usually only cracked. Sapphire shatters into pieces.

It’s probably worth noting that US astronauts (like all US military pilots) don’t necessarily wear a watch that was issued. They just as often choose and buy their own.

 

[Janne]

I am sure that happens, I do not know how rigorous checks of them they did pre flight to look for unauthorised equipment, but on one of the missions they managed to get home because they could perform crucial calculations with the Omega.

They all carried a piece of Sweden. The Hasselblad camera.

Swedish AF pilots were issued a chrono watch, and were preflight checked they carried it.
Those watches were adjusted for accurancy with short intervals. Do not know after 1995 though.

 

[santaman2000]

I am sure that happens, I do not know how rigorous checks of them they did pre flight to look for unauthorised equipment......

Unauthorized? Actually it’s encouraged. They only issue this type of personal equipment if a pilot requests it.

 

[Janne]

Ah, you wild and free Americans.....



It will be interesting what watch they can/ will get once your NASA spacecraft start flying again. If they will need one, I guess the ships will be super advanced and automated.

To go back on topic, another item I would not save money on is a compass.

 

[Nice65]

Looks good ... and has me looking at canvas duffels all over again

Did you do the wax yourself, Rich? Never done a full wax to a heavy canvas and am wondering how much to order for a future project ... which now, judging by the handsomeness of that one, may become two future projects

I’m enjoying this thread, it’s all over the place and turning up some genuinely nice gear. Mine looks identical to a Serbian Army duffle.

£12.99 is a happy price too

https://www.luggagecompared.co.uk/s...rbian-army-surplus-duffle-bag-checked-graded/

There’s a Canadian issue that’s also very similar, straps aren’t as long for shoulder carry, which, let’s face it, is a hipster retro requirement.

https://www.pocomilitary.com/canadian-issue-canvas-duffle.html