Our friends at The Watches TV entertained a visit from Peter Speake, The Naked Watchmaker, as he took apart a Vacheron Constantin world time pocket watch from 1949 – a feat I’d firmly categorize in the “don’t do this at home” rubric.

This World Timer is 71 years old, displays the time in 41 reference cities, is housed in a yellow gold case, and is completely original with all of its original parts and even the dial.

Peter Speake carefully deconstructs a vintage Vacheron Constantin World Time Pocket Watch

Speake explains thoroughly how to use and read the pocket watch before he takes it apart.

Like surgery, this is a very tricky operation best left to professionals. Especially since should any of the original components – such as the dial or hands – get damaged while Speake is working with the watch, there is no way to “fix” or replace them. The watch and its value would be irreparably ruined.

And Speake explains every step – including the dangers of touching original components and everything you’d ever want to know about this watch – in a most thorough and entertaining way.

All in all, a fascinating 45 minutes of meditative watchmaking!

For more videos by The Watches TV, please visit www.watchestv.com.

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