"You'll need to breathe air as you work on your movements, I'd recommend you only get the Bergeon air as it's about 40 bucks per cubic feet, generic free air from the ambient around you should do in a pinch but It may not last as long.. Get the Bergeon one though"
It’s funny you say that. With certain watches that are sealed it is a good idea to purge the case with dry air especially if you live in a very hot and humid region. If I did not concern myself with the air when reassembling watches I guarantee you that watchers would develop condensation on the inside when it got colder. Of course I live in the Southeast. This would not be a concern for Arizona watchmakers. A big concern for Arizona watchmakers would be that you want clean air that’s been filtered so that it does not have dust in it. Generally speaking living in a house with a good air-conditioning system will provide most of what you need if not all of it but you do in fact have to pay for the air.
@@damirpahljinamd5775 I got mine for cheaper. Don’t remember how much. Great glass. Bright light. LED. I think the prices have been coming down. I wonder if there is a proclivity for surgeons to watch this channel.
Please, please, please (said like James Brown)...continue on this theme, of walking beginners into the horology life, this article was so information packed, the people I have shared this with, are getting the bug! Well done 👍
Here's the breakdown: Screwdrivers: 120 Tweezer 2 size: 35 Magnification 4x and 10x: 60 Movement holder: 27 Cushion: 35 Tray: 5 Work mat: 35 Hand removers: 57 Hand fitting tool: 22 Pegwood: 5 Ultrasonic cleaner: 35 Cleaning baskets: 70 Rodico: 5 Rubber ball: 8 Case back tool: 180 Case knife: 30 Finger cods: 10 Air blower: 5 Springbar tool: 20 Oils: 100 Oil cup: 5 Oil appliers: 5 = 874 bucks. Throw in a Timegraph and you'll be set for 1k, including some pretty nice tools!
@@phunkstar7347 Since the cheap ones will do the job it makes sense to start with them and replace them when they wear out because that proves they are getting use worth the cost.
@@bathtap91 that's exactly how I used to buy all my tools, get the noname cheap brand first, if it wears out quickly get a good one. It turns out though you end up with almost exclusively expensive tools in the end.
My grandfather serviced watches and clocks about 100 years ago and I still have the loupe and some of the screwdrivers he used. I remember playing with some other devices whose use was a mystery, but thanks to this video I now know what they were - case knife, oilers, brass cleaning basket etc. Thank you for such an informative and interesting video!
How in the heck did this get recommended to me? I can't stop watching these damn watch repair videos… This is great! It's like going down an endless rabbit hole.
Precisely how I described it to my siblings - "down the rabbit hole". I've found myself looking at Cowells watchmaking lathes :) I think I'll start with the basic 3 described here first. (Thanks to Marshall for bringing me back up the rabbit hole a bit.)
LOL...it's exactly what got me interested as well. Now I own every tool Marshall just went over and I'm buying broken pocket watches off EBay. Our kitchen table is covered with tools. Wife is not amused.
I know, right? I was cruising UA-cam six months ago, and I landed on "Wristwatch Revival". I was instantly hooked, and now I'm ready to drop some serious coin into quality tools and equipment for servicing mechanical watches. Marshall is a great enabler, and my wife has been giving me that "snake eye" when she sees me Googling watchmaking tools.
I can't even describe how much I like this channel. Everything is so perfectly relevant to the topic, so on point, so brilliantly presented, and so informative yet entertaining that I feel it's just a great privilege to watch. Thank you!
Fascinating! My husband is an Instrument Engineer, now retired. Whenever we watch your work he will tell me about instruments that he worked on based on exactly the same technologies. I wish that someone had pointed me at clocks or other instruments as a career when I was still young enough to retrain! Having watched this video I realise that thanks to my husband we already have many of your recommended items: fine tweezers and screwdrivers, magnifiers, dust blower (photography people will also have these), to name just a few. I am in England where Radio Spares sell decent quality kit at reasonable prices, I have a small set of RS pliers that were gifted to me when I was making jewellery some 40 years ago and they are still like new! I have several very low value watches that belonged to my mother in the 1950s and have been thinking of deconstructing these to use to create art (my term 😂), your video has inspired me to double check that I won’t be destroying watches with the potential to work again, then to make thought a reality, adopting stuff that I have learned from your films. Once again many thanks for sharing so much knowledge!
As a new subscriber, I have to say that the information you give to a beginner is superb. I got the feeling of you genuinely wanting to help new hobbyist watchmakers and found your advice impeccable. Thank you.
Hey Marshall, I've been watching a lot of your videos. I don't really have anything to do with watches at all but it has given me a whole new perspective on them. And why they are so expensive. Maybe someday I'll give it a try. Keep up the good work.
I don't think I'll ever get into watch making as I have enough expensive fiddly hobbies and I'm not that into wearing watches. But damn is this stuff fascinating, and I could listen to Marshal all day.
Yep. Hobby photographer here, I can only laugh (nervously) at the … expenses … of watch making. However, as a computer technician, this is highly interesting, for of course the likes of me also use some quite delicate tools, and here the rule is, concerning pliers or screw drivers, just get the very best you can, no matter the cost, because you do _not_ want waste 100.- worth of your time (or, even worse, parts) just because you wanted to save 50.- by using cheap tools.
Thank you for your video. It was your channel that helped me get the watch repair bug and I am pulling the trigger on buying the basics today! I just got back from visiting family in Switzerland and I bought a Swiss hand watch from 1914 which I hope to service some day. I also have a cousin who is a cop in Zurich who gave me a box full of fake luxury watches that I can trash as I learn. Thank you so much for your videos, they are my favorite of the watch repair folk.
I have been watching your videos for a bit now. I wanted to try my hand at watch repair and have compiled a list from previous videos. This video was perfect because in my searching I was always debating on cheaping out or not. THANK YOU for making it an easier decision. As a fellow vehicle mechanic tools are the most important part. Best part is they don't come in a truck every Wednesday lol.
Last week I randomly watched one of your restoration videos. And since then I've spent like 50 hours watching watch and watch restoration videos. I've never even owned a watch in my life, but now I'm addicted. My wife's not going to be happy.
plastic movement holder - got one for $2 and it works great. Cushion - cut one out of a scotchbrite sponge. $1 Hand fitting tool - coffee straw for hours/minutes. Blunt tootpick for seconds. $0 Case knife - I got one for $1 and it works fine. I also sacrificed an old butter knife so I can grind it as desired and it works great. I wash parts with a brush with good results.
@@mr22guy Was going to say that I use an old Swiss "Army' knife to open cases with and it works fine... I mean it is a SWISS 'tool'! Heaven forbid you use some cheap butter knife on a watch!! lol
Been searching for hours for some advice on watch tools and let me tell you, there is a ton of worthless trash out there!! People revieI don’t know why I didn’t start with your channel, you are my favorite watch maker!! AWESOME video, THANK TOU!!!!!
Really glad to hear that Bill! I put a lot of effort into this video because I wanted it to really convey that information to people new to the hobby :)
Marshall, thank you for sharing this with us, I saved the video to my favorites so that I can easily access it. I'm ready to take the plunge and get my hands on it. Thanks to you, I can mentally take a basic ETA movement apart and put it back together again. I'm going to take Mark Lovick's watch repair course and see what happens. I've been fascinated with mechanical watches since 1966, when I received a wind-up Timex watch for my sixth birthday. It's high time that I learned to service my small collection of watches, and go through a box of non-running vintage watches that belonged to my grandparents and father. I decided a long time ago, that life is too short to cheap out on the cost of the things that bring you the most joy. A thousand dollars is not too much to pay for the gear it takes to begin a hobby. Once you have a Timegrapher, Watch Cleaning Machine, Ultrasonic Cleaner, Mainspring Winders, Staking Set and Crystal Presses, you will be spending about three thousand dollars (and up). Before making such an investment, you need to be absolutely certain that you are going to follow through with what you started. I'm an "in for a penny, in for a pound" type of guy, so I would very rapidly wrack up a big total $$. At this point in my life (I'm sixty-one years old), I have the time and resources to make it happen, I'll be taking Marks repair course asap, and I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Hey Mr.Marshall i commented on another video about how to start out with the tools and found this right after, sorry about that, thank you for the video. just ordered a "lot" of ten vintage automatic watches, watches have been something I've been interested in for a long time. I slowly fell in love more and more everyday and watching your videos have inspired me more than you can imagine. I can't wait to start and get better! thank you for the great videos.
Instead of buying expensive watchpart baskets, search for mesh tea infusers. At least to start with. BTW a great thank you, for NOT playing music in your videoes. The sound of your work and your narrating are just perfect.
Wonderful video!!!! Got a mix of generic tools and some Bergeon ones. I started flipping watches and doing Seiko Mods after taking my watches to stores. They want to charge me $50 for a battery because my watch was an “Omegad” and I took a Seiko once but the guy didn’t put the rubber gasket and my Seiko drowned the first time I went to a pool. I took a Raymond Weil and they “lost it”… So one day I decided to service my watches myself. One day you are simply replacing a battery and before you know it, you start doing your own watches. I think is a very beautiful and rewarding hobby and I’d received lots of compliments like “your watch looks expensive or looks very beautiful”. And that makes me very proud indeed! I’d learn a real lot and felt inspired watching your channel. The enthusiasm and explanation that you put on your videos are evocative, but the close ups with the camera or microscope wants me to go to the next level. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Thanks for taking the time to show us the basic tools you need to begin working with your own mechanical watches, Marshall. I've been fascinated with mechanical movements all my life (I'm sixty-one years old). I recently discovered that Timex is producing two Twenty-one jewel Japanese movement mechanical watches again. They have The Waterbury Collection, and The Marlin Collection. Both can be bought for around a hundred dollars (with the four years extended warranty). I bought one of each, and both of them have a date display. This is a pretty big deal for me, because my very first watch was a Timex mechanical movement boys watch, that I got for my sixth birthday in 1966. I now have a couple of nastalgic watches to wear, that remind me of my very first watch, every time I check the time! I've got a small collection of mechanical movement wrist and pocket watches, and they all are in need of some good service (except for the two new Timex watches). I began to take one of the pocket watches apart, but got in way over my head very quickly. After watching half a dozen (or more) of your key videos, I believe that with the proper tools, I could finish servicing that old Maryland Railroad Pocket Watch. It's got a lovely 10k gold case, and all the other features that Railroad Watches have. I'm an Electrical Engineer by trade, so I'm accustomed to working with my hands and small tools. I have a technicians mindset, so I know just how to keep things organized and laid out, and to document everything! Your help, through these videos, is invaluable to people like me, who are on the cusp of entering the world of hobbyists watch repair. I'm a firm believer that you should buy the best quality tools that you can afford, asap. You can start with a basic compliment of mid price tools (avoid the cheapest ones), and if the hobby appeal to you, you can begin to replace the mid price tools with the best possible ones. I've been around long enough to know that "you get what you pay for", and tools are no exception. Cheaper screwdrivers can have weak tips, that will twist out of level if you lean on them too heavily, and cheaper tools in general wear out much more quickly than the good ones do. FWIW : I'm a lifelong musician (multi-instrumentalist), but I started out with playing a single acoustic guitar fifty - five years ago. I now have sixty or seventy thousand dollars worth of musical instruments and studio recording gear. It all grew from that single acoustic guitar, and turned into a lifetime passion. In the beginning, I made due with knockoffs and the stuff that was more affordable for a young man. But somewhere along the way, as my professional life grew, so did my ability to save money to buy the best gear available. One by one, my studio grew up, and into a respectful entity. I have some of the best Gibson, Fender, Gretsch and a few other top drawer electric guitars ever made, and two top drawer Gibson acoustic guitars. I have a Gibson Mastertone Banjo (1920's Era), a 1962 Gibson F-5 Mandolin, a 2020 solid mahogany ($1k) Kala Ukulele, a 1971 Peter Pires Handmaid Violin, and a 1983 Yamaha CP-70b Electric Grand Piano in the studio, along with a full complement of recording equipment. My point is that all hobbies begin small, but if you have found your passion, you can take it as far as you can, or want to. Microphones can be a huge money pit, as you attempt to gain higher fidelity recordings of acoustic instruments. I've got over $10k into microphones, it didn't happen overnight, but it apparently happened. I don't regret a single purchase that I've made towards my passion, it's been my life's blood for over fifty years!
i am starting my journey with horology and that video is just what i was looking for. i dont really want to spend thousands of dollars for a new hobby, and knowing where i can cut my spendings is golden. thank you very much!
i have been so shy to get into watch repair or simply opening and closing a watch because i was too afraid to ask certain questions. im from the military and people around arent exactly the kind that can understand the delicate art of watch movements. this video was so incredibly helpful. iv decided i want to try my hand at it. marshal helped in deciding that. thank you
There are plenty of people in the military that have fiddly hobbies such as this. Just let people know you do this prior to formal events as people would want their watches serviced and checked prior to nice events. They would most likely like to help out a buddy too.
Thank you so much. I have had a collection of watches for a while now, but never thought about learning to service my own watches until I came across your videos. This clip is really really helpful. Thank you so much and pls keep posting.
That "Green " work mat is actually designed to eliminate eye fatigue from staring at small things for long periods. I'm an Optical Geek. I find your video's fantastic. I getting ready to take the leap into watches. You are really good at what u do. Thanks!!
I just a got a generic cheap set as a birthday gift so I can start out tinkering around. But this vid is so informative. I will make sure to get the ones you mentioned when leveling up.
Have to say thank you. I have been peeking at your restorations for a month or two. Just subscribed in fairness to you. It is so daunting but you make it so tempting. Well, I gave in to the temptation. This may just fulfill a desire that has remained idle for 40 years. Just bought a couple of cheap movements from ebay to start the learning process. I'll make sure I thank you again in a couple of months. And I need to do a training vid or three to help me on the way. Finding a mid tier screw driver set was my first purchase.... thanks, Brett
Thank you! I was always thinking to myself while watching your videos, “I wonder what all I would need to really get into this hobby”. Well would look at this! I know it was months ago, but honestly p, UA-cam works in mysterious ways. If you’d ask me a month ago if I’d ever given a thought to watch repair, I’d tell you “no way”. It’s just really nice to have someone like you showing people like me how awesome a skill this can be, and done in such a professional manner. 😄👌
Out of curiosity I just 3D printed a couple of different size movement holders I found online. They are designed like the Bergeon holders but entirely printed (even the screw threads). They seems to do an amazing job. I don't have any movements to hold but they gripped various small round things like coins, washers and bottle caps really well.
I took apart an old Swiss 1963 Pocket Watch using a sewing needle, a small sharp kitchen knife as screw driver, a small magnifying lense and some eyebrow tweezers after watching a couple of your videos. It has a broken main spring and you could see that the wheeltrain was wonky too. I managed to take it apart fully and reassemble it too, but I couldn't get the plate with 4 jewels on it to line up with the wheels (I didn't know if it maybe had broken axles?). I probably tortured myself for a good 6 hours, I wish I had the proper tools to do a full inspection and repair
i think after you get some decent stuff to work with,[i got chinese tool kit] you will achieve and have success.cause marshall is a wonderful teacher.as young pattowans it will take us time and a few dollars, but as a hobby at 57 years old i regret not doing it sooner.good luck in your journey.
Marshall you should put out another video with more advanced tools. Such as the spring winder, some of the presses you use, etc. Would be informative and helpful. Thanks 🙏
Hi Marshall - out of all the watch repair channels on UA-cam, I find your videos the most enjoyable! I've seen several of your videos where you work on a watch sent in by a viewer. Well, I have something I think you might REALLY enjoy working on, it's a Curta calculator and it really needs to be serviced. There used to be a local watch guy but he's retired and is no longer available. I have a service manual for it which specifies all the oil points but even though I've worked a few watches, there's NO way I'm prepared to take this apart. Take a look at them online and let me know if this is something you want to tackle and we can take it from there - Thanks again for all the incredible videos.
Wow. Gotta say I've seen a decent number of video tutorials / educational videos in my day, and your's, my friend, are the best I've seen. Across industries. Please keep them up!!
I am starting the hobby of watch repair. Besides starting on a Stopwatch and searching it on eBay, how do you search for the vintage watches you repair? Do you search for non-functioning watches or vintage watches? By the way, you are doing an absolutely great job on your channel I don't think there is anyone better out there than you. You are educational but also your commentary keeps me captivated in other words you are not boring LOL. Keep up the great work wishing you much success!
I'm actually pleasantly surprised at the cost actually. Every hobby can get expensive the more you dive into it. As an amateur chef I wouldn't expect much change from $1500 for a good set of knives, bowls, pans and a stand mixer. Although it's not my thing I always find great enjoyment in watching skilled hands doing excellent work. These videos are fascinating, and presented in such an informative and welcoming style they are a genuine pleasure to watch. The highest compliment I can give is that Marshal makes it look so easy - and that is truly the mark of an excellent practitioner. You have my admiration, sir. 🙂
I used a set of Vogue Tsukis all through my years as a chef, including working as senior Chef de Partie for Marco Pierre White. I also had a Victorinox large Chef's knife and an F. Dicks Paring knife. I've never worked in a kitchen that doesn't have pans, including Michelin. I'd say you can get away with around £300 if you're careful and keep your knives sharp
@@adamoneale4396 honestly I would say the single purchase that would make the biggest difference for most chefs, either home cooks or professionals, would be a quality knife sharpening system (either a good set of stones if you know how to use them or something like an Edge Pro/Wicked Edge). Quality knives are comfortable and last longer between sharpenings, but everything in the kitchen is 10x easier and much, MUCH safer with a sharp knife than a dull one. You'll almost always be better off with a cheap knife that is kept sharp than an expensive knife that is dull. Knife sharpening services are convenient, but much more expensive in the long run both in terms of turnaround time and the actual costs involved when knives are used regularly.
I'm a new subscriber to your channel. Thank you for the time and effort you put into showing, teaching and explaining the basics. I'm definitely getting into servicing watches (a true beginner). This video was so informative and necessary for me. I look forward to spending more time following your videos. This felt like you was speaking directly to me!
This is so wild. I used to watch Marshal's Deck Tech videos in 2009 when I was into Magic and now stumbled on his Watch Making Techs now that I am getting into horology. You can totally feel his commentator experience throughout his watch repair videos.
One of your BEST videos! I am a mechanical (and electrical) guy, have been all my life, and I love all your presentations. If I could only grow a new set of fingers, I'd think I died and went to heaven! My fingers went south a few years ago when I got the diabetic neuropathy and I had to quit fiddling with the banjo and the piano. Harmonica is still good, though. This video is definitely a keeper.
It looks like a lot of tools can be 3D printed like the screwdriver holders, part tray with cover, oil holders (maybe with a ceramic insert so the oil doesn't sit on PLA)
Well i'm looking at a small round pill box from 1€-store that i use for screws when disassembling smartphones or other very small electronics and i mean... not quite the same but perhaps good enough. The oil containers look like contact lens holders, they are available as snap cases, those would be made from PP or PE and wouldn't be affected by oil. If you insisted on printing them instead, either PETG or epoxy coated PLA could be the ticket. Resin prints should be reasonably inert as well. I'm actually designing a $20-ish resin printer right now, garbage grade but really small. All firmware, preprocessing application, written from scratch, the difficult parts are actually completed and the speed of those bits of the code is great, like i can decompress and plot a whole layer in 0.3s on an Arduino Uno (which is not what i'll use for final hardware, but i expect it to come out faster rather than slower), but there is a lot of work left.
I love your videos! Would you consider doing a video more specifically addressing the cleaning process your used before you acquired a watch cleaning machine?
Marshall, you have given me years of knowledge in the most comprehensive way imaginable. Thank you for all of your restoration videos. Your work belongs on a DVD video box set. I'm confident in saying makers at ETA are not much better at performing the job than you are.
Just came across this video.... this is GREAT. Very good explanations on these tools and where to buy them. -- I would ask that you create a Tutorial series on watch repairing from start to finish. A step by step tutorial series (a play list) that walks your viewers from the moment the watch hits the bench to the moment you say... Done! That would be awesome.
One set of tweezers I would want is a pair with replaceable ceramic ends like those used by vapers who build their own coils. I have found that a company called Coil Master has a nice pair for around $9.00.
The other all metal tweezers that CoilMaster produces are also very high quality. Much better than tweezers made from flat stamped metal, the CoilMaster tweezers were quite strong, very difficult to bend, and had very sharp points, one straight and one curved.
Thank you bud I was about to ask if you could make a video like this. But then found this one. Newer subscriber here and have always been intimidated by wrist watches and pocket watches... I use to live on a ranch so always had big projects.... I.E. cars, trucks, motorcycles.... but like you now I live in an apartment and have no room for any large projects.... I do a little electronics repair... but looking for something new.... think I'll give watches a spin. Thanks for showing me its not impossible.
I'm a new subscriber... I've love watches for many years... but now I'd like to enjoy myself on trying to "restore" some old watches... just for fun... this video and all the others are very useful... thanks a lottttttttt for your time.
Anyone considering getting into the hobby: WR's videos are so well done, and make the hobby look very approachable. In my experience, it hasn't been. I picked up some of the tools listed here to try the hobby out and while I'm glad some people enjoy it I found it agonizing. I'm 30, and even now I don't have a steady enough hand or good enough eyesight to do this work. It is tedious, difficult, frustrating, expensive, and time consuming. Even if you enjoy it it will still be all of those things, you'll just find the result rewarding enough to justify the process. If you want to start this hobby don't buy ANY of this. Buy the cheapest Chinese made equivalent and a broken watch. Take it apart, put it together again, and THEN if you still enjoy it start making a real go. I'll willing to bet most of the people who try it will hate it as much as I have.
Love your videos. Maybe it's my OCD nature, but there's some fascinating and relaxing about looking on as you disassemble and repair or restore a watch. Your narration is great.
I’ve been welding for twenty years and spent 12 of those years welding semiconductors. Most of the time I need to look under magnification after I’ve welded something. I have a huge interest in the watch making process but I also know that it takes great skill, knowledge, patience and passion to be a great watchmaker. This video has me on the fence right now. Very informative and tempting 👍🏻
I just want to thank you for your videos , I'm able to swap movements,regulate the movement, replace dials and hands etc. but my next goal is to do a full service on a movement.
Thank you for your tutorials. With your guidance, I was able to disassemble and reassembled the seagull st36 with my first attempt. It was an awesome feeling seeing that balance wheel kick start.
Awww man, Marshall where was this video when I was buying all my stuff last spring? Lmbo. I figured all this out very slowly and choosing wisely. I'm at the point of buying the oils, cups, and cleaning, rinsing solutions for my cleaning machine. You have neglected the time grapher for seeing just how your freshly serviced watch is running. But I guess that will be for video #2.
I had to do the same thing :) And yeah I wanted to keep this to just the stuff you'd need to do the servicing. I almost didn't even include the hand setting tool, barely made it in
I just received my tools and the ST36 movement from your site… I don't know yet if I should thank you : it is harder than I imagined… After a bit over two hours, I managed to take the keyless works off, and back on again, using every bit of bad practice in the book (yes, I mean my bare fingers). Lucky I decided to stop dismantling the thing where I did, I reckon. I guess I still have a lot to learn to get to a complete stripping of the movement and put it back together. Keep up the good work !
This is really tempting. Thanks for giving a ball park amount. The only thing is; you make it look easy. Keeping your hands still will be my kryptonite.😵
I love this channel. I've been fascinated by horology from a young age and fixing up my own watches at home only recently you really make watch making seem easy. Keep up the good work!
Natural colors green/brown allow eyes to rest during constant strain. While doing weapons handling in the USMC we are told on the range that every so often stop trying to concentrate on the target which is black/white and just look at the grass or trees to allow your eyes to relax so you do not over strain then.
Thank you so much. you are well spoken, knowledgable and you have a great way of speaking and explaining things. you could easily be a watchmaking teacher. 🙏 thanks again
Happy to see that I got all those basic tools, it’s cost me a lot but it’s great to working with good tools ! By the way just to tell you Marshall, that I really follow each your video, they all very interesting and your explanation are perfect for me ! I’m a fan for sure !
I am not a watch wearer now but did at one time have a Swiss Army watch I purchased from a Hammacher Schlemmer catalog and wore it for many years until it died. I loved that watch and still have it around here somewhere. I think I might take a stab at cleaning it. After watching this video it appears to me the most expensive thing I need to get up front are the lubricating oils and grease. I assume there are low budget options for this as well but it was not mentioned. I have a lot of the other tools already although not the high quality ones, but enough to get me started. I am real good with my hands and really appreciate mechanical things so could see myself doing this as a hobby. Especially since I am retired so have the time. As long as it does not interfere with my golf !!!
Would love to see a partner video to this... speaking on what to look for when hunting ebay for good vintage watches. resources for identifying deals, spotting scams, what movements are "classic" or "fun" to work on... or just generally how you go about your process.
Thanks for what I consider to be the best video I have found on the subject. As someone who is contemplating watch repair and restoration as a hobby it's helpful to know that I can get my feet wet without spending too much at first.
I think I speak for a lot of us when I say: I'd be interested in hearing about your path to watchmaking. What's your background, what's your day-job. How old were you when you took this up, how did you dip your toe in the water, what training has looked like. Where you see the limits for an amateur (can this be a side hustle or purely a self-indulgence).
Becoming a watchmaker is one of my life goals. And when I say "one of" I have three. The other two are to found a business and start a family. This video is super helpful and I have now watched it three times.
Thanks for the info! I just turned 40 and picked up watchmaking as a new hobby! I ended up getting a digital microscope as opposed to a loupe as I record everything so I can continually go back to look at it. I was shocked at the price of the Bergeon tools but you’re paying for decades of watchmaking experience and quality. Thanks for the oil list as I just ended up buying pretty much all the ones on Esslinger to be safe. Question for you, do you wear a coat or frock when working on watches? I know they do in the factories, but not sure if you have a work jacket or something? Love the videos?
I just wear a hoody normally lol. I can see why it would be good to wear one of those smock things but I don't have one and just can't bring myself to wear it at my computer desk at home :)
That was a great vid on what is needed for one to get into the watch repair/service line of hobbyist ...or beyond. Thanks for that info... At this point, a spring bar tool would fill my current needs....Great info Marshall. Thanks
Thank you for the enormously useful video! I am happy to know that I've already purchased beginner versions of everything except the full range of oils, the putty, and the small ultrasonic cleaner (I was checking those out on Amazon yesterday, trying to guess whether it would work properly for servicing a watch movement) I only fell for watches two years ago, but have accumulated a fair variety including a number of vintage ones in need of service, but not so precious It would be a crime to damage them with amateur paws. My hands aren't entirely un-practiced (I am an experienced dressmaker and tailor) but the deftness of a watchmaker will have to develop with practice! Would you happen to have a shortlist of movement types you recommend as appropriate for beginners learning to service a mechanical watch? I was told that inexpensive old pocket watch movements can be a good training exercise, and have a few smaller ones for the purpose; but if you know of specific types you think especially good for someone at the very start, I would appreciate the tip. And I shall add your Patreon, hoping for more excellent guidance for the present task! People able to perform service and maintenance on watches seem to be very hard to find at present, with most I have contacted having a work backlog of some weeks to six months. I'm retired, so perhaps at some point I might be able to offer basic clean-and-lubricate service locally... and thus, get to talk to more people who aren't bored to death by watch geek blathering?! Apropos of which, I just scored a damn-close-to-mint Hamilton of the model I love best, one that will fit my wrist better than the modern automatic Lloyd I wear even though it's MUCH too big on my tiny lady wrists and my family snickers at me :)
Very nice and to the point, thanks. Harbor freight tools has a decent ultrasonic cleaner, I have abused one for about 10 years now. Wera makes some nice precision screwdrivers.
Not really... he is speaking truth. As he said... Once you become more serious you can tell the difference. He also was nice to explain his personal opinion. Overall, he did a great job with the video and explained WHAT is a difference between Good tools Vs low quality,
@@bfflorida2311 true but there are times when it doesn’t matter, such as the case opening tool or bezel knife. Bergeron feels like Bose or Rolex where they just produce everything under the sun and mark it up 400%
I liked this video a lot. No unnecessary talk just the important things. Since you read up the names of Petreon I'm thinking of making one and changing my channel's name to Grzegorz Brzęczyszczykiewicz.
Don't skimp on the screwdrivers or tweezers. When these don't work, you are done. You may prefer a visor to a single loupe so you can work at a distance and then flip the visor loupe over when you want to see closer.
That was extremely helpful. It is lovely to see that you aren't a tool snob and saying it's not a sin to not buy high end gear straight away. Thank you very much
SIR I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU READ YOUR COMMENTS BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING EXTREMELY ENTERTAINING CONTENT AND VALUABLE INFORMATION FOR NEW MINDS ENTERING THE WORLD OF HOROLOGY. I HAVE BEEN BINGE WATCHING YOU ALL DAY. WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!! YOU ARE MY NEW FAVORITE CHANNEL ON YOU TUBE!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 BLESSINGS FROM TEXAS!!!!
Some day when I actually start woodworking, I'm gonna make watch stuff for people. Marshall's content and benchside manner certainly is inspiring that dream.
I’m glad you put this video out you’ve given me the courage to service a watch. I’ve liked mechanical time keeping devices sine I was very young and already have a few of the tools but haven’t ever done a complete service on anything except a mantel clock (it worked after reassembly and regulating).
I just discovered these kinds of channels, and I must say, as someone who does amateur electronics repair, there is an amazing amount of overlap between the tools needed for electronics work and watch work
Thanks so much for the information. I watch your videos all the time. Very helpful. I haven't taken a watch apart yet but I intend to by following the steps in your detailed videos.
This video got me into watch restoring, i inherited a lot of tools from my mothers uncle who was working at the royal watchmaker in Oslo. So i got a lot of tools that i don't know how to use if it hadn't been for this channel. Hope to upload some videos of my own one day. Thanks for the inspiration and the informative videos!
Thank you for the run down here. I really want to start getting into the hobby and start tinkering but I had no idea where to start. These sound like perfect Christmas presents to me! Then I plan on purchasing some old junky movements to see if I can get any running again. This all thanks to your channel. Thought I should mention that.
Some ideas for alternatives: cleaning basket - Tea infuser from the grocery store, $3ish. Green mat - silicone electronics repair mat from amazon, $17, has small moulded in pockets for screws and bits. Watch out for magnets embedded in them though. Pegwood - Toothpicks? not sure how soft the pegwood is, but I've found toothpicks work for small things like that.
My name is Mary K and I am I hobbyaholic. Thanks... thanks alot. :D Seriously, I'm addicted to this channel. Brilliant stuff. Thanks for sharing your watchmaking with us.
Hi Marshall. Just love you videos. Going to service my Rolex Submariner shortly. Bought mine (duty free) back in 2014 at Bangkok airport and it is in need of a service now (2022). Local (Australian) service centres want to charge about $1500 (WTF!) but I can buy all the tools required for so much less than that. So and now have done so. Also have a Longines (bought brand new back in 1980's) so might give that a go as well (although it still runs perfectly to this day and has never been serviced). Have never opened a watch before but you have given me inspiration. Going to be fun! (Oh and look out on ebay for the parts if I mess up - hahaha!)
I use to repair a few watches many years ago, .....I noticed the watch oil has an expiry date, this can be quite expensive for a beginner...best to go for the more expensive oil as recommended as the cheaper oil resembles cooking oil for chips. ......Nice Hobby and relaxing, personally I purchased a quartz watch 30 years ago analogue type I change the battery every two years and off it goes again, The back kitchen wall clock was made in 1963, and 43 years ago my father put a quartz movement in as a replacement still working fine. He has given excellent advice in obtaining the right tools......I think your best friend in today's world is a video camera so you can see how you originally took the watch apart
I wonder how many people have taken this up after watching your videos? I know I’m interested in that it seems very relaxing. At least watching you do it is…. I tend to be a bull in a china shop type of person and I’ve broken several tools in my lifetime if I got frustrated enough and then “hulk smash”! LOL. I think I’ll just continue to watch your productions and get my soothing relaxation from that. 😊
Your videos were one of the first that fascinated me back in September....I had found 2 good cellphones that were damaged that I brought back to life(one of which I'm using now,a Note 9) and after watching your videos have been off and on trying my hand at learning the hobby. It's just knowing how to put it all back together again.....
Fantastic content, I feel like I owe you fifty bucks for a training session. You are taking me to the next step in my hobby friend. Very thoughtful presentation, quick, but not too fast, and clearly spoken.
I’m so glad you’ve made this video, I’ve been interested in trying it out but could never find where to start or what you could get away with as a bare minimum. Thank you!
"You'll need to breathe air as you work on your movements, I'd recommend you only get the Bergeon air as it's about 40 bucks per cubic feet, generic free air from the ambient around you should do in a pinch but It may not last as long.. Get the Bergeon one though"
You're surprised that the shit from China doesn't last long?
It’s funny you say that. With certain watches that are sealed it is a good idea to purge the case with dry air especially if you live in a very hot and humid region. If I did not concern myself with the air when reassembling watches I guarantee you that watchers would develop condensation on the inside when it got colder. Of course I live in the Southeast. This would not be a concern for Arizona watchmakers. A big concern for Arizona watchmakers would be that you want clean air that’s been filtered so that it does not have dust in it. Generally speaking living in a house with a good air-conditioning system will provide most of what you need if not all of it but you do in fact have to pay for the air.
You need vascular surgeon head lamp and magnifier glasses all in one together with sane eyes.First one is about 5000 $
@@damirpahljinamd5775
I got mine for cheaper. Don’t remember how much. Great glass. Bright light. LED. I think the prices have been coming down.
I wonder if there is a proclivity for surgeons to watch this channel.
😂😂😂😂
Please, please, please (said like James Brown)...continue on this theme, of walking beginners into the horology life, this article was so information packed, the people I have shared this with, are getting the bug!
Well done 👍
Here's the breakdown:
Screwdrivers: 120
Tweezer 2 size: 35
Magnification 4x and 10x: 60
Movement holder: 27
Cushion: 35
Tray: 5
Work mat: 35
Hand removers: 57
Hand fitting tool: 22
Pegwood: 5
Ultrasonic cleaner: 35
Cleaning baskets: 70
Rodico: 5
Rubber ball: 8
Case back tool: 180
Case knife: 30
Finger cods: 10
Air blower: 5
Springbar tool: 20
Oils: 100
Oil cup: 5
Oil appliers: 5
= 874 bucks.
Throw in a Timegraph and you'll be set for 1k, including some pretty nice tools!
Thanks for totalling it up. It is expensive to kit out a hobby. But then, when looking at other hobbies, it is equally expensive.
@@oliverlison considering that this is essentially a one-time investment that will allow you endless hours of doing this, it's really not that bad
@@phunkstar7347 Since the cheap ones will do the job it makes sense to start with them and replace them when they wear out because that proves they are getting use worth the cost.
@@bathtap91 that's exactly how I used to buy all my tools, get the noname cheap brand first, if it wears out quickly get a good one. It turns out though you end up with almost exclusively expensive tools in the end.
Thanks for the breakdown. Seems pretty oké and probably can resell it. My only question: wouldnt a full set be available somewhere at a fair price ?
My grandfather serviced watches and clocks about 100 years ago and I still have the loupe and some of the screwdrivers he used. I remember playing with some other devices whose use was a mystery, but thanks to this video I now know what they were - case knife, oilers, brass cleaning basket etc. Thank you for such an informative and interesting video!
How in the heck did this get recommended to me? I can't stop watching these damn watch repair videos… This is great! It's like going down an endless rabbit hole.
Precisely how I described it to my siblings - "down the rabbit hole". I've found myself looking at Cowells watchmaking lathes :) I think I'll start with the basic 3 described here first. (Thanks to Marshall for bringing me back up the rabbit hole a bit.)
LOL...it's exactly what got me interested as well. Now I own every tool Marshall just went over and I'm buying broken pocket watches off EBay. Our kitchen table is covered with tools. Wife is not amused.
Amen brother😂😂😂
I know, right? I was cruising UA-cam six months ago, and I landed on "Wristwatch Revival". I was instantly hooked, and now I'm ready to drop some serious coin into quality tools and equipment for servicing mechanical watches. Marshall is a great enabler, and my wife has been giving me that "snake eye" when she sees me Googling watchmaking tools.
@@Donnybrook10 this is going to be me in about 3 years
I can't even describe how much I like this channel. Everything is so perfectly relevant to the topic, so on point, so brilliantly presented, and so informative yet entertaining that I feel it's just a great privilege to watch.
Thank you!
As an MTG and LR fan who's recently been getting into watches, opening this video and hearing Marshall's voice was a pleasant surprise!
Fascinating! My husband is an Instrument Engineer, now retired. Whenever we watch your work he will tell me about instruments that he worked on based on exactly the same technologies. I wish that someone had pointed me at clocks or other instruments as a career when I was still young enough to retrain!
Having watched this video I realise that thanks to my husband we already have many of your recommended items: fine tweezers and screwdrivers, magnifiers, dust blower (photography people will also have these), to name just a few. I am in England where Radio Spares sell decent quality kit at reasonable prices, I have a small set of RS pliers that were gifted to me when I was making jewellery some 40 years ago and they are still like new!
I have several very low value watches that belonged to my mother in the 1950s and have been thinking of deconstructing these to use to create art (my term 😂), your video has inspired me to double check that I won’t be destroying watches with the potential to work again, then to make thought a reality, adopting stuff that I have learned from your films.
Once again many thanks for sharing so much knowledge!
As a new subscriber, I have to say that the information you give to a beginner is superb. I got the feeling of you genuinely wanting to help new hobbyist watchmakers and found your advice impeccable. Thank you.
Hey Marshall, I've been watching a lot of your videos. I don't really have anything to do with watches at all but it has given me a whole new perspective on them. And why they are so expensive. Maybe someday I'll give it a try. Keep up the good work.
I don't think I'll ever get into watch making as I have enough expensive fiddly hobbies and I'm not that into wearing watches. But damn is this stuff fascinating, and I could listen to Marshal all day.
Marshall's got the voice of world peace.
I don’t even wear a watch but this is enticing to me
Pretty much my thoughts.
Yep. Hobby photographer here, I can only laugh (nervously) at the … expenses … of watch making. However, as a computer technician, this is highly interesting, for of course the likes of me also use some quite delicate tools, and here the rule is, concerning pliers or screw drivers, just get the very best you can, no matter the cost, because you do _not_ want waste 100.- worth of your time (or, even worse, parts) just because you wanted to save 50.- by using cheap tools.
I don't wear a watch but if I fixed it myself I would
Thank you for your video. It was your channel that helped me get the watch repair bug and I am pulling the trigger on buying the basics today! I just got back from visiting family in Switzerland and I bought a Swiss hand watch from 1914 which I hope to service some day. I also have a cousin who is a cop in Zurich who gave me a box full of fake luxury watches that I can trash as I learn. Thank you so much for your videos, they are my favorite of the watch repair folk.
I have been watching your videos for a bit now. I wanted to try my hand at watch repair and have compiled a list from previous videos. This video was perfect because in my searching I was always debating on cheaping out or not. THANK YOU for making it an easier decision. As a fellow vehicle mechanic tools are the most important part. Best part is they don't come in a truck every Wednesday lol.
Last week I randomly watched one of your restoration videos. And since then I've spent like 50 hours watching watch and watch restoration videos. I've never even owned a watch in my life, but now I'm addicted. My wife's not going to be happy.
Here's the breakdown for the cheapest prices mentioned in the video:
Screwdrivers: 5
Tweezers: 3
Magnification: 3
Movement holder: 8
Cushion: 9
Tray: 5
Work mat: 5
Hand removers: 15
Hand fitting tool: 7
Pegwood: 5
Ultrasonic cleaner: 35
Cleaning baskets: 12
Rodico: 5
Rubber ball: 9
Case back tool: 12
Case knife: 30 (Maybe can find cheaper one?)
Finger cots: 5
Air blower: 5
Springbar tool: 4
Oils: 100
Oil cup: 4
Oil appliers: 4
Total = 290 👍
plastic movement holder - got one for $2 and it works great.
Cushion - cut one out of a scotchbrite sponge. $1
Hand fitting tool - coffee straw for hours/minutes. Blunt tootpick for seconds. $0
Case knife - I got one for $1 and it works fine. I also sacrificed an old butter knife so I can grind it as desired and it works great.
I wash parts with a brush with good results.
@@mr22guy Excellent.
@@mr22guy Was going to say that I use an old Swiss "Army' knife to open cases with and it works fine... I mean it is a SWISS 'tool'! Heaven forbid you use some cheap butter knife on a watch!! lol
Small correction, the oilers are 4 bucks a pop not 4 bucks for the set.
You can order a whole set for about 20 dollars where youll get everything but a loop and a crystal press & oils
Been searching for hours for some advice on watch tools and let me tell you, there is a ton of worthless trash out there!! People revieI don’t know why I didn’t start with your channel, you are my favorite watch maker!! AWESOME video, THANK TOU!!!!!
Really glad to hear that Bill! I put a lot of effort into this video because I wanted it to really convey that information to people new to the hobby :)
Marshall, thank you for sharing this with us, I saved the video to my favorites so that I can easily access it. I'm ready to take the plunge and get my hands on it. Thanks to you, I can mentally take a basic ETA movement apart and put it back together again. I'm going to take Mark Lovick's watch repair course and see what happens. I've been fascinated with mechanical watches since 1966, when I received a wind-up Timex watch for my sixth birthday. It's high time that I learned to service my small collection of watches, and go through a box of non-running vintage watches that belonged to my grandparents and father.
I decided a long time ago, that life is too short to cheap out on the cost of the things that bring you the most joy. A thousand dollars is not too much to pay for the gear it takes to begin a hobby. Once you have a Timegrapher, Watch Cleaning Machine, Ultrasonic Cleaner, Mainspring Winders, Staking Set and Crystal Presses, you will be spending about three thousand dollars (and up). Before making such an investment, you need to be absolutely certain that you are going to follow through with what you started. I'm an "in for a penny, in for a pound" type of guy, so I would very rapidly wrack up a big total $$. At this point in my life (I'm sixty-one years old), I have the time and resources to make it happen, I'll be taking Marks repair course asap, and I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Hey Mr.Marshall i commented on another video about how to start out with the tools and found this right after, sorry about that, thank you for the video. just ordered a "lot" of ten vintage automatic watches, watches have been something I've been interested in for a long time. I slowly fell in love more and more everyday and watching your videos have inspired me more than you can imagine. I can't wait to start and get better! thank you for the great videos.
Instead of buying expensive watchpart baskets, search for mesh tea infusers. At least to start with.
BTW a great thank you, for NOT playing music in your videoes. The sound of your work and your narrating are just perfect.
Wonderful video!!!! Got a mix of generic tools and some Bergeon ones. I started flipping watches and doing Seiko Mods after taking my watches to stores. They want to charge me $50 for a battery because my watch was an “Omegad” and I took a Seiko once but the guy didn’t put the rubber gasket and my Seiko drowned the first time I went to a pool. I took a Raymond Weil and they “lost it”… So one day I decided to service my watches myself. One day you are simply replacing a battery and before you know it, you start doing your own watches. I think is a very beautiful and rewarding hobby and I’d received lots of compliments like “your watch looks expensive or looks very beautiful”. And that makes me very proud indeed! I’d learn a real lot and felt inspired watching your channel. The enthusiasm and explanation that you put on your videos are evocative, but the close ups with the camera or microscope wants me to go to the next level. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Thanks for taking the time to show us the basic tools you need to begin working with your own mechanical watches, Marshall. I've been fascinated with mechanical movements all my life (I'm sixty-one years old). I recently discovered that Timex is producing two Twenty-one jewel Japanese movement mechanical watches again. They have The Waterbury Collection, and The Marlin Collection. Both can be bought for around a hundred dollars (with the four years extended warranty). I bought one of each, and both of them have a date display. This is a pretty big deal for me, because my very first watch was a Timex mechanical movement boys watch, that I got for my sixth birthday in 1966. I now have a couple of nastalgic watches to wear, that remind me of my very first watch, every time I check the time!
I've got a small collection of mechanical movement wrist and pocket watches, and they all are in need of some good service (except for the two new Timex watches). I began to take one of the pocket watches apart, but got in way over my head very quickly. After watching half a dozen (or more) of your key videos, I believe that with the proper tools, I could finish servicing that old Maryland Railroad Pocket Watch. It's got a lovely 10k gold case, and all the other features that Railroad Watches have. I'm an Electrical Engineer by trade, so I'm accustomed to working with my hands and small tools. I have a technicians mindset, so I know just how to keep things organized and laid out, and to document everything! Your help, through these videos, is invaluable to people like me, who are on the cusp of entering the world of hobbyists watch repair.
I'm a firm believer that you should buy the best quality tools that you can afford, asap. You can start with a basic compliment of mid price tools (avoid the cheapest ones), and if the hobby appeal to you, you can begin to replace the mid price tools with the best possible ones. I've been around long enough to know that "you get what you pay for", and tools are no exception. Cheaper screwdrivers can have weak tips, that will twist out of level if you lean on them too heavily, and cheaper tools in general wear out much more quickly than the good ones do.
FWIW : I'm a lifelong musician (multi-instrumentalist), but I started out with playing a single acoustic guitar fifty - five years ago. I now have sixty or seventy thousand dollars worth of musical instruments and studio recording gear. It all grew from that single acoustic guitar, and turned into a lifetime passion. In the beginning, I made due with knockoffs and the stuff that was more affordable for a young man. But somewhere along the way, as my professional life grew, so did my ability to save money to buy the best gear available. One by one, my studio grew up, and into a respectful entity. I have some of the best Gibson, Fender, Gretsch and a few other top drawer electric guitars ever made, and two top drawer Gibson acoustic guitars. I have a Gibson Mastertone Banjo (1920's Era), a 1962 Gibson F-5 Mandolin, a 2020 solid mahogany ($1k) Kala Ukulele, a 1971 Peter Pires Handmaid Violin, and a 1983 Yamaha CP-70b Electric Grand Piano in the studio, along with a full complement of recording equipment. My point is that all hobbies begin small, but if you have found your passion, you can take it as far as you can, or want to. Microphones can be a huge money pit, as you attempt to gain higher fidelity recordings of acoustic instruments. I've got over $10k into microphones, it didn't happen overnight, but it apparently happened. I don't regret a single purchase that I've made towards my passion, it's been my life's blood for over fifty years!
i am starting my journey with horology and that video is just what i was looking for. i dont really want to spend thousands of dollars for a new hobby, and knowing where i can cut my spendings is golden. thank you very much!
i have been so shy to get into watch repair or simply opening and closing a watch because i was too afraid to ask certain questions. im from the military and people around arent exactly the kind that can understand the delicate art of watch movements. this video was so incredibly helpful. iv decided i want to try my hand at it. marshal helped in deciding that. thank you
There are plenty of people in the military that have fiddly hobbies such as this. Just let people know you do this prior to formal events as people would want their watches serviced and checked prior to nice events. They would most likely like to help out a buddy too.
Thank you so much. I have had a collection of watches for a while now, but never thought about learning to service my own watches until I came across your videos. This clip is really really helpful. Thank you so much and pls keep posting.
That "Green " work mat is actually designed to eliminate eye fatigue from staring at small things for long periods. I'm an Optical Geek. I find your video's fantastic. I getting ready to take the leap into watches. You are really good at what u do. Thanks!!
Very true. It is for this same reason that surgical scrubs/drapes are manufactured in the same color... reduces eye strain
So it's actually true, very cool :)
I just a got a generic cheap set as a birthday gift so I can start out tinkering around. But this vid is so informative. I will make sure to get the ones you mentioned when leveling up.
You have to sharpen these screwdrivers. This cheap crap's tips are VERY thick (in comparison to each screwdriver width)
Finally! Someone who actually showed and explained the tools of the trade! Thank you! Semper Fi
What? Is this a military video?
Have to say thank you. I have been peeking at your restorations for a month or two. Just subscribed in fairness to you. It is so daunting but you make it so tempting. Well, I gave in to the temptation. This may just fulfill a desire that has remained idle for 40 years. Just bought a couple of cheap movements from ebay to start the learning process. I'll make sure I thank you again in a couple of months. And I need to do a training vid or three to help me on the way. Finding a mid tier screw driver set was my first purchase.... thanks, Brett
Thank you! I was always thinking to myself while watching your videos, “I wonder what all I would need to really get into this hobby”. Well would look at this! I know it was months ago, but honestly p, UA-cam works in mysterious ways. If you’d ask me a month ago if I’d ever given a thought to watch repair, I’d tell you “no way”.
It’s just really nice to have someone like you showing people like me how awesome a skill this can be, and done in such a professional manner.
😄👌
Out of curiosity I just 3D printed a couple of different size movement holders I found online. They are designed like the Bergeon holders but entirely printed (even the screw threads). They seems to do an amazing job. I don't have any movements to hold but they gripped various small round things like coins, washers and bottle caps really well.
I took apart an old Swiss 1963 Pocket Watch using a sewing needle, a small sharp kitchen knife as screw driver, a small magnifying lense and some eyebrow tweezers after watching a couple of your videos. It has a broken main spring and you could see that the wheeltrain was wonky too. I managed to take it apart fully and reassemble it too, but I couldn't get the plate with 4 jewels on it to line up with the wheels (I didn't know if it maybe had broken axles?). I probably tortured myself for a good 6 hours, I wish I had the proper tools to do a full inspection and repair
i think after you get some decent stuff to work with,[i got chinese tool kit] you will achieve and have success.cause marshall is a wonderful teacher.as young pattowans it will take us time and a few dollars, but as a hobby at 57 years old i regret not doing it sooner.good luck in your journey.
kudos for your insane grit and curiosity :D
6 hours? I've been with the same wife for 45 yrs. I got yer 6 hours right here.
I love how you interact with your audience, so many of these channels are from faceless / voiceless creators.
Marshall you should put out another video with more advanced tools. Such as the spring winder, some of the presses you use, etc. Would be informative and helpful. Thanks 🙏
Hi Marshall - out of all the watch repair channels on UA-cam, I find your videos the most enjoyable! I've seen several of your videos where you work on a watch sent in by a viewer. Well, I have something I think you might REALLY enjoy working on, it's a Curta calculator and it really needs to be serviced. There used to be a local watch guy but he's retired and is no longer available. I have a service manual for it which specifies all the oil points but even though I've worked a few watches, there's NO way I'm prepared to take this apart. Take a look at them online and let me know if this is something you want to tackle and we can take it from there - Thanks again for all the incredible videos.
Wow. Gotta say I've seen a decent number of video tutorials / educational videos in my day, and your's, my friend, are the best I've seen. Across industries. Please keep them up!!
I am starting the hobby of watch repair. Besides starting on a Stopwatch and searching it on eBay, how do you search for the vintage watches you repair? Do you search for non-functioning watches or vintage watches? By the way, you are doing an absolutely great job on your channel I don't think there is anyone better out there than you. You are educational but also your commentary keeps me captivated in other words you are not boring LOL. Keep up the great work wishing you much success!
I'm actually pleasantly surprised at the cost actually. Every hobby can get expensive the more you dive into it. As an amateur chef I wouldn't expect much change from $1500 for a good set of knives, bowls, pans and a stand mixer. Although it's not my thing I always find great enjoyment in watching skilled hands doing excellent work. These videos are fascinating, and presented in such an informative and welcoming style they are a genuine pleasure to watch. The highest compliment I can give is that Marshal makes it look so easy - and that is truly the mark of an excellent practitioner. You have my admiration, sir. 🙂
I used a set of Vogue Tsukis all through my years as a chef, including working as senior Chef de Partie for Marco Pierre White. I also had a Victorinox large Chef's knife and an F. Dicks Paring knife. I've never worked in a kitchen that doesn't have pans, including Michelin. I'd say you can get away with around £300 if you're careful and keep your knives sharp
@@adamoneale4396 honestly I would say the single purchase that would make the biggest difference for most chefs, either home cooks or professionals, would be a quality knife sharpening system (either a good set of stones if you know how to use them or something like an Edge Pro/Wicked Edge).
Quality knives are comfortable and last longer between sharpenings, but everything in the kitchen is 10x easier and much, MUCH safer with a sharp knife than a dull one. You'll almost always be better off with a cheap knife that is kept sharp than an expensive knife that is dull. Knife sharpening services are convenient, but much more expensive in the long run both in terms of turnaround time and the actual costs involved when knives are used regularly.
@@adamoneale4396 thanks for the info, I'll have to see if I can find some. 👍😉
@chrisbland8946 if you're uk, Nisbets. If not, not sure but theyre pretty common. Real damascus at a good price
@@adamoneale4396 Once again, you have my thanks Sir 😁
For the amateur watch collector, I highly recommend the metal Burgeon springbar tool. Worth every penny.
I'm a new subscriber to your channel. Thank you for the time and effort you put into showing, teaching and explaining the basics. I'm definitely getting into servicing watches (a true beginner). This video was so informative and necessary for me. I look forward to spending more time following your videos. This felt like you was speaking directly to me!
Awesome! I made this video for you basically :)
Am not sure this presentation could have been done better by anyone else. Superb for beginners thanks :)
This is so wild. I used to watch Marshal's Deck Tech videos in 2009 when I was into Magic and now stumbled on his Watch Making Techs now that I am getting into horology. You can totally feel his commentator experience throughout his watch repair videos.
What was his old MTG channel? I’m into the game and I’d love to see his videos
I saw commercials on WGN channel 9 in Chicago. Marshall had cards/card tricks so cool.
@@coolguy3121 he still runs limited resources which is a podcast focused on limited formats.
One of your BEST videos! I am a mechanical (and electrical) guy, have been all my life, and I love all your presentations. If I could only grow a new set of fingers, I'd think I died and went to heaven! My fingers went south a few years ago when I got the diabetic neuropathy and I had to quit fiddling with the banjo and the piano. Harmonica is still good, though. This video is definitely a keeper.
It looks like a lot of tools can be 3D printed like the screwdriver holders, part tray with cover, oil holders (maybe with a ceramic insert so the oil doesn't sit on PLA)
Well i'm looking at a small round pill box from 1€-store that i use for screws when disassembling smartphones or other very small electronics and i mean... not quite the same but perhaps good enough.
The oil containers look like contact lens holders, they are available as snap cases, those would be made from PP or PE and wouldn't be affected by oil. If you insisted on printing them instead, either PETG or epoxy coated PLA could be the ticket. Resin prints should be reasonably inert as well.
I'm actually designing a $20-ish resin printer right now, garbage grade but really small. All firmware, preprocessing application, written from scratch, the difficult parts are actually completed and the speed of those bits of the code is great, like i can decompress and plot a whole layer in 0.3s on an Arduino Uno (which is not what i'll use for final hardware, but i expect it to come out faster rather than slower), but there is a lot of work left.
I love your videos! Would you consider doing a video more specifically addressing the cleaning process your used before you acquired a watch cleaning machine?
Marshall, you have given me years of knowledge in the most comprehensive way imaginable. Thank you for all of your restoration videos. Your work belongs on a DVD video box set. I'm confident in saying makers at ETA are not much better at performing the job than you are.
This is exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you very much for putting this information out there!
Just came across this video.... this is GREAT. Very good explanations on these tools and where to buy them. -- I would ask that you create a Tutorial series on watch repairing from start to finish. A step by step tutorial series (a play list) that walks your viewers from the moment the watch hits the bench to the moment you say... Done! That would be awesome.
One set of tweezers I would want is a pair with replaceable ceramic ends like those used by vapers who build their own coils. I have found that a company called Coil Master has a nice pair for around $9.00.
The other all metal tweezers that CoilMaster produces are also very high quality. Much better than tweezers made from flat stamped metal, the CoilMaster tweezers were quite strong, very difficult to bend, and had very sharp points, one straight and one curved.
Thank you bud I was about to ask if you could make a video like this. But then found this one. Newer subscriber here and have always been intimidated by wrist watches and pocket watches... I use to live on a ranch so always had big projects.... I.E. cars, trucks, motorcycles.... but like you now I live in an apartment and have no room for any large projects.... I do a little electronics repair... but looking for something new.... think I'll give watches a spin. Thanks for showing me its not impossible.
Thank you for a really good video and explanation of the watch tools used, and the quality of them, and sharing your usage experience. Thank you!
Two thank yous!
I'm a new subscriber... I've love watches for many years... but now I'd like to enjoy myself on trying to "restore" some old watches... just for fun... this video and all the others are very useful... thanks a lottttttttt for your time.
Anyone considering getting into the hobby:
WR's videos are so well done, and make the hobby look very approachable. In my experience, it hasn't been. I picked up some of the tools listed here to try the hobby out and while I'm glad some people enjoy it I found it agonizing.
I'm 30, and even now I don't have a steady enough hand or good enough eyesight to do this work. It is tedious, difficult, frustrating, expensive, and time consuming. Even if you enjoy it it will still be all of those things, you'll just find the result rewarding enough to justify the process.
If you want to start this hobby don't buy ANY of this. Buy the cheapest Chinese made equivalent and a broken watch. Take it apart, put it together again, and THEN if you still enjoy it start making a real go. I'll willing to bet most of the people who try it will hate it as much as I have.
Love your videos. Maybe it's my OCD nature, but there's some fascinating and relaxing about looking on as you disassemble and repair or restore a watch. Your narration is great.
I’ve been welding for twenty years and spent 12 of those years welding semiconductors. Most of the time I need to look under magnification after I’ve welded something. I have a huge interest in the watch making process but I also know that it takes great skill, knowledge, patience and passion to be a great watchmaker. This video has me on the fence right now. Very informative and tempting 👍🏻
I just want to thank you for your videos , I'm able to swap movements,regulate the movement, replace dials and hands etc. but my next goal is to do a full service on a movement.
Thanks for all the helpful info Marshall! I'll certainly be taking a look at some of these from your links.
Thank you for your tutorials. With your guidance, I was able to disassemble and reassembled the seagull st36 with my first attempt. It was an awesome feeling seeing that balance wheel kick start.
Awww man, Marshall where was this video when I was buying all my stuff last spring? Lmbo. I figured all this out very slowly and choosing wisely. I'm at the point of buying the oils, cups, and cleaning, rinsing solutions for my cleaning machine. You have neglected the time grapher for seeing just how your freshly serviced watch is running. But I guess that will be for video #2.
I had to do the same thing :) And yeah I wanted to keep this to just the stuff you'd need to do the servicing. I almost didn't even include the hand setting tool, barely made it in
I just received my tools and the ST36 movement from your site… I don't know yet if I should thank you : it is harder than I imagined… After a bit over two hours, I managed to take the keyless works off, and back on again, using every bit of bad practice in the book (yes, I mean my bare fingers). Lucky I decided to stop dismantling the thing where I did, I reckon. I guess I still have a lot to learn to get to a complete stripping of the movement and put it back together. Keep up the good work !
I don't even own a watch but I'm hitting that like button always.
Appreciate it!
Thanks for the video. I am shopping for all my tools now. I already have the same ultrasonic that you have.
Excellent video! I've been waiting for this, with the oil types, in particular, a huge help. Such a minefield. Thanks Marshall!
New horologist in the making here! Thank you very much for your help!🎉congratulations on your channel.
This is really tempting. Thanks for giving a ball park amount. The only thing is; you make it look easy. Keeping your hands still will be my kryptonite.😵
That part you can't buy, but you CAN practice :)
I love this channel.
I've been fascinated by horology from a young age
and fixing up my own watches at home only recently
you really make watch making seem easy.
Keep up the good work!
The Green mat being easy on the eyes is legit! That’s why a lot of the surgical drapes and scrubs in an Operating Theatre are green or blue in colour.
Natural colors green/brown allow eyes to rest during constant strain. While doing weapons handling in the USMC we are told on the range that every so often stop trying to concentrate on the target which is black/white and just look at the grass or trees to allow your eyes to relax so you do not over strain then.
Even the cockpits of Russian fiter jets were painted green so that it was easy on the pilots eye for long missions.
Thank you so much. you are well spoken, knowledgable and you have a great way of speaking and explaining things. you could easily be a watchmaking teacher. 🙏 thanks again
Happy to see that I got all those basic tools, it’s cost me a lot but it’s great to working with good tools ! By the way just to tell you Marshall, that I really follow each your video, they all very interesting and your explanation are perfect for me ! I’m a fan for sure !
Thanks Alain!
me too just started watching 3rd or 4th video,go marshall go marshall!!
I am not a watch wearer now but did at one time have a Swiss Army watch I purchased from a Hammacher Schlemmer catalog and wore it for many years until it died. I loved that watch and still have it around here somewhere. I think I might take a stab at cleaning it. After watching this video it appears to me the most expensive thing I need to get up front are the lubricating oils and grease. I assume there are low budget options for this as well but it was not mentioned.
I have a lot of the other tools already although not the high quality ones, but enough to get me started. I am real good with my hands and really appreciate mechanical things so could see myself doing this as a hobby. Especially since I am retired so have the time. As long as it does not interfere with my golf !!!
Would love to see a partner video to this... speaking on what to look for when hunting ebay for good vintage watches. resources for identifying deals, spotting scams, what movements are "classic" or "fun" to work on... or just generally how you go about your process.
I like this idea
Thanks for what I consider to be the best video I have found on the subject. As someone who is contemplating watch repair and restoration as a hobby it's helpful to know that I can get my feet wet without spending too much at first.
I think I speak for a lot of us when I say: I'd be interested in hearing about your path to watchmaking. What's your background, what's your day-job. How old were you when you took this up, how did you dip your toe in the water, what training has looked like. Where you see the limits for an amateur (can this be a side hustle or purely a self-indulgence).
Becoming a watchmaker is one of my life goals. And when I say "one of" I have three. The other two are to found a business and start a family.
This video is super helpful and I have now watched it three times.
That's awesome, I bet you'll get all 3 goals :)
@@WristwatchRevival if so, it will be at least in part thanks to you and your channel encouraging me!
Thanks for the info! I just turned 40 and picked up watchmaking as a new hobby! I ended up getting a digital microscope as opposed to a loupe as I record everything so I can continually go back to look at it. I was shocked at the price of the Bergeon tools but you’re paying for decades of watchmaking experience and quality. Thanks for the oil list as I just ended up buying pretty much all the ones on Esslinger to be safe. Question for you, do you wear a coat or frock when working on watches? I know they do in the factories, but not sure if you have a work jacket or something? Love the videos?
I just wear a hoody normally lol. I can see why it would be good to wear one of those smock things but I don't have one and just can't bring myself to wear it at my computer desk at home :)
That was a great vid on what is needed for one to get into the watch repair/service line of hobbyist ...or beyond. Thanks for that info...
At this point, a spring bar tool would fill my current needs....Great info Marshall. Thanks
Thank you for the enormously useful video! I am happy to know that I've already purchased beginner versions of everything except the full range of oils, the putty, and the small ultrasonic cleaner (I was checking those out on Amazon yesterday, trying to guess whether it would work properly for servicing a watch movement)
I only fell for watches two years ago, but have accumulated a fair variety including a number of vintage ones in need of service, but not so precious It would be a crime to damage them with amateur paws. My hands aren't entirely un-practiced (I am an experienced dressmaker and tailor) but the deftness of a watchmaker will have to develop with practice!
Would you happen to have a shortlist of movement types you recommend as appropriate for beginners learning to service a mechanical watch? I was told that inexpensive old pocket watch movements can be a good training exercise, and have a few smaller ones for the purpose; but if you know of specific types you think especially good for someone at the very start, I would appreciate the tip.
And I shall add your Patreon, hoping for more excellent guidance for the present task! People able to perform service and maintenance on watches seem to be very hard to find at present, with most I have contacted having a work backlog of some weeks to six months. I'm retired, so perhaps at some point I might be able to offer basic clean-and-lubricate service locally... and thus, get to talk to more people who aren't bored to death by watch geek blathering?! Apropos of which, I just scored a damn-close-to-mint Hamilton of the model I love best, one that will fit my wrist better than the modern automatic Lloyd I wear even though it's MUCH too big on my tiny lady wrists and my family snickers at me :)
Very nice and to the point, thanks. Harbor freight tools has a decent ultrasonic cleaner, I have abused one for about 10 years now. Wera makes some nice precision screwdrivers.
This clip has been sponsored by our friends at Bergeon 😉
Not really... he is speaking truth. As he said... Once you become more serious you can tell the difference. He also was nice to explain his personal opinion. Overall, he did a great job with the video and explained WHAT is a difference between Good tools Vs low quality,
@@bfflorida2311 true but there are times when it doesn’t matter, such as the case opening tool or bezel knife. Bergeron feels like Bose or Rolex where they just produce everything under the sun and mark it up 400%
@@sinjon especially those oils. Guaranteed they probably pay less than $50 for 20 liters of oil, and they charge people $30+ for a few ml
Not really because it's sort of a small version has around 60% market share
@@sinjon you don't look at Daniel Wellington 40% markup versus 200% markup
I liked this video a lot. No unnecessary talk just the important things. Since you read up the names of Petreon I'm thinking of making one and changing my channel's name to Grzegorz Brzęczyszczykiewicz.
Don't skimp on the screwdrivers or tweezers. When these don't work, you are done. You may prefer a visor to a single loupe so you can work at a distance and then flip the visor loupe over when you want to see closer.
That was extremely helpful. It is lovely to see that you aren't a tool snob and saying it's not a sin to not buy high end gear straight away. Thank you very much
SIR I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU READ YOUR COMMENTS BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING EXTREMELY ENTERTAINING CONTENT AND VALUABLE INFORMATION FOR NEW MINDS ENTERING THE WORLD OF HOROLOGY. I HAVE BEEN BINGE WATCHING YOU ALL DAY. WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!! YOU ARE MY NEW FAVORITE CHANNEL ON YOU TUBE!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 BLESSINGS FROM TEXAS!!!!
Thank you :) I appreciate it!
Some day when I actually start woodworking, I'm gonna make watch stuff for people. Marshall's content and benchside manner certainly is inspiring that dream.
I’m glad you put this video out you’ve given me the courage to service a watch. I’ve liked mechanical time keeping devices sine I was very young and already have a few of the tools but haven’t ever done a complete service on anything except a mantel clock (it worked after reassembly and regulating).
This video is very clear, concise and to the point: great information to begin to navigate this complex world of watch works.
I just discovered these kinds of channels, and I must say, as someone who does amateur electronics repair, there is an amazing amount of overlap between the tools needed for electronics work and watch work
Thanks so much for the information. I watch your videos all the time. Very helpful. I haven't taken a watch apart yet but I intend to by following the steps in your detailed videos.
This video got me into watch restoring, i inherited a lot of tools from my mothers uncle who was working at the royal watchmaker in Oslo. So i got a lot of tools that i don't know how to use if it hadn't been for this channel. Hope to upload some videos of my own one day. Thanks for the inspiration and the informative videos!
Thank you for the run down here. I really want to start getting into the hobby and start tinkering but I had no idea where to start. These sound like perfect Christmas presents to me! Then I plan on purchasing some old junky movements to see if I can get any running again. This all thanks to your channel. Thought I should mention that.
Thank you for this video! It sheds a light for us the people that want to dive in this hobby
Some ideas for alternatives:
cleaning basket - Tea infuser from the grocery store, $3ish.
Green mat - silicone electronics repair mat from amazon, $17, has small moulded in pockets for screws and bits. Watch out for magnets embedded in them though.
Pegwood - Toothpicks? not sure how soft the pegwood is, but I've found toothpicks work for small things like that.
My name is Mary K and I am I hobbyaholic. Thanks... thanks alot. :D Seriously, I'm addicted to this channel. Brilliant stuff. Thanks for sharing your watchmaking with us.
Hobbyholic....I like it. Now I know the correct term for my into a little bit of everything lifestyle!
Thanks for adding this information. Could you possibly do a whole video on what is for those of us who don't know, the mysteries of oiling? Thanks.
Hi Marshall. Just love you videos. Going to service my Rolex Submariner shortly. Bought mine (duty free) back in 2014 at Bangkok airport and it is in need of a service now (2022). Local (Australian) service centres want to charge about $1500 (WTF!) but I can buy all the tools required for so much less than that. So and now have done so. Also have a Longines (bought brand new back in 1980's) so might give that a go as well (although it still runs perfectly to this day and has never been serviced). Have never opened a watch before but you have given me inspiration. Going to be fun! (Oh and look out on ebay for the parts if I mess up - hahaha!)
I use to repair a few watches many years ago, .....I noticed the watch oil has an expiry date, this can be quite expensive for a beginner...best to go for the more expensive oil as recommended as the cheaper oil resembles cooking oil for chips. ......Nice Hobby and relaxing, personally I purchased a quartz watch 30 years ago analogue type I change the battery every two years and off it goes again, The back kitchen wall clock was made in 1963, and 43 years ago my father put a quartz movement in as a replacement still working fine. He has given excellent advice in obtaining the right tools......I think your best friend in today's world is a video camera so you can see how you originally took the watch apart
I wonder how many people have taken this up after watching your videos? I know I’m interested in that it seems very relaxing. At least watching you do it is…. I tend to be a bull in a china shop type of person and I’ve broken several tools in my lifetime if I got frustrated enough and then “hulk smash”! LOL. I think I’ll just continue to watch your productions and get my soothing relaxation from that. 😊
Your videos were one of the first that fascinated me back in September....I had found 2 good cellphones that were damaged that I brought back to life(one of which I'm using now,a Note 9) and after watching your videos have been off and on trying my hand at learning the hobby. It's just knowing how to put it all back together again.....
That is the hard part :)
Your channel got me looking at parts watches and tools. Love the content.
Fantastic content, I feel like I owe you fifty bucks for a training session. You are taking me to the next step in my hobby friend. Very thoughtful presentation, quick, but not too fast, and clearly spoken.
I’m so glad you’ve made this video, I’ve been interested in trying it out but could never find where to start or what you could get away with as a bare minimum. Thank you!