I’m amazed that this guy says he is an amateur watch restorer & after being hypnotised for an hour seeing his work he’s gotta be a highly trained professional at least. I would be more than happy to have him work on any of my watches & he must have a line of people awaiting his services. Great watch, amazing work, & where did the last hour go?? Totally engulfed in the video, to see how intricate this type of work is n seeing the minute amounts of oil used for example is awe-inspiring as an example. This man is no amateur, he is the finest craftsman & seeing his work & just how he used a high powered microscope to rid the smallest of watch parts of rust & staining is seeing a true professional at work. I’m subbed up & look forward to watching my next video. Thanks from across the pond in England 🏴.
Amateur is from Latin amatore. Someone who does things for the love of them. Take that definition, and he's clearly an amateur. So much gentle care in these videos.
You sir, are a great teacher. I’m finding your videos educational, entertaining, and calming. This is some of the best RUclips has to offer. New subscriber here, looking forward to more!
I find it endlessly fascinating watching things being assembled, disassembled, cleaned, repaired, whether it's internal combustion engines, toys, heavy metal parts for bulldozers, computer equipment, or delicate watches. What makes them more enjoyable is when people can communicate what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what makes it satisfying for them - relating their own passion for the work. Years ago I'd have assumed a video like this would be like watching grass grow, but now I find it expands my own knowledge and interests.
I came to watch after hearing about this on Limited Resources, and man, you hooked me for the whole hour. Really relaxing and satisfying to see you pull everything apart and then watch it come back together better than before. You are a real Renaissance man, Marshall!
I've been cleaning and restoring my late grandfather's Girard-Perregaux watches while watching your videos, and like you say, yes, it means so much having his watches and caring for them and keeping his memory alive, and I love that I can wear them. It's extraordinary, truly remarkable, when you start to take apart an old mechanical watch, to think how it was originally designed and the mind of one who could do so... truly amazing. It's art. The art of capturing time...
I started watching completely by accident. RUclips was on and running in the background as I was doing household chores. One of your episodes came on and after walking past the TV a few times I got hooked. I have always been drawn to mechanical things. Lawnmower, tools, car restore type stuff. But the wrist watch cleaning and restore is by far a new level of fine mechanical work. I would love to try my hand at a watch someday but not just yet and not on a watch that had sentimental value. The most important thing I have taken away is knowing how to talk with the jeweler I told my grandmothers brooch watch to for cleaning and repair. That little bit of knowledge I am sure saved me money. I will be making a donation to your page. Thank you. Oh and you have the hands of a surgeon.
Marshall, to me you are a prince among men. You have such a gentle spirit and humble attitude. I think you will continue to grow and excel at the craft as you progress because you are so malleable and willing to learn. I like your narration more than anything else since to teach and continue to reveal how honest and open you are about your concerns with issues with the movement and maybe your own perceived limits. But I think your knowledge is much better and more extensive than you understand it to be! I am happy to be subscribed and learn from you as well as enjoy your very pleasant and through narrations. God Speed to you my friend. Please keep them coming!
I love how patient he is. I love how careful he is without being precious about it. It doesn’t feel condescending when he reminds me to be careful, because he is already showing me how to be careful.
Marshall is a good example of the more you know about a thing the more you realise there is to learn about that thing so he still calls himself an amateur repair person but from the perspective of producing videos of those repairs that are entertaining to people not in the industry who might have never tried it themselves is where his brilliance really shines through
Citric acid removes rust quite well! 👍 Years ago I owned a watch parts cleaner and was told by an old watchmaker to use white spirit as cleaning solution, I tried it on old parts and it actually removed the rust off an old top plate!! Great video by the way!! 😎😎
Masterfully done Marshall! I have been watching your channel for a while now. You had me on the first episode! Your skill, your nice voice and the lengths you go to achieve the absolutely complete restoration of these watches, sir, is breathtaking! But with this episode you can no longer be considered an amateur. You, Sir, are a Master Watchmaker! The work you did on those rusted parts and the end results! Amazing!!! You are a Master! You have a fan for life! Take care till next time!
I love your videos! They’re super informative and super interesting; keep up the good work! I have a few thoughts on rust removal. I don’t speak as an expert on watches, or rust removal but rather as someone who has spent a fair share of time trying to reduce the amount of effort I have to invest in rust removal for my own projects. 1. I would recommend that you do not mix the vinegar and baking soda as it defeats the benefit both bring to the “table”. 1.1 Baking soda is used as a very light abrasive and you’ll often find it used for sand blasting operations (or more accurately soda blasting) where great care must be taken to remove the offending material without damaging the base material. 1.2 Vinegar, as another poster said, is acetic acid (approx 5%) and on its own it will remove rust. It’s worth noting, that it will also begin to eat the base material if left unattended for extended periods of time. This shouldn’t really be an issue you’d need to worry about but it’s something to keep in mind. 1.3 When vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda are mixed, they undergo a chemical reaction forming sodium acetate, water and carbon dioxide. As I said above, the abrasive quality from the baking soda and the rust removing ability of the vinegar are both (for all intents and purposes) eliminated once they’re mixed. Seeing the bubbles tricks people into believing progress is being made but really, it’s just limiting the abilities of both materials. 2. Some of the parts you’re working on are horribly pitted. Were the components proportionally scaled up to what I am used to working on (woodworking hand tools) I would likely consider them unsalvageable. That being said, what I work with is not nearly as rare as why you work with so maybe this kind of damage isn’t as detrimental. 2.1 If possible, you should really try and replace the pitted parts. The coarseness of pitting provides more nucleation sites for the rust to begin again. You may have noticed that polished metal oxidizes less than unpolished/more coarse textured metal. The coarseness of the pitting will give rust a foothold in the future. Until you can replace the parts, you may want to store it in a closed container with a desiccant (think those little paper packages of beads that come in new shoe boxes). You can even buy desiccant that has colored indicator beads so you know when it needs to be replaced or refreshed. Once again, I’m not an expert, just a guy tired of suffering from a humid climate and wanting to save someone else some pain. I posted this video (link below) on reddit, not too long ago, and while some of these processes will be way too harsh for watch components, some of them might just be gentle enough to work. It may be worth gathering some “scrap” parts and testing to see which processes cause damage and which don’t. I’m happy to answer any questions I can or provide you resources for any I can’t! Again, keep up the good work! I look forward to your next video!! www.reddit.com/r/handtools/comments/hgqax2/if_anyone_would_appreciate_this_video_itd_be_you/?
Never thought about it before and once I watched him go through a few watches I was addicted! Truely amazing how interictal a watch is, and the way he narrates the whole process is engaging and kept me interested.
My grandfather had that same watch, I always loved it as a kid and wish I knew where it went when my grandmother passed. Another excellent video. Thank you.
56 yrs.old, And I don’t even own a watch, But damn have you changed that! You are a true master! And I thought engine building took a meticulous touch! Nicely done!
This whole journey was amazing. It makes me really happy you were able to snag a rare old watch that you’ve been chasing for a while. Very satisfying to watch it come back to life, and informative as well. : )
When I first came across this video, I thought to myself that an hour long video was gonna be too long. I was dead wrong!! the hour flew by, very well made, good narrative, informative too. sharing this journey with you was just great... thank you.
Apparently some people have had luck with Evapo-rust for rust removal, due to it being non-corrosive (unlike vinegar). And it removes only the rust by a process called chelation and doesn't touch the good underlying metal. Saves a lot of scrubbing and great for more fragile parts. I plan to try this on some old rusty movements I brought for practice (I can confirm it works well on car parts!). I should add that I find your videos fascinating, relaxing and very informative - keep up the good work!
I’m addicted to your videos. Your enthusiasm, and energy, and accuracy, and knowledge, and countless other descriptive words, is brilliant. Preservation over replacement seems to be your motivation, which is really what we should do more of in this world. Excuse the pun, but time just smoothly ebbs away while watching them, and they’ve subtly helped me tolerate a period of almost unbearable illness. Thank you so much! Kind regards from the UK
Hi. I hope you are feeling better as each day goes by. I also watch this channel from the UK... Marshall has a decent and approachable manner that I really enjoy. And I also love watches. Take care.
Absolutely enjoyed every moment of this restore! Very informative, great presentation and truly a beautiful timepiece brought back to full luster and the leather straps are spot on for this piece. Great job, thank you for a great hour of enjoyment and education. My wife watches with me now and it's about time!! Really...it's all about time!!!!
Same but those arms have rust on them, annoying the hell out of me. And that will spread, very strange that he removes it from everything but the face arms.
Those videos remember me of my father, he used to work for Certina, while his Girlfriend was working for Eterna, they collected rubies and parts of watches and made some custom watches and sold them in Italy. We all used to live in that Area (I still do until Today) where all those watches come from. Grenchen most famously for the Swatch while the clockwork Company ETA is also famous for doing clockworks for many other Watch Brands, but also Breitling does have his Fabric there, Biel famous for Rolex and Tag Heuer. I grew up with watch parts I even played with those rubies 😂, my dad wasn't too amused. I'm hooked to your Videos really enjoy them.
I’m loving your vids, you do a wonderful job and it’s so nice to see a crisp clear image all the way through, very professional and your commentary is top notch , keep doing more , fabulous 👍😎
Your videos are inspiring and entertaining, and as a mechanical engineer, I just admire the mechanisms that were designed and manufactured in an era where there were no computers or CNC machines, and your skill in bringing these back to life!
Beautiful watch, I didn't know about it. Thanks for the oil part, very useful. I agree with your restoration approach. You don't modify an antique except when you have real damage. But not with just patina. I feel bad when I see repainted dials that were just patinated. Jewels lost forever. Trendy vintage watches are the primary victims, I think. Those Omega pie pan, for example. Everybody wants to have a vintage pie pan, even when they actually don't like vintage appearance. I think I have seen as much (badly) repainted ones as all original ones. It's an irreparable loss.
Thank you for your videos. I am busy working on clocks and pocket watches at night. It is great to have you there to keep me company. Your manner and voice are like a good friend. Best Wishes to you always. 🙋🏼♂️
Loved the video. My favorite part is when you put the watch back on the machine that measures the amplitude. I’m always curious to see how much it improves. Thanks for making this.
That is a good looking watch, love everything about it, the dial and the size are just perfect and such a great conversation piece. I find these vintage timepieces so much more attractive than the huge monster watches that still seem to be the fashion today.
Great job on a really interesting watch. I love that there was a watch made for fishermen and naturalists that kept track of tides. Nice band choice, the finished watch is gorgeous!
Another watch you have brought back to life that tells much more than the time. Looking at it speaks of an era that has gone by... You have brought it back to a new era, that everyone can enjoy. Thank You. 6/21/22.
Picked up a MAMACOO's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!
Another nice video. Well done with the seconds pivot. I've noticed in Mark's videos, he uses WD-40 rust remover and a very soft paint brush. I did like the vinegar/ baking powder trick as well. Well done.
As a hobbyist of sorts with a number of things, I now believe i have spent far too many years not giving a good watch the admiration or appreciation they deserve. At least until i stumbled across this channel. I'm hooked! Absolutely great content!
At this point, one year ago, this was the most expensive watch he'd worked on ~$5k. He just posted a video today fixing a ~$60k Rolex that Rolex itself refused to service. Quite the growth in a year!
Heuer as in Tag Heuer? Cool!!! Man you’re truly blessed and I love your channel. That watch is a dream. Gorgeous! I love the old things like this, cars, and tv shows etc.
I would have definitely removed the rust from the hands too. It just makes it blatantly obvious that there's potential water damage underlying. Other than that, nice work!
As person in his 70's, I grew up reading American sporting magazines like Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, and Sports Afield in the 1950's and 60's. Editors and columnists extolled Solunar tables as the magic answer to angling success, and the tables are still believed by many to control feeding behaviour in fish - credited for angling success and invoked as an excuse for going home skunked. Regardless of the veracity of those claims, this watch is a lovely arc back to those (perhaps more innocent) days and to the artwork in ads such as those you showed in this video It also reminds us of the the time when Abercrombie & Fitch were major players in outfitting for field sports, where adventurers from New York City could buy the best tackle and gear for their expeditions up here to the wilds of Canada . I love the lettering, design and colours of the face of this watch. I can certainly see what you appreciate about it. It really is a time capsule (unintentional pun) from the mid-twentieth century and a unique and functional treasure.
I’ve always been into watches and clocks, but never really dove into the mechanics. Your videos are great for learning the ins and outs and also have great entertainment value. Cool that you still get excited when the balance gets dropped in and he movement comes to life. Hope you continue with your passion and hope to see more videos. I have a question about what type of crystal press you use. I could only see two letters of the brand name. Is it Rover, Rober, Roper??? I haven’t found a single one on line. Just curious. Thanks.
Apologies for the lateness of this reply, but it’s a Robur press! If you are still interested there you go haha. Plus for anyone else who might be wondering!
Thank you for another engrossing video. I was especially pleased that you gave details of price expectations. This certainly gives a greater perspective of what is (could be) involved as you progress with this hobby.
Actually, it's dumb. Yes, the moon is the major influence on earth's ocean tides but the sun also has a significant role. The solunar tables of John Alden Knight are pure rubbish.
You make it look easy, Marshall. And one finds out rather quickly, it is not. But your videos are inspirational and incredibly substantive with respect to what the machinery actually does. Really a contemplative joy! Thanks!
You want to be soaking rusty parts in EVAPO-RUST. It really does work and stops future rust. Even with no visible rust on your parts, there is still rust and if moisture (even humidity) becomes present, they will start to rust again.
Watching you put in a main spring is probably my favorite part of the videos you make. There's something ultimately satisfying to the "think" noise it makes when you seat it, and I just can't get enough of that! Much to my wife's chagrin I've gone on eBay and have been slowly acquiring the tools I need to give this a shot as a hobby. The main goal is to gain enough experience with it that I feel comfortable restoring a watch that belonged to my Papa that was passed to me. It's in desperate need of a service, but I would absolutely die if anything happens to it. But I guess it's like they say, practice makes perfect! I hope😅
Your video on Abercrombie and Fitch Solunar watch just popped up on my iPad. It’s interesting for a couple of reasons- back in the day it was a very interesting store to visit in NYC and the mention of Heuer, before it became Tag Heuer. My father was a pilot having gotten his pilots license at 16 in 1931. He served in WW2 and later on in the private sector. He was also a bit of a clock watcher using the 8 o’clock time beep on WOR radio to set his car clock. In the early 60s I flew to NYC with him landing at LaGuardia field and took a taxi to A&F. There he purchased a Heuer Autavia chronograph cockpit watch to mount on the instrument panel of a D18 Beechcraft he flew. I still have it, it still works keeping fairly accurate time although the lume on the numbers and hands have faded.
Wow! Just discovered this video! I have a 1953 Tag Heuer Solunar inherited from my father, and it was fascinating to "watch" you dismantle and put it back together. I now know so much more about this unusual watch. Amazing, and thanks!
I love watching these videos. I have a Citizen Elegance from the late 1980's that I adore and Marshall has taught me that I desperately need it to be serviced. Thanks so much, Marshall, for teaching me about my much loved watch and how to take care of it properly.
omg I'm in love with that watch too! especially as a fisherman myself. what an incredible time piece! well done - and this was my first time ever seeing the inside of a watch - thank you for the informative video. cheers
You have inspired me to start building these skills so I can do at least minor servicing and adjustments on my many watches without always having to run down to the jeweler's and leave it for several weeks.
The thing I love about these videos is that they are just as timeless as the watches themselves. No matter 4 years ago or posted just yesterday the watch and the piece Marshall is working on is almost the same idea.
My late father was an expert in clock repair. He never worked on watches, but I think he would have liked to. This is one of your best videos IMHO. Beautiful watch, great job.
There are quite a few watch repair channels now on YT, but I find myself really drawn back to this one all the time. You have a really good, relaxed style of presentation - easy to watch and listen to, informative and very entertaining. And the production quality of the videos is very good as well, with clear shots of what you are doing. You make it look so easy and we all know that it isn't. Thanks for posting.
I’ve watched quite a bit of your videos, and this one I figured out how things are working. I didn’t realize that tube was hollow which allows 2 to 3 shafts to come through and operate the different hands. It finally clicked of what was going on.
I enjoy your restoration videos, lot of learning for me. I have been servicing quartz watches and have not ventured into the mechanical watch repair zone, however I am learning more every time I watch you restore and repair mechanical watches.
Awesome. For a self professed amateur you do better than some so called professional watchmakers I've seen... Modern watch repair through chain jewelry shops is often godawful, but that's another topic... I've never seen one of these *Solunars* in person either, and I love it even though more "conventional" moon phase watches are my passion. Also interesting to see a Valjoux 90 that _isn't_ a standard moon phase/triple-calendar. I don't think I've ever had a 90 on my bench that wasn't a triple-calendar actually. You're also absolutely right, dial refinishing is no-go and will instantly kill the value: The only time you want to refinish is if it's so bad as to be illegible. Clean them by all means, dials get dirty too, but actual repainting and reluming is another thing. Replacing the crystal is fine, they're intended to be replaced as part of normal service. I prefer to polish the old acrylics when possible, but if they're cracked; or in the case of the really early celluloid ones, darkened & cloudy, a replacement is no problem and doesn't hurt value at all. There are still companies or were, as of the 1990s that make similar pieces intended for fishing, although they're all quartz. Krieger and their "Tidal Chronometer" come to mind as the modern archetypal example. There were a tiny handful of other very interesting Tidal-Lunar watches in the '80s and '90s though: These were produced by multiple makers including Heuer, but branded and retailed by companies like Field & Stream, Orvis, etc. Instead of the usual simple "two lobe" moon phase, these had what I like to call sophisticated moon phase movements eg; modified ETA quartz calibers showing moon rise & set, position, age, shape, day & night -- plus specific tidal indicators on some. I have in my collection an extremely rare Orvis "Solunagraph" c1988 (which I believe was meant as a sort of spiritual successor), with the sophisticated moon phase movement. If you're interested I'll dig it out and post the model and caliber info etc, but it IS only a quartz... The crown tube thing by the way is either bakelite, hard rubber or gutta percha, depending on the maker for this era. Bakelite and hard rubber are non-reactive, non-conductive, non-corrosive, very slightly springy to form a seal; and hard rubber can be heat formed. If they get warped or compressed a dunk for ~20 seconds in boiling water will return them to their original shape and/or allow you to mold or reshape them within reasonable limits.
Now that is what I call a gorgeous watch!!! I love watches. in fact when I graduated from high school the only thing I wanted was a watch. My dad surprised me with a Bulova and I was in heaven :-) That was in 1956. I love watching you bring them to life and your excitement is infectious. Thanks so much for including us!!
New patron here, Marshall. I love these videos. They’re not only educational, but it is fun to hear your enthusiasm and good nature. I’ve always loved mechanical tasks and tools but never thought I could really service a watch. Since watching your channel however, I’ve turned several old watches into small piles of wheels and screws. But the journey is great. Thanks.
This is the first watch video that the algorithm presented me. As a result, I’m now subscribed to a few watch makers channels. I don’t even own a watch. I find this watch extremely beautiful and would love to have one-not that I could afford it. Thank you for setting me on course to enjoying watch makers art, you are very talented and entertaining. Karl O’Melay
Marshall I’ve been subscribed to your channel for about a week. I’ve been binge watching. I’m absolutely hooked. This was my favorite so far I love this watch. I’ve been a mechanic for 30 year’s. I love any thing mechanical. Worked for a catalog Jewelry store. I made all the wax castings and casings. Polishing. Loved it delicate work. I think I would enjoy watch making. Thanks for taking us along. Take care Marshall. See ya on the next video.
Your video made me drag out my dad’s 1962 Rolex oyster. It’s not working and I’d love to send it to you for repair. Maybe as a subject of a video. It’s really a beautiful watch in its simplicity. It would be great to give it some new life. It’s been sitting in my safe for about 15-20 years. I love watching your videos.
I’m amazed that this guy says he is an amateur watch restorer & after being hypnotised for an hour seeing his work he’s gotta be a highly trained professional at least. I would be more than happy to have him work on any of my watches & he must have a line of people awaiting his services. Great watch, amazing work, & where did the last hour go?? Totally engulfed in the video, to see how intricate this type of work is n seeing the minute amounts of oil used for example is awe-inspiring as an example. This man is no amateur, he is the finest craftsman & seeing his work & just how he used a high powered microscope to rid the smallest of watch parts of rust & staining is seeing a true professional at work. I’m subbed up & look forward to watching my next video. Thanks from across the pond in England 🏴.
I totally agree
@@moboei Thx 🙏
Amateur is from Latin amatore. Someone who does things for the love of them. Take that definition, and he's clearly an amateur. So much gentle care in these videos.
It's like putting together little Legos
What he said!
Ok, so I am completely uninterested in watches, and yet I sat here glued to the screen for one hour. Amazing work, and a really beautiful watch.
You sir, are a great teacher. I’m finding your videos educational, entertaining, and calming. This is some of the best RUclips has to offer. New subscriber here, looking forward to more!
I find it endlessly fascinating watching things being assembled, disassembled, cleaned, repaired, whether it's internal combustion engines, toys, heavy metal parts for bulldozers, computer equipment, or delicate watches. What makes them more enjoyable is when people can communicate what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what makes it satisfying for them - relating their own passion for the work. Years ago I'd have assumed a video like this would be like watching grass grow, but now I find it expands my own knowledge and interests.
I came to watch after hearing about this on Limited Resources, and man, you hooked me for the whole hour. Really relaxing and satisfying to see you pull everything apart and then watch it come back together better than before. You are a real Renaissance man, Marshall!
Amateur Extraordinary.
I've been cleaning and restoring my late grandfather's Girard-Perregaux watches while watching your videos, and like you say, yes, it means so much having his watches and caring for them and keeping his memory alive, and I love that I can wear them.
It's extraordinary, truly remarkable, when you start to take apart an old mechanical watch, to think how it was originally designed and the mind of one who could do so... truly amazing. It's art. The art of capturing time...
I started watching completely by accident. RUclips was on and running in the background as I was doing household chores. One of your episodes came on and after walking past the TV a few times I got hooked. I have always been drawn to mechanical things. Lawnmower, tools, car restore type stuff. But the wrist watch cleaning and restore is by far a new level of fine mechanical work. I would love to try my hand at a watch someday but not just yet and not on a watch that had sentimental value. The most important thing I have taken away is knowing how to talk with the jeweler I told my grandmothers brooch watch to for cleaning and repair. That little bit of knowledge I am sure saved me money. I will be making a donation to your page. Thank you. Oh and you have the hands of a surgeon.
Marshall, to me you are a prince among men. You have such a gentle spirit and humble attitude. I think you will continue to grow and excel at the craft as you progress because you are so malleable and willing to learn. I like your narration more than anything else since to teach and continue to reveal how honest and open you are about your concerns with issues with the movement and maybe your own perceived limits. But I think your knowledge is much better and more extensive than you understand it to be! I am happy to be subscribed and learn from you as well as enjoy your very pleasant and through narrations. God Speed to you my friend. Please keep them coming!
Thank you! Really appreciate the kind words and support :)
I love how patient he is. I love how careful he is without being precious about it. It doesn’t feel condescending when he reminds me to be careful, because he is already showing me how to be careful.
Marshall is a good example of the more you know about a thing the more you realise there is to learn about that thing so he still calls himself an amateur repair person but from the perspective of producing videos of those repairs that are entertaining to people not in the industry who might have never tried it themselves is where his brilliance really shines through
I love the way you explain everything you are doing at that time, that makes it easy for me to memorise the names of the parts aswell. Good work👍😄
I thought I had watched all your videos and here I missed this one. You are a huge part on why I am getting into this hobby so thank you.
Citric acid removes rust quite well! 👍
Years ago I owned a watch parts cleaner and was told by an old watchmaker to use white spirit as cleaning solution, I tried it on old parts and it actually removed the rust off an old top plate!!
Great video by the way!! 😎😎
Masterfully done Marshall! I have been watching your channel for a while now. You had me on the first episode! Your skill, your nice voice and the lengths you go to achieve the absolutely complete restoration of these watches, sir, is breathtaking! But with this episode you can no longer be considered an amateur. You, Sir, are a Master Watchmaker! The work you did on those rusted parts and the end results! Amazing!!! You are a Master! You have a fan for life! Take care till next time!
I love your videos! They’re super informative and super interesting; keep up the good work!
I have a few thoughts on rust removal. I don’t speak as an expert on watches, or rust removal but rather as someone who has spent a fair share of time trying to reduce the amount of effort I have to invest in rust removal for my own projects.
1. I would recommend that you do not mix the vinegar and baking soda as it defeats the benefit both bring to the “table”.
1.1 Baking soda is used as a very light abrasive and you’ll often find it used for sand blasting operations (or more accurately soda blasting) where great care must be taken to remove the offending material without damaging the base material.
1.2 Vinegar, as another poster said, is acetic acid (approx 5%) and on its own it will remove rust. It’s worth noting, that it will also begin to eat the base material if left unattended for extended periods of time. This shouldn’t really be an issue you’d need to worry about but it’s something to keep in mind.
1.3 When vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda are mixed, they undergo a chemical reaction forming sodium acetate, water and carbon dioxide. As I said above, the abrasive quality from the baking soda and the rust removing ability of the vinegar are both (for all intents and purposes) eliminated once they’re mixed. Seeing the bubbles tricks people into believing progress is being made but really, it’s just limiting the abilities of both materials.
2. Some of the parts you’re working on are horribly pitted. Were the components proportionally scaled up to what I am used to working on (woodworking hand tools) I would likely consider them unsalvageable. That being said, what I work with is not nearly as rare as why you work with so maybe this kind of damage isn’t as detrimental.
2.1 If possible, you should really try and replace the pitted parts. The coarseness of pitting provides more nucleation sites for the rust to begin again. You may have noticed that polished metal oxidizes less than unpolished/more coarse textured metal. The coarseness of the pitting will give rust a foothold in the future. Until you can replace the parts, you may want to store it in a closed container with a desiccant (think those little paper packages of beads that come in new shoe boxes). You can even buy desiccant that has colored indicator beads so you know when it needs to be replaced or refreshed.
Once again, I’m not an expert, just a guy tired of suffering from a humid climate and wanting to save someone else some pain. I posted this video (link below) on reddit, not too long ago, and while some of these processes will be way too harsh for watch components, some of them might just be gentle enough to work. It may be worth gathering some “scrap” parts and testing to see which processes cause damage and which don’t. I’m happy to answer any questions I can or provide you resources for any I can’t!
Again, keep up the good work! I look forward to your next video!!
www.reddit.com/r/handtools/comments/hgqax2/if_anyone_would_appreciate_this_video_itd_be_you/?
Never thought about it before and once I watched him go through a few watches I was addicted! Truely amazing how interictal a watch is, and the way he narrates the whole process is engaging and kept me interested.
My grandfather had that same watch, I always loved it as a kid and wish I knew where it went when my grandmother passed. Another excellent video. Thank you.
56 yrs.old, And I don’t even own a watch,
But damn have you changed that!
You are a true master!
And I thought engine building took a meticulous touch! Nicely done!
Please continue doing what you're doing, I am trying to become a watchmaker myself and your videos serve as a massive inspiration, so thank you.
Your every comment on A&F heritage resonates. Rugged adventuresome spirit embodied in a gentleman's timepiece.
This whole journey was amazing. It makes me really happy you were able to snag a rare old watch that you’ve been chasing for a while. Very satisfying to watch it come back to life, and informative as well. : )
Of all the restos i watched, this is the coolest one yet.
When I first came across this video, I thought to myself that an hour long video was gonna be too long. I was dead wrong!! the hour flew by, very well made, good narrative, informative too. sharing this journey with you was just great... thank you.
I came across his channel 12 hours ago and I'm pretty sure I'm on my 15th video lol that's been most of the day lol
Apparently some people have had luck with Evapo-rust for rust removal, due to it being non-corrosive (unlike vinegar). And it removes only the rust by a process called chelation and doesn't touch the good underlying metal. Saves a lot of scrubbing and great for more fragile parts. I plan to try this on some old rusty movements I brought for practice (I can confirm it works well on car parts!). I should add that I find your videos fascinating, relaxing and very informative - keep up the good work!
I’m addicted to your videos. Your enthusiasm, and energy, and accuracy, and knowledge, and countless other descriptive words, is brilliant. Preservation over replacement seems to be your motivation, which is really what we should do more of in this world.
Excuse the pun, but time just smoothly ebbs away while watching them, and they’ve subtly helped me tolerate a period of almost unbearable illness. Thank you so much! Kind regards from the UK
Hi. I hope you are feeling better as each day goes by. I also watch this channel from the UK... Marshall has a decent and approachable manner that I really enjoy. And I also love watches. Take care.
Yes, I too have been mesmerized by this very eloquent watch restorer. Thanks so much!
I'm blown away with how cool this is
Absolutely enjoyed every moment of this restore! Very informative, great presentation and truly a beautiful timepiece brought back to full luster and the leather straps are spot on for this piece. Great job, thank you for a great hour of enjoyment and education. My wife watches with me now and it's about time!! Really...it's all about time!!!!
I like this guys restoration style of leaving a case in polished etc. Neat to see
Same but those arms have rust on them, annoying the hell out of me. And that will spread, very strange that he removes it from everything but the face arms.
Those videos remember me of my father, he used to work for Certina, while his Girlfriend was working for Eterna, they collected rubies and parts of watches and made some custom watches and sold them in Italy. We all used to live in that Area (I still do until Today) where all those watches come from. Grenchen most famously for the Swatch while the clockwork Company ETA is also famous for doing clockworks for many other Watch Brands, but also Breitling does have his Fabric there, Biel famous for Rolex and Tag Heuer. I grew up with watch parts I even played with those rubies 😂, my dad wasn't too amused. I'm hooked to your Videos really enjoy them.
I’m loving your vids, you do a wonderful job and it’s so nice to see a crisp clear image all the way through, very professional and your commentary is top notch , keep doing more , fabulous 👍😎
Your videos are inspiring and entertaining, and as a mechanical engineer, I just admire the mechanisms that were designed and manufactured in an era where there were no computers or CNC machines, and your skill in bringing these back to life!
Tu me diras ce ce que ça ça va va faire
Coucou ma mon chéri ça me parait pas pas grave
Tu me manques trop tu te dis je t’aime mais tu te
@@yogeshgautham que ça ça fait fait un mec que tu tu t’es t’es fait une une soirée tu te fais
Absolutely love watching watches. The workmanship blows my mind. Thanks so much for taking me to my happy place Marshall.
Beautiful watch, I didn't know about it. Thanks for the oil part, very useful. I agree with your restoration approach. You don't modify an antique except when you have real damage. But not with just patina. I feel bad when I see repainted dials that were just patinated. Jewels lost forever. Trendy vintage watches are the primary victims, I think. Those Omega pie pan, for example. Everybody wants to have a vintage pie pan, even when they actually don't like vintage appearance. I think I have seen as much (badly) repainted ones as all original ones. It's an irreparable loss.
Thank you for your videos. I am busy working on clocks and pocket watches at night. It is great to have you there to keep me company. Your manner and voice are like a good friend. Best Wishes to you always. 🙋🏼♂️
Awesome! I love to hear that :)
Loved the video. My favorite part is when you put the watch back on the machine that measures the amplitude. I’m always curious to see how much it improves. Thanks for making this.
That is a good looking watch, love everything about it, the dial and the size are just perfect and such a great conversation piece. I find these vintage timepieces so much more attractive than the huge monster watches that still seem to be the fashion today.
lovely work again. lucky lady to find you, she will be delighted!
This is excellent... I love the way there is a moment of stillness just after a bit pings off into infinity!!
Great job on a really interesting watch. I love that there was a watch made for fishermen and naturalists that kept track of tides. Nice band choice, the finished watch is gorgeous!
that crystal installation technique is mind-blowing to me.
Another watch you have brought back to life that tells much more than the time. Looking at it speaks of an era that has gone by... You have brought it back to a new era, that everyone can enjoy. Thank You. 6/21/22.
that watch is realy beautifull after you treating it with a bit of love.
Wow, I can see why this was your grail. It’s a stunner! I’m so glad you were able to find it and restore it so beautifully!
how'd I wind up watching this for a full ass hour? Love it.
Picked up a MAMACOO's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!
Another nice video. Well done with the seconds pivot.
I've noticed in Mark's videos, he uses WD-40 rust remover and a very soft paint brush. I did like the vinegar/ baking powder trick as well.
Well done.
As a hobbyist of sorts with a number of things, I now believe i have spent far too many years not giving a good watch the admiration or appreciation they deserve. At least until i stumbled across this channel. I'm hooked! Absolutely great content!
At this point, one year ago, this was the most expensive watch he'd worked on ~$5k. He just posted a video today fixing a ~$60k Rolex that Rolex itself refused to service.
Quite the growth in a year!
Marshall is amazing,.. I'm addicted to his videos
It was 25,000 if you mean the video that came out the day you commented on this. Still an amazing feat in a short amount of time
Heuer as in Tag Heuer? Cool!!! Man you’re truly blessed and I love your channel. That watch is a dream. Gorgeous! I love the old things like this, cars, and tv shows etc.
I would have definitely removed the rust from the hands too. It just makes it blatantly obvious that there's potential water damage underlying.
Other than that, nice work!
L
I agree. Clean it up so it looks as good as it works.
As person in his 70's, I grew up reading American sporting magazines like Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, and Sports Afield in the 1950's and 60's. Editors and columnists extolled Solunar tables as the magic answer to angling success, and the tables are still believed by many to control feeding behaviour in fish - credited for angling success and invoked as an excuse for going home skunked. Regardless of the veracity of those claims, this watch is a lovely arc back to those (perhaps more innocent) days and to the artwork in ads such as those you showed in this video It also reminds us of the the time when Abercrombie & Fitch were major players in outfitting for field sports, where adventurers from New York City could buy the best tackle and gear for their expeditions up here to the wilds of Canada . I love the lettering, design and colours of the face of this watch. I can certainly see what you appreciate about it. It really is a time capsule (unintentional pun) from the mid-twentieth century and a unique and functional treasure.
Just checked Ebay, and ther only one I could find was $8,000, but looked more like your post-service watch. Good catch.
@JP JP you might want to take a look at a Talbot Lago that was sold at an auction for millions. It was a mess.
How beautiful! I hope YOU keep it and enjoy!
I’ve always been into watches and clocks, but never really dove into the mechanics. Your videos are great for learning the ins and outs and also have great entertainment value. Cool that you still get excited when the balance gets dropped in and he movement comes to life. Hope you continue with your passion and hope to see more videos. I have a question about what type of crystal press you use. I could only see two letters of the brand name. Is it Rover, Rober, Roper??? I haven’t found a single one on line. Just curious. Thanks.
Apologies for the lateness of this reply, but it’s a Robur press! If you are still interested there you go haha. Plus for anyone else who might be wondering!
Thank you for another engrossing video. I was especially pleased that you gave details of price expectations. This certainly gives a greater perspective of what is (could be) involved as you progress with this hobby.
having issues with setting levers, missed on this video, will watch other video's to see removal and assembly of said item.
Tides are ( mostly ) the effect of the moon's gravity pull on Earth, so that's quite smart.
Actually, it's dumb.
Yes, the moon is the major influence on earth's ocean tides but the sun also has a significant role. The solunar tables of John Alden Knight are pure rubbish.
You make it look easy, Marshall. And one finds out rather quickly, it is not. But your videos are inspirational and incredibly substantive with respect to what the machinery actually does. Really a contemplative joy! Thanks!
You want to be soaking rusty parts in EVAPO-RUST. It really does work and stops future rust. Even with no visible rust on your parts, there is still rust and if moisture (even humidity) becomes present, they will start to rust again.
Thank you so much for sharing your repairs on RUclips. I am completely addicted to watching you work your magic on the beautiful old pieces.
do you use a demagnetizer for the watches?
Watching you put in a main spring is probably my favorite part of the videos you make. There's something ultimately satisfying to the "think" noise it makes when you seat it, and I just can't get enough of that! Much to my wife's chagrin I've gone on eBay and have been slowly acquiring the tools I need to give this a shot as a hobby. The main goal is to gain enough experience with it that I feel comfortable restoring a watch that belonged to my Papa that was passed to me. It's in desperate need of a service, but I would absolutely die if anything happens to it. But I guess it's like they say, practice makes perfect! I hope😅
"This watch costs 5-7k usually"
"I've been wearing it everyday"
Yikes, bigger balls than I have pal lol
Who cares what the value is? It was meant to wear. That's not lot of money. One shouldn't own it if they can't afford to wear it.
@@joejakubec9708 lol ok
I love this era of Heuer watches. My ref. 1806 from 1950 is a personal favorite. Great video.
Your video on Abercrombie and Fitch Solunar watch just popped up on my iPad. It’s interesting for a couple of reasons- back in the day it was a very interesting store to visit in NYC and the mention of Heuer, before it became Tag Heuer.
My father was a pilot having gotten his pilots license at 16 in 1931. He served in WW2 and later on in the private sector. He was also a bit of a clock watcher using the 8 o’clock time beep on WOR radio to set his car clock. In the early 60s I flew to NYC with him landing at LaGuardia field and took a taxi to A&F. There he purchased a Heuer Autavia chronograph cockpit watch to mount on the instrument panel of a D18 Beechcraft he flew. I still have it, it still works keeping fairly accurate time although the lume on the numbers and hands have faded.
Wow! Just discovered this video! I have a 1953 Tag Heuer Solunar inherited from my father,
and it was fascinating to "watch" you dismantle and put it back together. I now know so much more about this unusual watch. Amazing, and thanks!
It always amazes me how much beauty and precision are added to the parts of AMZWATCH's watch 99% of people will never see.
Gorgeous watch.. I have the 36mm Seafarer Chrono they are really special. It was amazing to see the before and after. Seriously great video!
I love watching these videos. I have a Citizen Elegance from the late 1980's that I adore and Marshall has taught me that I desperately need it to be serviced. Thanks so much, Marshall, for teaching me about my much loved watch and how to take care of it properly.
There are all kinds of meditation out there.. Watching Marshall perform his magic, is the best meditation there is. 😊
Probably my most favorite project of yours. Thank you for sharing.
Great video! I love these old Abercrombie watches. I hope you stumble across more as time goes on! 👏🏾
omg I'm in love with that watch too! especially as a fisherman myself. what an incredible time piece! well done - and this was my first time ever seeing the inside of a watch - thank you for the informative video. cheers
You have inspired me to start building these skills so I can do at least minor servicing and adjustments on my many watches without always having to run down to the jeweler's and leave it for several weeks.
The thing I love about these videos is that they are just as timeless as the watches themselves. No matter 4 years ago or posted just yesterday the watch and the piece Marshall is working on is almost the same idea.
well said
I'm truly amazed with the people who design these watch movements
Stunning pice. I hope to see more wrist shoots of it. It cleand up really beautifly. Great work and i like confident explanation of the wor on it
55:41 "Not on my watch!"
That is a beautiful watch. Thank you for this video!
Beautiful pick for the band. That color really picks up the color from the tidal disk.
I know nothing about watches but you have hooked me, I am spellbound! Brilliant!!!
I've been watching your older videos and this watch really transformed back into it's former glory. Really beautiful watch
My late father was an expert in clock repair. He never worked on watches, but I think he would have liked to. This is one of your best videos IMHO. Beautiful watch, great job.
Love your positve attitude and the joy when things work out! It relaxes me to watch, even not knowing the next thing about watches!
What a killer find! Nice detail work. I learned a lot today. Thanks Marshall. Keep em coming Boss. Good Fortunes and Great Successes 🫡🤝😊
There are quite a few watch repair channels now on YT, but I find myself really drawn back to this one all the time. You have a really good, relaxed style of presentation - easy to watch and listen to, informative and very entertaining. And the production quality of the videos is very good as well, with clear shots of what you are doing. You make it look so easy and we all know that it isn't. Thanks for posting.
Seen 80% of his videos and I just love them! And his voice 🫠♥️
Beautiful watch! As a guy that LOVES fishing with my father in law, this would be an awesome watch ❤️
I’ve watched quite a bit of your videos, and this one I figured out how things are working. I didn’t realize that tube was hollow which allows 2 to 3 shafts to come through and operate the different hands. It finally clicked of what was going on.
I enjoy your restoration videos, lot of learning for me. I have been servicing quartz watches and have not ventured into the mechanical watch repair zone, however I am learning more every time I watch you restore and repair mechanical watches.
Man after clean up is so beautiful. When the metal shines like that
This channel is excellent, these videos are so easy and rewarding to watch. Thanks!
Awesome. For a self professed amateur you do better than some so called professional watchmakers I've seen... Modern watch repair through chain jewelry shops is often godawful, but that's another topic... I've never seen one of these *Solunars* in person either, and I love it even though more "conventional" moon phase watches are my passion. Also interesting to see a Valjoux 90 that _isn't_ a standard moon phase/triple-calendar. I don't think I've ever had a 90 on my bench that wasn't a triple-calendar actually. You're also absolutely right, dial refinishing is no-go and will instantly kill the value: The only time you want to refinish is if it's so bad as to be illegible. Clean them by all means, dials get dirty too, but actual repainting and reluming is another thing. Replacing the crystal is fine, they're intended to be replaced as part of normal service. I prefer to polish the old acrylics when possible, but if they're cracked; or in the case of the really early celluloid ones, darkened & cloudy, a replacement is no problem and doesn't hurt value at all.
There are still companies or were, as of the 1990s that make similar pieces intended for fishing, although they're all quartz. Krieger and their "Tidal Chronometer" come to mind as the modern archetypal example. There were a tiny handful of other very interesting Tidal-Lunar watches in the '80s and '90s though: These were produced by multiple makers including Heuer, but branded and retailed by companies like Field & Stream, Orvis, etc. Instead of the usual simple "two lobe" moon phase, these had what I like to call sophisticated moon phase movements eg; modified ETA quartz calibers showing moon rise & set, position, age, shape, day & night -- plus specific tidal indicators on some. I have in my collection an extremely rare Orvis "Solunagraph" c1988 (which I believe was meant as a sort of spiritual successor), with the sophisticated moon phase movement. If you're interested I'll dig it out and post the model and caliber info etc, but it IS only a quartz...
The crown tube thing by the way is either bakelite, hard rubber or gutta percha, depending on the maker for this era. Bakelite and hard rubber are non-reactive, non-conductive, non-corrosive, very slightly springy to form a seal; and hard rubber can be heat formed. If they get warped or compressed a dunk for ~20 seconds in boiling water will return them to their original shape and/or allow you to mold or reshape them within reasonable limits.
I loved this video! Just the appreciation and care you have for this watch made it a lot more interesting. So happy that you’re happy with it.
I don't repair old watches but I love these videos. Thanks for posting up.
Now that is what I call a gorgeous watch!!! I love watches. in fact when I graduated from high school the only thing I wanted was a watch. My dad surprised me with a Bulova and I was in heaven :-) That was in 1956. I love watching you bring them to life and your excitement is infectious. Thanks so much for including us!!
New patron here, Marshall. I love these videos. They’re not only educational, but it is fun to hear your enthusiasm and good nature.
I’ve always loved mechanical tasks and tools but never thought I could really service a watch. Since watching your channel however, I’ve turned several old watches into small piles of wheels and screws. But the journey is great. Thanks.
Yes, that is a good-looking watch. It's one of the nicest that you have restored.
This is the first watch video that the algorithm presented me. As a result, I’m now subscribed to a few watch makers channels. I don’t even own a watch. I find this watch extremely beautiful and would love to have one-not that I could afford it. Thank you for setting me on course to enjoying watch makers art, you are very talented and entertaining. Karl O’Melay
Beautiful watch and restoration Marshall.
Marshall I’ve been subscribed to your channel for about a week. I’ve been binge watching. I’m absolutely hooked. This was my favorite so far I love this watch. I’ve been a mechanic for 30 year’s. I love any thing mechanical. Worked for a catalog Jewelry store. I made all the wax castings and casings. Polishing. Loved it delicate work. I think I would enjoy watch making. Thanks for taking us along. Take care Marshall. See ya on the next video.
Your video made me drag out my dad’s 1962 Rolex oyster. It’s not working and I’d love to send it to you for repair. Maybe as a subject of a video. It’s really a beautiful watch in its simplicity. It would be great to give it some new life. It’s been sitting in my safe for about 15-20 years. I love watching your videos.