I have a running verge pocket watch made in 1797. I really enjoyed this video as it enhanced my appreciation of the workmanship of these long forgotten craftsmen.
Thanks for that in-depth resto. on a lovely verge, Matthew. Learnt a few things (slightly tightening a stuck screw to loosen was a surprise). I'm in the process of restoring a late, un-nammed, 1700's verge, given to me by a retired watchmaking friend, that has had an *interesting* life :) extra holes in the pillar plate for a different dial (and dial plate, no longer present), and extra notches for the hinge and movement catch, useless hairspring (made a new one using adapted 1750's methods), worn out pivot holes, much later brass case, etc, etc. So it's not precious, but a good starting point for learning how to repair these beautiful watches. Still more work to go, but it does run, and close to time. Thank you for going the extra miles and saving this watch from being a 'relic'. We need more people with your care and passion. Cheers from Australia Duncan
Someone may have already mentioned it, but your work here (both as restorer and videographer) has rescued a moment in history: a working watch from the intersection of the technology, craftsmanship and art of its time that lives again physically and virtually. Thank you!
Excellent narrative - to the point, not too much waffle, good technical info - not trying to put your peronality across but sticking to a description of what's being done ---- you'd never become a Celebrity Chef..
Thank you for Showing this beautyful restoring . I just restored/repaired a similar watch, and the most important element to me beside the challenge, is the thoughts i have along the way regarding how and espessialy why the clock went out of timekeeping, there is always a reason for the repairs done, and they also very much tells you, how skilled the repairer was, some of the work i have seen, seems to be kitchentable repair, it Can be very charming to look at and always put a little smile on my lips when i Can see that the repair actually had worked, and imagining the sense of Victory and pride that must have been present at that kichentable.
I just stumbled across this channel. Not sure how youtube never recommended your videos since I watch tons of other watch repair channels. This work is brilliant. Thank you.
Thanks Mark. Yes, I cannot remember why I didn't show the chain re-fitting... maybe just forgot to film it. It is on a clock but the same process you can see here... ua-cam.com/video/SYe8p66h-BA/v-deo.html
Take a water break ! I started 6 years and self taught . Got 30 watches now. Good job a tough one I would not dream of doing. Oldest watch I have is a 1870 .
So happy to see this type of watch back from the dead and on to the living. As a collector of 2 fusee pocket watches (circa 1883 Phillip Woodman and circa 1876 Jackson & Son) sold by the previous seller to me just a few months back it was a blessing to see such skills still exist today while people are buying modern expensive watches and calling them a gem. Cheers and more power to all the horologists out there.
This is the second fusey I've seen. The first one was in the 1970s. To me they are rare which makes your journey with this time piece all the more momentus. Thank you and I hope the customer was satisfied.
Sorry about that!!! I cannot remember now but probably because I either forgot to press record or I couldnt film as needed to see better! Sorry about that!!!
May I say that your skills are amazing to experience. In today’s throwaway society I believe this is an extremely important issue, to be able to repair and continue to use something is to me paramount. Thank you.
Thank you very much for documenting this amazing restoration. I've been watching a lot of the other (modern)watch repair channels but this work is in a league of it's own. Flattening hairsprings and fabricating components, You are putting the Polywatch brigade to shame a bit. The filming and editing were excellent but the only minor criticism I have would be the ambient noise. I'm sure that you are used to the traffic and the pedestrian crossing sound but I found it a little distracting. Many thanks.
Thanks Myles for your kind comments. noted about the background noise. I wanted to retain some of the sounds of the processes but it is impossible to do that in my studio without ambient noise too. I could just do the VoiceOver but felt that would lose some atmosphere? I'll give it some thought. Matthew
@@openclockclubarchive325 First time visitor, enjoyed the video much. A suggestion would be to use an audio processing plug-in, many of them are fairly inexpensive. You can filter out the ambient noise in the background before uploading, which will allow you to capture the aesthetics and noises during the repair process but greatly reduce the external noises. It won’t be perfect, but it will be much better.
I just happened to come upon your channel and may I say your skills are indeed impressive, I have only just got into this as a hobby late last year, as I took a mini stroke one Friday at 6.30am in October getting ready to head into work, as a person that was always fixing stuff be it a tractor, a quad or just repairing my Grandchildren's toys or bikes as they would say Granddad will fix it. I thank you very much for the way you worked and to the way you explained in your video as you went along, I am sorry I went on and on but this hobby will keep me sane as I am still off work and the days are long. Cheers from a 62 year old in Ireland attempting a new skill . Thank you.PS: please make more videos on watches.
Very well done. Unlike many of the other watch repair and restoration videos, you approached the task in a new and novel manner. I appreciated your consideration of the watch as a possible relic. The engraving alone make it worthwhile to consider as a non-functional object. In all, your handling of the materials and restoration of the parts using older tools and solvents was very engrossing. Please do more videos. I am anxious to see how your next few projects turn out.
Hi Kerry, thanks for your kind feedback. Appreciated. Yes there will be more objects to follow over the winter, not only watches (which I know may be a disappointment to some) but a range of items 'processed' with the same kind of thinking. Yours, Matthew
@@readrepairs Watch repair and restoration is great, but I any sort of repair works great. I subscribe to several channels that are watch restoration, but also to some that do antique toy restoration as well as hand tool restoration. They all work. Besides there is never a shortage of things to do and learn. Good luck with your channel. It looks like it is on its way to doing very well.
Amazing, and thanks so much! I’m used to simple conservation of mine and friends wrist watches, but I love proper watch making. I have a cylinder escapement and key wound 5 bridge pocket watch to fix. So I’m now watching lots of pocket watch work. I’m so glad I found your channel and have now subscribed. Thanks again.
Yes I suppose there were mid-market watches in the era of hand/batch production. Like much of 18th and 19th century horology, under the skin the decorative finishing is scant. Fascinating though.
Great workmanship, patience and technique with a well paced and modulated voice over and focused video capture. Subscribed and looking forward to more.
Lovely video, thank-you! I’d have loved to have seen this several years ago when I was learning how to restore verge & English lever watches (very amateur hobbyist!) and without fail I was like a 7 year old excitedly seeing the balance wheel ticking afterwards! The most difficult bit was learning the knack of re-fitting the chain (more awkward in the lever), though my church benefitted from regular full swear jars! The fusee click was almost always worn or one broken (or both in the lever) & an old junior hacksaw blade was a good source of material. I’m also a huge fan of the piercing & engraving in the verges! Wonderful, thanks again, loved it! 🙂
Hi, isn´t this stuff infections? I too feel a thrill when all the dead parts come together and suddenly there is a "living" timepiece. And to think the Victorians did all this without modern technology, mostly all done by hand!
Enjoyed watching this documentary I was a time recorder service Engineer working on clocking in recorders for many years this video brought back lots of memories ♥️
I have just started on my watch-making journey. Since I was a small child I liked taking things apart that had been discarded as broken, with the idea I could learn why these items had stopped working without risking anything. Broken watches were always interesting and now I can learn how to repair them. Watching you remove rust was the information I'll use once I gain more knowledge, tools, and skills. Thank you for this wonderful video! Happy New Years!
I enjoyed watching that, lovely work, shame the minute hand couldn't be repaired I would like to see how that could be done. Thank you for taking the time to share this
Thanks for the kind comments. My thinking on the hand was that I do not have immediate access to a laser welder to solder/weld on a block of material. The hand is hardened so to do it with 'traditional' gas would have annealed it so for me that was a no-go. Easy to say but the process is relatively straightforward. An oversized chunk of metal is soldered on (what carat,,, 12 or 15?) then filed back to shape. Always interesting to reflect on decisions. If the watch or something similar comes my way I may well make a different choice. M
Nicely done! I’ve never seen the restoration of a watch this old… So different than what we now call a contemporary mechanical watch. I liked your epilogue, it was very thought-provoking and on point.
Thanks Mike. Yes, deff a different philosophy of making and repair. These watches have the vibe of seventeenth and early eighteenth century clocks whereas, as you say, the modern wristwatch is really a completely different animal.
Absolutely beautiful work, careful precise but not so OCD that you ruin the parts that still exists, I need to learn about being able to say good enough on some of the old watches I've worked on. 😁
Thank you for your kind feedback. Yes I agree, it is good to decide an approach and work towards that line, re-considering/evaluating as you go, considering the implications of more interventions. The outcome is rarely the same as the intent, so again, it is useful to reflect on what happened and how you might modify your approach in future. Good to remember there is no must, should or have to. If you hear those words, warning! M
I have two similar watches (not cased) that are awaiting restoration. They are truly something wonderful to work on and look at. That said, I can never get away from the 9 or 10 year old that had to make the fusee chain, probably in a dank musty cellar, by crummy oil or candle light. He or she would be lucky not to be blind by the age of 20 , if they made it that far. The past gave us some great things , things we admire with good reason. But we should never forget the misery and outright slave labour that was involved with the creation of these timepieces Paddy
Its a really good point. Much of history is glorified, liquid and glossed-over. Much of working conditions would have been unthinkable compared to what many of us experience today,,, and still are for many people.
Looking at the video again, on reflection I may have bushed the crown wheel end of the crown wheel arbor pivot hole. I see when I rotate the mobile with my air puffer there is a fair amount of side shake. This relatively easy and low intervention detail would have increased amplitude a bit? One of the many benefits of filming your work is you get a third party perspective. M
Hello, On the balance wheel. why not remove the rust and corosion? Perhaps it was just discolored but it is bad to remove with say 2000 grit sand paper or steel wool to make it uniform shiny? Thank you for the video of the restoration. It was such a treat to watch!
Hi Carl. Thanks for your message. Yes, from my perspective as a conservator I would not normally attempt to remove material in order to improve the appearance of a surface as it would remove/change surrounding material as well. Once any loose three-dimensional corrosion has ben removed and the component is stable for any likely environment, I would almost always leave as is on the understanding the (in this case) result of corrosion is not going to cause other issues. M
Beautiful job I really enjoyed your work in this old beautiful watch .I am really glad it worked out for you and the person that owns This classic piece
Sometimes it can pay to add a small amount of oil to a separate solvent portion for this exact type of thing. The solvent brings it in and thins it out but then the oil can make this movement easier
Increíble trabajo de restauración de una hermosa reliquia. Tengo uno similar de repetición que no funciona. Lo triste es que en mi país no encontré un relojero que lo pueda reparar.
Gracias por tu amable comentario. Espero que encuentre un reparador para su reloj. Puede ser útil ponerse en contacto con su asociación nacional de relojería.
I have bought a fusee watch with a broken chain, the balance staff is good if I apply tension by pulling the chain with say my hand would the movement run? The purpose of this would be to check if the rest of the moment is in running order. I don’t want to damage the movement.
Hiya. Using a fine pair of tweezers, carefully unwind and unhook the chain from the fusee and the mainspring barrel. If you pull on the broken chain it may jam and make things worse as there is so little room in there. Once the chain is safely out of the way, you can use the watch winding key on the fusee winding square to gently apply power to the train. If the watch is keyless wind, use a piece of peg wood on the fusee great wheel teeth to operate the train. Hope this helps. M
Well done! All things considered in regard to corrosion, a pre-jeweled movement, and parts fabrication, I am impressed with the outcome of this timepiece. This is only the second opportunity to witness a fusee powered movement. The ornate filigree, and decorative motifs of engraving were breathtaking. Such attention to superficial luxuries that the watch owner would never see. Nevertheless it was a pedigree of status in the 19th century. I look forward to forthcoming episodes with great eagerness.
Thank you for the incredibly detailed video! I have two similar watches, thankfully in very well running condition. I've often wondered when the transition period was between the regulator disk being phased out and replaced with a metal pointer over the etching between Fast and Slow. Mine seems to have the latter, but the regulator disk pillar is still present with what appears to be a wafer thin disk made of blued steel in its place. Looking underneath, I don't see any evidence that it's connected to anything that would actually regulate the beat. The history of these is always fascinating with a bit of mystery involved!
Thanks for your message. I believe the Bosely style regulator was invented around the missile of the eighteenth century that ultimately superseded the Tompion style one with the disc. Like all these technology developments when something "better' comes along there is a significant period where the old technology hangs. A bit like the conversion from balance in clocks to pendulum or verge escapement to anchor recoil, it may be that your watch was conveyed (updated)... many were. Yours, Matthew
I enjoyed your step-by-step process I found it fascinating thank you so much for restoring that Watch treasure. Looking forward to seeing more. Thank you
I like all his tips one of the springs is very rusty put it in vinegar it's very gentle and leaves it derusted worth a try you don't put any in due force on parts
What a masterful repair work! That was a very instructive and enjoyable video, beautifully videographed and narrated, thank you very much. I have a working fusee movement but the motion works and dial are missing. What are the chances of cannibalising these from other scrap watches?
Thanks for your kind feedback. The chances of finding spare motion work wheels is really slim. Even if you were able to find wheels with the correct train count, because the watches were all hand-made, interchangeability really wasn't a thing I'm afraid. M
This was a nice video to watch (pun unintended, haha). I am primarily a clock collector, and I have no huge desire to delve into watches, but have given some thought recently about trying to get a verge watch. The parts seem large enough and simple enough to work on, and I know I'd have the time, patience, and attention to detail to work on one. I just think they're so beautiful with all the engravings.
Its a great place to start. Modern watches are not all about parts fitting but these watches are lovely 'organic' and as you say, the parts are not crazy small. They are still great value for money too.
Been looking at a lot of these earlier watches lately, there’s actually a clock museum here and at some point I was thinking about looking at least a fusee type movement or few, (be nice to try working on something without being too frightened about damaging a complete watch, of course if I mess anything up the clock museum can help me or at least use the parts) I have great dexterity (and have fixed antiques and vintage/antique electronics) in the past. Looks like it could be something in my league and would really make for interesting items to add to my mini-museum.
Good job but I've never know an outer case round button to be grooved. The steel work still needed rust treatment such as the Canon and movement catch. I thought it was an early 19th century watch not mid.
Hi Jim, thanks for your feedback. Yes, the watch owner (at present) is elderly so I put the thumb nail groove there to make it easier to open. I did at one point look up the hallmark. I think it is shown in the film? Certainly, the watch is of an earlier manufacturing style that persisted. Matthew
... as for the rusting. I have covered in other responses here. Under a different set of circumstances, yes a different course of action may or not have been more appropriate. I derusted in turpentine with brushes and some removal of looser material. Given the relic/operational status of the object, I'm pretty happy with the outcome although, I admit, practice is fluid and the feedback here certainly influences future intent one way or the other! Matthew
I have a running verge pocket watch made in 1797. I really enjoyed this video as it enhanced my appreciation of the workmanship of these long forgotten craftsmen.
Thank you!
Such a meticulously explained process, as a qualified teacher I'm in awe of your level of detail and comprehensive guidance. Thanks so much.
Thanks for your kind feedback. Appreciated.
Thanks for that in-depth resto. on a lovely verge, Matthew.
Learnt a few things (slightly tightening a stuck screw to loosen was a surprise). I'm in the process of restoring a late, un-nammed, 1700's verge, given to me by a retired watchmaking friend, that has had an *interesting* life :) extra holes in the pillar plate for a different dial (and dial plate, no longer present), and extra notches for the hinge and movement catch, useless hairspring (made a new one using adapted 1750's methods), worn out pivot holes, much later brass case, etc, etc. So it's not precious, but a good starting point for learning how to repair these beautiful watches. Still more work to go, but it does run, and close to time.
Thank you for going the extra miles and saving this watch from being a 'relic'. We need more people with your care and passion.
Cheers from Australia
Duncan
Thanks Duncan for your feedback. Always nice when viewers take the time to write. M
My old fashioned heart was delighted with your work. A truly bygone era for watches, and you brought it back! Well done❤
Thanks Sandra, appreciated. Matthew
Someone may have already mentioned it, but your work here (both as restorer and videographer) has rescued a moment in history: a working watch from the intersection of the technology, craftsmanship and art of its time that lives again physically and virtually. Thank you!
Thanks James for your kind feedback. Appreciated. Matthew
Excellent narrative - to the point, not too much waffle, good technical info - not trying to put your peronality across but sticking to a description of what's being done ---- you'd never become a Celebrity Chef..
Thank you!
I love old pocket watches. Thank you for sharing. And especially thank you for the great narrating and explaining what you were doing and why.
Thanks Dean for your kind feedback. Matthew
my friend i think you are one of the best watch maker of the world! amazin job, if you see this messege please write me!
Technology from a time when artistry and craftsmanship mattered even in places where few would ever see. Thanks for bringing this watch back to life.
Thanks Martin, appreciated. Matthew
The best video on the topic ive ever seen
Impressive!
Thank you!
Thank you for Showing this beautyful restoring .
I just restored/repaired a similar watch, and the most important element to me beside the challenge, is the thoughts i have along the way regarding how and espessialy why the clock went out of timekeeping, there is always a reason for the repairs done, and they also very much tells you, how skilled the repairer was, some of the work i have seen, seems to be kitchentable repair, it Can be very charming to look at and always put a little smile on my lips when i Can see that the repair actually had worked, and imagining the sense of Victory and pride that must have been present at that kichentable.
Thank you for your kind feedback. Keep up the good work. M
I just stumbled across this channel. Not sure how youtube never recommended your videos since I watch tons of other watch repair channels. This work is brilliant. Thank you.
Thank you! Appreciated. Glad you found it interesting. Matthew
Fantastic restoration!
Thank you!!! Appreciated
Wow !!!!!! fascinating watch and amazing work to bring it back to life.
Thank you for your kind feedback!
Another great video. I would have enjoyed it more if you would have shown putting the chain on the fusee. But always pleased with your videos.
Thanks Mark. Yes, I cannot remember why I didn't show the chain re-fitting... maybe just forgot to film it. It is on a clock but the same process you can see here... ua-cam.com/video/SYe8p66h-BA/v-deo.html
Take a water break ! I started 6 years and self taught . Got 30 watches now. Good job a tough one I would not dream of doing. Oldest watch I have is a 1870 .
Thanks Tony! Keep at it!
Great thoughtful video, just the right amount of restoration, would trust you with any antique watch.
Thanks John, appreciated. M
So happy to see this type of watch back from the dead and on to the living. As a collector of 2 fusee pocket watches (circa 1883 Phillip Woodman and circa 1876 Jackson & Son) sold by the previous seller to me just a few months back it was a blessing to see such skills still exist today while people are buying modern expensive watches and calling them a gem. Cheers and more power to all the horologists out there.
Thank you Ramesh for your kind comments. M
This is the second fusey I've seen. The first one was in the 1970s. To me they are rare which makes your journey with this time piece all the more momentus. Thank you and I hope the customer was satisfied.
Thank you for your kind comments.
…yes it was a good journey and worked out well for the owner. A lot of interest in the video so will repair more thongs soon.
@@readrepairs I'm subscribing to your channel.
Absolutely great, the only thing I wanted to see was fitting the chain, why didnt you show it???
Sorry about that!!! I cannot remember now but probably because I either forgot to press record or I couldnt film as needed to see better! Sorry about that!!!
Not quite the same but here is the vid of fitting the chain on a clock. Same principal; different scale. ua-cam.com/video/SYe8p66h-BA/v-deo.html
May I say that your skills are amazing to experience.
In today’s throwaway society I believe this is an extremely important issue, to be able to repair and continue to use something is to me paramount.
Thank you.
Totally agree. The 'skills' to repair something are really useful in all sorts of ways. Thank you for your kind comments. Matthew
Maybe more like a mini, crude clock transition to a watch of sorts. Quite interesting indeed.
Hi Mike. Thanks for the message. Yes its just a typical verge watch of the period. Still pretty common here and surprisingly accessible. M
That's hopefully my next project a verge Fuse
Amazing restoration of a vintage watch. Many watch makers wouldn't have taken such an antique watch for restoration. Kudos to you👍👍👍👍👍👍👍.
Thank you! very kind.
Wow, this watch is the real deal.
I love to give life to the old objects, I have 3 old verge pocket watch, I love it, thanks for your video!
To me this watch is a fine example of functional art that is also a useful tool to keep track of the time of day.
Thank you. M
Great video. To see a fusee watch completely broken down and described to show how it works was a treat.
Thank you. Appreciated. M
Usually watchmakers with his skill and knowledge are much older
Merci pour cette analyse claire et précise des montres à verge et fusée !
Heureux que vous l'ayez apprécié. Merci pour vos aimables commentaires.
Good job I'm vinod kumar from India
Thank you very much for documenting this amazing restoration. I've been watching a lot of the other (modern)watch repair channels but this work is in a league of it's own. Flattening hairsprings and fabricating components, You are putting the Polywatch brigade to shame a bit. The filming and editing were excellent but the only minor criticism I have would be the ambient noise. I'm sure that you are used to the traffic and the pedestrian crossing sound but I found it a little distracting. Many thanks.
Thanks Myles for your kind comments. noted about the background noise. I wanted to retain some of the sounds of the processes but it is impossible to do that in my studio without ambient noise too. I could just do the VoiceOver but felt that would lose some atmosphere? I'll give it some thought. Matthew
@@openclockclubarchive325 First time visitor, enjoyed the video much. A suggestion would be to use an audio processing plug-in, many of them are fairly inexpensive. You can filter out the ambient noise in the background before uploading, which will allow you to capture the aesthetics and noises during the repair process but greatly reduce the external noises. It won’t be perfect, but it will be much better.
@@mikeSGman Thank you for the response. I'll look into that. Yours. Matthew
I just happened to come upon your channel and may I say your skills are indeed impressive, I have only just got into this as a hobby late last year, as I took a mini stroke one Friday at 6.30am in October getting ready to head into work, as a person that was always fixing stuff be it a tractor, a quad or just repairing my Grandchildren's toys or bikes as they would say Granddad will fix it. I thank you very much for the way you worked and to the way you explained in your video as you went along, I am sorry I went on and on but this hobby will keep me sane as I am still off work and the days are long. Cheers from a 62 year old in Ireland attempting a new skill . Thank you.PS: please make more videos on watches.
Thank you for your kind feedback. Hope you are well.
A work of art restored by a true artist. Thanks for this compelling video.
Thanks Pete, appreciated.
감탄이 절로 나오는 문양세공에 놀라움과 더불어 경의를 표합니다.
좋은 영상 감사합니다.
당신의 친절한 의견을 주셔서 감사합니다
Great explanation of what was done and WHY. This set you apart from other channels I have also enjoyed.
Thank you, that is very kind. Appreciated. M
Very well done. Unlike many of the other watch repair and restoration videos, you approached the task in a new and novel manner. I appreciated your consideration of the watch as a possible relic. The engraving alone make it worthwhile to consider as a non-functional object. In all, your handling of the materials and restoration of the parts using older tools and solvents was very engrossing. Please do more videos. I am anxious to see how your next few projects turn out.
Hi Kerry, thanks for your kind feedback. Appreciated. Yes there will be more objects to follow over the winter, not only watches (which I know may be a disappointment to some) but a range of items 'processed' with the same kind of thinking. Yours, Matthew
@@readrepairs Watch repair and restoration is great, but I any sort of repair works great. I subscribe to several channels that are watch restoration, but also to some that do antique toy restoration as well as hand tool restoration. They all work. Besides there is never a shortage of things to do and learn. Good luck with your channel. It looks like it is on its way to doing very well.
@@KerryCox1967 Thank you! Looking forward to getting back to filming over the winter. M
Excellent work on repair a piece of Watch History.
Thank you.
Amazing, and thanks so much! I’m used to simple conservation of mine and friends wrist watches, but I love proper watch making. I have a cylinder escapement and key wound 5 bridge pocket watch to fix. So I’m now watching lots of pocket watch work. I’m so glad I found your channel and have now subscribed. Thanks again.
That is a cool looking movement! Wow!
Thank you
As a beginner I really enjoyed your video and it was very informative so keep them coming and I’ll keep watching.cheers
Thanks for that! Glad it was of use. Yes more object videos coming over winter including watches. Matthew
Surprisingly crude watch comparatively, but so very ornate and beautiful. Beautiful work.
Yes I suppose there were mid-market watches in the era of hand/batch production. Like much of 18th and 19th century horology, under the skin the decorative finishing is scant. Fascinating though.
Lovely work!! I checked the (London) hallmark and it shows 1807!!
Thanks Phillip for your kind comment. yes, I gotten the date wrong, thanks for confirming. Matthew
Wonderful!!. That´s not only watch repair... that´s History conservation. Thanks for showing!!
Thank you for your kind comments
Great workmanship, patience and technique with a well paced and modulated voice over and focused video capture. Subscribed and looking forward to more.
Thank you!
Lovely video, thank-you! I’d have loved to have seen this several years ago when I was learning how to restore verge & English lever watches (very amateur hobbyist!) and without fail I was like a 7 year old excitedly seeing the balance wheel ticking afterwards! The most difficult bit was learning the knack of re-fitting the chain (more awkward in the lever), though my church benefitted from regular full swear jars! The fusee click was almost always worn or one broken (or both in the lever) & an old junior hacksaw blade was a good source of material. I’m also a huge fan of the piercing & engraving in the verges! Wonderful, thanks again, loved it! 🙂
Thanks David for your kind comments. Yes I imagine the lever chains are much finer and fiddly than the verge. Matthew
Hi, isn´t this stuff infections? I too feel a thrill when all the dead parts come together and suddenly there is a "living" timepiece. And to think the Victorians did all this without modern technology, mostly all done by hand!
Enjoyed watching this documentary I was a time recorder service Engineer working on clocking in recorders for many years this video brought back lots of memories ♥️
I have just started on my watch-making journey. Since I was a small child I liked taking things apart that had been discarded as broken, with the idea I could learn why these items had stopped working without risking anything. Broken watches were always interesting and now I can learn how to repair them. Watching you remove rust was the information I'll use once I gain more knowledge, tools, and skills. Thank you for this wonderful video! Happy New Years!
Good luck on your journey. Glad the video was of use. M
How someone could make a chain that small by hand is amazing.
Yes it is crazy. There is a book about their manufacture calls... 'The chain makers'...M
I enjoyed watching that, lovely work, shame the minute hand couldn't be repaired I would like to see how that could be done. Thank you for taking the time to share this
Thanks for the kind comments. My thinking on the hand was that I do not have immediate access to a laser welder to solder/weld on a block of material. The hand is hardened so to do it with 'traditional' gas would have annealed it so for me that was a no-go. Easy to say but the process is relatively straightforward. An oversized chunk of metal is soldered on (what carat,,, 12 or 15?) then filed back to shape. Always interesting to reflect on decisions. If the watch or something similar comes my way I may well make a different choice. M
Nicely done! I’ve never seen the restoration of a watch this old… So different than what we now call a contemporary mechanical watch. I liked your epilogue, it was very thought-provoking and on point.
Thanks Mike. Yes, deff a different philosophy of making and repair. These watches have the vibe of seventeenth and early eighteenth century clocks whereas, as you say, the modern wristwatch is really a completely different animal.
Absolutely beautiful work, careful precise but not so OCD that you ruin the parts that still exists, I need to learn about being able to say good enough on some of the old watches I've worked on. 😁
Thank you for your kind feedback. Yes I agree, it is good to decide an approach and work towards that line, re-considering/evaluating as you go, considering the implications of more interventions. The outcome is rarely the same as the intent, so again, it is useful to reflect on what happened and how you might modify your approach in future. Good to remember there is no must, should or have to. If you hear those words, warning! M
I have viewed many many watch repairs and rebuilds ...This is one of the most fascinating yet. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Wonderful job, and wonderful philosophical approach.
Thank you Daniel. Appreciated. M
Great vid dude! Hope you make more
Thanks Denis. Yes, more vids on the way, just taking some time to get them done... M
Hope to see more! Thoroughly enjoyed. Bravo!
Thank you. More vids over the summer
very well done from the good ole' USA
Thank you!
I reverse a drill bit and use it as a pusher for the hinge pin.
What a masterful job, well done! Moreover, it was beautifully presented and explained. I look forward to more pocket watch repair jobs from you.
Thank you! I have a few different objects in the pipeline and yes, watches there too! M
@@readrepairs wonderful job on this , thoroughly enjoyed the video , what are your contact details please .
Best
Adrian
@@belcantoopera5137 www.clockmaker-conservator.co.uk
I have two similar watches (not cased) that are awaiting restoration. They are truly something wonderful to work on and look at.
That said, I can never get away from the 9 or 10 year old that had to make the fusee chain, probably in a dank musty cellar, by crummy oil or candle light. He or she would be lucky not to be blind by the age of 20 , if they made it that far.
The past gave us some great things , things we admire with good reason. But we should never forget the misery and outright slave labour that was involved with the creation of these timepieces
Paddy
Its a really good point. Much of history is glorified, liquid and glossed-over. Much of working conditions would have been unthinkable compared to what many of us experience today,,, and still are for many people.
Looking at the video again, on reflection I may have bushed the crown wheel end of the crown wheel arbor pivot hole. I see when I rotate the mobile with my air puffer there is a fair amount of side shake. This relatively easy and low intervention detail would have increased amplitude a bit? One of the many benefits of filming your work is you get a third party perspective. M
Hello, On the balance wheel. why not remove the rust and corosion? Perhaps it was just discolored but it is bad to remove with say 2000 grit sand paper or steel wool to make it uniform shiny? Thank you for the video of the restoration. It was such a treat to watch!
Hi Carl. Thanks for your message. Yes, from my perspective as a conservator I would not normally attempt to remove material in order to improve the appearance of a surface as it would remove/change surrounding material as well. Once any loose three-dimensional corrosion has ben removed and the component is stable for any likely environment, I would almost always leave as is on the understanding the (in this case) result of corrosion is not going to cause other issues. M
Very interesting - looking forward to next episode.
Thanks Keith! More to follow over the winter months. Matthew
Great of you to make this watch work again: 👏👍👌!
Great to see you get this lovely watch going without over restoring it. Look forward to the next.
I enjoyed this, nicely filmed. I hadn’t seen the technique with the balance spring and brass plate before, thanks for sharing.
Beautiful job I really enjoyed your work in this old beautiful
watch .I am really glad it worked out for you and the person that owns
This classic piece
complimenti non ho mai visto smontare il conoide !!!!!! è molto ricco di particolari!!
Grazie per il tuo gentile feedback.
That’s the prettiest dial I’ve ever seen
Thank you.
Sometimes it can pay to add a small amount of oil to a separate solvent portion for this exact type of thing. The solvent brings it in and thins it out but then the oil can make this movement easier
Thank you
That's a nice watch key
Yes, dunno where I got it from. One of those sizes that seems to fit many things!
Belle restauration j'ai fait refaire la même elle date du XVIII... elle fonctionne très bien
I have never seen a crown wheel escapement. Thank you for this video.
Thanks for the kind feedback.
Keep repairing, I really enjoyed this
Thank you!
delightful presentation thank you.Beautiful watch and restoration
Thank you for your kind comments. Matthew
Increíble trabajo de restauración de una hermosa reliquia. Tengo uno similar de repetición que no funciona. Lo triste es que en mi país no encontré un relojero que lo pueda reparar.
Gracias por tu amable comentario. Espero que encuentre un reparador para su reloj. Puede ser útil ponerse en contacto con su asociación nacional de relojería.
I have bought a fusee watch with a broken chain, the balance staff is good if I apply tension by pulling the chain with say my hand would the movement run? The purpose of this would be to check if the rest of the moment is in running order. I don’t want to damage the movement.
Hiya. Using a fine pair of tweezers, carefully unwind and unhook the chain from the fusee and the mainspring barrel. If you pull on the broken chain it may jam and make things worse as there is so little room in there. Once the chain is safely out of the way, you can use the watch winding key on the fusee winding square to gently apply power to the train. If the watch is keyless wind, use a piece of peg wood on the fusee great wheel teeth to operate the train. Hope this helps. M
Well done! All things considered in regard to corrosion, a pre-jeweled movement, and parts fabrication, I am impressed with the outcome of this timepiece. This is only the second opportunity to witness a fusee powered movement. The ornate filigree, and decorative motifs of engraving were breathtaking. Such attention to superficial luxuries that the watch owner would never see. Nevertheless it was a pedigree of status in the 19th century. I look forward to forthcoming episodes with great eagerness.
Thanks for the positive feedback. Appreciated.
Thank you for the kind feedback...
Great first video. Nice to see such a different movement and different techniques to deal with it.
Thank you. Your positive comments are appreciated. Matthew
Thank you for the incredibly detailed video! I have two similar watches, thankfully in very well running condition. I've often wondered when the transition period was between the regulator disk being phased out and replaced with a metal pointer over the etching between Fast and Slow. Mine seems to have the latter, but the regulator disk pillar is still present with what appears to be a wafer thin disk made of blued steel in its place. Looking underneath, I don't see any evidence that it's connected to anything that would actually regulate the beat. The history of these is always fascinating with a bit of mystery involved!
Thanks for your message. I believe the Bosely style regulator was invented around the missile of the eighteenth century that ultimately superseded the Tompion style one with the disc. Like all these technology developments when something "better' comes along there is a significant period where the old technology hangs. A bit like the conversion from balance in clocks to pendulum or verge escapement to anchor recoil, it may be that your watch was conveyed (updated)... many were. Yours, Matthew
Middle
I enjoyed your step-by-step process I found it fascinating thank you so much for restoring that Watch treasure. Looking forward to seeing more. Thank you
I like all his tips one of the springs is very rusty put it in vinegar it's very gentle and leaves it derusted worth a try you don't put any in due force on parts
Ah yes I heard that. I'll do some experiments. Thank you.
Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you
What a masterful repair work! That was a very instructive and enjoyable video, beautifully videographed and narrated, thank you very much. I have a working fusee movement but the motion works and dial are missing. What are the chances of cannibalising these from other scrap watches?
Thanks for your kind feedback. The chances of finding spare motion work wheels is really slim. Even if you were able to find wheels with the correct train count, because the watches were all hand-made, interchangeability really wasn't a thing I'm afraid. M
This was a nice video to watch (pun unintended, haha). I am primarily a clock collector, and I have no huge desire to delve into watches, but have given some thought recently about trying to get a verge watch. The parts seem large enough and simple enough to work on, and I know I'd have the time, patience, and attention to detail to work on one. I just think they're so beautiful with all the engravings.
Its a great place to start. Modern watches are not all about parts fitting but these watches are lovely 'organic' and as you say, the parts are not crazy small. They are still great value for money too.
Enjoyable and informative. Please post more. ✋🏻
Thank you! More videos coming over the winter. m
Neat to see an older watch repair, the other channels I subscribe to tend towards newer watches.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Quite impressive young lad.
I hope to see many more from you.
Thank you! Appreciated.
Nice trick to flatten the Hairspring!
Thanks! It's not my invention of course but glad it is of interest. M
Beautiful work. I hope to see more videos from you in the future.
Thank you. Yes, more vids on different kinds of objects over the winter…
i have one from around 1900 and the fusee chain has come off i kept it in the watch its just a pity it does not work
Fantastic! Thank you, I love fusee watches and now have seen the detail of their inner workings!
Thank you for kind feedback. More object repair videos over the winter. Matthew
Very nice and informative! When's the next video coming?
Thank you! I am on with a couple of videos at the moment. Sorry they take ages but have to fit round other work. M
@@readrepairs okay and np
Been looking at a lot of these earlier watches lately, there’s actually a clock museum here and at some point I was thinking about looking at least a fusee type movement or few, (be nice to try working on something without being too frightened about damaging a complete watch, of course if I mess anything up the clock museum can help me or at least use the parts) I have great dexterity (and have fixed antiques and vintage/antique electronics) in the past. Looks like it could be something in my league and would really make for interesting items to add to my mini-museum.
Go for it!
Great video! And lovely to see a "restoration" video, here on YT, where ethics of conservation is discussed and followed. Subbed.
Thank you. I'll be following-up over winter with more vids in the same theme but different types of object.
M
@@readrepairs - You've got 1,520+ subscribers. More videos please. 😃
From one restorer to another, this was a fantastic video! Enjoyed it thoroughly and you did a fine job. Subscribed and looking forward to more!
Thank you for the kind feedback. Appreciated.
Very nice repair great work, would have been a beautiful watch with a polish.
I tend to err on the conservation side of things so polishing isnt really part of my practice but thanks for your comment, I'll keep it in mind.
Thank you for posting this video.
Glad you enjoyed it
GREAT VIDEO, GREAT JOB, SEE YOU NEXT TIME...
Thanks Catfish. Appreciated. Matthew
Good job but I've never know an outer case round button to be grooved. The steel work still needed rust treatment such as the Canon and movement catch. I thought it was an early 19th century watch not mid.
Hi Jim, thanks for your feedback. Yes, the watch owner (at present) is elderly so I put the thumb nail groove there to make it easier to open. I did at one point look up the hallmark. I think it is shown in the film? Certainly, the watch is of an earlier manufacturing style that persisted. Matthew
... as for the rusting. I have covered in other responses here. Under a different set of circumstances, yes a different course of action may or not have been more appropriate. I derusted in turpentine with brushes and some removal of looser material. Given the relic/operational status of the object, I'm pretty happy with the outcome although, I admit, practice is fluid and the feedback here certainly influences future intent one way or the other! Matthew