Restoring an UNWANTED 80 year old ROLEX Heirloom
Вставка
- Опубліковано 16 вер 2023
- This Rolex from the 1950s belong to a man born in the 1800s. It has his name engraved on the back and the new owners wants it polished out. So watch to see how I tackle this rolex restoration. It has a 10 1/2 Caliber 700 movement with a Breguet over coil that needs fixing.
Watch case restoration
Some tools and starter kits available here www.amazon.co.uk/shop/nekkid_...
If you would like to support me through patreon or need private one-to-one help with your projects then use the link below
www.patreon.com/Nekkidwatchma...
Fancy a nice nekkid watchmaker T-shirt?
my-store-9611913.creator-spri...
#rolex#restorations#asmr
Thank you for making this man’s life be remembered if for no more time than this video. When you think about this man’s life, he lived through 2 world wars, the roaring 20s, the depression, early computers, television. But all that’s really important was that he probably had a wife, children, grandchildren. Family is all that defines us when we leave this earth. God bless you and your family.
Thanks mate and the same to you and yours
When I leave this earth I’ll leave no one behind. This is done on purpose; I’ll ask the powers that be to erase my memory permanently.
Very likely he worked on valves/tube technologies for Mullard and that was the height of technology at the time.
Such a wonderful comment jwall6006
@@tonys9413as per the complete tomfukery of the internet you will now be remembered for all time tonys9413
The good old days when your employer rewarded your 30 years loyal service with a gold Rolex.
I worked nearly 40 years as a registered nurse, recently retired, and didn’t even get a sandwich ! 😂
Fabulous video ❤
Yup days of employers showing appreciation are long gone despite all the management bullshit.
Yup, loyalty has been beaten out of the worker
G
ffff
Yep, I just leave company for which I work 39 yrs, 9 months and receive nothing! I'm still working!
The patience and care of the guy... Incredible! If he treats his wife the same, she is a lucky, lucky woman.
As a 74 year old veteran, I appreciate what you said at the end. I am amazed at the skill you have and hope your child learns from you. You are an artist and good man. I wish I had your talent in this field. Myself, I'm just an old physician. God Bless.
leave your god bless off UA-cam. you tube is religion neutral and a safe place from your gods and magic beliefs
❤ thanks for your Service Doc! Semper Fi😊
Only 5 minutes in, and this man has already fixed a bent hairspring and got it to +7 seconds before any regulating. Is no one else blown away by this? Amazing
Yep and high altitude as well. Crazy
@@brunonjezic6208 i have never noticed altitude to affect my watch.
@@brunonjezic6208 *amplitude, dude! 😀
A GREAT outlook toward life and treasures left behind.
I have such admiration for individuals who GIVE their all towards perfection and respect towards their craft.
Thank you for sharing your skills and HEART with us. I am now a follower because of this amazing video.
Peace and prosperity to you and your family.
I didn’t even know that this is possible… how? It’s deformed metal…
I'm really glad that you decided not to erase the history of this watch. Mullard was best known for their audio valves (vacuum tubes), which remain prized by audiophiles to this day. There are now licensed copies available, but they made in Russia. The main Mullard factory during the time Mr McBride worked for them was in Blackburn, so perhaps he worked there. They employed 3000 people and could produce half a million valves per day.
There is a good UA-cam video from this factory's production of vacuum tubes: "Mullard - The Blackburn Vacuum Tubes Factory" by FilmesJP. It is a fascinating video to watch.
Indeed. Mullard vacuum tubes are holy grail to us vintage Marshall amplifier guys.
The Mullard factory in Blackburn didn't open until the '30s. It's more likely that if employed by Mullards from 23 onwards he worked at the Mitcham factory, maybe having started at the Balham. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullard
@TheZl9000 And Valves under Mullard (now build in russia) name are still sold ! Have some in my Marshall's guitar Amp as you say what a great restoration
@@TheZl9000Vox amps too
This video made me think. On the back of my Rolex is my mother’s birthdate, a tribute to her; I purchased it after she left this Earth. I wonder who will see (and hopefully wear) that engraving long after I’m gone.
Almost in tears for the last 15 mins of the vlog. You kept the histroy of this incredible timepiece alive by leaving its birth certificate with it. I hope this priceless gem finds its lost heritage in the near future. You are an amazing watchmaker. Thanks for sharing. God blessings.
I completely agree
"We take nothing with us, but we can leave so much behind." Well said. Good on you for not removing the engraving - it may not count as provenance but it certainly is part of the watch's history. Great job as always on the restoration - not only are you an artisan, you're a surgeon. And thanks for adding the brief history of the companies and the components - it makes the video that much more interesting.
When people talk about the knocks + bumps and patina telling the history I’m always confused why people would want to erase the engraving which is if nothing else how the knocks and bumps got there in the first place. Thank you for keeping the history of it, it’s more valuable in social history than it is in pure money❤
I've had favorite pieces jewelry "remade" after years of wear. The pieces may look impressive, but they're never the same. It's as if an energy was removed from them. Whereas simply having the piece repaired doesn't take away from it's presence.
❤ I agree with you.
Excellent tutorial, humor, and lesson!
In all my years of watching UA-cam I stumble onto your page.
That's without doubt the most therapeutic video I've ever seen.
Thank you.....
So glad you kept the engraving. I think it adds to the watch, not detract, plus it's well done. This came out so nice!
I have no doubt that the engraving was done by the steady hand and keen eye of a master craftsman of the day.
It still doesn't change the fact that an engraved watch really brings down the value unless, like Joe pointed out, the original owner was famous/infamous. On the other hand, a expert can tell if the case back was ground down to remove the engraving, which diminishes the value of the watch. In this instance not grinding off the engraving was the right thing to do since doing so would not improve the value anyway.
So glad it was kept!
and welding in new material would almost be impossible to disguise and match the original alloy....@@MrSloika
I also was very impressed by the fact that you did not "wire weld the heck" out of the engraving ! It shows respect for the accomplishments of others, something that no culture can survive without. I didn't hear your son say anything that should keep him out of America, maybe it even saved him a seat in first class.
I will let him know, thanks
What a wonderful story you tell while you work your magic, the engravings tell their own story and I’m glad you preserved them.
NOS Mullard tubes are still highly sought after by hi-fi enthusiasts. I have a few in my stash from the late 50's. They don't make them like they used to. I would definitely think that was bonus to have that history with the watch.
Beautiful restoration. The history was worth keeping.
I agree. I would get far more pleasure from the watch if it retains its original history.
I spend 38 years with a company and I so wanted a watch when I retired sadly many companies no longer value long service and they do nothing for a long term employee when they retire. I would myself have been honored to find and buy a watch like this one, that celebrates another’s long service because I understand what that means
Every person has two deaths . The physical one and when it is forgotten. Thank you for keeping this man's history alive . You made my eyes wet at the end .
Greetings and respect from a greek historian .
Just like we all have 2 lives. The second one begins when you realize you will not live for ever.
well everyboy will be forgontten..its jsut a question of time...
Outstanding renovation. I always learn something new from your videos. Your "beyond the renovation" messages are great too.
I love that you didn’t wipe out the engraving. I would think that adds value. For an old watch, it’s nice to know the history of it. If I had a McBride in the family I would definitely buy it.
So glad you saved the engraving - it is part of the watch and its history. I restore old radios and come across Mullard components all the time. A beautiful watch and a famous and revered company. What an honour it must have been for Mr McBride to be presented with such a gift.
In a way the company never went "out of business" as they were in a partnership with Philips who eventually bought them out...Philips used the name for a while until renaming the company(not closing)
We had a Mullard factory near where I lived in Southport, Lancashire. They regularly took apprentices from the local schools. My friend’s father worked all his life there and his son, my friend, started there after he left school at sixteen. They had draughtsmen, lathe turners and electricians. Phillips took them over sometime in the seventies. I’m so glad you persuaded the owner to leave the engraving. Best wishes from France.
AB McBride was the retail boss of Mullard's Scotland division, so a whole country!
I love watch engravings, great social history, I bid on one once, the person had been a mayor of Manchester. Another one, a GP Gyromatic I owned was dated to 1957, the first Gyromatic year, and some great proof to make it more attractive when I eventually sold it.
I've watched a fair share of these watch restoration videos. This one for some reason I find truly mesmirising. Maybe because the watch is very old or the narators tone of voice.
You go beyond on each release in every aspect of your videos. Not only the image quality but also EVERYTHING. The music, the histories, your handcrafts, the timing, the framing and the most important, the time pieces.
Thank you for your inspiring work. Please, don't give up like the watch repair channel. If necessary, take as many sponsors as needed.
Thank you 🙏
Inspiring words at the end uplifted me so much. As for the watch. Truly magical how you restored it to glory. Thank goodness the owner was happy to let the beautiful engraving stay. Thank you as always!
Thanks Michael
Having worn my Rolex for 59 years now, this a beautiful restoration. Very impressed by the care taken!
WOW!Such a long time wearing your Rolex.What model is it?
My Seiko is doing well at 45 years, it`s seen some hard times and just kept going same steel strap only been serviced twice.
@@RiazKhan-el9nh he jsut use it at weekenmds and time to time...
I am astounded by your skills. I am a carpenter by trade. It's something I acquired through time and diligence. It appears to be a schedule you follow and it is ingrained in your mind, the entire process. Making decisions as they are needed and to stop where it is not. I couldn't respect you more I too get to reflect and stand back. To have praise that is absolutely worthy. Your humility is mighty. Thank you for sharing your wisdom as well as your experience. It's truly a gift. Your humor and wit is killing me sometimes. I laugh out loud as my wife eyes me in wonder. Please never lose the shine that exist within you. You give so much hope to so many people. ...just thank you.~Sincerely, Daniel John Forbes
Mullard vacuum tube company. Legendary! Might be of value to an audiophile or guitar player.
Yes, legendary vacuum tubes (called valves in the UK) and some quite valuable. My grandfather had a side business working on televisions in the 1950s-1960s. I still have nice collection of his vacuum tubes, some manufactured by Mullard.
I agree. I think for a Tube / Valve audiophile, this inscription is not detrimental.
Sir your work never disappoints thank you for your videos and great work
Watched this with my 6 year old son and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful result!
“Wow”That was nice. I loved the ending.
Nice, perfect video before bed 😁
A beautiful sympathetic restoration , leaving the engraving was the right thing to do , wishing your family peace and happiness
I felt as if I were seated next to you, and you were speaking to me about this watch as you repaired it. I was mesmerized.
I love how you can put forth amazing care, craftsmanship and humor at the same time. Keeping it light hearted, humorous and yet deadly serious at the same time. Watching a fine craftsman at work never gets old. Amazing restoration. Thanks for sharing.
Many years ago I started watching Mark Lovick. Have watched many other watchmaker channels but Joe is IMO, one of a few that are next level skilled. You can see the experience in every video. It was Joe who helped me take the next step from collector to watchmaking so my hats off to you sir.
Thanks mate. Glad to hear your tinkering. Mark lovick is a great watchmaker
Mullard, famous for manufacturing electrical valves. Glass bottles with magic inside now replaced by invisible transistors and micro circuits encapsulated in plastic. This man would be staggered to see how the world of electronics has moved on. Glad you kept the inscription, I would have paid more with that on if I could afford a Rolex.
Mullard valves (tubes) are still very much revered in the guitar amplifier community. Obviously not many left now but their excellent reputition lives on.
An etched grave stone is sterile and lifeless of one who was and is no more, but an engraved timepiece tells a story of one who was and still lives through what he once owned.❤
Glad to see that you saved the history of this piece. For me, maybe I'm just a sentimental, a piece with a history behind is much more valuable than something without.
You made excellent decision in keeping the engraving. High marks for keeping history alive, no matter how small or what we feel may be insignificant. Job well done!
Excellent decision.
I restore vintage tube amps and I would pay extra for that original engraving.
Funny world.
Love watching your work.
As a guitarist this is fascinating as Mullard made vacuum tubes (valves) which are still highly prized in guitar amplifiers. The Mullard name is legendary.
Watching you and Trouble work together is so relaxing and educational. Love your videos! Superb photography! Very grateful for you and your productions!
Thank you 🙏
I agree. I think Joe should consider making movies for kids -- narrating them himself. Alas, the day would not be long enough, but it's a pleasant thought.
Wow! This may be my favourite episode yet. It is not just becuase the superb restoration but also the untold history of its former owner. Thanks for sharing, Nekkid.
Thank you 🙏
It seems a real shame to remove that engraving…. I think it would add value in my opinion, particularly given the dates.
Edit** well, after finishing the video…it was heartening and a relief to see how you handled the engraving🙏
Beautifully done!
Sterling decision to keep the engraving. A Piece of history. Priceless. Well done 👍🏼
Great video as usual. I think the engraving adds charm and provenance, especially if has tender words. Even if it was given as gift after many years service its best to keep it. Its all part of the watches history. A few years ago I sold a 1951 9ct gold Rotary which has an inscription thanking the recipient for 50 years service. He received the watch for his whole life's service. If I had removed the inscription it would be like wiping his life away. Keep making the videos. Yours is the best watch repair channel on UA-cam.
As far as I'm concerned, you did the right thing by keeping this engraving.
Also, I'm in awe of your skills and experience when fixing that hairspring. Just, wow.
Thank you!
I love vintage engraved case backs, that history.
Fantastic words at the end,brought a tear to a old non believer 😢
Thanks for saving this man from the dustbin of time.
The Engraving is what makes the watch special, I'd actually pay more for a wonderful history such as shown on this Rolex, Beautiful Restoration as usual.
Its a shame this watch didnt stay in the family but at least the new owner wanted it restored and agreed not to polish out the presentation on the back.
You did a beautiful job in restoring, cleaning and repairing it! Thank you!⌚️
So glad you kept the history of that time peace In tac... Our time is just A footprint in the sand of this world.. And just Because it gets washed away to a greater Journey... Does not mean it Should be forgotten... Excellent video.. Wherever This man rest.. You're acknowledgment of his life just fracture time and space... Just to return to him. A beautiful breeze of remembrance...
This is such a wonderful video. I've only recently started watching a few watch making/restoration films. I find them strangely therapeutic and relaxing! Admiring the patience and precision of watchmakers/restorers. I'm an exiled Brummie, congratulations of the film and well done for remembering the gentleman that this watch belonged to. Cheers.
A beautiful restoration as ever. So glad you kept the engraving. For me, this additional provenance would add to the value of an antique watch - not detract.
Beautiful sympathetic restoration. I was watching the video and it brought back memories of my grandfather. He was also born in the late 1800s, and he also served in both World wars. So a similar story to the original owner of this watch. The watch is just gorgeous and it is a testament to exquisite 20th century craftsmanship.
your a good man to save the watch memory. you spoke of your son. teach him that important thought process he will always remember and pass it on to his sons and so on . who knows the world might get better
bob
You are not truly gone before anyone stops thinking of you. Good thing you left the engraving as is.
Personally, my collection has been as much about engravings as watches, especially on dress pieces I rarely wear (and therefore won’t rub off the engraving). I bought my Patek just after my dad (who was born in feb of 46) died in March of ‘21, my maternal grandmother had died the week before Christmas of 20, and the Patek was engraved “To Charlie from Esther, Christmas 1945”. For me, It memorializes its own history, my grandmothers, and my fathers. I pray nobody ever does what your customer was contemplating to it; I have no children and it will end up in the hands of somebody who possibly thinks nothing of any of it.
To look beyond the “thing” and see a man’s life instead-that’s just so right. Expertly conserved watch, beautifully told story. We miss your videos and are always delighted when there is a new one. Hoping you and your family are well always.
I'm happy you kept the engraving.
Wow, never thought a hair spring repair could be done. That’s awesome
I would hate to see that engraving go.
Same! But... Money talks.
@@GeminiWoods a poison on our world and on humanity.
His judgment on what engravings are worth keeping and others that aren’t is spot on.
Mullard was a great company that made some of the best audio tubes (valves) ever made. That engraving makes the watch more interesting to me, not less.
@@hugeshowscall the owner and say you want to buy it.
You are an absolute wizard with watches as you in still pure magic on every restoration, in my opinion. Lovely workmanship. To be given this Rolex for service would mean he was quite a flyer in the business world. I would have thought.
So happy you were sympathetic to its original owner, very touching. And the “ Dumpling” was funny too. Thanks for sharing your skills and humour and humanity, we sure need it these days❤
Thanks for adding such a personal touch to this video with both preserving what you could of this man's life and the interactions with your son. Enhancing the videos we are all here to see
wow you did the man justice and respect by leaving his name that just adds to beauty of it all, wonderful work
Joe, your sense of “doing the right thing” was exactly what I have come to expect from you. A very valuable life lesson for Trouble 🦖 as well. Fantastic video as usual. Be well, and Peace ☮️
Thanks joe
Thanks for your videos which I enjoy not only to see you use your craft but also for the warmth of your narrative and the occasional , but welcome, intrusion of your young son.
I feel like a better person for having watched your video. Thank you!
I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video.
I also really appreciated the way you made the video engaging and entertaining. You kept my attention throughout the entire video, and I never felt bored or lost. I would definitely recommend your video to anyone who is interested in learning more about the video.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for not erasing that man’s name…. It may be the only thing in this world that still has his name on it, aside from his is tombstone.❤️
I retired after working in one place for 30 years and received a "we wish you well" and a plate of sandwiches and an extra 10 minutes for morning tea. I don't think I was missed and I won't miss that place. Although I am really enjoying retirement.,a gold Rolex would have been nice.
A splendid and sparkling review.
With a lot of good wisdom included
Thanks for having the patience and fortitude, not to mention the skill, necessary to restore the hair spring! That was an awesome bit of work!!
To me, the engraving seems like part of the history of the watch. I like the trick using rodico&paper as a pattern to align the bend of the breguet. It is sad to see the long scratches on the train bridge.
I love that old engraved back. It would be a plus to me knowing some history. God bless A.B. McBride where ever you are.
You kept the man's memory and legacy alive and you don't even know him, hope your memory and legacy will be preserved too. Our journey never really ends, on we go to the next unending journey.
Just want to say thanks for being an amazing dad. Your son is lucky to have you, as I'm sure you are lucky to have him!
Thank you 🙏
Wonderful work as always !! AB would be glad to know his watch is in good hands!
I'm so glad you kept the history alive with that watch. And what a beautiful piece it is.
We are glad to have you all visit us!
ANYTIME 😊😊😊
JM
You are truly a master of your craft!
I love the words of wisdom at the end of each of your videos! Thank you for such an entertaining and clean fun! So cool to see these sort of repairs bringing back to life this good old treasures in a throw-away society like we have now
Thanks Carlos
That is a Beautiful watch!! The save on the Hairspring and the re-calibration was amazing! I concur that leaving the Engraving was a great save! The engraving is the heart and soul of the watch!! Your apprentice is doing well like Bob Cratchit ;) !! I hope when he is older that he reviews your channel and has fond memories of you!!!! Time will tell!!
Beautiful, well done, glad you left the engraving. History vanishes well enough on it’s on.
Your work and comments bring to me a sense of tranquility. Thank you.
Beautifully and skilfully restored. A true craftsman.
Welcome back ! Great to see you again! Im happy to see that you kept the engraving, I like seeing history preserved for younger generations so they can research the past , and its fun to do the research on engravings sometimes.
you put a smile on my face and warm my heart knowing there are good caring people like you and your children are lucky to have a dad like you and OMG you have crazy skills that transformation is crazy
I am so freakin impressed with how easily you take this watch apart and restore it back to it's original beauty. If I were to take it apart It would just be a pile of steam punk parts. lol. This is like watching a heart surgeon doing a transplant. What a beautiful job you did.
Beautiful Watch! You did the right thing keeping it's history. My Grandfather was a Watchmaker, was still repairing watches into his 80's. Love your restorations.
Thanks for the Sunday surprise. Wonderful restoration. Of all the incredible work that you do, Joe, your work on hairsprings is the most amazing. Good to see that Trouble is still causing trouble. He's growing so fast. You and the family be safe until the next time.
Thanks David
Thank you for respecting the piece. To me: anyone can by a Rolex... needs just the right amount of money and the availability on the market. But getting such a unique piece... priceless.
I’d be proud to wear that watch. Lovely restoration and story telling. Many thanks.
Loved the intricacy of the balance spring work, you are so talented. I agree with the decision not to remove the engraving, to me that just increases its appeal. Beautiful job.
I always enjoy watching your awesome craftsmanship, loving interactions with your son and heartwarming consideration for the sentimentality behind this particular watch. Thank you! Bless you! ❤🙏🙏🙏❤
As always, your watch restauration videos are simply magnificent. I wish I had your talent. Keep doing what you're doing.
I can see you have inspired many on here not only with your exceptional mastery of the watchmaking trade but your humble way of presenting to me, what makes us human in spirit, God bless you and your family they must be so grateful for you being in their life Aymen