about mywatchmaker.net

Tom Gref and his watches

I have been interested in mechanical things ever since I was a kid. I remember tinkering with all sorts of small appliances, lawnmowers, etc., oftentimes with my father or grandfather. It was this continuing interest that carried me into engineering school, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, I had about 2 months before I started my first job.

That's when I discovered watches. I found one of my dad's old Omega Seamaster watches. I opened the back, and was immediately fascinated with the fine finish and the intricacy of the parts. I decided that I wanted to learn more about watches, so my dad and I went to some flea markets and bought some very cheap mechanical watches that I could tinker with. I bought some books and a few cheap tools, then went off to my first corporate job.

After a few years in the corporate world, I realized that wasn't for me and I realized that I could possibly make a living doing watch repair and restoration - so I set out on my own.

I earned a reputation in the watch world as 'the court of last resort' - that is, someone who could get results where other people had failed. I gained experience repairing many high-grade vintage watches, and learned what was important in a good watch and what was unnecessary.

If you'd like to see a few testimonials about Tom's work, please click here

In order to increase (and prove) my knowledge and skills, I decided to take the Certified Master Watchmaker examination offered by the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute. I passed this very selective exam in 1996.

How selective? The testing requirements change periodically, but my test included a 600 question written examination, the repair of two wristwatches, and the manufacture of 2 watch parts to a very high standard. My testing procedure took about 3 months in total. The test is very difficult, and most people who take the test do not pass. For example, in 1999, only 2 watchmakers in the entire United States earned status as a Certified Master Watchmaker.

After about 10 years of repairing watches, I decided that I wanted to develop my own line of watches.

I understood that I would be following in the footsteps of some very big names, who also got their start in the technical aspects of watchmaking, such as Breguet, Franck Muller, and Patek Philippe. My experience in watch restoration has given me a great understanding of all watches, and allows me to make very educated and calculated decisions on what a great watch should be.

In owning one of my watches, I hope that you'll share in my dream and passion for fine timepieces.

Tom Gref

addendum: Unfortunately for us watch collectors, Mr. Gref is not accepting repair work at this time, due to the success of, and the time involved with his new watch line.