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Thread: Visit to Walter Fricker

  1. 12th February 2006, 18:30 #1
    swanbourne
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    Visit to Walter Fricker

    As some of you may have read, I visited the factory of Walter Fricker in Pforzheim last week. I arrived late on Wednesday evening and left very early on Friday morning in the middle of a snowstorm. All day Thursday was spent in a meeting with Roland Kemmner, the Chief Engineer, and for part of the time, Walter Fricker.

    The meeting was to discuss the construction and technical details of 6 possible future projects and thrash out all the problems and queries in one go, rather than spend weeks doing this by e-mail, fax and phone. At the end of a very long day, 5 projects were put to bed and further information is required from me for the sixth. During a break from the meeting I had a short tour of the factory and here are a few photographs you may find interesting.

    Firstly, I was struck by just how few people work here for the high volume of work they produce, probably not more than 10 people in production.

    It all starts in the drawing office



    and is this a Sinn EZM3?


    Fricker produce all the blanks themselves from a variety of materials on CNC machines.






    from where the raw watch cases go for hand finishing





    After hand finishing, the cases go for the final finish, polish, beadblast or brushed (no pictures I'm afraid) and then for the final quality control checking. All QC is carried out by Fraulein Fricker, sister of Walter Fricker, and all I can say is she must have a very keen eye. I inspected several cases which had failed QC and couldn't find a fault until it was pointed out. Very small blemishes in the finish, no larger than a pin-head, and often in an area that the customer would never see, like under the bezel. I was very happy to see such attention to detail.

    Roland Kemmner takes full advantage of his job to make custom watches for himself and here's one nearing completion.




    He has many more unique watches in his personal collection, most of them in precious metal.

    Not only does Fricker make watches for retailers (and they make for many well-known names), they also offer a bespoke service to individuals. Here is a vintage pocket watch which has been fully restored



    and here are 3 vintage movements, most with complications, which are destined for oversize wristwatch cases. At least one of them is a vintage IWC and another is a full repeater.





    Despite the tight schedule it was an interesting and worthwhile visit. Fricker is very much a family firm and the atmosphere in the factory was very friendly. I look forward to my return when the projects are underway.

    I hope you found this interesting.

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
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  2. 12th February 2006, 18:43 #2
    Sunnie
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    Really interesting report. Thanks Eddie.

    I like some of the watches that Fricker has made for himself.

    Hmmm... any word on the CAF... :roll: .....?

    Sunnie
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  3. 12th February 2006, 18:45 #3
    Foggy
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    Thanks for this, Eddie. Very interesting. I'd love to find a vintage pocketwatch movement of real quality to have made in to a custom wristwatch. One day maybe.

    Cheers

    Foggy
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  4. 12th February 2006, 18:48 #4
    bootneck
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    Some great pictures there eddie very interesting and with QC like that cant go far wrong
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  5. 12th February 2006, 19:17 #5
    rfrazier
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    Thanks, Eddie. Great photo essay.

    Best wishes,
    Bob
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  6. 12th February 2006, 19:17 #6
    sijoc
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    Very interesting.
    What exactly are your 6 watch projects, Eddie?
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  7. 12th February 2006, 19:26 #7
    Dave E
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    Lovely pics, thanks for those Eddie!

    Are we going to get a general status update on your projects? I'd like to know if there's anything in pipeline for the year to start budgeting if needed.
    Dave E

    Skating away on the thin ice of a new day
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  8. 12th February 2006, 20:01 #8
    xpatUSA
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    Very nice report Eddie, and excellent pix!

    Ted
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  9. 12th February 2006, 20:17 #9
    Kaiser
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    Thanks for the very good report Eddie.

    Regards,

    David
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  10. 12th February 2006, 22:45 #10
    abraxas
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    Re: Visit to Walter Fricker

    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne

    and is this a Sinn EZM3?

    [img]/fricker10.jpg[/img]

    Eddie
    Looks like an EZM2 with a white date wheel ... the 3 has a white-tip black seconds hand and a second 24 hour chapter.

    You are always surprised about how few people do so much work, in Europe ... when it all gets done by one person in ol' Blighty. :wink:

    Thanks for the report. I love all that.

    john
    "The whole purpose of mechanical watches is to be impertinent." ~ Lionel a Marca, CEO of Breguet
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  11. 12th February 2006, 22:49 #11
    rfrazier
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    Re: Visit to Walter Fricker

    Quote Originally Posted by abraxas
    ...

    You are always surprised about how few people do so much work, in Europe ... when it all gets done by one person in ol' Blighty. :wink:

    Thanks for the report. I love all that.

    john
    Just wait until China has the same proportion of their folks engaged in watchmaking as does Switzerland.

    Best wishes,
    Bob
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  12. 12th February 2006, 22:57 #12
    abraxas
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    Re: Visit to Walter Fricker

    Quote Originally Posted by rfrazier
    ............

    Just wait until China has the same proportion of their folks engaged in watchmaking as does Switzerland.

    Best wishes,
    Bob
    Not worth thinking about.

    john
    "The whole purpose of mechanical watches is to be impertinent." ~ Lionel a Marca, CEO of Breguet
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  13. 13th February 2006, 04:45 #13
    worlok
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    Cool. Some operation they have there.... 8)
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  14. 13th February 2006, 05:10 #14
    Crusader
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    Re: Visit to Walter Fricker

    Thanks for the excellent report, and the pictures, Eddie! :)

    Quote Originally Posted by abraxas
    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne

    and is this a Sinn EZM3?

    [img]/fricker10.jpg[/img]

    Eddie
    Looks like an EZM2 with a white date wheel ... the 3 has a white-tip black seconds hand and a second 24 hour chapter.
    ... the EZM3's "second 24 hour chapter" is hard to spot. :wink:

    Cheers,

    Martin ("Crusader")

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  15. 13th February 2006, 08:59 #15
    abraxas
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    Re: Visit to Walter Fricker

    Quote Originally Posted by Crusader
    ..................

    Quote Originally Posted by abraxas
    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne

    and is this a Sinn EZM3?

    [img]/fricker10.jpg[/img]

    Eddie
    Looks like an EZM2 with a white date wheel ... the 3 has a white-tip black seconds hand and a second 24 hour chapter.


    ... the EZM3's "second 24 hour chapter" is hard to spot. :wink:

    Meaning?

    * * *

    What about the EZM2's red seconds? :roll:

    john
    "The whole purpose of mechanical watches is to be impertinent." ~ Lionel a Marca, CEO of Breguet
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  16. 13th February 2006, 09:15 #16
    swanbourne
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave E
    Lovely pics, thanks for those Eddie!

    Are we going to get a general status update on your projects? I'd like to know if there's anything in pipeline for the year to start budgeting if needed.
    There's nothing to report yet Dave, I'm waiting for quotes and timelines now.

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
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  17. 13th February 2006, 09:57 #17
    Dave E
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    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne
    Quote Originally Posted by Dave E
    Lovely pics, thanks for those Eddie!

    Are we going to get a general status update on your projects? I'd like to know if there's anything in pipeline for the year to start budgeting if needed.
    There's nothing to report yet Dave, I'm waiting for quotes and timelines now.

    Eddie
    Ah! Well, fingers crossed and hope it all comes in as you want it to then :)
    Dave E

    Skating away on the thin ice of a new day
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  18. 13th February 2006, 10:17 #18
    JasonG
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    Hiya,

    Eddie, did you get to see their eBay department? :lol:

    ttfn

    JasonG...ducksandrunsaway
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  19. 13th February 2006, 10:34 #19
    swanbourne
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    Quote Originally Posted by JasonG
    Hiya,

    Eddie, did you get to see their eBay department? :lol:

    ttfn

    JasonG...ducksandrunsaway
    Isn't it Zeno who has an eBay department Jason? :wink:

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
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  20. 13th February 2006, 10:41 #20
    abraxas
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    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne
    Quote Originally Posted by JasonG
    Hiya,

    Eddie, did you get to see their eBay department? :lol:

    ttfn

    JasonG...ducksandrunsaway
    Isn't it Zeno who has an eBay department Jason? :wink:

    Eddie
    Well ... did you see their 'pick the case you like department', then? :P

    john
    "The whole purpose of mechanical watches is to be impertinent." ~ Lionel a Marca, CEO of Breguet
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  21. 13th February 2006, 11:56 #21
    swanbourne
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    Quote Originally Posted by abraxas
    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne
    Quote Originally Posted by JasonG
    Hiya,

    Eddie, did you get to see their eBay department? :lol:

    ttfn

    JasonG...ducksandrunsaway
    Isn't it Zeno who has an eBay department Jason? :wink:

    Eddie
    Well ... did you see their 'pick the case you like department', then? :P

    john
    No but I did see a Dreadnought case with dive tables engraved on the inner bezel.

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
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  22. 13th February 2006, 12:20 #22
    JasonG
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    Eddie,

    Ah, my mistake. I thought there was an "issue" with Fricker too...my mistake. :-)

    Incidentally, I notice that the pic with the EZM in (on-wrist) features paperwork that said "Hanhart" in big letters at the top. ;-)
    I guess Fricker makes a lot of different "manufacturer's" watches?

    ttfn

    JasonG

    PS: Who make the PRS-14 for you? Mine's still going strong and looking for a suitable bracelet...any suggestions? (Wetsuit extension not necessary)
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  23. 13th February 2006, 12:34 #23
    swanbourne
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    Fricker made the PRS-14 Jason and no, I haven't found the right bracelet yet. :(

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
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  24. 13th February 2006, 12:39 #24
    Neil.C
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    Very interesting Eddie.

    I felt a bit sorry for that poor sod who sits polishing cases all day though. :wink:
    Cheers,
    Neil.
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  25. 13th February 2006, 15:30 #25
    worlok
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    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne
    No but I did see a Dreadnought case with dive tables engraved on the inner bezel.

    Eddie
    So Doxa is using Fricker now to make a Dreadish Sub? :lol: :lol:
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  26. 14th February 2006, 17:15 #26
    nextcube
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    Hi Eddie,

    Great pics of your visit!

    Since you're apparently not willing at present to reveal anything about your 5-6 future projects, let me begin to express a hope that a titanium diver will be among them. Preferably one closer to the initial modification/proposal/idea of the Dreadnought - influenced by the Aquatimer - with a less cluttered dial (i.e. EZM3 without any numbers).


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  27. 14th February 2006, 17:21 #27
    worlok
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    Quote Originally Posted by nextcube


    Oh I would love one of those suckers if it also had antimag built in. That would be a good one!
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  28. 14th February 2006, 19:20 #28
    Ron Jr
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    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne
    Quote Originally Posted by abraxas
    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne
    Quote Originally Posted by JasonG
    Hiya,

    Eddie, did you get to see their eBay department? :lol:

    ttfn

    JasonG...ducksandrunsaway
    Isn't it Zeno who has an eBay department Jason? :wink:

    Eddie
    Well ... did you see their 'pick the case you like department', then? :P

    john
    No but I did see a Dreadnought case with dive tables engraved on the inner bezel.

    Eddie
    I would love to see that DN case Eddie. I wonder if mine could be retrofitted?
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  29. 14th February 2006, 20:02 #29
    swanbourne
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    They said it was only an experiment Ron and to be fair, it was on the table with lots of parts of cases, weird cases and bits.

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
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  30. 14th February 2006, 20:15 #30
    tempus
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    Interesting report Eddie, it's nice to know a few projects are progressing too :D though perhaps bad news for my bank balance an credit controller (aka wife)
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  31. 14th February 2006, 20:37 #31
    swanbourne
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    Quote Originally Posted by tempus
    Interesting report Eddie, it's nice to know a few projects are progressing too :D though perhaps bad news for my bank balance an credit controller (aka wife)
    Package coming your way Steve, hope there's someone there to sign for it tomorrow.

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
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  32. 14th February 2006, 20:46 #32
    tempus
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    Cheers Eddie :D

    :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
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  33. 14th February 2006, 20:48 #33
    tempus
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    p.s.

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  34. 15th February 2006, 14:11 #34
    Squid Nunc?
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    Cool, thanks for the review!
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  35. 15th February 2006, 15:44 #35
    Pavel
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    Ver nice, but how about the CAF?
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