• Master
    15 Aug 2022, 1:14 a.m.

    I did not invent underwater welding. I just want to make that clear. Please
    do not mention it should I come up during a conversation involving it. I am
    retired.

    If you would like to try it for yourself, this is the bare minimum of what you
    will need. And don't forget to reverse the polarity. Polarity seems to be
    important so don't sell it short.

    And don't forget the work clamp or you will blow an electrode and damage,
    among other things, your dive watch.

    I once discussed this at length with Georges Kern.

    Kern had been a watchmaker in his youth but only had one good eye - his left
    eye - and while he had never welded underwater, he was familiar with Bunsen
    burners.

    Once he became a CEO, he focused on dive watches and that's when I was issued
    an Aquatimer GST in Ti as shown on the inventory card below.

    I trust this information will clear up any misunderstandings you or others may
    have had.

    For the next installment perhaps I will explain the real reason I never
    actually purchased a helicopter.

    TR

  • Master
    16 Aug 2022, 5:09 p.m.

    Hi Terry. Nelson and I know who invented underwater welding. ;-)

  • Master
    16 Aug 2022, 5:49 p.m.

    Nearly nobody knows that George Kern had been selected to test the Ocean Bund
    watches for IWC. He was then a young volunteer in tte German Navy, selected to
    become a mine sweeper , in German language 'Minentaucher'. During a mission
    with the prototype of Ref. 3519 AMAG, the sea mine to be dismantled, exploded
    at 300 meters distance. Kern was hit by a glass fragment from his divers
    spectacles in the eye that broke by the shock wave. IWC felt responsible as
    the AMAG prototype seemed not to be completely a-magnetic. Kern was offered
    two options : ten million Swiss Francs or to become CEO of IWC.. Kern stated
    not to be interested in money. The rest is history.

    Adrian,

    (alwaysiwc)..

  • Master
    17 Aug 2022, 3:21 a.m.

    I look forward to learning more about that!

  • Master
    17 Aug 2022, 3:24 a.m.

    Thanks Adrian. I appreciate you sharing the details. Now I know why he kept
    the patch on his good eye.

  • Master
    17 Aug 2022, 9:48 a.m.

    After the accident,GK was invited by an Israelian General of whom only the
    initials are known ( M D).

    He knew a famous eye surgeon in Tel Aviv who kad operated the general
    successfully.

    Unfortunately he operated GK's wrong eye.

    Because of the current privacy rules no more details were provided to the
    press and to me.

    Adrian,

    (alwaysiwc).

  • Master
    17 Aug 2022, 1:04 p.m.

    You guys crack me up- but I'm sure Kern winked when he left IWC. Whether it
    was with his good eye or not, I do not know.

    Nelson

  • Master
    17 Aug 2022, 1:19 p.m.

    It is the opportunity to learn important historical information that makes
    belonging to this forum so special. Thank you gentlemen for your continued
    scholarship and willingness to inform the uninformed!

  • Master
    17 Aug 2022, 1:28 p.m.

    This thread, Mr. Bertleloot, must be achived for future referce to collectors
    and made easily accessible on top of the menu list.