About Our Train Track Timepieces

You are looking at a piece of history repurposed for your wrist. This manually wound timepiece is made from 132 - 136 year old train track pried from the hillside of our hometown, Lethbridge, Alberta. This durable steel rail, manufactured by companies from Wales and elsewhere in the UK, became the backbone of the coal mining industry and was an integral piece of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was sourced from the Galt No. 8 Mine site, which closed in 1957, and was a catalyst of economic development in aptly named Coalbanks (since changed to Lethbridge), as well as neighbouring towns Coalhurst and Coaldale. Larry Christmas, a previous chairman of the History and Heritage Committee of the Coal Association of Canada said: “The Galt No. 8 Mine site represents one of the most important abandoned coal mines in Canada...”

We're proud to use this history for our limited edition timepieces. Only 15 made of each model.
 
Blaenavon 1882 SS Edition
Blaenavon 1882 SS Edition
CA$2,499.00
Barrow 1885 SS Edition
Barrow 1885 SS Edition
CA$2,499.00
Barrow 1885 RR Edition
Barrow 1885 RR Edition
CA$2,899.00
*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
 

“The industrial feel of the timepiece meshes perfectly with the historic train track material we use for the watch”

— Steve / Watchmaker at NOVO
 
Buy Now
...or call to reserve yours today 888-782-2607

How it's Made:

Before we ever get our hands on the material if travels across the world. Steel we currently use was originally ordered from iron companies in Wales and elsewhere in the UK. Men from all over the world were recruited to help install the rail lines in and around Lethbridge creating the foundation that our city grew. Mines shut down leaving only memories and remains of a once thriving industry...and this is where we begin our journey of repurposing those stories to wear on our wrists today.

The video below will show the the hours of work we put in before it's finished and we send it off to its new owner as a treasured piece of history that also carries a deep and important meaning.
*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
 

“There's something special about wearing a piece of history. ”

— Owner of the Dowlais 1884 Edition (sold out)
 
Buy Now
...or call to reserve yours today 888-782-2607

Who We Are:

My name is Steve and I make watches. I have been a watch fanatic for as long as I can remember and absolutely love that I get to craft beautiful pieces of art as my job! I believe in doing what I love and always being inspired, which is why the focus of my timepieces are a little more unique.

My products are hand crafted in small batches using reclaimed material that tells a story. They’re designed to reflect the history and culture from which they came. I like to think I create some of the worlds most beautiful and storied timepieces.

I'm a human just like you and if you ever want to chat about watches (mine or others) feel free to reach out.

Phone: 888-782-2607

Email: steve@novowatch.com

*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
See My Collection

Timepiece Details:

  • Movement: ETA 6498-1
  • Edition: Limited Edition of 15, individual numbered pieces x/15.
  • Functions: Manually wound, 18,000 beats/hour, 46 hour power reserve, hours, minutes, sweeping second hand at the 5, incabloc shock protection.
  • Case: 316L Stainless Steel, 42mm (not including crown), 9.6mm height. 
  • Caseback: 316L Stainless Steel, secured by 4 stainless steel screws.
  • Dial: Machined Historical 133 - 136 year old 1080 High Magnese Steel from railroad track. 
  • Finishing: Industrial finish.
  • Hands: White hour and minute hands with luminescence. Second hands vary by model.
  • Front Crystal: Sapphire
  • Back Crystal: Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 5ATM
  • Band: Natural 20mm Hermann Oak leather. 18mm steel buckle. 115/75 mm
  • Packaging: Cherry box
  • Warranty: 2 Year Warranty
  • Guarantee: We offer a one week compliment guarantee. If someone doesn’t love your watch within one week of wearing it…you’ve probably never left your house.
  • Build Time: Approx. 4-6 weeks
  • Love Time: Approx. forever

After years of facilitating coal transport at the Galt Mine this quality steel rail, left abandoned over half a century, now functions as the dial of our hand-built and individually-numbered timepieces. The strap is made from none other than Hermann Oak leather from one of the finest tanneries in the USA. Each edition comes wrapped in a handmade wood box. And of course the craftsmen who make your watch are human, not machines, ensuring your timepiece is completely unique in finish. Because our watches are made by hand, please allow for minor differences in colour and texture. We hope you love it as much as we loved making it.

[Only 15 timepieces will be forged for each edition]


We run such small quantities that each individual piece is truly one of a kind. 
Reserve yours today!


 
Buy Now
Click here to read more about making the Coalbanks.

More Manufacturing Videos:

*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
Step 1: Source the material
*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
Step 2: Forge the material
*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
Step 3: Machine the parts
*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
Step 4: Leather working
*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
Step 5: Make the packaging
*|END:WEB_VIDEO|*
Step 6: Final Assembly
Buy Now
...or call to reserve yours today 888-782-2607
Keep up with what we're up to and subscribe to our list:
Questions? Contact us at steve@novowatch.com or 888-782-2607