Restoring an UNWANTED 80 year old ROLEX Heirloom
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- Опубликовано: 7 окт 2024
- This Rolex from the 1950s belong to a man born in the 1800s. It has his name engraved on the back and the new owners wants it polished out. So watch to see how I tackle this rolex restoration. It has a 10 1/2 Caliber 700 movement with a Breguet over coil that needs fixing.
Watch case restoration
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Thank you for making this man’s life be remembered if for no more time than this video. When you think about this man’s life, he lived through 2 world wars, the roaring 20s, the depression, early computers, television. But all that’s really important was that he probably had a wife, children, grandchildren. Family is all that defines us when we leave this earth. God bless you and your family.
Thanks mate and the same to you and yours
When I leave this earth I’ll leave no one behind. This is done on purpose; I’ll ask the powers that be to erase my memory permanently.
Very likely he worked on valves/tube technologies for Mullard and that was the height of technology at the time.
Such a wonderful comment jwall6006
@@tonys9413as per the complete tomfukery of the internet you will now be remembered for all time tonys9413
The good old days when your employer rewarded your 30 years loyal service with a gold Rolex.
I worked nearly 40 years as a registered nurse, recently retired, and didn’t even get a sandwich ! 😂
Fabulous video ❤
Yup days of employers showing appreciation are long gone despite all the management bullshit.
Yup, loyalty has been beaten out of the worker
G
ffff
Yep, I just leave company for which I work 39 yrs, 9 months and receive nothing! I'm still working!
I'm really glad that you decided not to erase the history of this watch. Mullard was best known for their audio valves (vacuum tubes), which remain prized by audiophiles to this day. There are now licensed copies available, but they made in Russia. The main Mullard factory during the time Mr McBride worked for them was in Blackburn, so perhaps he worked there. They employed 3000 people and could produce half a million valves per day.
There is a good RUclips video from this factory's production of vacuum tubes: "Mullard - The Blackburn Vacuum Tubes Factory" by FilmesJP. It is a fascinating video to watch.
Indeed. Mullard vacuum tubes are holy grail to us vintage Marshall amplifier guys.
The Mullard factory in Blackburn didn't open until the '30s. It's more likely that if employed by Mullards from 23 onwards he worked at the Mitcham factory, maybe having started at the Balham. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullard
@TheZl9000 And Valves under Mullard (now build in russia) name are still sold ! Have some in my Marshall's guitar Amp as you say what a great restoration
@@TheZl9000Vox amps too
Almost in tears for the last 15 mins of the vlog. You kept the histroy of this incredible timepiece alive by leaving its birth certificate with it. I hope this priceless gem finds its lost heritage in the near future. You are an amazing watchmaker. Thanks for sharing. God blessings.
I completely agree
Lovely restoration. As for the engraving, the man's dedication earned him the watch and that's a part of its history.
If it was mine, I would not have the engraving removed; but honoring him, wear it with pride.
So glad you kept the engraving. I think it adds to the watch, not detract, plus it's well done. This came out so nice!
I have no doubt that the engraving was done by the steady hand and keen eye of a master craftsman of the day.
It still doesn't change the fact that an engraved watch really brings down the value unless, like Joe pointed out, the original owner was famous/infamous. On the other hand, a expert can tell if the case back was ground down to remove the engraving, which diminishes the value of the watch. In this instance not grinding off the engraving was the right thing to do since doing so would not improve the value anyway.
So glad it was kept!
and welding in new material would almost be impossible to disguise and match the original alloy....@@MrSloika
@@MrSloikawell he didn't say he thinks it adds to the monetary value of the watch. It's history being preserved certainly adds something to the watch. All personalized engravings are not created equal. As he also said in the video. And while it can devalue the watch too many buyers, to the right buyer it may not, or even enhance their desire to own it. I'm sure there's vintage audiophiles who are also watch enthusiasts who may wish to own this. And if both of those are their interests you would think they can certainly afford it. To someone like that this watch is one of one they're never going to find another one like it. Or at least that's extremely unlikely. With a watch like this it's all about finding and hooking up with the right buyer for it.
"We take nothing with us, but we can leave so much behind." Well said. Good on you for not removing the engraving - it may not count as provenance but it certainly is part of the watch's history. Great job as always on the restoration - not only are you an artisan, you're a surgeon. And thanks for adding the brief history of the companies and the components - it makes the video that much more interesting.
Only 5 minutes in, and this man has already fixed a bent hairspring and got it to +7 seconds before any regulating. Is no one else blown away by this? Amazing
Yep and high altitude as well. Crazy
@@brunonjezic6208 i have never noticed altitude to affect my watch.
@@brunonjezic6208 *amplitude, dude! 😀
A GREAT outlook toward life and treasures left behind.
I have such admiration for individuals who GIVE their all towards perfection and respect towards their craft.
Thank you for sharing your skills and HEART with us. I am now a follower because of this amazing video.
Peace and prosperity to you and your family.
I didn’t even know that this is possible… how? It’s deformed metal…
Every person has two deaths . The physical one and when it is forgotten. Thank you for keeping this man's history alive . You made my eyes wet at the end .
Greetings and respect from a greek historian .
Just like we all have 2 lives. The second one begins when you realize you will not live for ever.
In all my years of watching RUclips I stumble onto your page.
That's without doubt the most therapeutic video I've ever seen.
Thank you.....
When people talk about the knocks + bumps and patina telling the history I’m always confused why people would want to erase the engraving which is if nothing else how the knocks and bumps got there in the first place. Thank you for keeping the history of it, it’s more valuable in social history than it is in pure money❤
I've had favorite pieces jewelry "remade" after years of wear. The pieces may look impressive, but they're never the same. It's as if an energy was removed from them. Whereas simply having the piece repaired doesn't take away from it's presence.
❤ I agree with you.
As a 74 year old veteran, I appreciate what you said at the end. I am amazed at the skill you have and hope your child learns from you. You are an artist and good man. I wish I had your talent in this field. Myself, I'm just an old physician. God Bless.
leave your god bless off RUclips. you tube is religion neutral and a safe place from your gods and magic beliefs
❤ thanks for your Service Doc! Semper Fi😊
Beautiful restoration. The history was worth keeping.
I agree. I would get far more pleasure from the watch if it retains its original history.
I am new to watchmaking so I buy old “for repair or parts” watches to practice on. My first watch had an inscription on the back like the one in this video. It was dated 1944. I was able to look up the person who most likely owned the watch (can’t be 100% certain) and it was a very moving experience. So while they say inscriptions devalue watches, I think sometimes it provides an added value - an appreciation of those who came before us. I am getting old, and hope that in the end I too can leave something of value behind. Thank you for your wonderful videos and words.
Having worn my Rolex for 59 years now, this a beautiful restoration. Very impressed by the care taken!
WOW!Such a long time wearing your Rolex.What model is it?
My Seiko is doing well at 45 years, it`s seen some hard times and just kept going same steel strap only been serviced twice.
So glad you saved the engraving - it is part of the watch and its history. I restore old radios and come across Mullard components all the time. A beautiful watch and a famous and revered company. What an honour it must have been for Mr McBride to be presented with such a gift.
In a way the company never went "out of business" as they were in a partnership with Philips who eventually bought them out...Philips used the name for a while until renaming the company(not closing)
We had a Mullard factory near where I lived in Southport, Lancashire. They regularly took apprentices from the local schools. My friend’s father worked all his life there and his son, my friend, started there after he left school at sixteen. They had draughtsmen, lathe turners and electricians. Phillips took them over sometime in the seventies. I’m so glad you persuaded the owner to leave the engraving. Best wishes from France.
AB McBride was the retail boss of Mullard's Scotland division, so a whole country!
I love watch engravings, great social history, I bid on one once, the person had been a mayor of Manchester. Another one, a GP Gyromatic I owned was dated to 1957, the first Gyromatic year, and some great proof to make it more attractive when I eventually sold it.
You go beyond on each release in every aspect of your videos. Not only the image quality but also EVERYTHING. The music, the histories, your handcrafts, the timing, the framing and the most important, the time pieces.
Thank you for your inspiring work. Please, don't give up like the watch repair channel. If necessary, take as many sponsors as needed.
Thank you 🙏
Inspiring words at the end uplifted me so much. As for the watch. Truly magical how you restored it to glory. Thank goodness the owner was happy to let the beautiful engraving stay. Thank you as always!
Thanks Michael
Masterful my friend... words cannot express.
Well said!
I'm not even a watch guy and that's a beautiful watch with its history and engraving intact. All personalizations are not created equal. This one was worth preserving!
Great video! So ive had a quick look and searched some records, looking for an A B McBride born anywhere between 1875 and 1910 in the UK and there seems to be only 2 possible candidates. One is an Andrew Best McBride but he died in 1918 during WW1, the other is a man named Alexander Boyle McBride, born 1889 and died 1958, which seems to fit with a retirement in 1953. He was born in Pendleton which is close to the Blackburn Mullard factory. Now as someone has mentioned this factory opened in the 30's BUT there were other factories that belonged to Mullard in the Lancashire area which I believe fed into and merged with other factories so it is quiet possible he worked for some part of the company from 1923 in that area. I have managed to find his grave in Bootle and it actually says MARINE ENGINEER on his grave stone, now a quick check tells me that the Blackburn site made military communication equipment. Could it be that he was a communication engineer developing systems for naval use? He grave also states he was a devoted father to his son Peter McBride. I will do some more research but this is the best possible theory I could find for our mystery watch owner!
I found Alexander Boyle too and he seemed a likely candidate. Lived in Liverpool?
I love that you didn’t wipe out the engraving. I would think that adds value. For an old watch, it’s nice to know the history of it. If I had a McBride in the family I would definitely buy it.
Sir your work never disappoints thank you for your videos and great work
I love how you can put forth amazing care, craftsmanship and humor at the same time. Keeping it light hearted, humorous and yet deadly serious at the same time. Watching a fine craftsman at work never gets old. Amazing restoration. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful story you tell while you work your magic, the engravings tell their own story and I’m glad you preserved them.
You made excellent decision in keeping the engraving. High marks for keeping history alive, no matter how small or what we feel may be insignificant. Job well done!
Excellent decision.
A beautiful sympathetic restoration , leaving the engraving was the right thing to do , wishing your family peace and happiness
Wow! This may be my favourite episode yet. It is not just becuase the superb restoration but also the untold history of its former owner. Thanks for sharing, Nekkid.
Thank you 🙏
As someone who still uses vacuum tubes (or valves as they're known across the pond), I'm familiar with Mullard and was instantly excited when I saw the back of the case. My heart sank when you discussed removing the engraving, but was lifted again at the end when you decided against it. Thank you for keeping the history, no matter how mundane it may be perceived, alive. 🙏
this proves the fact, that true beauty lies in simplicity. Great work my friend, nice to watch as ever!!!
Many years ago I started watching Mark Lovick. Have watched many other watchmaker channels but Joe is IMO, one of a few that are next level skilled. You can see the experience in every video. It was Joe who helped me take the next step from collector to watchmaking so my hats off to you sir.
Thanks mate. Glad to hear your tinkering. Mark lovick is a great watchmaker
Glad to see that you saved the history of this piece. For me, maybe I'm just a sentimental, a piece with a history behind is much more valuable than something without.
As far as I'm concerned, you did the right thing by keeping this engraving.
Also, I'm in awe of your skills and experience when fixing that hairspring. Just, wow.
Thank you!
This was so awesome. You are amazing as a storyteller, narrator and obviously a watchmaker! I am actually a magician, an illusionist, for my career but I bow to you as a true Grand magician! This was a stunning bit of content I think anyone could appreciate even if they don't care for watches. Art.
So happy you were sympathetic to its original owner, very touching. And the “ Dumpling” was funny too. Thanks for sharing your skills and humour and humanity, we sure need it these days❤
Great video as usual. I think the engraving adds charm and provenance, especially if has tender words. Even if it was given as gift after many years service its best to keep it. Its all part of the watches history. A few years ago I sold a 1951 9ct gold Rotary which has an inscription thanking the recipient for 50 years service. He received the watch for his whole life's service. If I had removed the inscription it would be like wiping his life away. Keep making the videos. Yours is the best watch repair channel on RUclips.
To look beyond the “thing” and see a man’s life instead-that’s just so right. Expertly conserved watch, beautifully told story. We miss your videos and are always delighted when there is a new one. Hoping you and your family are well always.
A beautiful restoration as ever. So glad you kept the engraving. For me, this additional provenance would add to the value of an antique watch - not detract.
Thanks for adding such a personal touch to this video with both preserving what you could of this man's life and the interactions with your son. Enhancing the videos we are all here to see
Thank You, Nekkid Watchmaker, for not playing any of That background 'music'! ...That ear worm music! Thank You.
I love Your closeup filming.
I love hearing the actual sound of You working. You are now my favorite watchmaker.
Donna Chassie
Watching you and Trouble work together is so relaxing and educational. Love your videos! Superb photography! Very grateful for you and your productions!
Thank you 🙏
I agree. I think Joe should consider making movies for kids -- narrating them himself. Alas, the day would not be long enough, but it's a pleasant thought.
I spend 38 years with a company and I so wanted a watch when I retired sadly many companies no longer value long service and they do nothing for a long term employee when they retire. I would myself have been honored to find and buy a watch like this one, that celebrates another’s long service because I understand what that means
Mullard vacuum tube company. Legendary! Might be of value to an audiophile or guitar player.
Yes, legendary vacuum tubes (called valves in the UK) and some quite valuable. My grandfather had a side business working on televisions in the 1950s-1960s. I still have nice collection of his vacuum tubes, some manufactured by Mullard.
I agree. I think for a Tube / Valve audiophile, this inscription is not detrimental.
Beautiful sentiment at the end. Loved this video. What has truly drawn me to vintage watches is being able to think on the history, where they have been, who owned them, and what they went through together. Thank you for this.
I am astounded by your skills. I am a carpenter by trade. It's something I acquired through time and diligence. It appears to be a schedule you follow and it is ingrained in your mind, the entire process. Making decisions as they are needed and to stop where it is not. I couldn't respect you more I too get to reflect and stand back. To have praise that is absolutely worthy. Your humility is mighty. Thank you for sharing your wisdom as well as your experience. It's truly a gift. Your humor and wit is killing me sometimes. I laugh out loud as my wife eyes me in wonder. Please never lose the shine that exist within you. You give so much hope to so many people. ...just thank you.~Sincerely, Daniel John Forbes
Beautiful sympathetic restoration. I was watching the video and it brought back memories of my grandfather. He was also born in the late 1800s, and he also served in both World wars. So a similar story to the original owner of this watch. The watch is just gorgeous and it is a testament to exquisite 20th century craftsmanship.
Joe, your sense of “doing the right thing” was exactly what I have come to expect from you. A very valuable life lesson for Trouble 🦖 as well. Fantastic video as usual. Be well, and Peace ☮️
Thanks joe
NOS Mullard tubes are still highly sought after by hi-fi enthusiasts. I have a few in my stash from the late 50's. They don't make them like they used to. I would definitely think that was bonus to have that history with the watch.
I am glad you made this with your son in tow. I'm sure whoever was the former owner of that watch was would have wanted his legacy passed on to his children the way you are doing now with yours. I've learned that doing things with our children is the best way to pass our heritage to them as we share the experience of everyday life with them. Thank you for valuing this man's life.
Thanks for having the patience and fortitude, not to mention the skill, necessary to restore the hair spring! That was an awesome bit of work!!
I also was very impressed by the fact that you did not "wire weld the heck" out of the engraving ! It shows respect for the accomplishments of others, something that no culture can survive without. I didn't hear your son say anything that should keep him out of America, maybe it even saved him a seat in first class.
I will let him know, thanks
The Engraving is what makes the watch special, I'd actually pay more for a wonderful history such as shown on this Rolex, Beautiful Restoration as usual.
You are a master, sir. I deeply respect your work. It was a pleasure to watch and hear your comments.
It is not all about monetary value, and the engraving is a huge cachet, worth keeping.
Bravo for a restoration superbly accomplished !! ❤❤😊
Beautiful Watch! You did the right thing keeping it's history. My Grandfather was a Watchmaker, was still repairing watches into his 80's. Love your restorations.
I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video.
I also really appreciated the way you made the video engaging and entertaining. You kept my attention throughout the entire video, and I never felt bored or lost. I would definitely recommend your video to anyone who is interested in learning more about the video.
Thank you 🙏
wow you did the man justice and respect by leaving his name that just adds to beauty of it all, wonderful work
When i watch your videos, it's like meditation. Your calm voice and the tenderness with which you treat the watches is great. This watch is not just a thing, but a piece of memory of a person. Thank you for 40 minutes of happiness!
I can see you have inspired many on here not only with your exceptional mastery of the watchmaking trade but your humble way of presenting to me, what makes us human in spirit, God bless you and your family they must be so grateful for you being in their life Aymen
Welcome back ! Great to see you again! Im happy to see that you kept the engraving, I like seeing history preserved for younger generations so they can research the past , and its fun to do the research on engravings sometimes.
Loved the intricacy of the balance spring work, you are so talented. I agree with the decision not to remove the engraving, to me that just increases its appeal. Beautiful job.
You are an absolute wizard with watches as you in still pure magic on every restoration, in my opinion. Lovely workmanship. To be given this Rolex for service would mean he was quite a flyer in the business world. I would have thought.
My mother was a watchmaker for Rolex, roughly in the same time period as this piece. It was lovely to see you bring this back to life, and I was delighted to see you retain the history of the piece. You are an artist my friend. Peace be with you and your loved ones. :)
What a lovely restoration. Superbly well done. Modern Rolex's I cannot afford and style wise, I don't much care for. The one you restored is a beautiful time piece and I can certainly understand why people find them collectable.
Wonderful work as always !! AB would be glad to know his watch is in good hands!
Its a shame this watch didnt stay in the family but at least the new owner wanted it restored and agreed not to polish out the presentation on the back.
You did a beautiful job in restoring, cleaning and repairing it! Thank you!⌚️
Probably the most entertaining and sympathetic watch restoration I has viewed, almost make you want to buy a Rolex so you can pass it down to your children, wonderful.
So glad you kept the history of that time peace In tac... Our time is just A footprint in the sand of this world.. And just Because it gets washed away to a greater Journey... Does not mean it Should be forgotten... Excellent video.. Wherever This man rest.. You're acknowledgment of his life just fracture time and space... Just to return to him. A beautiful breeze of remembrance...
I love your home town dad commentary along with the humor and the quality of your work !
“Wow”That was nice. I loved the ending.
Thanks for the Sunday surprise. Wonderful restoration. Of all the incredible work that you do, Joe, your work on hairsprings is the most amazing. Good to see that Trouble is still causing trouble. He's growing so fast. You and the family be safe until the next time.
Thanks David
I admire your skills, professionalism and craftsmanship but what i admire more was the decision to keep the engraving and respect what's left of the original owner's memory,, speaks volumes,, much respect, Keep up the good work.
I've watched a fair share of these watch restoration videos. This one for some reason I find truly mesmirising. Maybe because the watch is very old or the narators tone of voice.
Very nice video, plus the respect of the original owner of the watch.
I'm so glad you kept the history alive with that watch. And what a beautiful piece it is.
I love the words of wisdom at the end of each of your videos! Thank you for such an entertaining and clean fun! So cool to see these sort of repairs bringing back to life this good old treasures in a throw-away society like we have now
Thanks Carlos
This watch looked amazing at the end. So classy, I’m really glad you didn’t erase the engraving. I feel it would have been so sad. Love what you do!
Absolutely love watching stuff like this. That's some serious but satisfying graft.
It seems a real shame to remove that engraving…. I think it would add value in my opinion, particularly given the dates.
Edit** well, after finishing the video…it was heartening and a relief to see how you handled the engraving🙏
Beautifully done!
Beautiful work 👍🏽
And the engraving is a testament to its age & it’s fine Rolex craftsmanship way back in the day.
Beautiful workmanship. So glad you kept the engraving. Maybe someone will be inspired to look up his genealogy. I’m sure he will smile down upon you for honoring his watch. Thank You for sharing.
Brilliant Neckid. I'm tired of all these 'watchmakers' AKA' watch cleaners' telling us we need to buy 'special' tools to do these basic jobs...you've nailed it mate. Improvisation is the mother of invention. Thank you.
Im so glad you didn't remove the engraving. To me, that makes the watch what it is, spectacular!!!
I restore vintage tube amps and I would pay extra for that original engraving.
Funny world.
Love watching your work.
This has got to be one of the most fantastic videos I have seen. I am a person who sits in front of a computer working on a task for hours but when I saw just how delicately you worked and the time you must have spent working on this watch - I just wanted to cry. You have put me to shame. I do not think I could have taken the watch apart and I would have forgotten which part went where which means the watch would have been destroyed in my hands. But I could only gape at what you did. The watch is lovely, the video is awesome, you are just fantastic. And I will remember what you said about the man who asked for his hands to be left out so everyone could see he took nothing to his grave. I really do not have the words. So all I can say is - thank you.
This was a magnificent repair and restoration. I am so very pleased that you left the engraving on. Perhaps in the future, as you say, it can find its way home to the descendants of the man who deserved this parting gift.
You are a good man.
I love the way you restore this vintage Rolex....I work in Philps Semiconductor and I also have a watch from the company as gift for my long time service....
Had lunch with an old boss a few weeks ago.. after chatting a bit we began discussing finding watches at estate sales.. before long.. we were talking about your channel! I enjoy such unplanned moments and you do such great work.. you inspire many people. God bless you and your family!
Frank in Colorado
The patience it takes to do that sort of work is to be admired. It looks tedious and frustrating at times. You are calm cool and collected! Well done!
Remarkable work. I think it's great that you have respect for the history of the watch. 👍
Beautiful work on a beautiful watch. I didn't have much hope for it at the beginning but, as always, your skill and artistry come through.
Thank you for taking us on this journey with you. I am amazed by your patience, knowledge and abilities. Well done, sir.
Thanks Dave
you put a smile on my face and warm my heart knowing there are good caring people like you and your children are lucky to have a dad like you and OMG you have crazy skills that transformation is crazy
Thanks for your videos which I enjoy not only to see you use your craft but also for the warmth of your narrative and the occasional , but welcome, intrusion of your young son.
Absolutely fantastic, as usual. You are truly a real craftsman.
As always, Incredible! The transformation is incredible, so glad the engraving stayed!
AMAZING watch restoration and narration.. love the message at the end... POWERFUL!
Watched this with my 6 year old son and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful result!
Ich bin richtig stolz, das es noch solche Leute gibt. Grüssle Herbie aus Deutschland
Just want to say thanks for being an amazing dad. Your son is lucky to have you, as I'm sure you are lucky to have him!
Thank you 🙏
I so enjoyed this video! This was an incredible restoration. Simply magnificent. And your touching and deeply wise words at the end, made this video very meaningful for me. Thank you.