Join me as I restore this very beaten up 1970s Seiko Chronograph watch. I started this project back in March and many obstacles stood in the way of it's completion. This video documents part of that story. If you did watch the start of this project in a previous video of mine then you can continue from 24:44 - otherwise, please enjoy. JOIN THE GROUP: facebook.com/groups/watchrepairlessons
I'm so happy to finally see this conclusion. And... DAMN, YOU ARE SKILLED! I mean, a new pivot on a 6139 chronograph wheel? Damn! Those aren't even supposed to be serviceable. Bravo!
Few things elicit consistent admiration. Your obvious mastery and calm style do it for me every time. For anybody reading this who has not attempted to adjust a hair spring you cannot appreciate the strategy expertise and steadiness of hand displayed. I feel like I could no more do that job than I could win a 10 out of 10 Olympic gymnastics competition! No it's not rocket science but I'll bet it's as precise as brain surgery!
I'm a hundred percent a newbie and I am already aware that people who spend a lifetime servicing high-end watches would never ever do some of the things that he not only attempts but one-hundred-per-cent succeeds I believe your name is Mark. Sir you are amazing, you're absolutely an extraordinary person and a classy human being. THANK YOU FOR SHARING. Also on top of the fact that most people negate the fact that it's a hundred times harder to work under a microscope than it is to work under Loop just so you can make absolutely fantastic videos the music is good the editing is superior even the audio is excellent at some point I will absolutely pay for your course I believe once you pay that you have access to those files in perpetuity so it's 100% a resource that I'll use for the rest of my life and if I remember correctly you have a couple of different levels and the whole thing is under $300 or around there if that's not correct again sir thank you also I love your mechanical build of the watch hand remover Vice that you machined and powder coated blue I mean I would have made it black but that's just me hahaha again thank you sir you're a gentleman and a scholar
I find such pleasure in watching your videos. Craftsmanship and skills are so lacking today. Just toss the whatever in the garbage and buy another one. Value, quality, endurance really are not important to many people. But in this video the value of this little Seiko and the skill of the master watchmaker collide here with results none of us would possibly imagine could come out so well! I appreciate the person, skill and integrity of our master watchmaker!
I will not watch a hour video... I will not watch a hour video... I will... that went by fast. I'm still trying to properly wind in a mainspring, your skill is extraordinary.
Such a great video! I have a project that I am building myself up for the challenge. I've watched many videos about the 6139B movement, but this is the only one that shows how the case works. Many thanks indead!
This video is a bible for 6139!! Never seen a superb video like this. You are a true master. And also those japanese engineer from 70's were true genius. I love Seiko watches. I would like to have one of these 6138 and 6139 someday...
We've been waiting this for too long. This is a very exhausting repair, but nice job done! BTW, maybe you should try to contact Michael from My Retro Watch. He might have some spare parts of this movment.
Even when you took a punt regarding the costs of getting the parts for servicing, you put effort in something that was regarded as total junk and gave it new life. I applaud these skills.
Wow, what a great result! This was like waiting for a new George R. R. Martin book. I thought I'd never see the end! Amazing rebuild of that chronograph wheel pivot. My eyes popped out of my head at that one. Love your work, Mark. Thanks!
You, sir, are a genius. I'm a mechanical Neanderthal but I totally appreciate the skill, patience, perseverance and calm mastery that you bring to your work. Thank you for these wonderful postings.
sir your skills are superb.i dont belive it.watch look like new amazing.how any body give its reward.you reparing hair spring and balance wheel and plate bush replacement every thing doing fine.tool you use very expencive and perfact tool for perfact job.you are great.i salute you sir.very satisfing video.great work.i apriciate it
Thanks for your work and videos. I have recently finished the first two courses you offer (I highly recommend for anyone just starting out) and have started working on my "collection" of non-working inexpensive vintage watches. Of course, as I run into new problems I need to collect new /old tools and techniques. The first place I turn to are your videos. At any rate, your courses and videos have been invaluable. Thanks.
Looks like the previous "repair" work on this watch was done with a pneumatic hammer and a chisel. You on the other hand, always do fantastic work. Thanks for posting. One of my favorite RUclips channels!
I am not anywhere close to doing this, even as a hobby, but I just enjoy watching mechanical restorations. This was right up my alley! About a third of the way through this (the total dismantling), I was saying to myself “This guy is going to need a donor to get this thing working” seeing all the damaged parts! Simply amazing...brilliant work!
I’m amazed how some so called “expert” RUclips channels always overdo it on the lubrication, you on the other hand are super precise and only use what’s required, I cringe when I see them slather on the lubricants and then just leaving them to pool and slow down the movement. Thanks for showing us how to do things the proper way Mark! Also, awesome job repairing that pivot on the cam, it was breathtaking watching you work on that tiny shaft, and also to finally see this Seiko restored to its former glory!! As always, Mark it’s a pleasure watching you work! 🥰🥰
Mark - I spend a lot of time inside Seiko 6139/6138 cal movements and have restored dozens of these timepieces. Your work here was truly remarkable. You are likely one of only a handful of people who can disassemble a 6139 chrono wheel and repair it. Truly top notch work. I actually picked up a few tips from your video. Glad to see you brought this abused timepiece back to life. Thank you.
That turned out really, really well! It's a great looking watch. The work you put into the restoration and the skill you display is remarkable. Nice job.
Watching you repair that balance spring, all I could think was how badly I would have bent it beyond recognition! You have a far more delicate touch than me.
Saying I'm in total admiration would be an understatement... I'm already happy when I can get my workplace's vise to work again lol. I think I've still a long way to go. You are a true watch wizard!
This is actually a sub comment I left but it should have been left here. I'm a hundred percent a newbie and I am already aware that people who spend a lifetime servicing high-end watches would never ever do some of the things that he not only attempts but one-hundred-per-cent succeeds I believe your name is Mark. Sir you are amazing, you're absolutely an extraordinary person and a classy human being. THANK YOU FOR SHARING. Also on top of the fact that most people negate the fact that it's a hundred times harder to work under a microscope than it is to work under Loop just so you can make absolutely fantastic videos the music is good the editing is superior even the audio is excellent at some point I will absolutely pay for your course I believe once you pay that you have access to those files in perpetuity so it's 100% a resource that I'll use for the rest of my life and if I remember correctly you have a couple of different levels and the whole thing is under $300 or around there if that's not correct again sir thank you also I love your mechanical build of the watch hand remover Vice that you machined and powder coated blue I mean I would have made it black but that's just me hahaha again thank you sir you're a gentleman and a scholar
It's very satisfying to see such a nice watch restored. When I heard .2mm drill, my first thought was that I'm in a Monty Python skit. Using something that small seems almost unbelievable.
Just a bit of a parallel here; I ordered a citizen bullhead handset from Spain on eBay. After 3 1\2 months with no sign of the goods and no tracking number included, I contacted the seller. He offered to send me a pic of the package before he sent it as proof that he mailed it off to me. As if I was accusing him of never sending it. Funny, cuz I made it very clear that it probably got lost in the international post, & never even hinted at the possibility of him not sending it off. Anyway, after a bit of back & forth communication, he agreed to refund the $16 plus shipping fee. I promised I'd repay him if they showed up. I sh?t you not, the package arrived in my mailbox the very next flippin' day! My hand to God! I immediately apologized to the seller & repayed him every penny. Crazy stuff, my friend. Keep the awesome vids comin', please!
Thank you. I love your videos. I have two of these - a black and a white dial. They're both Seiko 6139B Helmet watches from 1977. The date codes are May and June. They are both fully functional but are both in serious need of restoration. Both movements are missing the retainer ring spring and the pusher springs but that doesn't seem to affect the functionality. Everything else is there on both watches. They're very dirty on the inside and both appear to have a small amount of water damage because of failing gaskets. If you want to restore the black one for me (with a new white dial and hands) you can keep the original white one. Just the movements - for parts only - are $150 I'm not really into patina so the newer looking the better as far as I'm concerned. I also have two stainless bracelets that they came with. Neither are the original but one is stamped Seiko. You can keep both bracelets. I'm more into leather straps. If you get this, please let me know what you think. I'll be happy to send these to you however you need it done. I'm in no rush. They've both been in a drawer for years. Thank you,
Nice work Mark and I’m glad I’m not the only one who has 8 month old projects! Couple of things I could not help noticing. Firstly the chrono hands. I find aftermarket really hard to fit and the manual instructs to not fit the auto works and use a special holder that supports the chrono and minute recording jewels when fitting hands so you don’t run the risk of pushing them out. Aftermarket seem tighter and this needing more force yet you seemed to have managed this easily. I also find the chrono second hand a challenge (as you might know) it wonders when pushing on and as you have to make a key with the square pinion and the round hand tube you only really get one shot. You lined yours up and pushed straight on! Either luck or just your vast experience but either way I was amazed at that. Lastly the bracelet I believe is not the right one as many / all of these had a railroad style one . The end links didn’t fit yours right. Great video all the same. I’m always in awe of your camera work
Yes you are masterful. I look and wonder what drives you - then confess whatever it is drives me a little bit but I do not have anything like your skill. You are so deft. Nor is your aptitude restricted to Horology. The video is also excellent. Thank you for this very instructive tutorial. May you prosper as you should and always find satisfaction from your work. Sincerely, BjG
Join me as I restore this very beaten up 1970s Seiko Chronograph watch. I started this project back in March and many obstacles stood in the way of it's completion. This video documents part of that story. If you did watch the start of this project in a previous video of mine then you can continue from 24:44 - otherwise, please enjoy.
JOIN THE GROUP: facebook.com/groups/watchrepairlessons
Thanks Mark👍
What is the name of the glue and where to buy?
Hands of a brain surgeon 👌🙂
Can you repair mine?
Mine has grey face and is is running perfect...I would sell if offers good..
Getting that poor broken thing running again is borderline necromancy. Truely masterful!
I'm so happy to finally see this conclusion. And... DAMN, YOU ARE SKILLED! I mean, a new pivot on a 6139 chronograph wheel? Damn! Those aren't even supposed to be serviceable. Bravo!
Few things elicit consistent admiration. Your obvious mastery and calm style do it for me every time.
For anybody reading this who has not attempted to adjust a hair spring you cannot appreciate the strategy expertise and steadiness of hand displayed. I feel like I could no more do that job than I could win a 10 out of 10 Olympic gymnastics competition!
No it's not rocket science but I'll bet it's as precise as brain surgery!
I would have lost that 0.2 drill before finding it ......and then breaking/bending it..!!
I'm a hundred percent a newbie and I am already aware that people who spend a lifetime servicing high-end watches would never ever do some of the things that he not only attempts but one-hundred-per-cent succeeds I believe your name is Mark.
Sir you are amazing, you're absolutely an extraordinary person and a classy human being.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING. Also on top of the fact that most people negate the fact that it's a hundred times harder to work under a microscope than it is to work under Loop just so you can make absolutely fantastic videos the music is good the editing is superior even the audio is excellent at some point I will absolutely pay for your course I believe once you pay that you have access to those files in perpetuity so it's 100% a resource that I'll use for the rest of my life and if I remember correctly you have a couple of different levels and the whole thing is under $300 or around there if that's not correct again sir thank you also I love your mechanical build of the watch hand remover Vice that you machined and powder coated blue I mean I would have made it black but that's just me hahaha again thank you sir you're a gentleman and a scholar
So not only are you one of the best watchmakers in the world, but you’re also a skilled micro machinist. That custom pivot work was incredible!
The Watch Surgeon does it again!WOW!
Watching these videos makes me feel like I've never been good at anything in my life.
I find such pleasure in watching your videos. Craftsmanship and skills are so lacking today. Just toss the whatever in the garbage and buy another one. Value, quality, endurance really are not important to many people. But in this video the value of this little Seiko and the skill of the master watchmaker collide here with results none of us would possibly imagine could come out so well! I appreciate the person, skill and integrity of our master watchmaker!
I love quartz watches for their accuracy and functionality but a mechanical watch is always a marvel 👌
I will not watch a hour video... I will not watch a hour video... I will... that went by fast. I'm still trying to properly wind in a mainspring, your skill is extraordinary.
"It's one hour? I'm only going to watch a few minutes" ... End credits roll. That was awesome
This video should get a million views 👏
Such a great video!
I have a project that I am building myself up for the challenge.
I've watched many videos about the 6139B movement, but this is the only one that shows how the case works.
Many thanks indead!
Wow. Bloody hell! That was good. Not an amateur then!
Wow, back from the dead. Well done.
This was fantastic!
I am professionally a watch mechanic ...
I don't miss your video ...
What a skill u have GENIUS
This video is a bible for 6139!! Never seen a superb video like this. You are a true master. And also those japanese engineer from 70's were true genius. I love Seiko watches. I would like to have one of these 6138 and 6139 someday...
That was some Jedi level stuff you did with that pinion repair !
Wow, I'm really surprised with your skills and the entire transformation of the watch. You are awesome!
You are truly a master at your craft!
We've been waiting this for too long. This is a very exhausting repair, but nice job done!
BTW, maybe you should try to contact Michael from My Retro Watch. He might have some spare parts of this movment.
I had an awesome quality time with my wife watching this 70's Seiko restoration. Who could have thought of that huh!? I love your videos, keep it up!
You sir are a master of your craft!
Even when you took a punt regarding the costs of getting the parts for servicing, you put effort in something that was regarded as total junk and gave it new life. I applaud these skills.
Wow, what a great result! This was like waiting for a new George R. R. Martin book. I thought I'd never see the end! Amazing rebuild of that chronograph wheel pivot. My eyes popped out of my head at that one. Love your work, Mark. Thanks!
Re-pivoting can be at the extreme end of normal, but disassembling then reassembling the chronograph wheel is something else!
That was a piece of art to watch!!! Your skill is exceptional!
Always a joy watching broken machinery being returned to a useful state.
i've been work seiko company for watch repair and this watch is my favorite chronograph.nice one
You, sir, are a genius. I'm a mechanical Neanderthal but I totally appreciate the skill, patience, perseverance and calm mastery that you bring to your work. Thank you for these wonderful postings.
From Indonesia : nice video tutorial, thank you teacher
sir your skills are superb.i dont belive it.watch look like new amazing.how any body give its reward.you reparing hair spring and balance wheel and plate bush replacement every thing doing fine.tool you use very expencive and perfact tool for perfact job.you are great.i salute you sir.very satisfing video.great work.i apriciate it
Absolutely mesmerizing. You are a master of your craft
The pivot part blew me away....
Very mentally soothing watching precision work! Thanks
You are the top& excellent watch maker,indeed!
Such delicate work in replacing that pivot. Its bad enough finessing a balance spring 🙇
Amazing. Plus fabricating your own parts down to the minute detail. Impressive to say the least. Kudos.
Sunday.... Coffee in hand.... And this video = perfect.
The 6139 is the first watch I fell in love with. One never forgets their first love.
Watching you breathe new life into this otherwise trashed movement in disbelief.
Awesome work!
Beautiful watch Ripering👌👍
You are not human ;) you work as if it were a meter in diameter.
Merci pour ce partage.
Thanks for your work and videos. I have recently finished the first two courses you offer (I highly recommend for anyone just starting out) and have started working on my "collection" of non-working inexpensive vintage watches. Of course, as I run into new problems I need to collect new /old tools and techniques. The first place I turn to are your videos. At any rate, your courses and videos have been invaluable. Thanks.
What a beautiful restoration.
Looks like the previous "repair" work on this watch was done with a pneumatic hammer and a chisel. You on the other hand, always do fantastic work. Thanks for posting. One of my favorite RUclips channels!
What a privilege it is to watch a master at work. Thank you for sharing.
Replacing the pivot on the chrono wheel was absolutely brilliant work!
So glad you are back!
The harder repair is, the more I enjoy it ;) Repivoting, changing bushings, bent hairspring. Well done!
I am not anywhere close to doing this, even as a hobby, but I just enjoy watching mechanical restorations. This was right up my alley!
About a third of the way through this (the total dismantling), I was saying to myself “This guy is going to need a donor to get this thing working” seeing all the damaged parts!
Simply amazing...brilliant work!
A brilliant restoration. Impressive work on the balance spring - magic! Subscribed 👍
I’m amazed how some so called “expert” RUclips channels always overdo it on the lubrication, you on the other hand are super precise and only use what’s required, I cringe when I see them slather on the lubricants and then just leaving them to pool and slow down the movement. Thanks for showing us how to do things the proper way Mark!
Also, awesome job repairing that pivot on the cam, it was breathtaking watching you work on that tiny shaft, and also to finally see this Seiko restored to its former glory!! As always, Mark it’s a pleasure watching you work! 🥰🥰
The section with the hairspring had me holding my breath for fear of interfering. I was THAT engrossed!
Mark - I spend a lot of time inside Seiko 6139/6138 cal movements and have restored dozens of these timepieces. Your work here was truly remarkable. You are likely one of only a handful of people who can disassemble a 6139 chrono wheel and repair it. Truly top notch work. I actually picked up a few tips from your video. Glad to see you brought this abused timepiece back to life. Thank you.
That turned out really, really well! It's a great looking watch. The work you put into the restoration and the skill you display is remarkable. Nice job.
repair instead of replace is simply loving the job.... i respect this
Drilling that chronograph runner pivot and replacing - MAD SKILLS!! Superglue on the stem for the new crown? Excellent work!
Loctite 😉 thanks for the comment 👍
Never let SG anywhere near a watch 👎
I wonder why it is so satisfying to see an old watch like this repaired? good video!
Watching you repair that balance spring, all I could think was how badly I would have bent it beyond recognition! You have a far more delicate touch than me.
Fascinating to watch. Thank you.
the most amazing thing is that the 1970 Seiko needs restoration
The hands of a surgeon. Incredible. 🧡
Now that was highly entertaining to watch and the end result fanatastic.... WOW! is all I can say.....
I am amazed every time i watch you fix a watch. The workmanship is top notch
Your manipulation of the mainspring is simply...magical. Beautiful work!
Super human.
Saying I'm in total admiration would be an understatement... I'm already happy when I can get my workplace's vise to work again lol. I think I've still a long way to go. You are a true watch wizard!
great job, very beautiful watch, i love that vintage chronogrph seikos
Absolutely amazing to watch
Beautiful piece of master work .. I congratulate you .. I enjoyed every bit .. Thank you.
53 Min of Nerding out...LOL!!! great content
Прекрасная работа и шикарные часы!
This is actually a sub comment I left but it should have been left here.
I'm a hundred percent a newbie and I am already aware that people who spend a lifetime servicing high-end watches would never ever do some of the things that he not only attempts but one-hundred-per-cent succeeds I believe your name is Mark.
Sir you are amazing, you're absolutely an extraordinary person and a classy human being.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING. Also on top of the fact that most people negate the fact that it's a hundred times harder to work under a microscope than it is to work under Loop just so you can make absolutely fantastic videos the music is good the editing is superior even the audio is excellent at some point I will absolutely pay for your course I believe once you pay that you have access to those files in perpetuity so it's 100% a resource that I'll use for the rest of my life and if I remember correctly you have a couple of different levels and the whole thing is under $300 or around there if that's not correct again sir thank you also I love your mechanical build of the watch hand remover Vice that you machined and powder coated blue I mean I would have made it black but that's just me hahaha again thank you sir you're a gentleman and a scholar
Nice restoration.
It's very satisfying to see such a nice watch restored. When I heard .2mm drill, my first thought was that I'm in a Monty Python skit. Using something that small seems almost unbelievable.
the lathe machine moment for the pivot restoring was awesome!
Mesmerizing! Not long enough!
I have a similar Seiko but with a black dial, bought new in ±1976. It came with a, what looks like the same, metal bracelet.
Just a bit of a parallel here; I ordered a citizen bullhead handset from Spain on eBay. After 3 1\2 months with no sign of the goods and no tracking number included, I contacted the seller. He offered to send me a pic of the package before he sent it as proof that he mailed it off to me. As if I was accusing him of never sending it. Funny, cuz I made it very clear that it probably got lost in the international post, & never even hinted at the possibility of him not sending it off. Anyway, after a bit of back & forth communication, he agreed to refund the $16 plus shipping fee. I promised I'd repay him if they showed up. I sh?t you not, the package arrived in my mailbox the very next flippin' day! My hand to God! I immediately apologized to the seller & repayed him every penny. Crazy stuff, my friend.
Keep the awesome vids comin', please!
Fab video. Love you innovative solutions. You never quit trying!
Lost track of the number of times my solution would be “force it.” This is why I don’t fix anything but break many things. Well done!
Extraordinary work !
I've been wondering what happened to this Seiko since March! Truly mastery of skill to bring it back. Bravo sir!
Thank you. I love your videos. I have two of these - a black and a white dial.
They're both Seiko 6139B Helmet watches from 1977. The date codes are May and June. They are both fully functional but are both in serious need of restoration. Both movements are missing the retainer ring spring and the pusher springs but that doesn't seem to affect the functionality. Everything else is there on both watches. They're very dirty on the inside and both appear to have a small amount of water damage because of failing gaskets. If you want to restore the black one for me (with a new white dial and hands) you can keep the original white one.
Just the movements - for parts only - are $150
I'm not really into patina so the newer looking the better as far as I'm concerned.
I also have two stainless bracelets that they came with. Neither are the original but one is stamped Seiko. You can keep both bracelets. I'm more into leather straps.
If you get this, please let me know what you think. I'll be happy to send these to you however you need it done.
I'm in no rush. They've both been in a drawer for years.
Thank you,
Your craftsmanship on this watch is very good. Well done!
Fabulous work wish you were in the states I would have you repair a couple of my favorite watches
All I can say is, INCREDIBLE. You sir are a true master craftsman.
Absolutely great work ! Thanks for posting videos like this!
I am truly impressed. The incredible amount of things you repaired. 🫡
Most relaxing to watch your excellence after a difficult day
Brilliant.Thank you for share with as.
Nice work Mark and I’m glad I’m not the only one who has 8 month old projects!
Couple of things I could not help noticing. Firstly the chrono hands. I find aftermarket really hard to fit and the manual instructs to not fit the auto works and use a special holder that supports the chrono and minute recording jewels when fitting hands so you don’t run the risk of pushing them out. Aftermarket seem tighter and this needing more force yet you seemed to have managed this easily.
I also find the chrono second hand a challenge (as you might know) it wonders when pushing on and as you have to make a key with the square pinion and the round hand tube you only really get one shot.
You lined yours up and pushed straight on!
Either luck or just your vast experience but either way I was amazed at that.
Lastly the bracelet I believe is not the right one as many / all of these had a railroad style one . The end links didn’t fit yours right.
Great video all the same. I’m always in awe of your camera work
Amazing hairspring work
That, guys, was what we called midnight market repair job
Yes you are masterful. I look and wonder what drives you - then confess whatever it is drives me a little bit but I do not have anything like your skill. You are so deft. Nor is your aptitude restricted to Horology. The video is also excellent. Thank you for this very instructive tutorial. May you prosper as you should and always find satisfaction from your work. Sincerely, BjG
Brilliant video 👍 thanks Mark
Fascinating. Amazing and such incredibly fine detailed work. That turning to form the new stem astonishing.
Your are the Sherlock Holmes of watches past. Great!
Love the video. Great work. The watch looks fantastic.