Vacheron & Constantin Pocket Watch - DIY Balance Staff! Amazing Restoration

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  • Опубликовано: 25 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 302

  • @anthonycarnevale7691
    @anthonycarnevale7691 3 месяца назад +35

    Great job Chris! It was very interesting seeing you have the confidence to stretch your skills in making the balance staff, not something to be taken lightly. Thanks for your work and I'll appreciate the watch for years to come.

    • @csspinner
      @csspinner  3 месяца назад +4

      Thanks for the opportunity to work on this gorgeous time piece!! I really appreciate it.

    • @octaviobarajas3980
      @octaviobarajas3980 2 месяца назад +1

      Beautiful watch!

  • @ShiroArctic
    @ShiroArctic 28 дней назад +2

    These old Vacheron Constantin movements were so far ahead of their time.

  • @gabrielcupertino6527
    @gabrielcupertino6527 Месяц назад +4

    "Feel free to skip if you don't want to watch me do the staff"... My man, I came here just for that! Nice work! 😂

  • @Emilmarch
    @Emilmarch 3 месяца назад +16

    You kidding me? Skip to the next chapter? That is the best part of the video. Great job.
    I really wanted the video didn't end. Loved it, awesome, awesome job.

    • @smizmar8
      @smizmar8 Месяц назад

      Yeh 100%, I wanted to comment this, but I was pretty sure someone would have already :)

  • @Paul-tk2my
    @Paul-tk2my 22 дня назад +1

    Thanks very much for that. Very impressed that you made your own balance staff for this beautiful VC. That was incredible. The movement assembly seems to be quite unusual. You’re the only person I’ve seen doing this work that actually adjusted the balance screws.

  • @jaylevine1483
    @jaylevine1483 3 месяца назад +15

    Wow, you clearly are entering the realm of watchmaker vs just a watch technician. Super impressive.

  • @malposz326
    @malposz326 3 месяца назад +13

    No words, absolutely brilliant. To make a balance staff from scratch is something completely different. Mad respect and loved the vid. Nowhere on RUclips can one find more detailed restorations with great quality, shots and explanations. And all that from a hobbyist? Brilliant, top notch!

  • @samgrant83
    @samgrant83 3 месяца назад +1

    As VC collecter I love seeing something like this being brought back to life. If you have the £/$/etc VC is one of the few brands where you can just send in any of their watches/clocks from whenever and let them get on with it to bring it back to factory condition (for a fee of course). I've had a very rare pocket watch perfected with an original piece that was still knocking around in a parts bin from the early 1930's.

  • @WeekendWatchRepair
    @WeekendWatchRepair 3 месяца назад +4

    Bravo Chris! Your videos keep getting better and better. I want to be you when I grow up one day! Your lathe work is impressive. I keep putting aside my lathe restoration project, and then you put out a video like this one! Excellent watchmaking, splendid videography (I'd love to get a peek at your lighting & filming rig), great voice work, and you had me laughing with your 'nod' montage! Kudos sir.

    • @csspinner
      @csspinner  3 месяца назад +1

      Thanks, Adam! That really means a lot! - Chris

  • @LtDan-fy7lc
    @LtDan-fy7lc 3 месяца назад +3

    That bit at 24:10 was totally unexpected and had me gasping for air xD nicely done

  • @WatchWithMike
    @WatchWithMike 3 месяца назад +9

    It was heartwarming to see the entertainment community's show of emotional support. Standing ovation! This was a class performance, Chris! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @monkeyock4575
    @monkeyock4575 3 месяца назад +3

    Hey I found your channel because I wanted to see a deep dive into a verge-fusee style movement and yours was one of the only videos on YT showing that kind of watch. I am a jeweler myself and what I love seeing in watches like this Vacheron and the verge watch is the metalwork, it’s just breathtaking considering the technology available at the time. The hand-made parts of the verge watch were awesome to see as well. There are other watchmaking channels on YT and I watch quite a few of them, but I have never, EVER seen anyone else fabricate a balance staff from scratch. Bravo!

  • @blister762
    @blister762 3 месяца назад +1

    That was a beautiful repair. A lot of channels show part replacement where you are actually repairing parts or as in this video making them from scratch. I'd like to see more like that. Love the wolf's teeth and the clicking as the watch was wound up. An excellent video.

  • @ampojuels
    @ampojuels Месяц назад +1

    How does this video not have 2 million views and 2 million likes! So damn impressive man... killed this watch service repair and fabrication!

  • @The_DuMont_Network
    @The_DuMont_Network 3 месяца назад +4

    iI really love pocket timepieces, and regularly carry my Great Uncle's 1920s railroad watch he wore until the day he died on the rairoad. I never met him, but I feel an oddly familial connection with him. I still take the watch and calibration card to the railroad approved watchmaker who always tells me he wants me to adopt him so he can inherit it; I'mm 77 and he is at least 80.
    I so much appreciate this episode, especially the fabrication of that infinitesimal part, freehand, no tool holder or cross slide. The song of the frogs merely adds to the beauty.
    And FINALLY, someone explained the functions on the timing machine, and the bumps on the periphery of the wheel!
    Thank you so much, looking forward to the next one.

  • @YZoxK52m
    @YZoxK52m 3 месяца назад +4

    Great video, thanks for showing the process of making a balance. The nodding sequence was funny. It's good to have a mix of technical details and humor.

  • @jlinkels
    @jlinkels 3 месяца назад +1

    I did not see videos in previous style, narration or with added music. This current style, no high speed playback, interesting and relaxed narration, tool sounds and no music is just perfect.

  • @tedcoons1264
    @tedcoons1264 3 месяца назад +1

    Cutting a balance staff is what separates the men from the boys. Screws such as you make already set the stage for you to advance & elevate you to a master. From what I have seen in your videos, I have every confidence that you can take & pass the AWI Certified Master Watchmaker examination; go for it.

  • @kuglepen64
    @kuglepen64 3 месяца назад +5

    I love that your format is without music and without hyperbole. I would love to see you moving into making (spare) parts. I feel it’s the logical next level for you.

  • @peterreuter3890
    @peterreuter3890 Месяц назад +1

    Absolutely fantastic again. I enloyed it very much. Great!!

  • @MLampner
    @MLampner 3 месяца назад +2

    Wonderful Chris. I am amazed by your machining of parts starting with the screws and now with the balance staff. I look forward to more of these.

  • @plhebel1
    @plhebel1 Месяц назад +1

    Always enjoyed your videos very much. It helps to get a fire burning under myself to accomplish something worthwhile in my hobbies. I have commented before and will again that keeping mistakes or slip-ups in your videos helps the viewers understand they don't need to be perfect,, no one is perfect and you didn't get where you are today in a week or even a month, it takes time and mistakes to become good at anything. Thank you.

  • @seanobrien7169
    @seanobrien7169 3 месяца назад +9

    I am impressed with the quality of this watch. This has to be one of the best build qualities i have yet seen.

  • @colepdx187
    @colepdx187 3 месяца назад +5

    I'm glad you decided to film this repair. This is the first time I've seen a movement with those design features and I found it fascinating. The balance staff fabrication was my favorite part of the video. Thanks!

  • @cartoonfan925
    @cartoonfan925 3 месяца назад +2

    Only two attempts at that staff. You are my watchmaking hero by a considerable margin.

  • @WatchRestorationCottage
    @WatchRestorationCottage 3 месяца назад +3

    Chris, your fretting over the balance staff was hilarious! And yet, in the end, you made it look so easy. Incredible.

  • @翠花-d5e
    @翠花-d5e 3 месяца назад +1

    The layout of the movement is very beautiful. I like the spring very much.

  • @patriot_III_tinman
    @patriot_III_tinman 3 месяца назад +4

    Your restorations are beyond the other channels. Thanks for sharing journey.

  • @AnalogDave
    @AnalogDave 3 месяца назад +1

    Incredible work on the balance staff! As a side note, I haven't seen a real office in over a decade. I didn't know companies still had them 😂

  • @stevenstewart3414
    @stevenstewart3414 3 месяца назад +1

    AMAZING!
    I have several favorite watch servicing sites on RUclips, but NONE of them build tiny, delicate, PRECISION parts from scratch... except you!
    And I love your mastery of the fabulous specialty tools you have collected!
    You could create a full watch with multiple complications from stock metal!

  • @anthonycaryl1079
    @anthonycaryl1079 3 месяца назад +1

    Mad skills there, certainly not skipping that part

  • @loch1957
    @loch1957 3 месяца назад +3

    I was a machinist for 50 years, no way I was skipping ahead of the lathe work great job.

    • @patrickstarnes2355
      @patrickstarnes2355 3 месяца назад +1

      @@loch1957 I wouldn't believe possible to turn this so small. Maybe with a cylindrical grinder! Top marks.

  • @soundmindtv2911
    @soundmindtv2911 3 месяца назад +2

    Thank you for this video, Chris! So many questions were answered in one video! I enjoy your methodical troubleshooting as problems present themselves, and your calm approach in solving them. The video editing is also engaging and does a good job of presenting the complexity and time investment while also trimming it down into a digestible portion. Thanks again!

  • @Mtlmshr
    @Mtlmshr 3 месяца назад +4

    I’m a metal fabricator that works on Race Cars and what’s interesting is that we do exactly the same thing with the exact same type tools the only difference is that you do it on a macro level and that I can appreciate very much! I have machined what I thought was “tiny” parts in the past but they are HUGE compared to what you machine, good on ya and the other watch makers! A very skilled profession!

  • @Jyarber102
    @Jyarber102 3 месяца назад +1

    Hahaha I got confused when you put the main spring back in I thought I was watching one of Marshall's videos 😂.. The most satisfying sound!!😂

  • @k__c__
    @k__c__ 3 месяца назад +2

    Great video, and you are not wrong, I tend to skip basic service videos unless I need to check for details on that watch/movement. Thank you for keeping it interesting.

  • @kimwilliford6303
    @kimwilliford6303 3 месяца назад +1

    I'd love to see you restore vintage and antique clocks. Maybe some history of sun dials and how to work one

  • @samnova450
    @samnova450 3 месяца назад +2

    Fantastic job Chis on that watch. From making screws and balance staff from scratch, your skills are so great for keeping historic horology going.

  • @brendaowens2466
    @brendaowens2466 3 месяца назад +2

    What a lovely delicate watch. Thank you for letting us join you on your journey.

  • @michaelkeats1313
    @michaelkeats1313 3 месяца назад +1

    Wow! You had me hooked for every second of your video. Truly magnificent work. I love seeing these fantastic pocket watches serviced so keeping a piece of history alive. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

  • @tk_customwoodworks
    @tk_customwoodworks 3 месяца назад +1

    Absolutely incredible, I'm in awe every time I watch. Thanks for the video

  • @ygrbooks
    @ygrbooks 3 месяца назад +1

    Thank you for sharing this incredible restoration video of a really beautiful watch on RUclips: 👍👌👏. I am old and bored by such a lot of stuff (can't even watch TV any more 🤪), but do not ever think your work will not be appreciated here, so carry on ❤!

  • @taijifank3875
    @taijifank3875 3 месяца назад +1

    One of the many things I love about this video is seeing how the sophisticated construction of this VC movement contrasts with the rough hand construction of the verge fusee you restored previously (my other favorite video). Also seeing the text instructions for making the balance staff next to the reality of the delicate, minute, painstaking work was amazing. Thanks so much for doing these videos!

  • @mlsproject
    @mlsproject 3 месяца назад +1

    The balls on this guy! Seriously, though, good work. I'm about a year behind you and feeling okay about replacing balance staffs but no way would I want to tackle making one yet. Thanks for the video!

  • @SteveeCee
    @SteveeCee 3 месяца назад +2

    You're quickly becoming my favourite watchmaker channel. The patience and competence in this video are astounding.

  • @matchboxoffice1989
    @matchboxoffice1989 3 месяца назад +1

    I’m fairly new to watch repair videos on RUclips, and it’s just jaw dropping to me the precision involved in this craft.
    And the even crazier thing is the precision tools you own to ply your trade. Niche equipment or what?
    Funnily enough, I saw a few eBay listings for Vacheron Constantin Balance Staff Watch/Pocket Watch Various Calibres NOS today too.
    Yours for a tenner.
    But having the skillset to make your own is surely priceless 👌

  • @42Hertzer
    @42Hertzer 3 месяца назад +1

    Amazing work!
    You asked what I want to see. Perhaps there is a reason for this but I have not found any watchmaker videos where it starts with a mediocre (but OK watch) and then "pimp" the watch by beading, damaskeening, chamfering, polishing and refining the parts so it ends up with a unique "artisanal" watch in the end!

  • @todds2248
    @todds2248 3 месяца назад +1

    Masterful work! You are giving me some courage. I have a V&C pocket watch that was gifted to a Great Great Uncle for his retirement from the Aluminum Company of Canada. The catch is, the entire watch, everything possible, is made of aluminum! The case and even the watch chain are aluminum. Apparently, only a few hundred were commissioned and only given as gifts to aluminum manufacturing employees. The movement looks very similar to this one. It's a terrifying experience to even open the case for fear of scratching the soft aluminum. The watch does not run and has been wound tight, probably for decades. There is no sign of anyone ever having serviced it. I tried to at least let down the mainspring, but it will not release (has that same style click). The prospect of disassembling a fully powered super rare watch with unobtanium parts is frightening to say the least. It is spotless inside and I'm assuming the 90 year old lubricants have turned to glue. I really want to get it running but sending it to V&C is financially out of the question. Hopefully as I gain more skill and knowledge from great videos like this one, I will be able to tackle it someday.

  • @DC-id2ih
    @DC-id2ih 3 месяца назад +1

    Wonderful as always!! Am afraid one of the takeaways from videos like this is that I know I could never do this myself lol! (i.e. I am literally "all thumbs" when it comes to any kind of precise/meticulous work that requires steady hands). No worries though - because I really enjoy watching craftsmen such as yourself bringing these engineering marvels back to life ( I also really like the technical deep dives you do on various aspects of the watches that you service..especially when you rebuild missing or damaged components from scratch). Thanks again for sharing...cheers!

  • @brianperkins7036
    @brianperkins7036 2 месяца назад +1

    The beauty and pure craftsmanship of this watch was amazing to see thanks to the high quality close up filming. Furthermore your personal skills are worthy of the highest praise and l congratulate your achievements. 👏👏

  • @waerokinghuang8603
    @waerokinghuang8603 3 месяца назад +1

    Top brand , Top quality , so deserves Top service

  • @ashhavan4345
    @ashhavan4345 3 месяца назад +3

    All I can say, that was really awesome watch making. You can count yourself as one of the mystical watchmaking monks with magical carbide fingernails and infinite patience. Congratulations!

  • @gioc4596
    @gioc4596 2 месяца назад +1

    Hope all is well with you and there is a new project in the works. Waiting eagerly for a new video. Regards.

    • @csspinner
      @csspinner  2 месяца назад +1

      One in the works- slow going though. But it will be worth it hopefully! Verge fusee calendar repeater

  • @JoshHefnerX
    @JoshHefnerX 3 месяца назад +1

    Watch is really beautiful, inside and out. And you made a balance staff from scratch!! I have a large metal lathe and watching you use the cutters by hand like a wood lathe is interesting and amazing on something that small. Fantastic job!

  • @panther105
    @panther105 3 месяца назад +1

    My god, this is a beautifully finished movement. All the plates have rounded edges. Someone really took their time making it...

  • @theroyaljaggyness5212
    @theroyaljaggyness5212 3 месяца назад +1

    Great video Chris I could never have the patience too make a watch staff good job you make it look easy. I have a suggestion for a watch you could work on. Try a Lancaster 18 size pocket watch

  • @davidmosford5429
    @davidmosford5429 3 месяца назад +1

    Fantastic work. I really appreciate just how tricky that job was. We'll done.

  • @allanrichards3752
    @allanrichards3752 3 месяца назад +1

    I really like the videos that go deeper into bringing watches and pocket watches back from the dead. Making parts is really interesting rather than seeing just normal cleaning and servicing.

  • @grahams8468
    @grahams8468 3 месяца назад +1

    Great video of a beautiful watch being repaired and serviced
    Thank you for sharing and I look forward to seeing next one

  • @SkyBlue-le7cd
    @SkyBlue-le7cd 3 месяца назад +2

    More amazing than making the balance staff from scratch are your acting chops … Awesome content. Thanks.

  • @littlecncshop
    @littlecncshop 3 месяца назад +1

    Wow. That movements amazing, and super watchmaker friendly. Great job making that balance staff. Always impressive to watch you work.- tyler

  • @slim2429
    @slim2429 3 месяца назад +1

    Exceptional work! Positional variances were incredible for a watch of this age - so cool to see pieces this old performing this well.

  • @BDF30
    @BDF30 Месяц назад +1

    This Vacheron looks superenginered, super modern and beautiful.

  • @andypughtube
    @andypughtube 3 месяца назад +2

    I think that's the most beautiful click mechanism I have seen. One part, only one wear surface, and utterly bombproof.

  • @joe2mercs
    @joe2mercs 3 месяца назад +1

    Sharing your journey of discovery of making a balance staff was especially interesting. We should not be surprised when something works but when it does there is always a celebratory fist pump moment validating the sum of time, effort, attention to detail and iterative testing.

  • @PuckPuggy
    @PuckPuggy 3 месяца назад +1

    Fabulous job, Chris! I’ve done some very simple machine work but nowhere near this small and detailed.

  • @danijelparadzik8336
    @danijelparadzik8336 3 месяца назад +1

    thank you because I learn something new from each of your videos

  • @TheKhopesh
    @TheKhopesh 3 месяца назад +1

    That was RIVETTING from start to finish!
    I really enjoy your narration and how you make your own parts, or burnish parts that seem like they'd need replacing!

  • @sealofthesea5233
    @sealofthesea5233 21 день назад +1

    Beautiful movement, love the click and rachet wheel system, reminds me of the modern Laurent ferrier classic, as well as the three screw 4th wheel cap jewel, incredible watch and incredible work by you!

  • @monicagundran5364
    @monicagundran5364 3 месяца назад +1

    I enjoyed watching Chris! Thank you- Manny

  • @marka.schlueter9918
    @marka.schlueter9918 3 месяца назад +2

    Fantastic. Making that piece on the mini lathe? Genius. Great watch and great service. Love it.

  • @paullewis2873
    @paullewis2873 3 месяца назад +1

    I watch several watch channels. I don't like channels that say nothing or there is no music if they don't talk. Your channel I'd wonderful and interesting as well as informative 😀 😉 👍

  • @Chris-just-Chris
    @Chris-just-Chris 3 месяца назад +1

    Bravo! I am very impressed with your dedication to the task of making these old watches work as well as their original designers and makers intended. Your work deserves the same level of respect that their designers have earned. Cheers from Chris in Canberra.

  • @patrickstarnes2355
    @patrickstarnes2355 3 месяца назад +3

    Amazing lighting image quality is incredible.

  • @rweeks8879
    @rweeks8879 3 месяца назад +2

    You are truly a master of your trade! It is always a pleasure to watch you repair the things others would deem undoable!

  • @Watchonwrist_wow
    @Watchonwrist_wow 3 месяца назад +2

    Well done! What a fantastic piece of history! Its an honor to work on these old pieces.

  • @Dominic.Minischetti
    @Dominic.Minischetti 3 месяца назад +2

    That was epic! I was glued to the screen as you were turning! Absolutely amazing! 👍🏻❤

  • @billcochran1940
    @billcochran1940 3 месяца назад +1

    Really liked watching the detailed machining of the balance staff, and the servicing of this beautiful watch.

  • @69dblcab
    @69dblcab 3 месяца назад +1

    Gorgeous watch. Very nice repair. Thanks for sharing the video.

  • @1611bimotayb6
    @1611bimotayb6 3 месяца назад +1

    Again, fantastic clip. Fun to watch and always sth to learn. Thanks for sharing this with us.

  • @syfre9506
    @syfre9506 3 месяца назад +1

    This Vacheron is a beauty, thank you for sharing

  • @nyckhampson792
    @nyckhampson792 Месяц назад +1

    At 23:26: 'Making a balance staff', we feel your pain. However Chris, "no pain, no gain" in your already excellent skill set 📐
    Awesome channel btw 👌loved the edits, plenty of nods of approval as one gazed out the window 🪟 in contemplating the task ahead...nice touch

  • @fieldie
    @fieldie 29 дней назад +1

    24:10 😅 OMG I loved this scene! So good!!

  • @laszlodenes415
    @laszlodenes415 3 месяца назад +1

    Fantastic work. You must've had ice water running in your veins while machining that balance staff -- and only one misstep!

  • @k-ozdragon
    @k-ozdragon 3 месяца назад +1

    Those screw under-cutters are awesome. I always wondered how they work. It's cool seeing them create a lip so that the position of the screw doesn't change. I thought they removed the entire base material, which would change the position of the screw. This of course, would change the balance of the watch. The way those work is a very cool solution to the problem.

  • @tonyaxeman4381
    @tonyaxeman4381 3 месяца назад +1

    There are a select few watch makers that I will watch and you are on top of the list . There must be a way to adjust the banking pins for the pallet fork. Properly .

  • @rogers531
    @rogers531 3 месяца назад +1

    Cant get a pic up. I could send it on messenger.... You are the better watch repairer i have. Come across in 34 years..

  • @magintysmaw
    @magintysmaw 3 месяца назад +2

    Absolutely amazing workmanship……well done! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 the workmanship of the watch is outstanding. Thank you

  • @3the3best3
    @3the3best3 3 месяца назад +1

    Working on the balance like that is completely insane to me. A normal watch service with replacement parts is already hard enough, but this is really another level

  • @jdmccorful
    @jdmccorful 3 месяца назад +1

    Well done! I can't imagine the patience it requires to get the learning curve for this skill. Such a beautiful time piece.

  • @terrybradley8297
    @terrybradley8297 3 месяца назад +1

    And that my friends, is how you do that! A yup.

  • @keithwilliams9213
    @keithwilliams9213 3 месяца назад +1

    Sir, I am impressed by your willingness to take on such a project and complete it successfully. So many ways to fail and you got it right. Beautiful movement and finishing on parts that will never see daylight because, yes, that's why. True luxury.

  • @sandrodunatov485
    @sandrodunatov485 3 месяца назад +1

    I'm taken away by the sheer beauty and craftmanship of this astounding hunter pocket watch, and as always the quality of your work is at the highest level, even making a "Vacheron" balance staff! Bravo! I still miss the soothing music though.

  • @kimwilliford6303
    @kimwilliford6303 2 месяца назад +1

    ❤ Hey Chris, you do such fabulous work. please keep the videos like this coming. I would love to watch you restore a battery powered watch from Timex one day❤

  • @sk8shackcrew
    @sk8shackcrew 3 месяца назад +1

    WOW! great job on the staff, you have true skills Sir!

  • @Jesselovespinball
    @Jesselovespinball 3 месяца назад +1

    One of my favorite repairs to date . Thank you for showing us the entire balance staff construction . Was VERY impressed.

  • @hybridteas
    @hybridteas 2 месяца назад +1

    Amazing work Chris! I enjoyed every second of this video. Thanks for sharing your awesome work!!

  • @XMarkxyz
    @XMarkxyz 3 месяца назад +1

    I can't even comprehend how is it possible to turn such small thing freehand, it's mind boggling

  • @brucebarlow6604
    @brucebarlow6604 3 месяца назад +1

    Going to the next level Chris you are definitely a pro at this. Regards from New Zealand 🇳🇿

  • @andyoverall1951
    @andyoverall1951 3 месяца назад +1

    You made that look easy, well done. Thanks for sharing.