A Record of the Bulova Watchcase Conversion

Any local building department file contains deeds, architectural drawings, board approvals, and the like, but those looking back at the old Bulova Watchcase factory project will also find a bound book and hundreds of digital images documenting its recently completed renovation.

Michael Heller, a photographer for The Sag Harbor Express, presented his 200-page coffeetable book, as well as a flash drive with files on it, to the Sag Harbor Village Board at the start of Tuesday’s meeting.

Four and a half years ago, when the project that would transform the building from abandoned eyesore to high-end condominiums first began, he approached the developers, Cape Advisors, about photographing construction as it went along. He worked out a deal with them to become the photographer of record, and was given unparalleled access to the site.

Mr. Heller made 115 visits to the site. From Nov. 8, 2011, to Feb. 5, 2016, he went there every two weeks or so to capture every phase. He ended up with 9,800 photographs.

“I painfully edited those down to about 200, which I then published in a book that just came out this week,” he told the board. The self-published book is available for purchase online through Blurb.com, by typing “watchcase” in the search menu.

From the start, Mr. Heller said, he felt the images should become part of the village record “because it’s such an important building.” He presented a copy of the book, along with the flash drive, to the village.

“That is wonderful,” Mayor Sandra Schroeder said as she thanked Mr. Heller. “That’s a very nice way to start a meeting.” 

There also will be a copy available to the public at the John Jermain Memorial Library.