Restoring the Oldest Rolex I've Ever Seen - It's Over 100 Years Old!
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- Опубліковано 18 кві 2023
- Marshall restores a very early Rolex watch from 1916! These were likely used by military officers as they have a full hunter case configuration which allows them to be protected while out in the field. These were some of the earliest wristwatches and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of Rolex and wristwatches in general! Enjoy!
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Adam Savage mentioned your channel in a recent post. He was impressed....so are we! Well done on a wonderful channel Marshal!
Im expecting Adam to post a watch restoration video within the year.
@@TomsBackyardWorkshop I have the same impression. Between the tools Adam has been collecting and his praise of Marshal, it won't be long! ;)
Any chance you have a link for the post? I'd love to see what he said about it
@@Heroo01 ua-cam.com/video/N-SME0xety0/v-deo.html
@@Heroo01 Its the "new digital microscope" one from 9 days ago. N-SME0xety0 is the video number if that works...
As someone who honestly has no major interest in watch collecting, and has no real knowedge on watch mechanics, just want to say your videos are so therapeutic and relaxing, theres something about watching a professional repairing things from new tech like phones and laptops to older items like mechanical watches that bridges the gap of interest for me. Thank you 👍
Bro, I have literally watching 100s of hours of an Aussie clearing household sewer pipes. There is nothing that is uninteresting to the human mind.
I have five watches so far, three Fossil and two Swatch but my 1985 Swatch Jellyfish doesn't work anymore.
he isnt a pro, this is his hobby but he's 1000x better than most of us at watchmaking.
They are the perfect video's to watch to get my baby to sleep. I'm not saying this as a diss or something, I really enjoy the videos and the baby sleeps really well if there are voices in the background. I tried other youtube stuff, but most videos have loud noises, music, etc. Here you just have a super nice voice and it works perfecly!
He isn't professional, but man, I would not know the difference. Because, watching him do all this? Like he's so good at it. it's literally mesmerizing to watch. (no pun intended.)
Hope everyone is enjoying the video, it's not every day you get your hands on a watch this old from such a well known brand :) Also a reminder: I will never solicit you in the comments here for any reason, so if you see that, it's likely a fake account! - Marshall
Is it ok to use Poly Watch on a glass crystal and what is the best way to determine if the crystal glass or plastic?
Absolutely phenomenal. Thank you for sharing this!
I am enjoying your channel. I have an Oyster Perpetual 6564 with a caliber 1030 movement. It has a butterfly rotor. It's such a nice-looking movement. It's a shame to keep them covered with solid cases.
I have to say: I love how generous you are with your explanations. You always purposely avoid using jargon (except to define terms) and that makes these videos so much more practical, interesting, and in a way, inspiring in the sense that working with mechanical things can change your perspective on problems and problem solving. Thank you for what you do.
s
I have to agree .
Totally agree, I always just assume that watchmaking would have its fair share of gatekeepers who would sneer if you didn’t “know” what they were talking about. These videos are so approachable and I’m loving them!
"Trench watches" (of which this is a prime example) typically had custom-made cases allowing a wrist strap to be added to a pocket watch case. The one you are showcasing is especially interesting because a traditional hunter case had the lid hinge at the 9-o'clock position, which was opened by pressing in the crown at the 3-o'clock position. It is actually more work to align the hinge in the 12-o'clock position and add a release - so it was done for a reason.
This case was specifically re-worked for use in the trenches with the hinge at the 12-o'clock position so when it was opened the inside of the lid wouldn't reflect any light outward towards the enemy as you held it to read the time. The opened lid would actually block the light you were using to read the watch. Pinpoint light sources (such as cigarette lighters, matches, etc.) were common targets for snipers so anything to either block or shade the light was much preferred.
Thanks Jon! Well done.
Wow. Even the comments on this channel are god-like quality.
What do you estimate the value of this watch to be?
Something that was so necessary during the wars, and that we will never need or experience...really rams home what our ancesters went through
@@silvernatedogg This is what I came to the comments looking for.
Not sure, how I ended up here, but I am not complaining. This is sooo fascinating, and I could watch this every day. Love how passionate you are, and how humble you are. Says a lot about who you are as an individual.
Same here! Had to subscribe immediately!
I continue to be amazed at how they could manufacture such small parts with exceptional craftsmanship. People in 1919 could do amazing things.
Watch maker today still use the same machines that were used back then !
Ya they seem much smarter than ppl today.
@@dodge698 not necessarily they had less so they needed to be more resourceful with what they had.
This is awesome! I had to re-watch, but at 3:02-3:03 I had a smile because I imagine how maddening it was for you, that the dial hand bounced out of the container onto your tools, expertly hidden! As a gunsmith, I recognize this dire issue with mirth, as I have the same happen with liliputian springs!
came to see if anybody else noticed as i did so.
Because of you I just started watchmaking and I love it, watches are like little puzzles that are very satisfying to put together. Thank you for inspiring me ❤
Me too. We are driving up the prices of old watches.
Going to school? Or hobby?
@Deland13 just a hobby right now
In the same boat. Dear lord I didn’t need another tinkering hobby…but here we are.
Me too. Sneaking stuff into my wife's Amazon cart little by little.
A much safer way to adjust the beat error is indeed when you still have taken it apart. You can actually just use your small oiler and gently put it into the gap of the collet from above (careful not to touch the spring) If you now just with the tiniest amount of pressure, slightly turn your oiler, the collet will actually turn as well.
If you havent taken the balance appart and the pallet fork is still build in, you can turn the balance until the fork barely touches the sides of these posts and mark the position of the upper attachment point of the spring on the balance. The middle of these two points is of course also going to be the middle of those posts. Just remember to use something to mark that you can erase afterwards again lol
i apologize for the essay
Watching these videos is therapeutic, expecially when I'm playing classical music softly in the background.
I absolutely adore all of your content. The stories, the skill in the repairs, the slow methodical breakdown, repair and rebuild. But most of all, and this says more than anything I think is that sometimes I'll click on one of your videos and gladly watch and listen for the full hour and man repairing a watch. No other channel can hold my attention quite like yours. Phenomenal work and keep up the great content :)
I hope you never get tired of doing this. Because I never get tired of watching these time pieces being restored
He will never get tired of doing this.
Why can't we still have watch faces this slick, simple, and stylish?
I believe I have seen every video in your lineup. It's not that I'm that much interested in watch repair nor that I have any interest in doing it myself. It's because I find the gentle journeys you provide incredibly relaxing and somehow comforting in these troubled times. With this video, just when I was beginning to believe I had seen it all, you show me how the watch cleaning machine works with more detail than ever and we got to see you correcting the beat error. Lovely. Thank you.
How you find the correct thread with out stripping the screw thread on this micro screws is a skill by itself
I love watching these videos. Fascinating to see different kinds of watches and the way you tackle a variety of problems.
Also great to see how when things go well, you give credit to the original design and manufacture, and even to your audience, and when something isn’t right, you take the responsibility.
Thank you Marshal. Great channel.
I love your slow and steady approach to repairing these intricate beautiful marvels. So much to learn. Thanks for sharing this skill!
I’ve only started watching your videos in the last couple days, at this point I’ve seen maybe 4-5. This video in particular (and the one before, which was you restoring your aunts heirloom) is a joy and I very much appreciate the instructor role you took for a few of the parts this time. I’m hooked, will continue watching, and have been inspired to possibly make my own video about your channel and maybe my own watchmaking journey in the future
This looks like such a quality movement. Just looks so well-engineered. Beautiful
What an amazing timepiece, the history lesson was an added bonus. Thanks for keeping these treasures alive and sharing the process with us.
this is just unbelievable. All the stories you're telling and the work you do. I have never seen anything like that. subscribed and will watch your previous videos as well ... keep it going
Marshall.. amazing piece.. I'm so impressed with the precision of 1916 machinery. Great job with the restoration.. I too was holding my breath at various times during your work. I really appreciate how you went through the history of the piece too. Thank you for sharing such a special watch with us.
Pure joy watching you do this. Your cadence, inflection, technical knowledge and physical adeptness are so entertaining. Yes, you dropped a lot of things at the start. I think anyone starting a 100+ year old watch would be a bit nervous to start.
Thank you once again for your great content.
Marshall, I bought all of tools, 3 books and now I just need watches to repair. You are my inspiration into my hobby in Horology!
May I ask what books you got? Looking to get into the hobby aswell 😀
Good luck with working on watches, don't forget to film yourself taking it apart to know where each piece goes. :)
Absolutely beautiful ... I'd never seen one like this before. Thanks for bringing us along on these amazing journeys!
This was a very interesting video of a rare old Rolex watch. As you mentioned it was designed for rough usage and probably worn by officers and soldiers during WWI. I’m amazed at your dexterity in maneuvering the very minute screws and components of the watches you work on. Impressive!
What a stunning vintage Rolex and such a masterful restoration! Your presentation style is very easy to listen to and enjoy. Well done!🥃
Recently I sat with two broken pair of reading glasses in front of me. To salvage one usable pair I needed to remove four tiny little screws, giants by comparison to the teensy-weensy ones Marshall encounters. This would have been a frustrating and quickly abandoned effort except for the lessons I have learned from watching these videos, the main one being that of patience. It took nearly an hour, but I got it done. Even after dropping one of the little screws on the floor.
Thanks for the mentoring, Marshall!
FIY, you can buy glasses screw kits online. Little boxes with a variety of screws. Worth the dollars for that one time you might need them.
@@aserta I do something very similar except for computer screws and standoffs.
An hour? Damn. Aren't they like $5 at walmart?
@@mikeworkman3593
It depends on the lenses you need. I have astigmatism, corrected by a cylindrical lens, with the axis at the correct angle. That means the spectacle lenses have to be ground for me.
The other problem could be that left and right eye need a different correction. I doubt that could be done for $5.
Another tremendous video. Thanks, Marshall. LOVE the 1016! I for one would love to see a video of you going through your watch collection. I'm always curious what watches watchmakers choose to wear. I think it would make for great viewing.
This is the first Rolex in my 40 years on this planet that I've ever actually wanted to own. I've never liked the style of most Rolex watches. Thanks for sharing!
(Hello, Wally!)
Lovely, patient work, Marshall. It's a credit to you that someone entrusted you to restore this watch.
I have to say that this may be my most favorite episode. One reason is because of the subject watch, the other, the love and care Marshall displayed in working on it. What a treat to see such a beautiful watch in all its glory. From the dial all the way to the case back, it is truly a work of art. So glad I got to see this glimpse into horological history! Too bad I can only hit the like button once.
WOW! Produced in 1916 but look at the inside, it looks modern. Amazing what they could do so far back!
It's been a minute since I watched one of these videos. Was feeling a little anxious today since I have an appointment with my cardiologist I am a bit concerned about. Watching and listening to Marshall work on a watch always seems to calm my nerves - it's a very meditative experience...and interesting of course. Thanks sir for helping me out today and great job as usual.
You have the best watch repair/restore videos on UA-cam and the internet. Thanks.
We love ya Marshall! Never change! I love the longer videos. Please don't obsess with the analytics here like some youtubers I follow. I'm working a lot and haven't had time to watch. Doesn't mean I don't get excited to get a notification. I'm old school and lived before the internet and cell phones. I lookforward to your videos! 💯💯💯
Hi Marshall, it is always a better day when I see I have one of your restorations appear in my list, this one particularly was incredible, I found myself immersed into the full historical significance of this beautiful timepiece. Just considering the true horrors it must have seen and been through in its early days and to survive that, then to bring us the pleasure of seeing how over 100 years of its history and technical brilliance has brought the development of the wristwatch of what we have today, you are a master of your craft and I thank you for sharing it with us.
Very satisfying to see the obvious care you take in servicing this well built antique, especially in this day and age where it seems everything is built to fail in a few years to force a new purchase.
I literally held my breath when you reached into the spring to address the beat variation.
Great work as usual Marshall! Would love to see you service a Chronograph like an old Speedmaster one day. Would be cool to see the how a complex movement like that goes together!
i can make a youtube video on a speedmaster or a valjoux 72 chronograph disassembly if you want
Awesome work Marshal, been waiting in anticipation for your next episode.
So my headache is gone from watching this. Thanks again, Marshall! These videos are genuinely incredible. The watch world is experiencing how good your production values are, like you do on LR and the PT.
Watching this is very relaxing, i guess? I can apply a lot of what you do to trying to tear down an engine. The beat error, especially i can relate to trying to find timing. My headache melted away since this is so low stress.
Fascinating with the touch and feel plus concentration involved. Thank you for sharing.
Great video marshall
The fact that you left the lume on the hands original was the right decision. Not just because it's radium, but because it looks so much better! It would have looked extremely awkward with new lume against that beautifully aged dial. I don't think any form of "artificial aging" of new lume would have looked right. With the new crystal and clean case, this piece looks ready to be put into a museum. Fantastic work Marshall! Thank you for sharing this beautiful and historic timepiece with us!
It's said the women who did the hands got very ill as they would use the mouth and tongue to shape the brush with the radium on it, not knowing the danger.
@@joehead1294said? It is not said like its an urban legend, it just is, women and girls died creating the parts these watches
@@joehead1294 Yup, the Radium Girls. The factory owners ignored safety protocols, and let the workers come to harm.
I wear a watch and that is as far as it goes, but when i it comes to this channel I am stuck at the computer screen, it is so captivating. Marshall your commentary goes a long way to holding the audience. Thank you.
Over 100 years old and it's still so impressive
Like you said, the engineering inside old watches like this is astoundingly satisfying to see
Marshall did you know Adam Savage from MythBusters is a huge fan of you and mentioned you in his own channel and is currently getting into watchmaking because of you and your videos!!!!!
I heard that! So cool!
To anyone getting into the hobby, please be aware, old watches that glow (1900ish to 1940s) are likely radium painted. If your timepiece glows without needing any charge of light like modern lume, be very careful. Wear PPE and read up on how to deal with radium dust. Don't want anyone suffering due to ignorance. Happy watch repairing or just watching.
A lot of the old ones don’t glow any more, but are still very spicy! A Geiger counter will soon identify dubious dials and hands!
This was an epic video. Like the saying goes: "They just don't make them like they used to". This was true and honest craftsmanship of the highest order.
What a beautiful watch, and how you explained what you were doing. Thanks for sharing your skilled restoration.
I was changing out my nose pads on my glasses. Thankfully, they gave extra screws because they went flying!
You make handling these small pieces look so easy!
Always look forward to your latest restoration Marshall, what a beautiful old Rolex and a great way to spend 45 minutes,keep em coming 😊!
Another fantastic revival!! These are so cathartic to watch. The precision involved is absolutely insane and those screws look like grains of fine sand!! Great job and keep ‘em coming!! 😊
Actually nicer than any Rolex I've seen in modern time
Marshall.... I think you you just worked on a 'Model T' of Rolex Wrist Watches here!
This thing lives where it don't come out often as that Mainspring looks to still have a lot of life left in it!......
even if it has been replaced during a previous service.....they just don't make them like that anymore!
Well done, i appreciate the respect for such a quality piece of antique engineering.
Wow! What a cool watch! Thanks for the opportunity to even see such a timepiece let alone a restoration. Thanks for the Very Fine Work, Video and Craftsmanship.
It annoys me that some people don't realize the beauty in these amazing devices. I buy a mechanical watch for everyone i love! Great work Marshall. (Crap, i now have about 7 more watches to buy!)
I am not sure how I found this channel but I am glad I did. The videos are fantastic, and I love seeing you give new life to these watches.
I love this channel. Too see how an old watch (Specially this Rolex) is brought to life again and seeing how you fix it is just a treat!! Well done!! Keep it up! 😍😍😍
Thank you for your channel. I'm not the first person to say I find the channel relaxing: especially after a stressful day at work. As a collector of many vintage items and watches I get a chance to get excited about watches and their construction by watching this channel. If you have time can you drop some hints for us viewers about what to look for in a jeweler or person to clean, restore, and service a vintage mechanical watch. Thank you.
Thats really cool to watch you working on a watch that old , thanks for your great and very interesting videos !
Love your videos, Marshall! It always makes me feel good to watch and listen to you go through the service process.
I really love the wonder of seeing the moment inside any mechanical watch it's incredible, so many parts working together 😍
I love the narration ! He goes right to the point and also give us feedback and information about the watches !
I can't believe there's been a video sitting for THREE DAYS and I haven't seen it!!!....what a gorgeous watch, and so practical I love it 🥰
Amazing work. The purpose built tools are amazing along with the knowledge and skills on using them. That time grapher is out of this world. The sensitivity it must have to pick up amplitude, beat error on variable masses, that is another thing that is genius level in watch making.
Never tired of watching your watch restoration videos... Well done Marshal...
Love the way your commentary explains everything in detail and the things to watch out for.. very informative thanks for sharing..🤙
By far, the best artists have to be the watch makers. The skill of designing such intricate pieces and putting them together for an object essentially for giving the time of day is mind blowing.
Awesome Patience and Dedication.. Very impressive Skills. 👍
I have no idea why your video popped up on my UA-cam feed, but I am so happy it did! This was one of the coolest things I've ever seen, and I enjoyed every minute of it! I had no idea Watches were so complex.
Marshall! Thank you for being so descriptive with your process. I use these videos as learning guides for my own journey in watchmaking! I would love it if you could point out every time you use oil on the movement and which kind you’re using so i can use that video as a reference. Thank you for explaining the hook on the barrel arbor. You are a really good teacher. Maybe you could make a video series that are strictly educational! Thanks as always for another great video!
I'm an (old) CNC machinist by trade and have made all manner of objects out of all manner of materials and people are always amazed by what I do. I try to be humble and tell them it's really not in as amazing now in this day and age, as the machines have come so far - and then I point them to things like this, which is what I myself find thoroughly amazing. I wish I had your understanding of these intricate objects, and the ability to work in micro as you do. They've always fascinated me. I grew up near an old watch shop and it's still there to this day, 40 years later, persisting like a well built movement as every last thing in the world around it changed. Watches will always be timeless thanks to people like you! Thank you for doing what you do.
i’m finally getting into the “craft” side of youtube and it’s wonderful
That was so enjoyable seeing you restore this unusual watch. Thanks for posting.
I am not watch enthusiast or anywhere near that but I like your videos. I wish I'd had that level of craftmanship. It is easy to appreciate the level of engineering on these time pieces.
That was so much fun and your play by play pointing out each mechanical hurdle was excellent! You didnt say if you did anything with lume and hands Though! I really want to thank you,I feel like I was standing there looking over your shoulder! Those old machines brought back lots of memories! Thank You so much!
I cannot believe how good the timekeeping is on this. Watch making is incredible.
Another piece of excellent professional work ❤
Another great video Marshall. I love your calm and measured commentary.
I’ve been watching this channel for a while, and I don’t have any expensive watches, or work on them. I just enjoy watching and listening to Marshal revive watches
Watches passionated since childhood. Your works are impressive. Thanks a lot🙏🏼
I have an Omega from 1916 and i love it! cool to think its been over the years. keeps great time too, just got the dome repaired and cleaned up.
I love your videos and I love hearing you speak!
I can't remember the amount of times I've accidentally fallen asleep and had to watch a video again because I missed most of it 😭
Your voice is so soothing and I love listening to you go on about all the little intricacies of watch making and the excitement I hear when you see something new or unique makes me smile every time 💜💜💜
I just found this channel and now can’t stop watching. Each video reminds me to have my vintage watches serviced
I could wish that my hands were as steady as yours !! Beautiful work, Marsh. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful watch. Just shows how well made and the design was/is , Rolex definitely knew what they we’re making. Excellent work as always.😊
That was one of the most beautiful and historic watches that you’ve ever serviced,it was a pleasure to see it back to 1916 and running like the day it was made!
I’ve said this before. But i love watching your videos when I get home from work. It’s very relaxing for some reason. Great job sir!
I have an eye for mechanical marvels and this is definitely one of them, great commentary as you work on it. I'd love to have the skill to work on these but with my big hands that'd be impossible. Exceptional job on this great piece of history & your right it's beautiful engineering for the year. Your channel has me hooked & subscribed, oh and great camera work too which is something we curious ones could never come round back & watch you work on one of these as it's too risky so no one ever saw how a watchmaker works on these things before until now. All the best on your channel mate from Australia.
Great job once again Marshall...tho tense as you say. Turned out perfectly and running like a champ for a 100+ year old watch. Now that's a classic. Great stuff..and thanks for the journey... Kudos
What a beautiful old watch. Well done servicing such a rare gem.
I found your channel from Adam Savage too. I have been binge watching and enjoying your channel. I’m very impressed with your skills rescuing and restoring these beautiful watches. Thank you.
You do outstanding meticulous work on these time pieces. Also you do a wonderful job narrating the techniques and processes involved in what you're working on. It was very gratifying to watch. I can only imagine what it's like to actually work on these marvelously engineered mechanical things successfully.
👍👍👍👍👍
Marshall my friend. I've been watching your videos for quite some time now. And I'm always amazed by the technical and the beauty of all the timepieces I've seen your work on. And I have to tell you, I could never handle how small some of the little springs and screws that have to come together for a timepiece to be able to run. Also, the fact that you have to do much of the work while under a microscope! Holy cow! LOL!! And this particular timepiece was just beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise and wonderment of all things, Time!
Another great video Marshall, a really really interesting and informative watch. Thanks again for all of your time and effort. 👍
Absolute genius! AS I normally restore very very old Grand Clocks and yet I've learnt so much from you! I said before I cleaned and restored my 1980s Rolex, but never again, its far too difficult. BTW my watch is still running and zero time or gain loss. And folk say that watches and clocks cos so much to restore? Times money folks. You pay for the expertise, but once restored you've a watch, clock that'll run well for another twenty-five years. God bless all.