Elgin From the 1880s Vintage Pocket Watch Restoration
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 січ 2021
- Marshall's friend Woodrow inherited an Elgin pocket watch from the 1880s in dire need of some restoration work. Join Marshall as he dives into the dirtiest vintage watch restoration he's taken on yet!
Support Wristwatch Revival via Patreon: / wristwatchrevival
Visit Sutcliffe Hansen for toolkits, revived watches, straps and more: sutcliffehansen.com/
Follow on Instagram for Project Updates in between video releases: @wristwatch_revival
------------------------------------
These are Amazon affiliate links to some of the equipment used for these videos and purchasing anything through them helps support the channel.
WATCHMAKING TOOLS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON:
Bergeon Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/34URcok
Dumont Tweezer #3: amzn.to/2YX4Hjl
Bergeon Springbar Tool: amzn.to/3jF8pX1
Bergeon Case Opening Ball: amzn.to/34VLbYg
Bergeon Presto Hand Removal Tool: amzn.to/3bfHtdo
Bergeon Movement Holder: amzn.to/3hQsY29
Horotec Hand Setting Tools: amzn.to/2Gdye1K
Rodico: amzn.to/32K0PDG
Bergeon Blower: amzn.to/34RgVxX
Bergeon Case Opening Knife: amzn.to/34VHr9e
Bergeon Quick Service Kit: amzn.to/2QHnScC
Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine: amzn.to/3i6BBER
Amscope Microscope: amzn.to/2EuReZ4
Multifunction Timegrapher: amzn.to/344jw5I
CAMERAS AND AUDIO:
Main Camera, Sony A7III: amzn.to/2Dk3Q4K
Secondary Camera, Sony RXVI: amzn.to/2Dlrwpx
Main Macro Lens, Sigma 70mm f/2.8: amzn.to/3lD4Wdb
Camlink 4k Video Converter: amzn.to/3hTiiQf
Rode USB Microphone: amzn.to/2EQphLb
Audio Recorder, ZOOM H6: amzn.to/31R11BQ
Small Sirui Tripod: amzn.to/2YVgeQl
Sirui Tripod Head for Overhad Camera: amzn.to/2QNoNZ8
COMPUTER STUFF:
Apple Macbook Pro: amzn.to/2EFPKvr
Synology NAS: amzn.to/3bpVTaY
Seagate HDDs for NAS: amzn.to/3hQ5hqt
Samsung Portable Drive: amzn.to/34UdhTT - Навчання та стиль
First was horse hoof grooming, than it was lock-picking, and now I’m obsessed with watch repairing.
I see car detailing in your future!
@@davidtaylor4975 Nah already did that one actually.
@@isaacwilcox3010 try magnet fishing next. Always fun stuff there, or chemical disaster breakdowns by the USCSB
Paint conservation is next! Highly recommend Baumgartner Restoration. Julian is awesome
I just came across a dude who restores paintings. Baumgartner Restoration, look him up. It's cool and satisfying.
It amazes me that he can remember where all the parts go in a device that he hasn't seen before.
Like he said, it's intuition. You do something enough times you tend to remember without any reminders or cheat-sheet
@@DAMIENDMILLS no doubt it's intuition, but also...he's filming it. he can just look back at the footage lol
It's fairly easy to know once you have done it few times. Also camera and pictures are a neat tool. But pocketwatch is easy enough to guess where it all goes.
It's all in remembering how you disassemble something. In this case he has the video to remind him. All he has to do is stop recording and make another copy of the disassembly portion for reference. When I'm working on a laptop I'm not familiar with I use a still camera at each major disassembly point for my reference. In my case it's only to make sure I get the wiring cables back right so they don't get pinched during reassembly. Most major parts will only go back where they came from. A good memory is essential but it doesn't hurt to back that up.
Everyone's saying its easy to remember when you've done it several times.... but he didn't know to push the button on top to open the front cover? Everyone knows thats how you open the cover on a pocket watch. Not hating.... just seems a bit odd to me
Hi, I'm a watchmaker in my eighties with over 65 years experience in making any part for old watches. I thoroughly enjoyed your video, just a couple of points a bridge is when it is supported at both sides by two or more screws when as in a balance plate it is called a cock supported by one screw, and I would have thought that you would have tightened the bow. But all in all a very interesting video well done.
do you happen to live in British Columbia?
@@Drive3SIX5 i do
What’s purpose of turning screws blue?
@@hjackwingo or getting tattooed?
@@hjackwingo Bluing helps protect from rust :)
I would love to see the way these mechanisms were made in the 1880s . Such precision is incredible
I know right?
Exactly what I was thinking. How were the parts manufactured back then?
Gotta be little hack saws and files
Child labor laws ruined this country!! 😂😂
Precisely. I really want to know how they did the plating in the 1880s!
I had no intention of sitting through a pocket watch revival today, but here we are. Well done and thank you.
I’ve sat through 3 today! Heeeeeeeeeeelp!
THE MOST DIFFICULT TO ME IS GET THE NEW JEWLS THEYA RE A PAIN IN THE ASS to find, whith the correct size
Same!
Me, having never seen anyone take apart a watch and having no idea what anything means:
“Hmm yes, the crown wheel. And yes, that’s the escape wheel. Can’t forget those.”
Same 😞🖐️
@@z..569 I have no idea what anything means or how a watch works either but I find these videos strangely compelling to watch (no pun intended ! )
This video genuinely inspired me to repair a watch of my own, and I embarked on repairing a Waltham model 1888 (dates from 1893). It was an heirloom from my grandparents that was originally owned by my great-great grandfather as his retirement gift. I'm glad to say it now runs better than when I got it. Thank you for inspiring me Marshall!
sometimes all things need is a good cleaning, and maybe a replacement drum spring.
I have the Elgin watch as seen in this video from the 1800's as well, Elgin started producing them in 1864. It was passed on to me from my Grandfather when I turned 18. I have had the watch for 40 plus year now My grandfather was born in 1912 and my Great Grandfather purchased the watch well before my grandfather was born. I anticipate I will pass it along to my sons or my grandson as well.
Look who i found on the internet
Yeah, but where did you get the parts and what is the ultrasonic cleaner that you used?
@@tomasinacovell4293Most jewelers and watchmakers are unaware that a high frequency ultrasonic cleaner is the best, something over 65ghz. The drawback is that they are a lot more expensive.
I'm sure that some people may think this is boring, but I am totally fascinated by your skills. I really appreciate everything that you do.
Another in your series of outstanding lessons! A few thoughts: These vintage watches weren’t meant to be lubricated by today’s Moebius lubricants, so that might explain why it’s running fast. I was taught not to lubricate the pallet fork pivots; doing so can contribute to running fast. Finally, Adam H is right about closing the case - always depress the stem, close the case, and then release the stem. Especially with a gold case.
This video is particularly outstanding because you encountered problems along the way and you walked the audience through the diagnosis and the fix. This is the real challenge in watch repairs. There are lots of good videos showing tear down, cleaning, reassembly and everything ends up fine. The really good ones teach us what to think about when things don’t work out as planned.
Kudos!
Use 9010 on the escape wheel, balance jewels, and pallet jewels. Everything else use d-5 and I mean everything. And yes you are correct the pallet is an anchor and the pivots need NO OIL EVER ON ANY WATCH!
Good advice. I don't oil the pallets and didn't here, and good stuff about the case, thanks!
...the way I heard it- in Swiss watches- the pallet fork pivots are NOT oiled if they are are JEWELED- but the pallet fork pivots ARE oiled if the pivots are NOT JEWELED- because there is metal to metal contact.
What's more, the FACES of the pallet stones are oiled, or the watch will run FAST- but the roller jewel is NEVER oiled.
@@WristwatchRevival I am a watchmaker and I would highly suggest to lubricate the pallet jewels as it causes the escape wheel teeth to round over time if you don’t do so. But you did a really good job as a hobbyist reviving this piece!!
@@itsjustjeremy186 no need to yell
I'm just blown away that something so small and precise could be made so long ago.
SuburbanDon Look at what John Harrison was doing in the middle eighteenth century.
The 1880s weren't that long ago. The telephone and typewriter had already been invented.
Well God made what's in between your legs
Check out videos about the Antikythera Mechanism
@@jackp1952 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
My brother-in-law is a retired watchmaker working from a bench for56 years. He's paying for it now with lower back pain problems. I use to watch him bending over that bench for hours restoring wrist watches. Many people who knew our family relationship would say, if you had your watch reconditioned by Steve, it would run forever. I'd like to know how many watches were cleaned and repaired in those 56 years? Much respect for the people keeping our world running on time.
Marshall is wonderful the best ever
Beautiful work. I've been a watch/clock enthusiast and restorer since '62, but never expected to see the kind of work you do presented in such an entertaining fashion. Great fun!
That dirt is older than anyone watching this! 😀
Except you.
@@waynecummings5021 yeah ... funny guy ... you should try stand up ...
@@RichardT2112 I do sit-down comedy - like Dave Allen.
Sir I have laughed for hours at Dave Allen, and from what I’ve seen here today, you sir are no Dave Allen.
May your god go with you😀
Considering it's 140 years old, I think 4 minutes a day is good enough! It's amazing that you've got such a fine, antique timepiece in good working order.
Yeah, that 'hair Spring' adjustment work is pretty hairy business for sure. There are videos about fitting a new one and the process is hard to fathom.
maybe it is okay by todays standards where you can look up the atom clock online. i wonder what the reference for the time was back then.
@@Christian-ib1gd when the sun was at its highest point it was 12 noon, when it got dark it was nighttime 😁
I have been binge watching this videos. It is so peaceful watching you do this restoration. Love them. Beautiful work you do
You brought back life from over a hundred years ago! That watch is a work of art.
I grew up in Elgin and as a youngster, I watched as they blew up the old watch tower. A big chunk of our city history gone forever. Thanks for restoring this piece of our history!
Hey Kling. I noticed a couple people posting that 'Elgin' is pronounced with a hard 'g', as in 'good'. Wikipedia shows it as a soft 'j', as in 'jam'. How do the natives say it, and is there a difference in pronouncing the name of the city and the name of watch company?
@@wryanddry2266 Natives pronounce it EL-jin.
ua-cam.com/video/d3h1lI5XUDw/v-deo.html
@@wryanddry2266 ...yep, soft "J" My maternal grandmother moved from Harvard, IL to Elgin in the early 20th century to work at ENW. My history thesis in college was concentrated round this. It was a very different world for women in the workforce. My mother also worked at the watch factory. My grandfather and his brothers were builders of some renown, especially on the north side ( Royal Blvd is named for my grandfather! ) having built the Eagle Heights shopping center where Gromer's was. I was somewhere in the Army when i heard about the tower. I have a few Elgin pocket watches. Treasured. i left the area and Illinois when I joined the Army and haven't looked back!
@@wryanddry2266 The city got its name from an old Scottish tune called "Elgin", which was a favourite of the city's founder.
He himself may not have been aware that the correct pronunciation of the name was with a 'hard' g, as in Guatemala, and not a 'soft' g, as in Germany.
The watch company took its brand name from the City's name.
New Nekkid watchmaker AND wristwatch revival vids in the same day? Okay now this is epic
hell yay, two of the greatest channels on UA-cam.
This Is One of the best you tube Channel and you have great Style and great technique. Marvellas. I am your Italian follower. Bravo, bravissimo.
Nekkid fun to watch as well. I like when his son comes in to bother him. Makes me laugh.
@@albertomolli3349 si è veramente bravo e appassionato. Io voglio seguire il corso che ha seguito anche lui, non costa tanto. Il problema è l'attrezzatura, questo ha speso un sacco di soldi...
@@lafaina79
Si effettivamente ha un'attrezzatura notevole e che richiede una cifra non indifferente. A quale corso ti riferisci? Ti ringrazio per una eventuale risposta.
"You must learn the fundamentals, then you just do your best." Marshall, YOU have named a prime law of this human journey, thankyou!
Thank you for another great video. The more episodes I watch the more I am convinced that with a little patience I would like to think of myself as being capable of a simple clean. Attempting a clean on the larger pocket style watches appears to be a great starting point. Thank you also for your great commentary and detailed explanations of every aspect of the process. You have definitely inspired me to want to have a go myself.
That's awesome, you should go for it!
oh, and just a heads up, you might want to press the crown down when you close the door. I have an 1859 key wound Arnold Addams and CO with a solid gold case, and I noticed that the lip on the door was so worn out that it doesn't stay closed anymore : / obviously, a gold case will wear out faster, but it is best to keep the delicacy of the watch in mind
Your watch case can be easily repaired with a laser welder by a qualified jeweler. Hunter case covers should always have the winding stem pushed in when closing.
@@chuckburroughs6427 thanks for the advice. I always push the winding stem down when I close a case on any watch too.
also you don't prise of the dial from the movement there are tiny screws round the side that lock the dial feet in position pulling the dial off like that without unscrewing those holding screws could pull the dial feet off then you have nothing securing the dial to the movement
I was quite surprised when he was baffled by the mystery of opening the watch-cover.
I'm only familiar with _one_ pocket-watch, our grandfather's, and we knew all knew how it opened that way. I was assuming he would know that too, having worked with many pocketwatches.
@@-danR He works with wristwatches.
I accidentally landed on this video and watched it through. It was so interesting and educational. You have some skilled pair of steady hands. Very neat.
Man I did the same thing.
It is so amazing that something made in the late 1800's has this level of complexity. For sure there are minds in this world that are just simply amazing.
2ndly it's amazing how people will film there skills for others to see and enjoy.
you didn't "accidentally" land on anything. UA-cam wanted to push it & show to you. If YT doesn't like your stuff, no one will ever see it unless you find thru an external link. YT will even block videos from even being searched. The almighty gatekeepers of knowledge, UA-cam.
@@jaredkinneyjr good god, even Qanon mouth breathers on a watch repair video. Watch it if you want, don't watch it if you don't want to. No one's sticking a gun to your head or forcing it down your throat. Sure, it's an algorithm, but if UA-cam is good at their job the algorithms they use provide suggestions based on your watching habits. I think maybe you'd be better off living in China where you can't even watch UA-cam (you probably didn't know that). In China, the government truly IS the gatekeeper of knowledge. In China, you really DON'T have freedom of speech. You Americans think you've got it so bad.
Likewise did I. I find it to be so therapeutic to watch and listen to.
How were these tiny macro sized component parts made to fit and interact so precisely with each other, away back in those days? While watching this repair and cleaning work being undertaken is fantastic, I would love to get an insight into how each piece is fashioned. And to think that they were mass produced and affordable to purchase by the average wage earner. Truly mind boggling!!
Dude!
From watching Marshall play Magic online for years as a magic nerd, then growing into a watch nerd and watching this video come up in my feed, what an awesome experience. I did queue up an LR draft video just to make sure it was him lol
Very very cool stuff!
Finally I recognize the voice! He casts Magic tournaments now, ofc, there is where I heard the voice before! I was thinking if this narrator was some hired person or something, because he is so eloquent and instructive. Ofc he has comunicating skills...
Thank you form make me realize!
I do believe that this is a solid gold 14K watch and not gold filled or plated as you suggested. The engraving on the case has worn down significantly and if it was gold plate, the base metal would be showing. Be sure to press the button on top of the winder when you close the case, the gold is very soft and will be damaged otherwise.
Kent, what is that red car?
Looks like an old Rambler, but more likely a Dodge or Plymouth?
@@savage22bolt32 It looks like a '67 Plymouth Belvedere GTX : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth_GTX#1967
@@jasonrubik good eyes bro!
Agreed. If it says 14K, it’s solid 14K gold.
You can almost hear the watch saying ahhhhh after that clean, oil and resto. Nice job.
"The watch is now ticking away quite happily"
:)
I’m 66 and way too old to do this but I have done minor things and love watch repair. I admire anyone who can do what you can do. Simply awe inspiring…..a true craftsman.😊
Your enthusiasm is infectious..... I felt like I was the one taking it apart, cleaning it, tightening every tiny screw...... it's mind blowing that such delicate mechanisms could be manufactured 140 years ago. It also shows the progress that humankind have accomplished in little more than one lifetime......
Nicely done! Very clear filming and naming of parts. I own several pocket watches and have always appreciated their beauty and the exquisite precision workmanship governing their moving parts..
I came from historical sewing, then painting restoration and now this. I'm truly becoming vintage
lol I feel the same way
Absolutely gorgeous. No matter how modern watches try, nobody has nailed the delicacy and class and fonts of these old American pocket watches.
How about the Swiss?
@@antonpopescu8220 Germans too, some macro shots of an A. Lange & Söhne are just breathtaking. However props to 19th century American watchmakers, they really were some of the finest in the world at the time.
Swiss watch industry is actually younger than people realise, before they rose to prominence France I think was the more well known industry in Europe.
I find it so soothing and pleasant to watch you fix these little complicated machine pieces. I could never do that myself but I can watch you do it all day lol. Good job.
I was watching these and admiring your watchmaking skills but then thought of your video presentation skills as well. Besides all the intricate work you need to clearly explain it and just setting up what must be a LOT of camera shots as well would add a huge amount of additional work. Very impressive!
I must say I love these videos. I would never have the nerve to work on any of my own watches. As for the name of Elgin, I live in Scotland, where the original town of Elgin is. We pronounce it with a hard g, as in good, not a soft g, as in gin. Keep up the good work.
UA-cam algorythm recommended me the channel from having watched so many other mechanical watch videos as I'm starting to build an interest into them as a hobby and BLAM a voice I could recognize anywhere from being a former MTG player. Marshall, I didn't know you restored watch for a hobby/living. This just made my day; amazing!
This is Marshal Sutcliffee???????????????????
Yah.
See the mouse pad he has peaking in the corner of the screen here and there. That's when it clicked for me heh.
He's mentioned his watch hobby and even that he also does watch repair videos on his Magic podcast a few times in the past, but easy to miss if you're not listening every week.
Watch Says: “ Hey, Buddy, you try going 141 years without a bath, and you will be dirty too.”
🤣🤣
I doubt they had talking watches in 1880.
When 141 years old you reach, look as good you will not.
Thank you Yoda
This UA-cam video also becomes part of the watch history. Wow, great job!
After watching a bunch of your videos I've come to the conclusion that you are a master micro-mechanical 3D puzzel builder. Just amazing.
"it's got all its teeth, its a real boy!" I don't know why but that phrase charmed me. subbed
So fascinating to see the workings of watch, truly appreciate your craft.
Thank you kind man for your videos. You cured my insomnia with this amazing restoration videos and with your voice. Love to watch this at night, when I am in bed, just before going to sleep. There is something mesmerizing in this craft!!
I can not believe there is literal dirt inside of the movement!
It is a pleasure to watch you work and so quick !
you're amazing to me !
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I inherited several of these watches and was curious how they worked. I'm not about to take any of them apart soon but watched the whole video to see how it was done.
I had to watch this video twice. I have to say, what an amazing talent and patience he has when doing this work. I have a friend that does older grandfather clocks and after watching Mr. Marshall do this work, this is like microsurgery. He's also a great narrator.
I have my great grandfather's key wind Elgin silver hunter case, after watching your video I plan to take it in for cleaning. As always it's a great way to spend time. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for giving me the courage to try and fix my Great Grandfather’s pocket watch. Your videos are teaching me a ton of great things. The more I watch the braver I get! Thank you.
I really enjoyed this one Marshall, well done! Definitely in my top 5 favorites of your videos. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the good work!
Edit: I forgot to mention, I really enjoy the narration of your videos. A lot of channels have silent moments, which have their time and place, but I always seem to enjoy and learn more from your videos than from any other.
Thank you Michael, appreciate it
And a huge thanks for not ruining it with crappy background music.
I don't know why some people feel compelled to add annoying background music throughout their video.
I just love how you explain things. Makes the restoration so much easier to understand. I'm glad I found you and happy that I just subscribed to get more videos! Thank you!
Great video. I really like your approach in terms of integrity and respecting a watch’s place in history as well as a watch’s place as an heirloom. Totally the right decision on the accuracy. Not sure about the acrylic, but I do understand the thought process. Thanks again for an outstanding video.
I have a similar Elgin watch - family watch, nonrunner, hasn't been touched in years. Having watched the first 1 minute of your video, I now feel confident taking it apart, thanks a bunch!
This video brought back some fond memories of repairing Waltham and Seth Thomas eight day clocks for Navy cockpits. Back when hands didn't shake and eyesight was still exceptional. What a great set of Swiss tools you have. Thanks for the walkthrough!
wow, I just resolved a long running issue with a similar watch today. Huge weight off my back. Love what you do! : )
🙏
🙏
I just recently found your channel and have been enamored ever since. I’m an auto technician by trade and seeing all the mechanical inner workings and your level of knowledge is amazing. Side note - thank you for saying elgin correctly. I grew up in the area of elgin, IL and was fascinated to learn that it used to be one of the worlds most pronounced watch companies. Cheers to many more videos in the future!
Thank you. Your video helps me even more, to appreciate my great grandfather's 1880's Elgin Railroad pocket watch. Blessings to you.
Beautiful, I love the blued screws and the hands, that dial cleaned up beautifully. Again Marshall fantastic shooting and editing of this video. Thank you.
Wonderful! Beautifully videographed and explained, thank you. You make it look so easy, I tried to take apart and re-assemble a pocket watch and ended up breaking a jewel and damaging the escapement wheel. It is amazing to see a bunch of dead pieces coming together and forming a piece of art with a heartbeat.
That’s a great video and a mighty pleasing revival. The hunters are such elegant watches.
Happy New Year, Marshall. I am a rookie subscriber to your channel and am very much enjoying watching you. I am a retired Pawnbroker and GIA graduate Gemologist and have had a love of watches of all types my whole life. I want to share some pocketwatch knowledge I received many, many years ago, from my great-grandfather. You always close the cover the same way you open it. By pressing down on the crown and then carefully with your fingers, push the top cover down to where it meets the case and release the crown. You NEVER want to hear a click as the top closes. Why? I'm glad you asked. There is a very thin amount of metal that holds the cover closed, and every time that metal clicks closed, you will over time that thin metal will no longer hold the cover closed. Which results in the cover springing open unintentionally. Bending or breaking the cover. When you finished your great cleaning of your friends' family, heirloom, and then saw you close the case and hearing that metal clicking closed, I cringed and was compelled to write. I'm a big fan and can't wait to see what's next.
Man I love watching these so much! I think you're pretty darn talented. More than you give yourself credit for. Thank you so much for putting these up for us to enjoy. I never thought I'd like such a thing but I find now that I enjoy them immensely. Best wishes.
Wow what a gorgeous watch!!! Ive been eyeing getting something like this for my desk.. great video and love the explanation you give!
Wow, I had NO idea watches like this could be repaired! I can only say, I was amazed at what a super job you did. WoW ! Thanks for the education, and the excellent video. I'm not going to get into watch repair, but watching this video really shows what goes into what makes a mechanical watch. I think I can be pleased with my Seiko SRPC91 only losing 3 sec.s or so a day. Thanks again. I'm impressed!
Beautiful watch as old as my great grandmother! I marvel at the technology that was required to manufacture the jewels, the wheels, and the hair springs… at a time before precision microscopes or electricity for lights or motors. A well thought out video.
That really is mind-blowing. I sure would like to see how they could make such tiny screws back then.
Precision watchmaking goes back several centuries. There was a watchmaker from Yorkshire, called John Hill I believe, who made the first ship clock able te withstand waves (rocking) and violent storms. He made the first model known. Mid eighteenth century.
This Is One of the best UA-cam Channel, and you have great Style and great technique. Marvellas. I am your Italian follower. Bravo, bravissimo.
Beautiful watch! Love the before n after shots of cleaning!
I am not a watchmaker. I do not repair watches. I have no plans to change that. I do not know why this video popped up in my recommendeds. But I could listen to this man forever.
I chanced upon this video, watched (no pun intended) it all the way thru and fell in love with what you do. Absolutely the best narration of any restoration channel out there and the camera work was fantastic! I'm a new fan and I'm definitely hooked. Thank you so much.
Hah, that was my reply in another one of his videos I watched today. We must be on the same page. :)
Bravo! Nice work. Starting my watch repair journey this week
I will never be able to repair a watch but it is fascinating to watch a skilled person at work and I really enjoy the commentaries.
I'm so invested in this channel now, it's insanely satisfying to watch. And his voice, oh so soothing. Thank you for making me interested in watches!
I have seen several UA-cam videos of guys doing this. But usually it is less talking and just some music playing while they tear it down and rebuild. I actually really enjoyed your commentary and how you talk about the parts, and what they are, and what they do. I feel like I am actually learning since your talking us through this rebuild. You got a new sub, look forward to more of your videos. Now if I can just convince my mother to give me one of my late grandfather's old pocket watches from the late 1800s and early 1900s so I can start to tinker and learn :)
Really enjoy your videos and your admirable process and methodology. Especially the tool mania! I have one of these 1880's Elgins which seems to work fine, but is all over the place inaccurate, mostly absurdly fast - like an hour and a half! One watchmaker changed the mainspring which clearly wasn't the problem. I'd love to get it to 4 or 5 minutes a day off. A video idea? in any event, keep the great work going!
Immensely informative and enjoyable - like all your videos. My great-grandfather's hunter is with a watch repairer at the moment & I hope as much care and attention to detail is being taken as you take with each of your projects.
I have my father's old pocket watch probably circa 1930s and thought I would watch see how its done. I think this is way out of my comfort zone, but amazed at your patience and steady hand. Thanks for the excellent video.
What a great job you did!! Just amazes me with you talent!!
Don't even need to watch it to know I'm going to love it!
Not sure you read all of your comments, but what I love most about your videos is your genuine excitement and "sitting next to us" style of commentary. I leave your videos rolling while I'm working and I love it.
As you mentioned, it takes quite an effort to make these videos. They are really as nice as the jewels in the watches. Very well done!
Wonderful! Beautiful time piece and well worth the effort - lets hear the movement please! Well done.
I love this idea and I did it on my latest pocket watch restoration video!
Great video, great tutorial, awesome microscope shots!
A few remarks:
1)I didn’t see you lubricating pallet fork stones. (Some lubricate escape wheel teeth).
2) I always check balance wheel pivot for “murshrooming” and other deformations, especially when there was broken jewel bearing with sharp edges ( u never know how long that watch been running after those jewels got damaged)
3) Screws “blueing” main purpose is to prevent rust and also for looking cool, I usually re-blue (re-heat) screws that have been scratched. Freshly blued screws look a lot brighter and bolder.
Please don’t take as me pointing finger and judging your work, It could be just that you didn’t record/edit everything to fit the time frame and Im simply sharing my experience. Again-fantastic video!
I didn't know bluing had useful practical functions alongside the obvious aesthetic value
this is like those lawn care videos where it’s super satisfying for no reason
You are the Bob Ross of watch repair! I love the videos, very calming....
Amazing restoration with this one! The details here were incredible! And what a gorgeous watch! The quality is incredible, given this was an everyday watch for the relatively common Joe back then. A 140 year-old watch?! Even the electric lightbulb came into public use around the time this watch was made. Oh the stories this watch may have seen. It's 2021 and it's still going. No-one at the time would have even imagined that. When I think of today's products, I am hard pressed to find anything that would last a 140 years, except again, for such mechanical timepieces, knives, jewelry and similar stuff that is still made the "old-fashioned" way.
I agree that most of what we can buy today is more disposable, use it for 5-10 years, then throw it away when it breaks. This is more about technology evolution that doesn't pay for companies to make TVs, computers, phones, etc. to be more robust and last longer when people want the next model anyway. I have found many examples where if you buy quality, it should last well beyond your kid's lifetime -- even with electrical/electronics. Some examples from around my house: Klipsch speakers, Krups coffee grinder, a Seiko mantle clock that is ticking away while I type this, even my cheap crock pot from Rival or Hamilton Beach is still going strong after decades of use.
I do have a similar pocketwatch that i inherited. It once was owned by my grandfather who got it in 1911 for his retirement. Mine does look a lot better (no broken or missing parts) but sadly it does not run that well anymore :( Super interesting to see what actually makes these work! Please keep up the great work. Best wishes from Austria!
Your grandfather seems to have retired EARLY! Mine retired in '55. My grandfather got his first gold pocket watch at 21 in 1911.
@@jamesb.9155 You are totally right, i'm an idiot. It was my great grandfathers watch and i got it from my grandpa who got it from his grandpa (my great grandpa). Totally got it mixed up.
Wow. Awesome restoration and now a gorgeous and running watch. Really nice work.
I enjoy watching you working on watches. It's so nice how you explain everything. One othe thing is you don't have all that crazy music like alot of other videos. Your videos are very relaxing and interesting. It is amazing how you remember where everything goes. Keep up the good work and i look forward to watching more of your videos. 👍😁
I was getting anxiety watching this. how do remember where everything goes . How much would a service like that cost ? thanks great video
He plays his video backwards
Yes that's the problem I have. I am an expert at dismantling things, the trouble is I forget how they go back ! I am hoping that if i watch these enough times, I will be able to fix my pocket watch. I have plenty of time though as none of my watches work either ! Excellent video and nice easy going voice. Thank you.
🤯
If you have to ask how much it costs, you probably can't afford it.
That’s some great input joe.I have never had a pocket watch serviced
Seems like a lot of tedious work was curious how much it cost / pays to do the work.....thanks again for the valuable input
Oh damn a new WR video already? I must be dreaming 💭 😅
See you on the stream!
I'll tell you what... You are the best teacher I ever seen on any video. You take your time and explain everything Beautifully... I am going to show this video to young people so they can learn.... Good luck to you and thank you
It’s fascinating to think someone like yourself put that watch together for the first time in the 1800’s. Old watches are truly like time machines in that sense. You vids are mesmerizing. Thanks again.
Old guns are too..
I have been following your channel for a while now, and today I went and bought my first automatic watch, just to wear it and enjoy it, nothing fancy, but one where you can see the movement from the dial. I have to say watching you made me appreciate how magnificent mechanical and automatic movements are and have been for ages, I don't think I will do any watchmaking any time soon but now I see watches from a new different light thanks to everything I have learned watching you and the passion you have for the craft. Kudos to you and the channel, Cheers!
These watches are art work. I am so glad there are people like you who live on these treasures. It is just beautiful and you did a wonderful job.❤️
Absolutely amazing to see a watch being restored.
Just found this site and have been watching for two hours. You present it to the audience in a clear and simple way I have subscribed and planning on watching a as many as I can
U sounded like my history teacher so great for a nap😹💀
I have an Elgin pocket watch that was my great grandfather's....it still works...probably need to be serviced though
Have one too. Want to give it to my grandson. From my gf father
Same here. It's an 1895, 17 jewel Elgin
Mine is almost identical to the one in this video.
The problem seems to be though, finding someone to do the servicing...😖
@@nunyabizness199Like everything else in today's throw-a-way world, finding someone to work on old school items is getting tougher and tougher
I have a very, very similar pocket watch that was my Great, Great, Great grandfather's. This video was a big help to see if I can possibly get it running and cleaned up. Well done.
I'm picking one of these Elgin pocketwatches up this evening which apparently is a non worker, this is going to be a very useful reference for me working on it, great work Marshall, many thanks.
"A man has to know his limitations." (Dirty Harry) Great video!
Let's just say I wasn't feelin' lucky
did you de-magnetize it? That snow storm looked like it was magnetized.
I did yeah.
The design is so intricate despite being dirty and the little flourishes are really pretty
Hi Marshall, This is the third video I watched, and I subscribed. I have a small collection of watches because I admire the craftsmanship that goes into making them. I admire your work too, for restoring these fine timepieces to their original luster. Nice camera work too! A+