Discussions with Four Remarkable Timepiece Menders Regarding their Most Impressive Repairs

Grand Central Watch and the Restoration of Iconic Timepieces

In the heart of New York City, Grand Central Watch continues a tradition of watch repair that dates back to 1952. The family-owned business, originally hailing from Switzerland, has become a hub for the restoration of vintage watches, with a special focus on MilSubs and rare collectibles.

One such story begins with a customer named William ("Billy") Lee Murdoch, who brought an Omega Constellation Reference 168.005 to the shop. Known as "Uncle Jack," the watch was named after Murdoch's great uncle, Jack Torres, who purchased the watch new in Los Angeles in 1962. Torres soon took the watch to Mexico City, where he outfitted the piece with a custom gold bracelet featuring Aztec symbols. After a complete service, the watch was prepared for another 50 years of service.

Greg Petronzi, a New York City-based psychologist and vintage watch repair specialist, is the man behind many of the restorations at Grand Central Watch. He has a particular affinity for MilSubs, a sub-category of Rolex Submariner models issued to military forces, especially the British armed forces, in the mid-20th century. Petronzi values the historical and learning aspects of working with MilSubs, considering it a deep dive into horological history and provenance.

Petronzi's expertise extends beyond MilSubs. He recently helped a friend find a correct MilSub insert, allowing a non-full spec watch to become a full spec watch through a community connection. The shop also offers custom keepsake books as an add-on service to clients who bring their watches in to be restored. These books document the restoration process and provide information about the manufacturer, the model, and any significant details about the watch at the time of its production.

Another restoration project involved a Benrus Type II watch, which was recently restored by LA WatchWorks for a retired Naval officer who has had the watch for 50 years. The watch received a full mechanical overhaul, and the fixed bars were re-done back to factory spec.

Grand Central Watch's reputation extends beyond the city. In early April 2021, the Audemars Piguet Precision, a rare and collectible vintage watch from the 1940s, was received by WatchCheck, an online watch repair service. The watch features two subdials even though it's a time-only watch, and only a dozen examples were made by Audemars Piguet.

With over 1,200 MilSubs made between 1972 and 1978, it's estimated that only 130 still exist today, with between 20 and 30 examples being full spec. Petronzi has serviced 12 MilSubs, with six of them being full spec. The restored Benrus Type II watch is a testament to the shop's dedication to preserving these historical timepieces.

Laura Kivel, who joined the team at Grand Central Watch in 2001, plays a crucial role in the research and customization of the information included in the keepsake books. She does research, in conjunction with family, about the original owner and the watch's service history, customizing the information based on the family's wishes.

As Grand Central Watch continues to restore iconic timepieces, it remains a testament to the enduring allure of horology and the craftsmanship of the past. Whether it's an Omega Constellation, a Benrus Type II, or a rare Audemars Piguet Precision, each watch that passes through the shop's hands is given a new lease on life, ready to tell its story for another half century.

Discussions with Four Remarkable Timepiece Menders Regarding their Most Impressive Repairs