My Most Challenging Restoration Thus Far - Wakmann Triple Calendar Chronograph
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- Опубликовано: 6 окт 2024
- Kick back and immerse yourself in the restoration journey of a vintage Wakmann Triple Calendar Reverse Panda chronograph! Witness the process as we attempt to breathe new life into this timepiece through extensive work, including a full case strip down and electroplating. Additionally, the Valjoux 723 movement underwent a comprehensive top-to-bottom service. This video may be lengthy, but every moment is packed with dedication and effort. Join us in celebrating the culmination of time and passion, and I hope you'll find the end result as enchanting as I do!
My thanks to VGreen for their generous offer of 15% off any of their excellent hand-made leather watch straps.
Visit their site at - vgreenco.com - and use the code - WeekendWatchRepair - at checkout
You can also go through this link to have the discount automatically applied: vgreenco.com/d...
Behind the scenes of RUclips content, there's dedication and hard work. If you enjoy the channel, I'd kindly request your consideration in joining this effort on Patreon. Your support keeps the channel going. One hundred precent of all funds received go directly into the channel. With my sincere gratitude, thank you so much for your consideration.
/ weekendwatchrepair
Enjoy the video!
Here are some links to the microscope & camera/ lighting setup pieces I'm using. These are Amazon affiliate links. By using the affiliate link, you will not pay any more but I'll receive a very small commission on any sales.
Microscope Setup
► Microscope - amzn.to/4cfg9tX
► Camera - amzn.to/3Riczr1
► 0.5X Barlow Lens - amzn.to/3KGbky9
► Ring Light - amzn.to/3x9TKzs
► Adapter Mount - amzn.to/45lcUiz
► Adapter Shim - amzn.to/4bWz25a
Cameras & Lighting
► Nikon Z30 - body only - amzn.to/4esxr90
► Nikon Z30 w/Wide Angle Lens - amzn.to/4ekKj0D
► Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/3Vkv8Md
► Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S - amzn.to/3XpbHo6
► Mini LED - amzn.to/3KJm1zL
► Architect Desk Lamp - amzn.to/3KAlMqO
► Desk Mount For Lighting - amzn.to/3Ro1Hbb
► Adjustable Mount For Bench Lighting - amzn.to/4aRrRKc
► Bench Lighting - amzn.to/3x38zns
► Tripod 1 - amzn.to/3Vhfotu
► Tripod 2 - amzn.to/3VhqsqG
► Ball Head Mount - amzn.to/3yVhKXH
I've also received several requests for a listing of tools, both essential and non-essential for starting out working on watches. While the list isn't 100% comprehensive, it'll get you 95% there! There are far too many items listed, along with notes on several pieces. You can see & download the full list of parts & links (not all affiliate links) here:
Full tools & parts breakdown:
docs.google.co...
With all the problems in the real world its great to sit back and enjoy a satisfying repair , with thanks to all that helped in their contribution with replacement parts .
I’m very glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
My gosh, what a gorgeous piece of a watch❤
I agree. They really did a great job designing that watch.
Reminds me of my Breitling Monbrilliant Datora! Love it.
Wow! 🥰It's gorgeous and you have done a great job with it.
I appreciate it, thank you.
That's a beautiful watch, and you did a terrific job with it!
Thanks so much.
WOW. I absolutely love the outcome. I also enjoy the commentary and the honest description. Keep this going awesome.
Thanks a bunch.
Brilliant idea to put the screws back on. The genius behind the design is incredible. Someone's brain works in 3D.
It's actually pretty common practice to put the screws back in. I agree with you on the design.
Kudos on the work done for this watch.
Thank you.
Man thats a nice watch. I got here because watching Wristwatch Revival non-stop. I'm a huge watch nerd and collector and I'm glad youtube directed me here because it knows my watch obsession. I instantly subscribed. 😊
Very glad you found the channel. Thanks for subscribing!
What an adventure!
Tell me about it, haha!
as a 10 year mechanic whos new to the hobby, watching you put the screws back so they dont get mixed up makes me wonder how long the guys have been doing this who strip em bare !! i can strip an engine and not have a problem as nuts and bolts have a specific "look" for an area but this 🤯 the mind boggles !!
I do not have any desire to try and figure out where each screw should go. This watch was worth the extra effort to put them back in their original slots.
It's just like engines. Practice make perfect. Also everything should fit perfect. If you get lost with bolt/screw location. Test it and see if it stick up too far, if it bumps into other parts, if the shoulder doesn't cover, etc. My dad always told me if a bolt sits more than a 1/4-5/16", it's too long. I apply the same logic to watches, just scaled down. Then, with today's tech, use you phone to take pictures as you go for the more complex movements.
A lot of experienced watchmakers who strip time only and time, day date watches completely as you do an engine often replace screws immediately as seen in this video when working on a watch like this.
Yet again an exceptional video. I really look forward to these and your camera work is superb. Thank you for the time and effort you put into these.
I appreciate that a lot, thank you.
And still people buy Rolex and Breitling when they could have something like this, restored and still have money in their pocket and have people want to talk about their watch, rather than ignore them with their garish, tedious watches.
Excellent restoration. I'm almost inspired to do my Sicura chrono now.....just need to summon up the courage.
Thanks so much. I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
I agree. You can get a lot more watch for your money if you steer clear of brands like Rolex, too.
In case you didn’t know, Wakmann and Breitling’s history are very much intertwined.
To avoid the tariffs imposed upon completed Swiss watches, Breitling movements were imported instead, to be cased and timed in America and sold under the Wakmann brand.
A lot of Wakmann watches are actually rebadged Breitlings.
Adam, wow, I am just extremely impressed with both the quality of your watch work and your video production. I have been watching your content from the beginning and you have progressed so far in a short period of time. Just fantastic work and thank you for sharing. Beautiful watch. John S
That means a lot to me. Thank you very much.
A fabulous complex restoration, I can see why you’ve always wanted one. Stunning watch and great end product, keep the great content coming and stays safe 😊
Thank you.
Riveting! You walk the walk, talk the talk. Great video content, excellent commentary. I learn something every time from your instruction. Thank you
Hey Ross, thanks so much! I'm really glad you liked it.
Dear Adam ! This mouvement is insane 'cause of it 's plenty different screws, functions and all that stuff 😮 ... Kudos for this magnificent service you did ... 😊
Thanks a bunch.
Fantastic work. Beautiful watch. Really enjoyed it. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you.
Great video, with honesty! You are one of my favourite YT channels, right up there with Marshall on Wristwatch Revival. Keep them coming!!
That's quite a compliment. Thank you very much.
Gorgeous movement on that watch. Thanks for the video. I’m wearing my Seiko 6139 Pogue today. It’s running great. 😊
That's awesome! Those will always be one of my absolute favorites.
Extraordinary Video, liked it very much. Detailed shots and informative voice over. Thanks !
Many thanks!
I thoroughly enjoyed that and I am so impressed by your skill. You have clearly been learning and doing for a long time. Thanks for sharing this journey.
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
If no one else let you know, the song is titled "Entry of the Gladiators" Thank you for all your videos, I am getting into the hobby because of you :)
I apologize in advance for the amount of money that watchmaking tools can cost! There links to some recommended cheaper version on the spreadsheet that is linked in the video description (please don't feel obligated to use the affiliate links). You may find the info helpful when getting started out. Thanks for the song title!
Another great video, Adam! I just recently bought a beautiful 18K rose gold Sandoz with a Valjoux 72C movement with a shock protected balance and this video is a fantastic reference in the event that I ever work up the courage to clean and lubricate it! Additionally, I've only had mine two weeks and I'm very glad to know that the month display has to be manually advanced! If I hadn't discovered that by watching this video in ten days I would have assumed it was broken and probably risked damaging the watch inspecting it to see if I could fix it! Thanks again for all of your fantastic videos!
Thank you Dayton. I'm glad the timing of the video worked out well for you! I took my lumps and learned my lessons during disassembly. As for the assembly, although a lot of time had passed, I found it to be much less daunting. I know you'll service your Sandoz properly when the time comes. Like me, I'm sure you've had watches you found intimidating when you first got into them, but you got more comfortable as you worked through the project. That 72C will be no different. Just make sure you record and share it! Your videography is always spectacular. I appreciate your thoughtful comment. I enjoy your channel as well!
Looks great! If all the channels of watch repair I have seen, I like yours the best! Keep up the good work!
I really appreciate the compliment. Thank you very much.
@@WeekendWatchRepair sure thing
I really enjoyed watching that! Thank you for helping me pass a pleasant 1 and 3/4 hours 👍
Thank you. I'm very glad you enjoyed it.
Now that was a long one. Found it very interesting , keep it coming from uk.
Thanks so much. I generally do long videos, but that one was REALLY long. Even still, there was some footage not shown in the video because of a failed memory card (hands and crystal installation). I just didn't see any way of making it shorter without cutting out critical parts of the rebuild. There's a lot going on with this watch. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
A very impressive service, Adam.
I enjoyed watching it. Thank you
Thanks a bunch.
Great work on very cool watch - thank you for sharing this: 👍👌👏!
Thanks for watching.
Beautiful watch!!!
I think so too.
This is the equivalent of getting a black belt in Martial arts when you can say you restored a Walkman 7750, it’s big gun territory in the watch fettering world. 🤣😎👏👏 well done mate you surpassed yourself on this old girl.
Thank you very much.
I think showing what not to do is a great help, thanx for the mistakes too,great work Adam👍🏻
Thanks 👍
This is my new favorite channel. Great job. 🔥
Wow, thanks!
I'm at 1:13:55 ( no special time, that's what it was when I stopped to comment lol) and I like the lighting. If you had said nothing about the lighting, I would not have noticed.
Thanx again
I have to rewind several times before getting to the end, as I find it so relaxing, I fall asleep. Thank you. 👍
That style of Wakmann was my dad's daily wear watch. Sold it partially running a couple years ago.
Wow, amazing work, Adam! If I attempted this, I'd have springs flying everywhere and need a dozen extra of each! 🤪 Absolutely beautiful watch. Love that strap, too!
Thank you very much. I am really glad I found VGreen straps. They do great work.
Real nice work, fantastic 😊😊
Thank you.
Was wondering when your video was coming, but after seeing this, realize why it took so long. An epic restoration Adam. Love the re=plating. Have always wanted to try my hand at it, but need a few more tools first. And you are NOT a hack! Bravo.
Thanks so much.
I felt that spring go ping and that screw vanished into the ether.
So did I.
@@WeekendWatchRepair glad you managed to find the screw. And then the spring reappearing magically. Sometimes the underpants gnomes are kind
@@FennecTECH Sometimes they are indeed.
Very pleased you did the case so well. That was very fine work.
Thank you.
Great channel man, I like that you don't try to hide your mistakes. One that I would suggest checking with a vape shop for wire to make springs out of. Although I love the use of guitar strings, there are all kinds of different size and shape wire people use to make their own coils. You more than likely could find the perfect size flat wire to make springs out of when you inadvertently send then to the abyss of the carpet. O ya, great job on the watch. I would almost sware it is a different one.
Thanks for the tips!
freakin beautiful!!!!! thanks for the discount code
Thanks so much for watching, and thanks to VGreen for agreeing to do a discount code! You'll like the strap. They do great work.
I have two hobbies. First is my love of guitars for the last 21 years. Second is more recently watches and servicing. Never thought I see an Ernie ball string reference in a watch services video haha! Great fast thinking.
Same hobbies here as well.
Great work! I started this hobby after watching your videos. I'm from Argentina!!
That is awesome!
Such a great job! Thanks again for sharing with us!
Thanks so much.
just awesome! well done!
Thanks a lot.
Great job. I noticed the new lighting. It looks good.
Thanks!
Really a great channel. I loved that. Beautiful watch. Straps are very subjective and even though that one was made so well, I'd ask V Green for a different style...
Thanks for watching. You are right, straps (and watches in general) are subjective. I personally am a fan of that style strap. VGreen does offer a variety though.
Thank you for another great video. Thanks for the in-depth on how you do these chronographs. As far as the photos, very nice with one exception. The hands weren’t set at 10:10! You know if you know
Nobody is perfect, lol.
@johnvaluk1401 10:10 covered up too much of the Wakmann logo, so I opted for 4:35 for some of the shots. Less coverage of the logo and subregisters that way. It was a fully wound movement at the time, so I decided to just take the shots and let the hand placement be damned. 😂
@@coolhandluke8247 nothing bad meant. Just a little fun. It drives me crazy when they are all set to 10:10!
Great work, this is a huge step up from servicing time only or time/date manual and automatic movements and you did a great job.
It’s common practice to set the timing of the day, date and month on these triple calendars to happen in a staggered sequence.
Loading the spring to flip these over robs power and amplitude.
If you’re loading them all simultaneously you it can cause the watch to lose so much amplitude it runs badly around changeover time, or sometimes it will even stop the watch completely.
Set the movement so that you’re loading these mechanisms and look at it on the timegrapher, and you can see how much this impacts this specific watch.
I set everything back to factory specs. It stages over about 20 minutes.
41 springs is A LOT in this type of watch ⌚️. I'd invest in a wheeled magnet 🧲 tool from Harbor Freight, so ya can eliminate getting down on all fours to find your spring. This is a GREAT tool to have around, for those springs that decide to spring away. I know just how frustrating 😒 this is, but this wheeled magnet tool could also save ya a lot of time, since ya can cover greater floor surface with it. I hope I brought ya a GREAT suggestive tip!! Your friend, Jeff!!
Great job as always! I try wearing my fathers old Seiko but it runs way too fast so I really just wear ir for show. Back when I could afford to fix it I couldn't find anyone to work on it. All I ever heard was that it's not worth fixing. I guess personal value really doesn't count. It goes to my daughter next so maybe she'll get it squared away. Thank you for making these videos, I truly enjoy every one of them.
Thanks so much.
Congratulations Adam, that came out fantastic! (Both the watch and the video...) There are so many great moments in this project. I have to try spinning the case on the buffer wheel now! Well done, I know you will wear it proudly.😁
Thanks Mike. I'm wearing it right now!
Outstanding work. A real beauty.
I appreciate it, thank you.
Stunning watch. Well done.
Thank you.
When you use a cotton mop like that for the first time, there’s a tool that looks like a hairbrush with very stout bristles called a buffing wheel rake that you use to strip the loose fibres out of the wheel. There videos showing how to do this here on RUclips.
Great job, which would scare me taking that apart and making sure I know where it all went back.
Awesome video bro. Thoroughly enjoyed watching it!!
Glad you enjoyed it.
I had a Wakmann triple date ss case and in running condition. I’d received it for my 16th bday and kept it until recently.
This is a fun video !!!!!!
the doggone baseplate on this thing is a marvel in itself. I'd love to see how they make these things
So would I.
Fantastic work (as always) Adam. I could tell this was a keeper from the way you talked about it. Such a lovely piece.
Also: thank you! I was thinking the same about grease on the pallet stones.
Thanks a bunch. I'm thinking I'll use the 9415 for everything 28,000 bph and above, and the 941 for everything below. It seems to be working well thus far.
@@WeekendWatchRepair sounds like a plan :)
Great work Adam, regards from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Thank you very much.
Great job
Thanks a bunch.
I'm a couple of minutes into the video and it looks like the watch was kept in a tackle box!
Haha
wow that really turned out amazing! Nickel plating FTW!
Glad you liked it!
Moebius 9415 was initially recommended for use on high best movements, because 941 didn’t stay in place well on faster moving escapements.
9415 is now preferred if you have it for both slow and fast beat movements. It will not rob you of any amplitude and will remain where it’s needed better than 941, especially if you aren’t using epilame.
Moebius 9415 is a thixotropic grease. It’s grease like at rest but liquifies when the parts slide across eachother, so it has the properties of a thin oil when it matters but doesn’t spread or get displaced when its ‘at rest’.
9415 even works very well on cylinder escapements.
All of my watches receive treatment of epilame. It’s just not shown on the video. I am aware of the characteristics of 9415 and 941. I just wanted to give it a try.
This is the project that prompted me to support you through Patreon. You mentioned how many different screws. I'm wondering, how many springs are there?
Thank you so much! I counted 12 total springs.
Hey there Adam. A great video and a fantastic result. 👍🏻
Thanks
Adam, first off another great video. I feel I learn more from your videos than every other watch repair channel out there. Your content is always informative and interesting.
Secondly, is there any chance you could post the gentleman in Argentina’s eBay store address. I actually gave my son this exact Walkman in the late 90’s when I first got into collecting and tinkering on watches (back then you could get watches like this for Pennie’s compared to today) anyway, his now just sits in the top drawer because it needs some serious work on it, and I’d love to have the ability to get some NOS parts to help repair it. I know that Walkman watches were very popular in Argentina as I actually purchased the one I gave my son from a gentleman from there.
Anyway, another great video, thanks.
I initially found him through a Facebook group (although I don't remember which one). Here is his eBay store:
www.ebay.com/usr/wattches.ar
A lot of his stuff is not posted. I'd suggest contacting him and seeing if he has what parts you are looking for. If he does, he will create an eBay listing that you can then purchase. His name is Guillermo, and he was a very nice guy. The parts I received were exactly as advertised. I hope this helps.
I do enjoy your videos and now I am taking up the hobby as well. How long was it into your own experience before you could put a watch back together with no problem.
Congrats on getting into the hobby. You will enjoy it. I probably worked on three or four movements before I ever got one to work, and I don’t think it even worked all that well! It took some time, but the more experience I gained the better my results became. Start out with simple movements.
What an amazing restoration! The watch turned out incredible! Thank you for sharing such a valuable information with us. I fix watches myself, and I sure value people like you who take the time to share their knowledge!
Just a quick question: what brand plating machine do you have. I am trying to buy one, but I am not sure which would be a good affordable one. Thank you for the help in advance!
Wow! Great video!
I just discovered this channel…it’s great.
I have an early 70’s Sicura jump hour that that could use someone with your skills to see what the issue is.
It was working until just recently.
Is this something you’d be interested in looking at?
Happy to compensate of course!
-Andrew.
Hi Andrew, thanks so much. At the moment, I am not able to do commission work. That is something I’d like to change in the future, but right now I’m just not set up for it. I really appreciate you reaching out though. Thank you.
Great Video, as per usual, great content. If you're a hack what hope for the rest of us
Haha!
Awesome watch
Thanks
Props👏
Thanks.
Boa noite. nunca tinha visto um serviço bem feito igual esse.
Obrigado
Отличная работа, браво Мастеру. От меня - Лайк.
Thank you
Amazing work! Fascinating. Are you accepting watches for repair, or are these your personal watches? I have 70s chronograph that shares same maker of Wakmann movement, minus the triple date. It keeps good time but chronograph not functioning. Valjoux 7736 movement. Looking for someone to service it. Would love to send it to you! It’s a beauty
Unfortunately I am not able to accept commissions at this time. There are some things I need to have in place before I can accept such requests. Thank you though.
The tune is "Entrance of the Gladiators" by Fucik
Yep, that's it!
I tip my hat,this was the most complicatet movement I ever saw!
Thank you very much.
Newbie here. While you are working on the watch, are you on the microscope or naked eye or loupe or screen connected to the microscope? I have an Amscope SM-4TP. Thanks in advance all the feedback ✌🏻
I'm working through a microscope.
ok, i'm subscribing
Thanks a bunch.
Nice!
Thank you.
Wakmann, that has to be the same Wakmann who makes 8 day clocks for aircraft. I've got one in need of overhaul myself. It works when wound, but only runs a short time, then stops. Century and some other aircraft instrument shops can overhaul them.
I believe they are the same.
It is the same Wakmann. Their history was intertwined with Breitling, and much of their Swiss movements came from Breitling.
There is excellent watchmaker who specialises in restoring Aircraft clocks like yours called Dewey Clark. I highly recommend him, a consummate professional and his work it top notch.
The "clown music" is called Entrance of the Gladiators by Julius Fucik.
Thanks!
@@WeekendWatchRepair 👍
Better not lay a finger on my butterfinger 😆
You're not lying!
@@WeekendWatchRepair 😂😂😂
Wow great video. Do watchmakers every work in a desktop booth?
I wouldn't really know, but I'd image that some people might. As long as you can get good light on your workspace, it would probably work just fine.
Try disolve the old crowngasket in aceton
Getting the old gasket out isn't the problem. It's pretty straightforward to do. It's getting the replacement gasket back in (without damaging it) that is the challenge without taking apart the crown. It's much easier to just replace the crown. They aren't that expensive. However, it is a signed, or otherwise special crown, it's easier to justify the time and headache taking the crown apart. There is a trick to it on certain types of crowns, but this isn't one of them. I've still got the original crown, and if I feel the need one of these days for some self inflicted torture, I'll give it a try.
سبحانه من علم الانسان مالم يعلم حرفي ممتاز فديو ممتع
Thank you.
Hi
Great video! I havean identical 39mm.
It's missing the case back gasket. Could you please specify the size o-ring you used? Also how are the pushers sealed?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Pete
I cannot remember the specific size. I went through my gaskets until I found one of the correct size. The pushers are sealed with small o-rings.
And people act surprised when recieving the bill after getting their chronograph serviced 😂
A lot of work definitely went into this watch.
There's one on Watch Recon for $2550 right now...
I haven’t heard of that website before. Going to check it out.
I have a beautiful vintage stainless Wakmann that I’ve had for years in need of repair. It’s in very good condition otherwise.
They are great watches.
I just changed the batteries in my remote... so i know how difficult this was 😅
Haha!
,ollthose tweezers are messin ya up!!! throw them away
I know...I know!
Hello could you please tell me where to buy the red attachment for holding the caseback?
Search google for 'Horotec Polishing Vise - MSA-23.500". It's sold at a few places. I cannot remember which online retailer I purchased mine from.
Those tweezers are helping you one bit
Should have took the affiliate link that's how youtube works these days just a heads up pal
I am not concerned about making money off of it. It was more important to me to be able to give an honest and unbiased review of the straps where I do not have anyone paying me to promote a product. The people at that company are very kind and fully understood. They kindly offered to do a code instead, and I thought viewers would appreciate the discount. I don't make my living off of RUclips, so an affiliate partnership isn't anything I'm really trying to do.