Silicon Micromachining

A work buddy and I were wondering how they make silicon hairsprings.

Segue to my desktop; I’m running tests and while they go, I’m reading “Horology” by Barry B. Kaplan, 2022, Shiffer Publishing Ltd., New York, and he outs it.

It’s a process called DRIE or Deep Reactive Ion Etching https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_reactive-ion_etching where ions are accelerated in an ionized gas toward the subject and etch where not masked. Since they are accelerated toward the work by a…

Silicon Micromachining

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Bulova 96B131 Precisionist Hour Wheel

I’ve purchased a Bulova Precisionist 96B131 and when you get to the date turn over a little past midnight the hour hand sticks. I found out that the hour hand wheel is plastic and the teeth are worn out in one area. I can not seem to find this gear. Where could I get a metal gear if possible or another plastic. I have not called Bulova as of yet. Hoping to source a metal gear first. New to the watch repair game.

Thanks for any help if at all possible.

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Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 U Serial 1997, recent service

Available is a Rolex 16600 Sea-Dweller from 1997 in excellent pre owned condition. Perhaps some minor marks on the case, bezel and bracelet but I will let the pictures do the talking. It’s in amazing shape. Dial shows that that it’s a Tritium dial model, but less Tritium than earlier model, therefore the markers aren’t quite patinated (yet?) as other tritium dials of the same period.

The Sea-Dweller was serviced last year in May 2024 at my very reputable independent watchmaker in Bangkok…

Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 U Serial 1997, recent service

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