There was a twin to this watch given to my grandfather's brother Sam. It also had an inscription. Sadly it's gone missing over the years since Sam passed away. It's probably in someone's desk drawer in the Okanogan, Canada. My grandfather was a truck driver and Sam hauled logs up and down the Columbia river in Canada with a tug boat and both watches survived. I sent this video to Sam's daughter (my cousin, Penny) and when she saw the watch she instantly saw images of her dad. She really enjoyed it, as did I. Thank you again, Marshall. You did such a wonderful job bringing my old watch back to life. It's never looked this good and this cool before. Having worn it for close to 35 years now it's become a part of me. When it stopped running and Rolex sent it back I thought I'd never get to wear it again. I really cherish it and very much appreciate how much you care about these old things and bring us all along for the ride. These old watches are a reminder of what life was like before everything turned digital. We need to hang on to them for as long as we can. And for the record, I take it off now whenever gardening.
@@justinchristoph3725 They simply said that they considered the watch to be “vintage” and no longer had parts for it. I took the watch to a local high-end jeweler who told me that Rolex requires all service on their watches to be sent to Rolex in New Jersey. So they sent it to Rolex and it was then returned. All communication with Rolex was through the jeweler.
News flash, most people aren't staying for the watches, you could be taking apart a ceiling fan, it doesn't matter. You're a fantastic teacher and you hold attention like a magnet. Keep em' comin!
I could care less about watches themselves. I love seeing the precision, the detail, the clear explanations of why and how that don't meander or dip into storytime too much. Oh and sweet Jesus the specialty tools and clever repair techniques that I didn't even know existed! I have a deep love of specialty tools that have dedicated singular purposes. This is a like an ADHD-ASMR type video with a niche OCD-handyman flavor. 🤣 It could be ceiling fans, sure; hell, it could be sump pumps at an oil refinery and I would still watch this guy. One of the few channels I watch that I never once felt the need to turn up the playback speed. There are some auto mechanics I watch too but always on 1.25x or more 😆
So i recently turned my hobby of watch repair into an actually paying job at a jewellers where i live and your videos were one of the major inspirations for me to go for it so... thank you!
@@Bill23799 probably varies a lot based on your location. I wouldn't trust any small buisnesses in a mall with something like this, or find the prices of the corporates to be reasonable. Outside of those 2 categories there's only a very small handful of watchsmiths in my area, so i would expect them to be nearly as costly as the corporates.
@@Druid_Plow Whatever shop I stop in I would only trust a family heirloom like this to a man with a steady hand and gray hair. But really what is the general cost to strip a watch down completely. Clean all the parts and them reassemble and lubricate it. A Full service. Is that even done anymore? Do modern watchmakers just open a watch up, saturate it with WD-40 and then blow it out with an air compressor? Hehe.
Just a little trick from the Aerospace-Industry: If you want to save or protect a thread in a soft metal, use something called a Helicoil. Its basically a spring made from a wire that has a specific shape so that it can engage to threads on the outside while forming a threaded hole on the inside. Basically to save this watch, it would need to be drilled, a new (special) thread needs to be formed (Helicoil supplies every Kit with a special tap) and then the helicoil needs to be inserted. This actually produces a stronger thread in softer metals then just cutting a perfectly fine thread in the metal itself. Its basically used everywhere in Aerospace, from Planes, over Jet Engines, to Rockets. Its not cheap but works very well. Though im not sure if there is a Helicoil available for the threads used here or if there is enough space to form a bigger hole.
Maaan, that strap was the perfect finishing touch on this project. Marshall, this was a success by any definition of the word - especially since you fixed what Rolex wouldn't touch. Congratulations! .. and thanks for sharing it with us.
As someone in my 40s, I can't believe I teared up a bit seeing the owner hold the watch with a giant smile on his face. I was all good until that point. I can't imagine the joy he received having it returned in great working order (great beat times on the machine). Nicely done on the restoration!
Hi Marshall, it's just coming up to 20:50 in the UK, according to the 130-year-old pocket watch my grandfather gave me, and I've got to thank you for giving me the confidence to get into fixing a timepiece that professional watchmakers told me was beyond repair and wasn't worth anything anyway. You can't put a price on the family connection, but I've got loads of model engineering tools so it turned out I only needed some hand levers, an oiling kit and some taper pins to do the rebuild despite the scary fusee chain mechanism. Job done and it's keeping great time!
Sitting here watching you service and repair this amazing watch and my daughter walks by, sees the video and asks, "Hey, Dad, does watching this kind of video get our gears going"? I respond, "Yes". Long silence before she says, "Great way to pass the time". Choking back the laughter I invited her to leave me alone. Great stuff on this one and what a beautiful watch! Cheers!
I think he should not have epoxied the fitting back in. What he should have done was put the JB Weld in the hole and then tapped the JB weld. The JB-Weld thread would have been fine and the piece would be removable.
@@tarstarkusz I'm afraid you don't understand the situation completely. The fitting had two sizes of thread; one fits the case, the other the inside of the Crown. The fitting had to be installed the way he did it.
Im a transmission mechanic by trade, so when you talk about the rewarding feeling you get when you tear something down, clean the "patient" up, start the investigatory work to identify and resolve the issue(s), then put it all back together. The sense of pride you feel is unmatched because you know you put your all into it. I'm sure that's why you gravitated toward watchmaking. Once a mechanic always a mechanic in everything that you do. I'm extremely happy I randomly stumbled across your channel. Keep up the superior work, Marshall! Side note: When in doubt, JB weld it !!
If my attitude is a bit off kilter your channel is so relaxing it fixes the attitude. I agree with you on not cleaning all the years of patina off the dials, to me you are the Bob Ross of watches and an expert at revival.
Love the way you chuckle while fixing watches and are constantly surprised when a hack works - we know it will work but the surprise in your voice makes my day. True delight in fixing a watch comes thru. 😊
Wow, when the shock mount jewels got re-oiled the movement picked right up and happy. Great Work Marshall, this is mechanical joy. Pleasure to watch your channel too.
I inherited a 50s Tudor oyster athlete when my great grandfather died . I was 13 and have worn it since. I'm in my 50s now and that watch still holds perfect time with little maintenance other than making sure that Its kept wound.
You are forever a part of this families story. I finally ordered an inexpensive watch maintenance kit and cleaned up my desk in preparation for and Elgin pocket watch! If I don’t destroy it I’ll let you know!😂😂 Thank you for the inspiration and guidance!! You do amazing work!
One thing that I love about your videos is that you say exactly what the pieces are. I have learned a lot about what parts do what and the names of them from you. Even if I never get into watchmaking, at least I have the knowledge.👍
Another most beautiful and instructive video: thank you Marshall. The owner should be glad that Rolex turned him down, because they are in the habit of restoring watches completely (at exorbitant prices), so all the patina goes away. Your approach is much more subtle and satisfying.
Another AWESOME restoration Marshall. Well done on getting that beauty ticking and paying respect to all of its battle scars. It is obvious that that watch was (and still is) worn and enjoyed. That dial has had a life and a history that should never be erased.
Thank you to the owner for showing his pleased face at the end. Its good to see you happy. I hope you enjoy your Grandfather's watch for many years and pass it down the family. Best Wishes.
Love it! Being older and having experience of them when they were more widespread this is exactly how the local watchmaker in a small town would have worked on this beauty back in the day. Coming up with affordable workaday solutions as in the crown tube so that the owner could wear the watch once again. The strap is a perfect choice in both colour and texture as well. This type of watch is the most valuable of all, an heirloom watch.
I found your channel not long ago and I have to tell you that you are the Bob Ross of watch repair and maintenance. Your voice is very wonderful and relaxing to listen to. Earlier in the video you talk about the feeling you get from working on the watches "your hobby" and I have to say that it's more than the feeling of accomplishment for a job well done. There is a very wonderful sense of gratification not only in the completion, but through the process of the dis-assembly and re-assembly. Like watching Bob Ross talk about his brushes, paints and methods as he's painting; I get the same feeling of contentment with your videos so thank you. Please keep enjoying your wonderful hobby, and please continue to catalog your journey through it and share it with the rest of us!
I’m one of those who doesn’t wear a watch, doesn’t even own a mechanical watch, but I watch every single video you upload. It’s incredibly relaxing and such an interesting process. As a photographer, I’m so taken with how beautiful they are inside. Makes me want to disassemble a movement and make some fine art prints with the pieces all arranged.
What a great back story for this watch! I also have a Tuder Oyster Royal that my Grandfather has passed to my father then to me. The watch also isn't running, partly because no jewelry shops around here will service it, but you have just inspired me to try and get it fixed again! Love your content.
This one was really emotional for me. I had a really great relationship with my own grandfather and I can imagine how much this meant for the owner. Great work Marshal.
This might be my favorite video of yours yet! I dont know if it's the sentimental value of the watch or what but I love this episode so much thank you!
I’ve been watching your channel for a while now and just in awe of the amazing things that you have done. I’ve got a watch from my grandfather that he received from working at Wells Lemont that I can remember him wearing everyday before he passed. I inherited it and wore it until it just stopped. I’d love to see it run again and wear it like he did. I’ve now worked at my company for over 25 years and didn’t get anything as cool as this watch. Let me know if you would be interested in seeing this.
Hello, I repair electronics and work with some of those dastardly adhesives you mentioned earlier in the video. Something I would strongly suggest in place of an epoxy like you had is jeweler's glue or more specifically any E-7000 adhesive. In electronics repair we use it to retain some semblance of water proofing after replacing a screen or any glued part. It is an incredibly strong and water resistant clear adhesive and would probably translate well over to the world of watch repair.
I found your channel and ever since is like that tv show you can’t stop binging, it is mesmerizing the work you do and the love you put into every single repair. I am a watch enthusiast and by no mean a watch maker but again love your videos. Thanks and keep up the good work!!!
your channel inspired me to get into watches, and now i have been repairing and collecting vintage clocks! just wanna say keep doing what you’re doing!
I'll never be a watch maker but you have hooked me on watching your videos. I love the step-by-step explanation and now awaits almost impatiently for the clunk noise as you put the spring back into its casing! I'm surely enjoying my adiction, watching your videos. Thank you Marshall. I will be looking for the time when you make a part on your lathe.
I can't wear a watch and haven't for over 35 years, but love watching what you do. I actually have my first watch I got as a young child. A snoopy watch and It still works but I'm sure it needs cleaned really bad.
Interesting, I cannot wear a watch as well. I could never get used to having something around my wrist. Must be something psychological with me. I do love timepiece movements; they are a marvel of innovation.
I found your channel a little while ago, and I'm in that group that would never get into the hobby myself, but I've gone through nearly all of your videos, and along with learning a whole lot about watches, I find your content oddly satisfying and calming. I always look forward to new videos.
Something that might be worth looking into for stuff like this in the future is helicoil threads, they come in kits with a drill and a tap and are sort of like springs, you drill and tap to a slightly larger size and thread the helicoil in leaving you with the original thread inside. They can be a bit fiddly to get right but generally work really well.
9:30 I understand why you have made a devotion to this work. Back in the Age of Exploration, sailors built a ship with rope and wooden pieces. So they could repair anything happened on the ship. Well, now these machines are made of wheels and precision parts. So a watchmaker needs to recreate the parts too. But as long as the parts can be useful, it can work again with your art. I respect you very much. Thank you for sharing precious experiences.
Man, I love your channel. I just recently got my first automatic movement and loved seeing the things work. I found your channel when I went down the rabbit hole and have watched every single one of your videos. I love how you produce these, clear commentary and it's just a fun time to "watch" your videos. I just wish there was more to watch.
That 2 second shot with the owner of the watch actually brought tears to my eyes. Nice smile and it means so much to see that at the end. The history of the time piece, the story and the success of the restoration, HIGH PRAISE!!!! There's more sentimental value than we will ever know there and without sentiment what is there to life really??? Man's search for meaning all in the love of history, family... in a broken old time piece that is magnificent. Well done indeed.
Well, Marshall - not quite to your level of facility yet but in a similar way I was able to use my rudimentary skill as a hobby mechanic/welder to help a friend of mine. I welded a broken bracket/wheel back onto his mower deck for him. He was over the moon with the repair which made me feel pretty good too. Perhaps someday I'll jump into watch repair - your channel has at least inspired me to start wearing them again!
the way you always find something to say in a consistent calm voice, is as relaxing as watching Bob Ross. keep up up! I'm 28 I've been watching for 2 years now! atleast I think its been 2 years.
Hello, Marshall. Your skill set is constantly improving. This watch show off many of them. Your array of tools is also impressive. Together you saved a beautiful old watch. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy!
Marshall, fantastic job on the Tudor. I never miss a session you post. I learn from every one of them. Your techniques are outstanding and your narration is top shelf. I look forward to your next video.I get better working on watches and my thanks to you.
Yes!! I was wondering when another one of your videos was going to drop! Awesome job and the owners face says it all. Thank you for sharing this amazing hobby with us!
Amazing. The dial patina matched very well with the strap that you picked. You've given another 70 years of life to that watch. Next time time you place a watch on the tester could you give a overview of how it works?
I had some down time today and chose this youtube adventure. Thank you. I come from a family of watchmakers and jewelers. I did not pick up the craft but so appreciate the skill.
Marshall: How about an episode just on timing watches... This is a mysterious thing always done off camera. Just regulate the time of three or four or five watches on camera...
Im no expert but i believe Its just moving the regulator on the balance tiny amounts and waiting to see if its helped on the time graph. Would still be cool to see it and his thought process though while doing it though.
I second this, I'm very curious to know how this part works. Yeah there's surely some other RUclips video out there already that probably covers it well enough, but it want Marshall to explain it to me, lol. He's always got such a great and thorough presentation.
@@machooke4846 Move the stud (end of the hairspring) to correct the beat error first (difference between the tick and the tock). Then, move the compass needle to adjust the timming. Hairspring shorter, movement runs faster... Just use a plastic stick or screwdriver to push against the stud or compass... GL
Really enjoyed this video. I never thought you could have repaired it, but to see it running so smoothly at the end was wonderful. And the owners smile said it all.
Really liked this one. I enjoyed seeing some of the issues that can arise that require something more in-depth than just cleaning and reassembly. And the JB Weld made me smile because even though I know nothing about watch repair, that's the first thing I thought of :)
When working with JB Weld or other epoxies and you're putting something into it that you might want to be removable, like the crown tube, coat the threads of the part you want to be able to remove in some liquid soap or vaseline and then install it. The soap or vaseline acts as a release agent allowing what you've installed to be removable. The threads on the crown tube might be a bit too fine for this to work though. You can always partially fill the hole, and drill or ream it to size for the tap too. JB Weld works really well with doing stuff like that, because of the metal particles.
@@CodyDWorks I think someone here suggested reaming out and fitting a short piece of brass tube in with superglue. It is then tapped. I think that what you suggest would also work. He is so steady to watch. I tend to get flustered with small parts nowadays. Blame my eyesight, hearing, old age, and the wife!
JB Weld can be tapped. My only concern would be getting it reamed straight so the stem would be perpendicular to the end of the tube. I wondered too if there wasn’t an oversized OD threaded tube that you could drill out the old threads and tap new threads
Love the channel, as a collector who wishes he could service his own watches and bring classics back to life you have given me the confidence to begin to learn. Thank you and never stop ✋️
When I first saw the crown tube problem, my first reaction was JB Weld. But I doubted that option as not suitable. Imagine my surprise when you gave it a try. I may have a future in watch repairs! Thanks for sharing!
Great commentary as you were disassembling the works, how our modern products are built for a one-off assembly life-cycle. At that same time, I felt rewarded for understanding what you were doing without your normal, thoughtful step-by-step commentary (me, understanding the reverse threaded screw and the immediate reassembly of the balance spring). We all are really learning as you discuss the art of the craft of watch restoration. Fascinating and so enjoyable. Marshall, you do great work!
What a beautiful watch and a beautiful restoration, Marshall. Excellent work! The family history behind the watch made the finished product that much sweeter.
This now has become my all time favorite video of yours. Seeing the owner so happy at the end is priceless. I have my father's manual Timex. Not a valuable piece in terms of quality, but important to me. He overwound it about 10 years before his passing, and it was in a drawer from that point forward. It's been in my small safe waiting for me to have it rebuilt so I could wear it. Perhaps it may find a way to this channel some day. 🙏🏼 Both my father and grandfather had matching watches, both with the same strap this watch video had. I'm guessing, but approx 1950 timeframe for them.
Another superb rescue! And this episode was somehow even more heartwarming than usual. Well done again, Sir! Your mentioning vehicle mechanics a couple-few times makes we sort of wonder if you've also got some unique collector vehicles you like to fettle, like some 1912 Snordley or whatever. Nursing along old motorcycles is my sort of thing. I wouldn't claim I'm near as deft as you are with those watches, but it keeps me out of the county lockup.
Love your videos man. The best position to be when doing what you love is to never be at your comfort zone, just quite close but not further. That will keep you on your toes all the time and will make your hobby as fun as ever.
Nice fix. I work with threads and more to the point, broken threads a lot. at that scale, you came up with a great fix. Helicoil could have been a solution for you as well and maybe more permanent. However, not knowing the diameters, pitches, etc, I cannot say they make them that small. But they go way down there in size.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. The sentimental side of this one makes it possibly the most enjoyable of all I've watched. That trick with metal-containing epoxy you used to rebuild where you inserted the crown stem was so cool. This video reminds me that my 1952 manual no-date Rolex Oyster is back together being regulated after being serviced (for the first time!) as we speak. I bought it new at an Air Force PX in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, back in 1952, for $38. Other than Rolex and Oyster, it only says Shock Resisting on the face. It came with a gray leather strap, and I was lucky to find a period-correct pre-owned Oyster bracelet at a little Arab shop a few years later. The patina on the face of mine is unusual and very interesting. I wish I could send you a photo of it. I'll be 98 come January 2023.
Love your channel and am inspired to explore the hobby myself. I’ve got a late 90s Cartier tank française watch in desperate need of a service. Please let me know if you’d be interested in some sort of arrangement as I’d love to see it get serviced through your channel.
I wonder if a helicoil is available that could replace the threads in the case? Excellent "revival"! Your description of the work is at just the right level to keep even non- watch nerds intrigued. Thanks.
I can't believe it!!! I started my hobby a month ago after a few months following you! You give me a lot of inspiration!! And I started working on a family watch , this exact movement!!! I waited so long and now I can see it from your perspective. So so so happy thank you!
Anyone can tell that is a very happy customer. Well done Marshall. There is no price to be put on sentimental value. Rolex, a very arrogant company, should be ashamed, as this repair was nothing out of the ordinary.
There is a variation on the JB Weld crown repair that you did. You could have filled the hole (or around the inside) of the hole in the case with JB Weld and let than set up. Then drilled it and tapped it, and screwed the crown ring back into the JB Weld. In my experience it sets up hard enough to be able to do that in many cases. I don't know that it would have been any better than how you did it.
Yeah, the big bonus here is that this is reversible. Good if you need to do any work on the case in the future. (Funny that in the intro he makes a point about there not being adhesives and tape)
Wow, this one was astonishing to me because it showed just how important a drop of oil is. I couldn't believe the improvement in running as you lubed it. Amazing!
I suspect the main problem was probably old, dried up oil in the balance jewels. Those things are so small that the watch cleaning machine can't get it all if it's bad. It's the taking apart and re-cleaning of the cap jewels that did the fix. That and the barrel bridge fix of course
Hey Marshall, love all your work. Would you ever consider doing some Q&A episodes, and covering things that would be interesting for us to know, but that may not fit into a normal episode. For example, looking at a lot of the watches you work on, there seems to be a surprising amount of damage (scratches) on parts of the watch that wouldn't be exposed to the elements normally, and I'm curious as to how and why so much damage is occurring in there? I get that dirt might get in, but it seems like a lot of damage for just a bit of dirt, especially when some of the damaged parts aren't even moving parts or against moving parts! Thanks again.
Getting ur old watched repaired is one thing, but have a video of the repair is the coolest. You have the potential for a very unique business. The watch repair comes with a video. I would pay for it.
There was a twin to this watch given to my grandfather's brother Sam. It also had an inscription. Sadly it's gone missing over the years since Sam passed away. It's probably in someone's desk drawer in the Okanogan, Canada. My grandfather was a truck driver and Sam hauled logs up and down the Columbia river in Canada with a tug boat and both watches survived. I sent this video to Sam's daughter (my cousin, Penny) and when she saw the watch she instantly saw images of her dad. She really enjoyed it, as did I. Thank you again, Marshall. You did such a wonderful job bringing my old watch back to life. It's never looked this good and this cool before. Having worn it for close to 35 years now it's become a part of me. When it stopped running and Rolex sent it back I thought I'd never get to wear it again. I really cherish it and very much appreciate how much you care about these old things and bring us all along for the ride. These old watches are a reminder of what life was like before everything turned digital. We need to hang on to them for as long as we can. And for the record, I take it off now whenever gardening.
Good story. Thanks. Wise move to take better care of it. Precious memories.
Did Rolex give a reason why they wouldn't work on it? Did they no longer have replacement parts because of how old it was?
@@justinchristoph3725 I have run into this with vintage watches as well...it just a money/time issue as Marshall mentioned.
@@justinchristoph3725 They simply said that they considered the watch to be “vintage” and no longer had parts for it. I took the watch to a local high-end jeweler who told me that Rolex requires all service on their watches to be sent to Rolex in New Jersey. So they sent it to Rolex and it was then returned. All communication with Rolex was through the jeweler.
Lovely story and lovely watch!
News flash, most people aren't staying for the watches, you could be taking apart a ceiling fan, it doesn't matter. You're a fantastic teacher and you hold attention like a magnet. Keep em' comin!
I could care less about watches themselves. I love seeing the precision, the detail, the clear explanations of why and how that don't meander or dip into storytime too much. Oh and sweet Jesus the specialty tools and clever repair techniques that I didn't even know existed! I have a deep love of specialty tools that have dedicated singular purposes. This is a like an ADHD-ASMR type video with a niche OCD-handyman flavor. 🤣 It could be ceiling fans, sure; hell, it could be sump pumps at an oil refinery and I would still watch this guy. One of the few channels I watch that I never once felt the need to turn up the playback speed. There are some auto mechanics I watch too but always on 1.25x or more 😆
Well I’m for the watches AND the narrative 😊
So true!
My opinion also !
I'm here for the watches, but he does a very engaging job of narrating the work that makes it more enjoyable.
So i recently turned my hobby of watch repair into an actually paying job at a jewellers where i live and your videos were one of the major inspirations for me to go for it so... thank you!
Can you say approximately how much a jewelry shop would charge for a repair like this?
@@Bill23799 probably varies a lot based on your location. I wouldn't trust any small buisnesses in a mall with something like this, or find the prices of the corporates to be reasonable. Outside of those 2 categories there's only a very small handful of watchsmiths in my area, so i would expect them to be nearly as costly as the corporates.
@@Bill23799 Over $200
Please tell me ur in Canada. I need my Grandfathers watch repaired. Iv been told its so old that it cant be fixed
@@Druid_Plow Whatever shop I stop in I would only trust a family heirloom like this to a man with a steady hand and gray hair.
But really what is the general cost to strip a watch down completely. Clean all the parts and them reassemble and lubricate it. A Full service. Is that even done anymore? Do modern watchmakers just open a watch up, saturate it with WD-40 and then blow it out with an air compressor? Hehe.
Just a little trick from the Aerospace-Industry: If you want to save or protect a thread in a soft metal, use something called a Helicoil. Its basically a spring made from a wire that has a specific shape so that it can engage to threads on the outside while forming a threaded hole on the inside. Basically to save this watch, it would need to be drilled, a new (special) thread needs to be formed (Helicoil supplies every Kit with a special tap) and then the helicoil needs to be inserted. This actually produces a stronger thread in softer metals then just cutting a perfectly fine thread in the metal itself. Its basically used everywhere in Aerospace, from Planes, over Jet Engines, to Rockets. Its not cheap but works very well. Though im not sure if there is a Helicoil available for the threads used here or if there is enough space to form a bigger hole.
Maaan, that strap was the perfect finishing touch on this project. Marshall, this was a success by any definition of the word - especially since you fixed what Rolex wouldn't touch. Congratulations! .. and thanks for sharing it with us.
Yeah, that strap choice is perfect. Emphasises all the best parts of the watch including the patina.
Yes and don’t forget now the owner can see the inscription! Wow didn’t he look awesome and happy with his new watch! Loved that
markings on the strap almost match the patina on the face. gorgeous.
I've never worn a watch in my 22 years of life but I gotta say I'm obsessed with this channel. It makes me want to do this stuff myself. Maybe I will?
As someone in my 40s, I can't believe I teared up a bit seeing the owner hold the watch with a giant smile on his face. I was all good until that point. I can't imagine the joy he received having it returned in great working order (great beat times on the machine). Nicely done on the restoration!
Thank you :)
Hi Marshall, it's just coming up to 20:50 in the UK, according to the 130-year-old pocket watch my grandfather gave me, and I've got to thank you for giving me the confidence to get into fixing a timepiece that professional watchmakers told me was beyond repair and wasn't worth anything anyway. You can't put a price on the family connection, but I've got loads of model engineering tools so it turned out I only needed some hand levers, an oiling kit and some taper pins to do the rebuild despite the scary fusee chain mechanism. Job done and it's keeping great time!
Sitting here watching you service and repair this amazing watch and my daughter walks by, sees the video and asks, "Hey, Dad, does watching this kind of video get our gears going"? I respond, "Yes". Long silence before she says, "Great way to pass the time". Choking back the laughter I invited her to leave me alone. Great stuff on this one and what a beautiful watch! Cheers!
She knows how to use the language!
No need to "dial" it back. Those are some high quality puns. My daughters just cringe when I watch watch videos.
Wait a minute, that's a second-hand joke...
I think he should not have epoxied the fitting back in. What he should have done was put the JB Weld in the hole and then tapped the JB weld. The JB-Weld thread would have been fine and the piece would be removable.
@@tarstarkusz I'm afraid you don't understand the situation completely. The fitting had two sizes of thread; one fits the case, the other the inside of the Crown. The fitting had to be installed the way he did it.
Im a transmission mechanic by trade, so when you talk about the rewarding feeling you get when you tear something down, clean the "patient" up, start the investigatory work to identify and resolve the issue(s), then put it all back together. The sense of pride you feel is unmatched because you know you put your all into it.
I'm sure that's why you gravitated toward watchmaking. Once a mechanic always a mechanic in everything that you do.
I'm extremely happy I randomly stumbled across your channel.
Keep up the superior work, Marshall!
Side note: When in doubt, JB weld it !!
Another area where "new tech" seems less repairable/disposable... thanks for "keeping the faith"!
How awesome to see the owner's smile holding his heirloom watch. Thanks Marshall, another great video.
I was going to say exactly the same thing. The story behind these old watches is as interesting as watching the repair process.
If my attitude is a bit off kilter your channel is so relaxing it fixes the attitude. I agree with you on not cleaning all the years of patina off the dials, to me you are the Bob Ross of watches and an expert at revival.
Absolutely gorgeous. Your expertise is astonishing. It's like watching an artist at work.
Love the way you chuckle while fixing watches and are constantly surprised when a hack works - we know it will work but the surprise in your voice makes my day. True delight in fixing a watch comes thru. 😊
The thing is, I learn and enjoy your videos because I am learning along the way with you, and that's fantastic. Thanks again great job.
Its sad to see the manufacture refusing to service their own product but a hobbyist was able to get it to work shows your dedication to the craft
Wow, when the shock mount jewels got re-oiled the movement picked right up and happy.
Great Work Marshall, this is mechanical joy.
Pleasure to watch your channel too.
I inherited a 50s Tudor oyster athlete when my great grandfather died . I was 13 and have worn it since. I'm in my 50s now and that watch still holds perfect time with little maintenance other than making sure that Its kept wound.
You are forever a part of this families story. I finally ordered an inexpensive watch maintenance kit and cleaned up my desk in preparation for and Elgin pocket watch! If I don’t destroy it I’ll let you know!😂😂 Thank you for the inspiration and guidance!! You do amazing work!
Get it back together yet? No shame in long term projects.
One thing that I love about your videos is that you say exactly what the pieces are. I have learned a lot about what parts do what and the names of them from you. Even if I never get into watchmaking, at least I have the knowledge.👍
The smile from the owner says all that needs to be said. Great job, great outcome. Thanks for sharing this Marshall.
I agree on the patina on the dial. My wife of almost 50 years earned every wrinkle and line in the service of her family and community! Respect!!!
Another great piece restored to full working order. Thank you Marshall for sharing your passion with the rest of us.
I'm a retired Mechanical Engineer (P&G) and this is a pure joy for me to watch.
Another most beautiful and instructive video: thank you Marshall. The owner should be glad that Rolex turned him down, because they are in the habit of restoring watches completely (at exorbitant prices), so all the patina goes away. Your approach is much more subtle and satisfying.
Another AWESOME restoration Marshall. Well done on getting that beauty ticking and paying respect to all of its battle scars. It is obvious that that watch was (and still is) worn and enjoyed. That dial has had a life and a history that should never be erased.
Marshall, thank you.
Your vids have a meditative quality for me.
Be well bud
Be well all of your commenters too. Grand community!
Thank you to the owner for showing his pleased face at the end. Its good to see you happy. I hope you enjoy your Grandfather's watch for many years and pass it down the family. Best Wishes.
Love it! Being older and having experience of them when they were more widespread this is exactly how the local watchmaker in a small town would have worked on this beauty back in the day.
Coming up with affordable workaday solutions as in the crown tube so that the owner could wear the watch once again. The strap is a perfect choice in both colour and texture as well. This type of watch is the most valuable of all, an heirloom watch.
I found your channel not long ago and I have to tell you that you are the Bob Ross of watch repair and maintenance. Your voice is very wonderful and relaxing to listen to. Earlier in the video you talk about the feeling you get from working on the watches "your hobby" and I have to say that it's more than the feeling of accomplishment for a job well done. There is a very wonderful sense of gratification not only in the completion, but through the process of the dis-assembly and re-assembly. Like watching Bob Ross talk about his brushes, paints and methods as he's painting; I get the same feeling of contentment with your videos so thank you. Please keep enjoying your wonderful hobby, and please continue to catalog your journey through it and share it with the rest of us!
Marshall. Best time of the day is seeing that notification comes from you. Big Hugs from Germany to USA. (:
Same here bud.
Canada
Bitte begeben Sie sich zu Bett, es ist schon nach Mitternacht.
Wristwatch Revival the owners vintage watch
Well said !!!
@@bravado2809 Morgen ist Sonntag. Lass mich ausschlafen. Hahahaha. Hugs from Brandenburg by the way. (:
I’m one of those who doesn’t wear a watch, doesn’t even own a mechanical watch, but I watch every single video you upload. It’s incredibly relaxing and such an interesting process. As a photographer, I’m so taken with how beautiful they are inside. Makes me want to disassemble a movement and make some fine art prints with the pieces all arranged.
What a great back story for this watch! I also have a Tuder Oyster Royal that my Grandfather has passed to my father then to me. The watch also isn't running, partly because no jewelry shops around here will service it, but you have just inspired me to try and get it fixed again! Love your content.
(As far as I can tell my Oyster is from the 50s as well)
The customers smile say’s it all, well done
This one was really emotional for me. I had a really great relationship with my own grandfather and I can imagine how much this meant for the owner. Great work Marshal.
I'm so glad you showed the owner with it. That made it feel so much more rewarding to me. Keep up the great work
This might be my favorite video of yours yet! I dont know if it's the sentimental value of the watch or what but I love this episode so much thank you!
What can I say. You have put Humpty Dumpty back together again and put a smile on someones face
I’ve been watching your channel for a while now and just in awe of the amazing things that you have done. I’ve got a watch from my grandfather that he received from working at Wells Lemont that I can remember him wearing everyday before he passed. I inherited it and wore it until it just stopped. I’d love to see it run again and wear it like he did. I’ve now worked at my company for over 25 years and didn’t get anything as cool as this watch. Let me know if you would be interested in seeing this.
Marshalll. As long as it makes you smile, you're doing the right thing. Thank you!
Hello, I repair electronics and work with some of those dastardly adhesives you mentioned earlier in the video. Something I would strongly suggest in place of an epoxy like you had is jeweler's glue or more specifically any E-7000 adhesive. In electronics repair we use it to retain some semblance of water proofing after replacing a screen or any glued part. It is an incredibly strong and water resistant clear adhesive and would probably translate well over to the world of watch repair.
The only thing that you can believe in that's not fake it a watch a restoration video. You just gave life to a piece of history. Just amazing.
I found your channel and ever since is like that tv show you can’t stop binging, it is mesmerizing the work you do and the love you put into every single repair. I am a watch enthusiast and by no mean a watch maker but again love your videos. Thanks and keep up the good work!!!
Beautiful video and what a gift to the watch owner...not just the watch repair, but also the video showing the whole process!
your channel inspired me to get into watches, and now i have been repairing and collecting vintage clocks! just wanna say keep doing what you’re doing!
I'll never be a watch maker but you have hooked me on watching your videos. I love the step-by-step explanation and now awaits almost impatiently for the clunk noise as you put the spring back into its casing! I'm surely enjoying my adiction, watching your videos. Thank you Marshall. I will be looking for the time when you make a part on your lathe.
I can't wear a watch and haven't for over 35 years, but love watching what you do. I actually have my first watch I got as a young child. A snoopy watch and It still works but I'm sure it needs cleaned really bad.
Interesting, I cannot wear a watch as well. I could never get used to having something around my wrist. Must be something psychological with me. I do love timepiece movements; they are a marvel of innovation.
I have my first watch too! Miss Piggy from the late 70’s 👍
I have tried every type of strap there was for a watch but all of them make me break out with a bad rash so I don't wear them anymore
Hi Ron. You just brought back amazing childhood memories about a Snoopy watch too. Many thanks. Hope you get yours cleaned and running forever.
To you use your hands for good and making people happy is a beautiful thing ...you have a gift :)
I found your channel a little while ago, and I'm in that group that would never get into the hobby myself, but I've gone through nearly all of your videos, and along with learning a whole lot about watches, I find your content oddly satisfying and calming. I always look forward to new videos.
Once again you put the puzzle back together and put a smile on another proud owners face.
Amazing job Marshal. You have turned a magic player into a wristwatch revival fan!
Awesome how happy the owner looked, it really drove home the point of how you really helped him
Something that might be worth looking into for stuff like this in the future is helicoil threads, they come in kits with a drill and a tap and are sort of like springs, you drill and tap to a slightly larger size and thread the helicoil in leaving you with the original thread inside.
They can be a bit fiddly to get right but generally work really well.
Wow, they make helicoil repair kits this small?
Like the other commenter said, they don’t come this small. Helicoils aren’t for sealing either.
@@davidthefat ah, I knew they made them quite small, the smallest we have are 3mm which seems pretty close.
I like the helicoil option......it's a workable solution
9:30 I understand why you have made a devotion to this work.
Back in the Age of Exploration, sailors built a ship with rope and wooden pieces.
So they could repair anything happened on the ship.
Well, now these machines are made of wheels and precision parts.
So a watchmaker needs to recreate the parts too.
But as long as the parts can be useful, it can work again with your art.
I respect you very much. Thank you for sharing precious experiences.
Man, I love your channel. I just recently got my first automatic movement and loved seeing the things work. I found your channel when I went down the rabbit hole and have watched every single one of your videos. I love how you produce these, clear commentary and it's just a fun time to "watch" your videos. I just wish there was more to watch.
That was awesome. Watched the whole thing. A beautiful watch with great patina. Good work.
That is just beautiful bringing back to life a cherished watch. Well done.
That 2 second shot with the owner of the watch actually brought tears to my eyes. Nice smile and it means so much to see that at the end. The history of the time piece, the story and the success of the restoration, HIGH PRAISE!!!! There's more sentimental value than we will ever know there and without sentiment what is there to life really??? Man's search for meaning all in the love of history, family... in a broken old time piece that is magnificent. Well done indeed.
Thanks :) And yes it was very rewarding to give him back the watch that his grandfather owned!
Well, Marshall - not quite to your level of facility yet but in a similar way I was able to use my rudimentary skill as a hobby mechanic/welder to help a friend of mine. I welded a broken bracket/wheel back onto his mower deck for him. He was over the moon with the repair which made me feel pretty good too. Perhaps someday I'll jump into watch repair - your channel has at least inspired me to start wearing them again!
the way you always find something to say in a consistent calm voice, is as relaxing as watching Bob Ross. keep up up! I'm 28 I've been watching for 2 years now! atleast I think its been 2 years.
Hello, Marshall. Your skill set is constantly improving. This watch show off many of them. Your array of tools is also impressive. Together you saved a beautiful old watch. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy!
the satisfaction of having gotten something back into service is soo awesome. i try to fix everything.
Marshall, fantastic job on the Tudor. I never miss a session you post. I learn from every one of them. Your techniques are outstanding and your narration is top shelf. I look forward to your next video.I get better working on watches and my thanks to you.
Thanks Jeff :)
Yes!! I was wondering when another one of your videos was going to drop! Awesome job and the owners face says it all. Thank you for sharing this amazing hobby with us!
Amazing. The dial patina matched very well with the strap that you picked. You've given another 70 years of life to that watch. Next time time you place a watch on the tester could you give a overview of how it works?
I had some down time today and chose this youtube adventure. Thank you. I come from a family of watchmakers and jewelers. I did not pick up the craft but so appreciate the skill.
Marshall: How about an episode just on timing watches... This is a mysterious thing always done off camera. Just regulate the time of three or four or five watches on camera...
Im no expert but i believe Its just moving the regulator on the balance tiny amounts and waiting to see if its helped on the time graph. Would still be cool to see it and his thought process though while doing it though.
I second this, I'm very curious to know how this part works. Yeah there's surely some other RUclips video out there already that probably covers it well enough, but it want Marshall to explain it to me, lol. He's always got such a great and thorough presentation.
He also stopped putting his repairs on the chrono. What's that about?
@@machooke4846 Move the stud (end of the hairspring) to correct the beat error first (difference between the tick and the tock). Then, move the compass needle to adjust the timming. Hairspring shorter, movement runs faster... Just use a plastic stick or screwdriver to push against the stud or compass... GL
Beautiful. I especially liked the scene with the owner holding it with a big smile.
Nothing like a little JB Weld to fix a problem! Love the movement. Love the content. Keep up the good work.
Really enjoyed this video. I never thought you could have repaired it, but to see it running so smoothly at the end was wonderful. And the owners smile said it all.
Really liked this one. I enjoyed seeing some of the issues that can arise that require something more in-depth than just cleaning and reassembly. And the JB Weld made me smile because even though I know nothing about watch repair, that's the first thing I thought of :)
Ha I was like could this actually work? :)
Beautiful job, I love that you can still get parts for these watches and keep them alive. The owner certainly looked happy!!
Your strap selection is spectacular. Wonderful job as always Marshall! I look forward to all of your great content!
Thanks Marshall. Always nice to see a piece of history restored.
When working with JB Weld or other epoxies and you're putting something into it that you might want to be removable, like the crown tube, coat the threads of the part you want to be able to remove in some liquid soap or vaseline and then install it. The soap or vaseline acts as a release agent allowing what you've installed to be removable.
The threads on the crown tube might be a bit too fine for this to work though. You can always partially fill the hole, and drill or ream it to size for the tap too. JB Weld works really well with doing stuff like that, because of the metal particles.
Ace tip. I didn't realise JB Weld has metal particles.
Could he have just put the JB weld into the hole and tapped the JB weld?
@@CodyDWorks I think someone here suggested reaming out and fitting a short piece of brass tube in with superglue. It is then tapped. I think that what you suggest would also work. He is so steady to watch. I tend to get flustered with small parts nowadays. Blame my eyesight, hearing, old age, and the wife!
I was actually expecting him to tap the JB Weld
JB Weld can be tapped. My only concern would be getting it reamed straight so the stem would be perpendicular to the end of the tube. I wondered too if there wasn’t an oversized OD threaded tube that you could drill out the old threads and tap new threads
Loved the innovative fix for the crown tube. That's a form of artistry.
Very, very well done. I really enjoy your videos (all of them!) and the true passion you show - keep on doing many more of those great jobs !
Love the channel, as a collector who wishes he could service his own watches and bring classics back to life you have given me the confidence to begin to learn. Thank you and never stop ✋️
When I first saw the crown tube problem, my first reaction was JB Weld. But I doubted that option as not suitable. Imagine my surprise when you gave it a try. I may have a future in watch repairs! Thanks for sharing!
Same Tim, same, actually happy it worked out
Great commentary as you were disassembling the works, how our modern products are built for a one-off assembly life-cycle. At that same time, I felt rewarded for understanding what you were doing without your normal, thoughtful step-by-step commentary (me, understanding the reverse threaded screw and the immediate reassembly of the balance spring). We all are really learning as you discuss the art of the craft of watch restoration. Fascinating and so enjoyable. Marshall, you do great work!
Repair and commentary exceptional as usual !
Thank you
What a beautiful watch and a beautiful restoration, Marshall. Excellent work! The family history behind the watch made the finished product that much sweeter.
This now has become my all time favorite video of yours. Seeing the owner so happy at the end is priceless.
I have my father's manual Timex. Not a valuable piece in terms of quality, but important to me. He overwound it about 10 years before his passing, and it was in a drawer from that point forward. It's been in my small safe waiting for me to have it rebuilt so I could wear it. Perhaps it may find a way to this channel some day. 🙏🏼
Both my father and grandfather had matching watches, both with the same strap this watch video had. I'm guessing, but approx 1950 timeframe for them.
By the way, how might I get in contact if I wished to have this old dog restored to working condition (if of course you were wiling to do so)?
This watch turned out so beautifully! You solved each problem carefully and patiently as they cropped up and got it running well. Impressive.
Another superb rescue! And this episode was somehow even more heartwarming than usual. Well done again, Sir! Your mentioning vehicle mechanics a couple-few times makes we sort of wonder if you've also got some unique collector vehicles you like to fettle, like some 1912 Snordley or whatever. Nursing along old motorcycles is my sort of thing. I wouldn't claim I'm near as deft as you are with those watches, but it keeps me out of the county lockup.
Love your videos man. The best position to be when doing what you love is to never be at your comfort zone, just quite close but not further. That will keep you on your toes all the time and will make your hobby as fun as ever.
Nice fix. I work with threads and more to the point, broken threads a lot. at that scale, you came up with a great fix. Helicoil could have been a solution for you as well and maybe more permanent. However, not knowing the diameters, pitches, etc, I cannot say they make them that small. But they go way down there in size.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. The sentimental side of this one makes it possibly the most enjoyable of all I've watched. That trick with metal-containing epoxy you used to rebuild where you inserted the crown stem was so cool.
This video reminds me that my 1952 manual no-date Rolex Oyster is back together being regulated after being serviced (for the first time!) as we speak. I bought it new at an Air Force PX in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, back in 1952, for $38. Other than Rolex and Oyster, it only says Shock Resisting on the face. It came with a gray leather strap, and I was lucky to find a period-correct pre-owned Oyster bracelet at a little Arab shop a few years later. The patina on the face of mine is unusual and very interesting. I wish I could send you a photo of it. I'll be 98 come January 2023.
Love your channel and am inspired to explore the hobby myself. I’ve got a late 90s Cartier tank française watch in desperate need of a service. Please let me know if you’d be interested in some sort of arrangement as I’d love to see it get serviced through your channel.
This is one of your videos I watched early on. Back a few months. It's great to come back and watch it again.
I wonder if a helicoil is available that could replace the threads in the case?
Excellent "revival"! Your description of the work is at just the right level to keep even non- watch nerds intrigued. Thanks.
I wondered that too. I don't know if they come that small or if the fit would be precise enough...
I can't believe it!!! I started my hobby a month ago after a few months following you! You give me a lot of inspiration!! And I started working on a family watch , this exact movement!!! I waited so long and now I can see it from your perspective.
So so so happy thank you!
Oh fantastic!
@@WristwatchRevival someone is trying to fish on your name....
Anyone can tell that is a very happy customer. Well done Marshall. There is no price to be put on sentimental value. Rolex, a very arrogant company, should be ashamed, as this repair was nothing out of the ordinary.
I'm not really a watch guy, but I love knowing how things work, and your videos are brilliant, you genuinely love your job, many thanks
Nice fix with the epoxy. I'm surprised you can't get oversized crown tubes for that kind of situation though (or even sleeve inserts of some kind).
One solution I looked into was making a new sleeved, but it was outside my current skill set.
@@WristwatchRevival As i explained in another comment on this video, a Helicoil could do the trick.
So nice to see that happy smile on the owner's face
There is a variation on the JB Weld crown repair that you did. You could have filled the hole (or around the inside) of the hole in the case with JB Weld and let than set up. Then drilled it and tapped it, and screwed the crown ring back into the JB Weld. In my experience it sets up hard enough to be able to do that in many cases. I don't know that it would have been any better than how you did it.
Yeah, the big bonus here is that this is reversible. Good if you need to do any work on the case in the future. (Funny that in the intro he makes a point about there not being adhesives and tape)
Wow, this one was astonishing to me because it showed just how important a drop of oil is. I couldn't believe the improvement in running as you lubed it. Amazing!
I suspect the main problem was probably old, dried up oil in the balance jewels. Those things are so small that the watch cleaning machine can't get it all if it's bad. It's the taking apart and re-cleaning of the cap jewels that did the fix. That and the barrel bridge fix of course
@@wingracer1614 thanks for the insights!
Hey Marshall, love all your work. Would you ever consider doing some Q&A episodes, and covering things that would be interesting for us to know, but that may not fit into a normal episode. For example, looking at a lot of the watches you work on, there seems to be a surprising amount of damage (scratches) on parts of the watch that wouldn't be exposed to the elements normally, and I'm curious as to how and why so much damage is occurring in there? I get that dirt might get in, but it seems like a lot of damage for just a bit of dirt, especially when some of the damaged parts aren't even moving parts or against moving parts! Thanks again.
Yes I'm working on doing Q&A live streams for patrons of the channel :)
Getting ur old watched repaired is one thing, but have a video of the repair is the coolest. You have the potential for a very unique business. The watch repair comes with a video. I would pay for it.