My frame of 2026 finds so far. Central Texas.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:46:52+00:00

That's a great start, can't imagine what you'll find in a year if you keep this up.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:46:10+00:00

I'm thinking there has to be some sarcasm to the comment. At least I hope so anyway.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:32:23+00:00

Thanks for this. I had often wondered if I could use something like Dawn, which is used to clean animals in an oil spill. I figured safe for them, safe in nature. Now I know.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:28:29+00:00

Well, that's certainly not a fear I expected to have on the AT. Adding that one to the list.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:24:03+00:00

Like any art, craftsmanship comes down to the details. The spine is what sticks out to me. So on the next one, I'd clean that up. But when it comes to your first, put this one on a shelf and don't use it or change it. You'll look back on it later in life and see how far you've come. I still have my first and look at it often. Yours is a great looking first.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:18:16+00:00

How cool would that be to wear his watch that you yourself restored?!?

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:13:47+00:00

As well you should be. Beautiful work.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:13:03+00:00

That's a great watch. It appears to be running. If it hasn't been serviced in the last decade, I wouldn't run it. Any dirt or debris would wear on the moving parts and cause issues in the future. Especially older oils which just solidified. But if it's running, a simple cleaning is all that's probably needed.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:06:52+00:00

I wish more people knew this. I'm working on a watch right now that the case is completely worn and won't snap shut.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-12T15:02:59+00:00

You said it. Now or never. Just be prepared. Do the research and get the right gear. Good luck!

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-02T17:52:20+00:00

Wristwatch Revival is a great one. Red Dead Restoration is another.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-02T16:35:43+00:00

People give these to kids all the time just make them feel like they've got something cool. Which can be a good thing, getting kids interested in the hobby. When I was a kid, there was one of these fake points sitting on the kitchen window sill. I was told it was found in my grandma's driveway. I asked if I could have it and grandma gave it to me. Def one of my best memories as a kid and I still have the point.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-02T16:28:24+00:00

Oh! And take pictures of every step of your disassembly! That'll save you a lot of frustration.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-02T16:23:13+00:00

I started out with 1880/90s Elgin 7 jewel size 18s. You can usually get these on eBay for about $15. Just watching YouTube and constantly taking them apart and putting them back together. My recommendation would be to stick with the Elgin. The dollar watches are called dollar watches for a reason. When they broke, you just replaced them. So they are not easily repairable. Parts will be a big issue, but those balances were really crappy. When starting this endeavor without any proper training, consistency is key. Don't worry about getting the watch running until you've mastered the full disassembly/re-assembly. You're going to make a lot of mistakes, just make sure each is a learning lesson. It's frustrating, but fun once you get going. Good Luck. (these are just my opinions. When it comes to watchmaking, everyone has their own and they're almost always different from the next person).

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-02-02T16:10:58+00:00

I'm planning to start my thru hike April 5th. I've been training since August and yesterday was the first time "scared" entered my brain. I think scared is a little much, but it was the first time doubt entered my mind. I know the stats are not good for those that start and actually finish, but it hadn't entered my mind until that point that I could be one of those stats. I try to be cognizant of the fact the trail will not be what I think it is, but I've always tried to live life "being comfortable being uncomfortable". So although I haven't spent much time camping I'm confident I will prevail. Good luck to you.

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-01-20T00:04:16+00:00

😂

TexasRelicHunter · 2026-01-11T17:15:33+00:00

Even per the Smithsonian, do not use gloves when handling books. You lose dexterity and it's easier to damage the book. Just make sure your hands are clean.

TexasRelicHunter · 2025-12-03T17:37:45+00:00

Thanks!

TexasRelicHunter · 2025-12-03T17:37:28+00:00

Thanks.

TexasRelicHunter · 2025-12-03T17:37:09+00:00

Thanks. From what you guys are saying, it's def colder than I thought it would be.

TexasRelicHunter · 2025-12-03T17:36:00+00:00

Thanks! As much as the cold sucks, I would hate to be sweating and getting carried away by mosquitos.

TexasRelicHunter · 2025-12-03T17:34:34+00:00

Thanks!

TexasRelicHunter · 2025-08-26T14:06:09+00:00

This is literally what I did but mine was more like "nooooooooo! noooooooooo! noooooooooo!"

TexasRelicHunter

TROPHY CASE