Micro Rotor Goodness - Restoration of a Hamilton cal. 666 in a 1960 Thin-o-Matic T-501 Vintage Watch

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 12 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ •

  • @bsmith993
    @bsmith993 7 місяців тому +1

    I can finally comment on this video. I must have watched this video 100 times!!! I just completed my first, hobby restoration of what seems to be a 1960 Hamilton T-502 Thin-o-matic with the 663 micro rotor movement rather than the 666. I'm not sure what the differences were, but this video was SOOOOOO helpful! I realized about half way through, like you said, that the micro-rotor movements are probably not the best one to start on, but oh well. My watch was missing the micro-rotor but I was able to source a replacement and also restore its actual automatic wind capabilities. This step by step video, down to every screw, and every drop of oil, not only gave me a ton of confidence to keep pushing ahead, but saved me tons of time and from who knows how much trial and error. Thanks so much for this video. My future ebay searches for project watches might very well ALL begin with... what videos do you have to guide me through it? :) Wonderful job showcasing what you do so well. And also, thanks for being entertaining as well. You made it easy to watch this as many times as I did.

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  7 місяців тому +1

      I love it! So great to hear you tackled a tricky little movement right out of the gate. Everything else will be a breeze by comparison. I really appreciate the kind words; I'm so please that I was able to help get you started on your path.

  • @tonyfdesign
    @tonyfdesign 2 місяці тому

    Would’ve been helpful to see how you reassembled the detached bridal and mainspring. To see how they are positioned and connect to each other.

  • @drizztdourden5291
    @drizztdourden5291 3 роки тому

    In my collecting days I couldn't find this watch for nothing. What a watch.

    • @mm2dip
      @mm2dip 2 роки тому

      My watch has all the even #’S on it, looks just the same. Haven’t open it up yet, to clean it. It’s my very day’er for now. Keeps great time, in a week it loses a minute. Again I haven’t services it yet. Should be a good one

  • @Bill_Hartnett
    @Bill_Hartnett 3 роки тому

    When you said "foreshadowing" and I thought for sure it was that the detached bridal didn't go back in lol. I looked @7:50 but couldn't see it.

  • @paulschumacker9901
    @paulschumacker9901 2 роки тому

    Another excellent video! I especially appreciated the transparency where you had to undo the accidental damage to the spring. This happens to all of us in the trenches - it’s inspiring to know that it also happens to the experts from time to time. Otherwise, this is a must-see video if you want to service one of these Hamilton movements.

  • @mm2dip
    @mm2dip 2 роки тому +1

    Hello everyone 😊
    Thank you for all you do.
    My question is
    1- where can I get illustration (like the 1 you showing the name) for Hamilton and other watches I have
    2- where can I order a springs (in the USA, Ca. if possible) and a screw that I lost.
    If any one can answer, please help🙏🏻

  • @ronl7131
    @ronl7131 11 місяців тому

    Clever movement. Good restoration

  • @lmcev
    @lmcev 3 роки тому

    Amazing! Too many small parts to remember to reinstall. Awesome work!

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  3 роки тому

      Thanks! Yeah, this is a fiddly movement for sure. Taking a bunch of pictures along the way makes it a little easier…that and lots of cursing.

  • @AhuCJ
    @AhuCJ 4 роки тому

    Just one sad thing. This channel is SO UNDERRATED especially your humor. 20:39 I can’t even 😂😂😂 I love it 💕. And really really informative too since you name the parts you remove. Thank you sir

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому

      Wait, DID you ask my wife? She'll totally back me up.....
      I appreciate the kind words, they mean a lot to me.
      Question for you: Is the wig-wag pinion your new favorite watch part name of all time?

  • @jasonferguson6753
    @jasonferguson6753 4 роки тому +2

    Awesome, this guy's a surgeon.

  • @Watcheyes
    @Watcheyes 3 роки тому

    Great restoration and I think the filming was first class, really interested in the camera gear, thank you. /Josef

  • @richardclarke5597
    @richardclarke5597 Рік тому

    Warning: the Hairspring and Balance are extremely delicate, mostly You remove the balance first than replace it last BUT would Highly Recommend Removing balance Last on the tear down and First at the beginning of the build, Remove Balance Jewels whenever You remove or install balance. If You Pick Up the Balance with the Balance Bridge without supporting the balance That is Enough to Stretch the Hairspring!!!. there are No Replacements on the internet for obvious reasons Other wise GREAT VIDEO!!!! Thanks

  • @JDRichard
    @JDRichard 4 роки тому

    Great rundown

  • @jim1407
    @jim1407 Рік тому

    Nice video, I picked a 666 from a thrift shop in beautiful condition, unfortunately it has a broken yoke spring and setting lever spring and I’m having difficulty locating those parts, but still a cool movement.
    Thanks for your videos!!

  • @sarmadislamictv8433
    @sarmadislamictv8433 2 роки тому

    Hi sir Wolfe, great content and a wonderful video . And u know what I have just bought a Vintage Buren Watch with exactly the same micro rotor movement . They are so beautiful to look at . I appreciate your wonderful content and Hardwork . Have subscribed.stay blessed .

  • @IntellectualKetchup
    @IntellectualKetchup 4 роки тому +2

    This is one of the most awesome movements ever.

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому +1

      I agree! What blows my mind is that it was patented by Buren in 1954. This is mid-1950's technology and it freaking awesome!

    • @sarmadislamictv8433
      @sarmadislamictv8433 Рік тому

      Hi sir , I would like to share with happiness that I own a buren watch with the same movement ​@@WolfeVintageWatches

  • @febrero30oficial86
    @febrero30oficial86 4 роки тому +1

    Great video man! i love this old vintage watches that looks in great condition! this is one of my favorite channels! greetings from México !

  • @saisamayseva8712
    @saisamayseva8712 4 роки тому

    Nice .Thank you. All the best.

  • @watchhobbie6002
    @watchhobbie6002 4 роки тому

    I always look forward to your videos and yes once again I have been schooled on this movement!

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому

      Wonderful, thank you very much!
      The best thing about the watch hobby, and horology in general, is that there is an infinite amount of things to learn.
      The worst thing about the watch hobby, and horology in general, is that there is an infinite amount of things to learn.

    • @watchhobbie6002
      @watchhobbie6002 4 роки тому +1

      That is the gospel truth!!

  • @christicks5843
    @christicks5843 3 роки тому

    Great Channel here! I got recommended this by chance as I was working on the Cal 620. Haha the video saved me a lot of time. Fun thing though right as you said be careful with the mainspring I thought my thumb was over it as I tried to give the arbor a nudge out. I was very wrong and it sprung itself haha but I ended up on a hour long hunt for the arbor and now all is well. Anyways consider me subbed!

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  3 роки тому

      Yeah, those mainsprings hold a surprising amount of power, don't they?!

  • @robertjordan7323
    @robertjordan7323 2 роки тому

    Nice watch.

  • @brianrusso8018
    @brianrusso8018 3 роки тому

    Great stuff Wolfe! No patented reverse tweeze? Lol I recently got a Hamilton 987 on the bench and immediately thought of you and your channel. Keep up the great work.

  • @jaimerivera2545
    @jaimerivera2545 4 роки тому

    Man, this one was great!.

  • @dsell993
    @dsell993 4 роки тому

    I just discovered this channel, and this is by far my favorite restoration video that you've done! As a fellow hobbyist watch repairer and Dad joke enthusiast, I feel like these are the videos I would make, if I were making watch videos. "Yes. No. Yes... no. Yes! Whew." Liked and subscribed.

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому

      Wow, thank you. That means a great deal to me.
      You SHOULD make watch videos. The world needs more Dad Joke telling watch repair videos. Where else will people be able to get their dose of groan-worthy vintage watch humor?

    • @andrew.fuoco697
      @andrew.fuoco697 Рік тому

      yes same with me, this video is quite enjoyable to me as only a watch enthusias. your voice help me to keep turn on to this long video. good Job!!!

  • @JustWatches1
    @JustWatches1 4 роки тому

    Love this! Micro rotors are so cool! Great work

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому +1

      Yes, yes they are! But I'll be honest, some of the later Buren/Hamilton micro rotor calibers are a huge pain to work on. Mostly the stop click and getting everything lined up in the automatic device.

    • @JustWatches1
      @JustWatches1 4 роки тому

      @@WolfeVintageWatches I am new to watch tinkering, but so far only have experience with manual wind three hand movements and a few Seiko automatics. I love watching these more complex services but they intimidate the crap out of me :P

  • @cristobalosuna3106
    @cristobalosuna3106 4 роки тому

    lovely video!

  • @ElliottHayden-r7v
    @ElliottHayden-r7v Рік тому

    great video, beautiful watch! I am a beginner and am working on a 666 movement from hamilton. Can you tell me the which lubricants you used for the different components. I cannot find a lubrication diagram for the movement and have never oiled a movement with micro motor. Thanks !

  • @kdub9918
    @kdub9918 2 роки тому +1

    How can I remove 6 or 7 decent size scratches off the caseback of this exact watch?

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  2 роки тому

      The short answer is a buffing wheel (or a Dremel) and polishing compound. That said, I'm probably not the right guy to give you good advice. My preference is to not polish a watch beyond shinning it up and maybe taking out micro-scratches so I haven't pickup the skill of removing deep scratches.

    • @kdub9918
      @kdub9918 2 роки тому

      Wolfe Vintage Watches they’re not that deep but they have a shiny glare it’s on a really nice vtg Hamilton Buren movement w the micro rotor. I’ve come across a nice collection of vintage watches a lot of Bulova,Waltham,Wittnauer etc.. 25.4 lbs of nice vintage watches most run and a lot keep really good time. Thinking of selling them soon was gonna fix em up a little…another 12 lbs of just random watches.

  • @Karabaja_666
    @Karabaja_666 4 роки тому

    I am thinkink to get into watch making myself, love your work man. Looking for some tools on the internet, reading literature about watchmaking, trying to learn as much as I can before I do something practical on a watch,and this watch blew my mind, its too complicated for me as a begginer😀. My inspiration was my Omikron 21 rubis watch( Unitas 6325)
    That I found on my grandfathers attic, left for dead, when I opened it, it looked like new, and that blew my mind. After that I was getting more and more impresed by the mechanisam of a watch, and I knew that I need to fix my Omikron, the problem is that the hair spring is totally destroyed😓, and I can't imagine how hard it must be to change it.
    Another problem is that i am 15, and I don't know if my parents will let me buy the tools and some scrap watches and spare watch parts. I hope they won't mind😀.What do you think, am I too young to start fiddeling with watches?
    P.S- Sorry for my bad english
    Another P.S- you just got a new subscriber😉

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому +2

      Too young to start fiddling with watches? Absolutely not! The younger you get started, the more years you have to learn, grow, and enjoy working on watches. I wish I would have discovered my love watches when I was 15, which was all the way back in the last century!
      I think to get started, you'll first need to put your grandfather's watch away and don't even think about touching it until you've successfully serviced several non-family heirlooms. Then, you really only need the bare minimum in terms of tools for the fiddling phase. When I started, I think I had 5 pieces of equipment: I used a cheap set of screw drivers, a hiking head lamp because I didn't have a proper bench lamp, a REALLY cheap set of tweezers, a movement holder, and a 5x loupe. I used a watchbox to lift work up off the table so my back wouldn't hurt and I tore down and put back together dozens of watches. As I learned more, I upgraded and expanded my tools.
      Pick up a few movements on eBay, preferably running so you will at least know if you've reassembled the watch correctly, have your favorite Watch Repair UA-cam videos queued up, and get after it. You'll likely be breaking and losing parts all over the place at first. Then you'll get better, and better, and better. Before you know it, you'll have your Grandfather's watch back into perfect running order.
      Good luck Sasa!

    • @Karabaja_666
      @Karabaja_666 4 роки тому +1

      @@WolfeVintageWatches thank you Sir🙏, keep up the good work, cant wait the next watch repair video😎 Stay safe😷👌

  • @andrew.fuoco697
    @andrew.fuoco697 Рік тому +1

    just want to know about micro rotor.
    does it have a better or worse impact to a movement performance, if we compare to traditional and other rotor?
    and why is the reason? thx for your answer. 🙏🏼

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  Рік тому

      Good question. There's really no impact on the performance of the movement since they're engineered to account for the smaller mainspring necessary in a micro rotor movement.
      Since micro rotors are smaller than typical rotors, they are a little less efficient. So it takes a little more movement of your arm to spin a micro rotor relative to a typical rotor.

    • @andrew.fuoco697
      @andrew.fuoco697 Рік тому

      @@WolfeVintageWatches owhh that's very logic, thanks for helpfull answer. have a great success ahead. 👍🏼

  • @henryferreiroreyes3756
    @henryferreiroreyes3756 4 роки тому

    Amazing how you can put all those tiny parts together and make it work!!!
    I have a 1955 Hamilton automatic 10k gold watch that is not running, I got it from eBay, I was wondering if you would be willing to work on it. Could make for a good restoration video and I will pay you to fix it. Let me know if you are interested.
    Thank you and keep up the good work!
    Henry.

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому

      Shoot me an email at josh@wolfevintagewatches.com and we'll see about getting your watch up and running again.

  • @xTheHumanoidx
    @xTheHumanoidx 4 роки тому +1

    I've always wondered why watchmakers hide such beautiful movements. I know there are a few watches that have clear backs and some that probably can be upgraded to have them. It's like the only person who can see the beauty of the movement is the one who services it.

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому +1

      Exactly! That's partially why I started making videos; so people could see what's lurking behind the dial of vintage watches.
      The other reason was to create an excuse to buy an expensive camera I wouldn't ordinarily need.
      So far, so good.

    • @xTheHumanoidx
      @xTheHumanoidx 4 роки тому +1

      @@WolfeVintageWatches Thanks for your dedication to sharing with all of us.

  • @poepoe2828
    @poepoe2828 2 роки тому

    My Hamilton Masterpiece thin o matic case does not come apart like that tho?
    Also the crown is stuck smh.

  • @johnjenin3279
    @johnjenin3279 3 роки тому

    "There it is, the wig wag pinion, n I'm not making the name up by the way" I don't think twice and promptly subscribe

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  3 роки тому

      It’s up to us to spread the wig wag pinion love henceforth. Let us unite behind the most gloriously named watch part of all time!!

  • @rickkeller1177
    @rickkeller1177 4 роки тому +1

    I have what I think to be a 60's Era tudor 30 mm, it runs but not accurately...sometimes stopping... would you be interested in looking at it?

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому

      For something like a Tudor, I'd suggest finding somebody that services watches as their full time job. As much as I would LOVE to get my hands on your Tudor, I think going to a full time pro rather than a part-time dude in his basement watch shop will be the better bet.
      Hopefully your Tudor will just need a straight ahead service and will be back to a factory fresh state in no time.

  • @poepoe2828
    @poepoe2828 2 роки тому

    Hello.
    I have a beautiful Hamilton wrist watch Masterpiece thin o matic solid 10k gold watch that wont wing but the insides look really good.
    I think its something simple but definitely cant figure it out myself nor find videos how.
    Do u fix watchs like mine?
    Thanks.

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  2 роки тому

      I sure do. Shoot me an email at josh@wolfevintagewatches.com with a couple of pictures and I’ll be more than happy to provide a quote.

  • @glennbartusch7310
    @glennbartusch7310 2 роки тому +1

    I'd hate to bust you but the Incabloc spring isn't brass; it's steel. Take a magnet to it if you don't believe me...
    Otherwise, excellent vid

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  2 роки тому +1

      Ah ha! That makes sense now that I think about it. Brass would be far to malleable for a spring. I always appreciate a good respectful busting; I now know more than I did before. Thank you, and thanks for watching!

  • @mohdakram4090
    @mohdakram4090 4 роки тому

    Very good 👍 Sir your channel

  • @troynasello2085
    @troynasello2085 4 роки тому

    Wow, what an incredible movement! Too bad this movement isn't used anymore. Is it used in a larger model watch by chance? Like a 37 or 38mm? Awesome work by the way. I'm bummed that the dorchester was sold.

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому

      Great question. I don't think it's used in larger vintage watches, but I'll have to do more research to confirm 100%. From what I do know, the Buren caliber 1000 family of movements were only produced through the early 1960's. Obviously the fashion at that time was for smaller, sub-35mm, watches. Frankly, I'd be surprised if they were used in larger watches.
      If you want to go to the oposite end of the scale, both era and price, you can pick yourself up a Piaget: www.piaget.com/movement/1200p-ultra-thin-automatic-movement. You know what they say about having to ask how much something costs....

    • @troynasello2085
      @troynasello2085 4 роки тому

      Lol, in that case, I'm sure I can't afford it. But I'll look & dream! Thanks a lot for the info. I love the smaller watch look but for my 8 1\2 inch wrist, 37 or 38mm is where I draw the line. We've actually discussed this before. Lol. I just can't where a hubcap or frying pan on my wrist. 42mm is as large as I like to go. Bi male exceptions rarely, like my 43mm seiko skx009. Anyway, thanks & keep up the AWESOME videos! I truly enjoy the crap outta them!

  • @racnc1
    @racnc1 4 роки тому

    May I ask where do you get your data sheets on these watches? Thanks for the videos. Great rebuilds.

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому +1

      Thank you very much!
      I can usually find what I need here: www.cousinsuk.com/document/, especially for the Swiss made movements. It helps to know the ébauche manufacturer and their caliber number if you're looking for the specific datasheet. If it's not stamped under the balance, I can usually cross to it on this site: www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&&2uswk
      For the American made Hamilton calibers, I don't know if there was/is just one source. I've really only been able to find PDF here and there on the forums (of course I can't find the link to them now)....
      Depending on what you're trying to do, here is a link to Dan Keefe's blog where he has a vintage Hamilton Parts Manual posted if you're looking for factory part numbers: www.hamiltonchronicles.com/p/this-vintage-hamilton-parts-catalog-is.html

    • @racnc1
      @racnc1 4 роки тому

      @@WolfeVintageWatches WOW thanks for the info..

  • @zs1dfr
    @zs1dfr 4 роки тому +2

    Wonderful - thank you for the excellent restoration. I must say your humor is a damn sight more dry than the excessive lubrication under the barrel there!

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому

      Thanks Dave! Yes, my humor is like the Sahara Desert compared to what was waiting in the barrel...

  • @gesedvgswgsdrg
    @gesedvgswgsdrg 4 роки тому

    every watch should have a Wig-wag pinion.

  • @watchesarts.5599
    @watchesarts.5599 3 роки тому +1

    😍😍😍🎆

  • @steveflor9942
    @steveflor9942 Рік тому

    A surprisingly fine movement inside a fairly mediocre case.
    America once had a great watch industry.......😑
    Great video.
    Subscribed.

  • @steveblake8766
    @steveblake8766 4 роки тому +1

    #154 thumbs uP

  • @rward1904
    @rward1904 4 роки тому

    I bought the Seiko Coutura from Macys but the nasty crooks didn't send the instruction book, never buy from Macys.

  • @1959Berre
    @1959Berre 4 роки тому

    Please clean up the hands and renew the lume.

    • @WolfeVintageWatches
      @WolfeVintageWatches  4 роки тому +1

      I'm not a huge fan of reluming hands, to be honest. I actually prefer old, beat up, non-working vintage lume.
      That said, in the interest of expanding my skills and broadening my horizons, I'll order a lume kit and give it a shot with future watches.