Pilbrows Watchmakers

19/10/2026

In for a battery change? While your watch is already on the bench is the perfect time to ask about a bracelet clean too.

Skin oils, sweat, soap, and everyday grime build up in the links and under the clasp over time — more than most people realise, since it happens so gradually. An ultrasonic clean lifts all of that out and brings the shine and smooth movement right back.

It's a quick add-on while we're already in there, not a separate trip — and the difference once it's done is bigger than you'd expect.

Next time you're in for a battery, just ask us to take a look at your bracelet too.

07/10/2026

Fresh in and fully serviced: a 1970s Scopic of Pronto Swiss automatic ⌚

This one's all about that deep burgundy dial. It has gold accents and a wide cushion case that's pure 70s. Inside is the reliable Swiss ETA 2638 automatic movement, with a day-date at 3 o'clock. It comes on a matching burgundy suede strap, so it's ready to wear.

It's a bold, unusual piece with real character, and you won't see another one at the bar.

💰 $1,450
📍 Available now in store in Christchurch and online

Send us a message or pop in to see it in person.

02/10/2026

Planning a trip this summer? That extra hand on a GMT watch is more useful than most people realise.

Here's the bit most people don't know: not all GMTs work the same way. An "office GMT" moves its hands as one locked unit, so tracking a new time zone means resetting everything, including your home time. A "true GMT" lets you jump just the hour hand forward or backward on its own — your home time, date, and minutes never move. Huge difference if you're the one actually crossing time zones.

We've written up the full story of how GMT watches work and which one you actually want 👉 https://pilbrowswatchmaker.co.nz/blog/

Got a GMT that isn't set up quite right, or not sure which type you've got? Bring it in.

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30/09/2026

October's Gold fever has arrived in Taupō!

Gold, silver and high end watches are wanted! Coins, Jewellery (even broken) silver spoons, rings, etc. We offer competitive prices after verification. Come in-store today!

Suite 5, Suncourt Plaza, 19 Tamamutu Street, Taupō.

26/09/2026

Don't forget — daylight saving starts tonight! Before you head to bed, put your clocks forward one hour: 2:00am becomes 3:00am.

You'll lose an hour of sleep, but you'll gain longer evenings — sounds like a fair trade to us!

(And if you've got an automatic watch without a quickset, now's a good time to bring it in if the date's looking a little off too!)

25/09/2026

Ever wondered why some watch collectors get excited about a dial that's gone brown, or lume that's turned honey-coloured instead of white? That's patina — and it's one of the strangest things about watch collecting: a sign of age that can actually make a watch more valuable.

It's proof a watch is genuinely original and has lived the years it claims to. But not all ageing is created equal — there's a real difference between attractive, even patina and actual damage like moisture ingress, and mistaking one for the other (or "fixing" it) can cost a watch serious value.

We've written up the full story — what causes it, why collectors love it, and how it can affect what a watch is worth - link in the comments

Got an older watch with some character on it? Here at Pilbrows Watchmakers we're happy to take a look and tell you what you've actually got.

18/09/2026

17/09/2026

Remember our post about leap seconds? Turns out that fix has its own fix — the "smeared second."

Instead of jamming an extra second into the clock all at once, big tech companies like Google and Amazon spread it out — slowing clocks by a tiny, imperceptible amount over a full 24 hours until the extra second is quietly absorbed. No sudden jump, no jolt.

It's not far from how we think about a well-regulated watch: smooth, gradual correction beats a sudden jolt every time.

Full story on the blog 👉https://pilbrowswatchmaker.co.nz/blog/the-smear-second/

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17/09/2026

Freshly made - a 3mm jewelled bearing for a 100 year old clock.

16/09/2026

Has your clock stopped keeping time? Whether it's a grandfather clock that's been in the family for generations, a mantel clock, carriage clock, cuckoo clock or antique timepiece, our Christchurch workshop can bring it back to life.

We service and repair clocks for customers right across the South Island — drop yours in, or get in touch to arrange delivery.

Call 03 351 1320 or email [email protected] to book your clock in for an assessment. www.pilbrowswatchmaker.co.nz