@SupplySgt
They’ve been using synthetic rubies since the early 20th century. So, more than 100 years.
@mikeflstfi the last time I even thought about that is when I was a little kid and my dad was telling me about the one he wore it was from his GFather, so that was around 1958, and his grandpa was born 1865, makes sense
@SupplySgt
I’m currently working on one from 1908 and it’s amazing how well they hold up.
@mikeflstfi very Cool, how many jewels?
@SupplySgt
This one is only a 7-jewel model. A working man’s watch. I have a railroad grade watch with 21 jewels, too.
These are both pocket watches.
@mikeflstfi bet they are cool
@mikeflstfi that is beautiful
@SupplySgt
To be clear, these are for friction reduction and robustness in the gear train and other parts of the movement.
@mikeflstfi thank you
@mikeflstfi I had a question on watches, do they still use Real jewels for the gears (Ruby's Sapphires) or are they lab made? Cuz if they are they are a POS