Dedication to Horological Excellence
Preserving mechanical timepiece traditions through Swiss-trained craftsmanship and technical precision
Return HomeOur Heritage
crownwyt began in 2007 when master watchmaker Richard Beaumont established his independent atelier after completing advanced training at the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program. Having spent twelve years apprenticing with established Swiss houses, Richard recognized Ottawa's need for specialized horological services that honored traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern diagnostic technologies.
The workshop opened on Sparks Street with a focused mission: provide museum-quality restoration and precision maintenance for mechanical timepieces requiring technical expertise beyond standard battery replacement services. Richard's training under Genevan master craftsmen equipped him with knowledge spanning pocket watch movements from the 1890s through contemporary complicated calibers featuring tourbillons and minute repeaters.
Our early years concentrated on building relationships with collectors, estate executors, and luxury retailers who needed reliable technical partners for their clientele's heritage timepieces. Word traveled through horological circles about our commitment to period-correct restoration methods and transparent condition assessments. By 2012, crownwyt had established parts sourcing relationships directly with Swiss suppliers, ensuring access to authentic components meeting original manufacturer tolerances.
As our reputation grew throughout Ontario and Quebec, we invested in specialized equipment rarely found outside major metropolitan centers. Our workshop now houses timing machines calibrated to micron-level precision, ultrasonic cleaning stations with multiple solution chambers, vacuum drying equipment for moisture remediation, and a comprehensive technical library containing manufacturer service manuals dating back to pre-World War movements.
Today, crownwyt serves discerning clients throughout Canada who value transparent technical communication and meticulous attention to mechanical detail. We maintain ongoing training relationships with major Swiss manufacturers, ensuring our technicians stay current with new caliber developments while preserving knowledge of discontinued movements requiring historical documentation research.
Technical Standards and Protocols
Precision Diagnostics
Every timepiece receives comprehensive assessment using calibrated timing equipment measuring positional variance, amplitude, and beat error. We document baseline performance before disassembly, enabling accurate comparison after service completion. Diagnostic reports include high-resolution photography of movement condition, identifying wear patterns and required component replacements.
Authentic Component Sourcing
We maintain direct purchasing relationships with Swiss parts suppliers authorized by major manufacturers. Every replacement component includes documentation verifying authenticity and proper caliber specifications. For vintage movements requiring unavailable parts, we utilize precision machining capabilities to fabricate components matching original dimensions and materials.
Traditional Cleaning Methods
Movement cleaning follows multi-stage protocols using specialized solutions appropriate to component materials. Delicate balance assemblies receive hand cleaning with pegwood and rodico, while robust components undergo ultrasonic treatment. Each jewel receives individual inspection and polishing when necessary. Oil application uses Swiss-manufactured lubricants specified for particular friction points within each caliber.
Extended Testing Protocols
After reassembly, movements undergo minimum 72-hour observation periods across six positions, monitoring rate stability and amplitude consistency. Chronograph functions receive repeated start-stop-reset cycles verifying proper column wheel engagement. Complicated calendars advance through complete annual cycles confirming smooth date transitions and leap year programming accuracy.
Our Master Watchmakers
Richard Beaumont
WOSTEP Certified Master
Founder and principal watchmaker with 22 years experience specializing in vintage pocket watch restoration and complicated movement servicing. WOSTEP graduate with additional training certifications from Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin service academies.
Marie Champagne
Chronograph Specialist
Senior technician with specialized expertise in chronograph mechanisms and calendar complications. Trained at Institut Technique de la Montre in Le Locle with subsequent manufacturer certifications covering modern automatic chronograph calibers from major Swiss houses.
Thomas Park
Restoration Expert
Heritage restoration specialist focusing on pre-1960 movements requiring historical documentation research. Fifteen years experience with vintage dial refinishing, hand replacement, and case restoration techniques preserving original hallmarks and engravings while returning mechanical function.
Professional Values and Expertise
Technical Transparency
We believe clients deserve complete understanding of their timepiece condition and service requirements. Every assessment includes detailed photography of observed issues with clear explanations of mechanical problems and recommended solutions. Estimates itemize parts costs and labor hours, enabling informed decisions about restoration priorities and budget considerations.
Preservation of Authenticity
Heritage restoration projects prioritize maintaining original characteristics that define each timepiece's historical significance. We avoid unnecessary replacement of components showing age-appropriate patina unless mechanical function requires intervention. Case refinishing preserves hallmarks and serial numbers while removing only damage that affects structural integrity or water resistance.
Continuous Technical Education
The horological field evolves constantly as manufacturers develop new materials, escapement designs, and complication architectures. Our technicians participate in annual training programs covering recent caliber developments, updated service procedures, and specialized diagnostic techniques. This commitment ensures we maintain competency across both vintage and contemporary movements.
Client Communication Standards
We provide regular status updates throughout service procedures, informing clients when assessment reveals unexpected conditions requiring discussion. Complex restoration projects receive milestone photography documenting progress at key stages. Upon completion, detailed service records document all performed work, replaced components, and testing results for future reference.
Experience Our Technical Approach
Discover how traditional Swiss craftsmanship and modern diagnostic precision combine to preserve your timepiece's mechanical integrity.
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