Very interesting. I have a 1917-built grade 610 Waltham I inherited from my grand father. I will need to do a full service at some point. It can run for 23h on a full wind and doesn’t loose too much on that period. But you can tell the jewels make the gears struggle.
I have a Waltham, American Watch Co. that belonged to my great grandfather. It needs glass and a sub second hand and a bow. It will run, but only if it's laying flat. The silver case is hallmarked in Birmingham in 1896, and has seen a lot of action. Personally I like the dinks and the patina because it shows its history and that it was clearly a daily use watch. I'd love to get it properly working.
If you Google the country where you are followed by the word watchmaker, you will find someone who you could send it to. If you want to narrow it down, instead of the country use the state/county where you are 👍
@@MacroTime28800 Thank you for the reply. Great videos by the way. I've found a few numbers to call but I really don't know what I'm talking about or what to expect. I don't want to be charged a fortune and I don't want someone who is not capable to accept the work either. Do you have any advice on finding a reputable person? Or do you have any recommendations around South Yorkshire or north of England?
I don’t know I’m afraid. This is just a hobby and I don’t know the professionals. When you find someone, you can always Google the name followed by the word ‘review’ and you should be able to find what others have to say 👍
I am a novice and had to replace the mainspring in a 15 Jewel Waltham without your instructions on heating the ends I would never had completed it successfully. Many Thanks Leo.
When I was working on this watch, my friend, a professional watchmaker alerted me about the mainspring that had to be modified. I wouldn’t have completed it successfully too. Now I know what to do and I’m happy to pass on this information to others via my videos 👍
Your macro shots are excellent. Just bought two Waltham pocket watches, one as a non runner, vendor said balance wheel OK. I gave the pallet fork a nudge, it's working. After having seen your video, I'm more confident about taking it apart. Thank you.
you are definitely a master at your trade. You sir are the PROFESSIONAL a cardiologist when it comes watches. I like all kinds of watches but I was very glad to hear that you hold pocket watches in high regard, truly they are bigger but they can be as challenging to repair CORRECTLY as the many other watches out in this world. Pocket watches are very exciting to me, I love taking them apart and restoring them to there true value.They are beautifully made I think. thank you for the interesting narrative you give while you restore these watches of yesteryear. im a life time subscriber pls dont stop making them
Thank you! I would say pocket watches can be more challenging than wristwatches due to their age, parts availability, so many people would have worked for them and some less skilful than others. I find them more challenging than wristwatches. Yes, they are larger than wristwatches so they are easier to handle but that’s where the easier part ends. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! 😉
You are a life saver! I disassembled a similar Waltham pocket watch and took many pictures, but nothing serves as well as your restoration video pointing out idiosyncrasies and how to approach them...AND close up and clear camera work. Thank you!
Thank you for making these videos! I learn many new things from each one. I like that you fix brands that are reasonable in price instead of those that are above the common man.
I’m glad to hear you learn from my videos. It makes sense to make a few videos of affordable watches that most people can afford and can follow my videos if they buy one with the same movement or a similar one. Although I wouldn’t say no if someone sent me a nice luxury watch 😄
Thank you! It’s about watching other videos, reading books, talking to other people and practicing. You don’t have to be smart to work on watches. You need patience and time 👍
Indeed! Although with most pocket watches the owners can have a look at the movements, just like this one. But majority of wristwatches, for example Rolex, the owners will never get to see the movement inside.
@@MacroTime28800 So true. No display caseback on a rolex. The graving inside my 1888 waltham is stunning for a consumer watch. Pride of craftsmanship has disappeared in this modern disposable society. Thank you for your channel.
There are many modern watches out there with beautiful movements but they are not accessible to most people. One of my favourites is ‘Lange & Sohne’. If you Google it add the words ‘engraved movement’. Beautiful. And it’s good to hear you enjoy my channel! I mainly focus on the movements and in great detail.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I would certainly enjoy clocks but I still don’t have all the tools required for repairing watches. The thought of buying more tools to also repair clocks really frightens my wallet. But I can see myself getting a clock one day and service/repair/restore it.
You are the first watchmaker I've heard say pocket watches are not easier than wrist watches, just because they're bigger. They are essentially a miniature clock, and that takes a whole lot of old school skill. Well done.
I’m only a hobbyist, not a watchmaker. Pocket watches are tough. I’ve heard it so many times when I watch videos people saying pocket watches are easier than wrist watches. I don’t what they are talking about. I need to gain a lot more experience before I attempt to work on another one 👍
10:29 that center wheel on its own is a small work of art; note the manual, hand-finished chamfering on the interior angles of the wheel spokes compared to the more rudimentary finishing on the rest of the train wheels
I very much enjoy the movements with some of the parts gilded. Noticed the gilding of the main plate too. There are lots of other private label american pocket watches but this is the first I've seen for a UK retailer. Very nice looking watch.
Indeed. Very unusual to see a British retailer on the dial. The movement is beautiful. When I picked up a wristwatch to work on afterwards, I was somewhat disappointed with the movement.
I just found your channel and was very impressed with your tutorial. I am just starting out and find myself naming the parts as you get to them. This is the first time seeing the keyless works set up that way. Thank you.
I have a 1918 Waltham, though not this version, that was converted to a wristwatch, with an open case back so you can see Waltham's beautifully finished movement.
@@MacroTime28800 - not only did you help on the screw, but explaing the setting/winding operation. I didn't know about the lever to engage the winding gear vs the setting gear.
The lighting is simply exquisite. Rich detail in interior shots, I was so engrossed, I missed the darn maker's branding makes, as I truly admire your abilities, you have left no stone unturned in brining us views no one else seems able to. Your lighting and those lens choices, nobody does it better!
The decorative elements on the movement are stunning! It always amazes me the amount of work and artistry that went into a movement that hardly anyone would see.
It’s beautiful. At least it can be opened and admired by the owner. With some watches, they can have beautiful movements and if they don’t have clear casebacks the owner will never get to see it, only the watchmaker gets to see and admire it. It’s about knowing what’s inside the watch 👍
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I don’t think I would dare to work on an old family pocket watch. This is my hobby, not my job and there is always, always something wrong with pocket watches due to the age and the number of people who worked on them. It’s almost impossible to get parts and in some cases also the tools. Fairly modern watches for which you can often, not always, get parts, that’s no problem but an old family pocket watch, that is for a professional who has been doing for very long time and can also make parts himself.
I took my old family pocket watch to a local master clock maker and he fixed it. Since they have been in business for so long they have been buying out other clock company’s parts supply’s. He was able to get a new old stock mainspring for my 1904 Waltham pocketwatch and get it working again.
I work on Elgin watches because I have never successfully reassembled a Waltham watch. Even sometimes, Elgin pocket watches refuse to be reassembled, but sometimes I win.
Pocket watches are difficult. So many people worked on them, parts are difficult to source, sometimes you need tools that have not been produced for decades…
Not interested in doing watch repair myself, but I do like watches. Including my usual daily carry, which is a Hamilton 992-B that is my own age 979). Love to see you discuss and show the insides and how to service and repair them.
I worked for a while with watch faces in la Chaux De Fonds, Neuchatel canton. I find your knowledge, skill and passion for horlogerie inspiring and have huge admiration for your skills and your kindness in making this knowledge accessable on you tube. Thank you so much Leo.
That must have been rather interesting working in Neuchatel. My knowledge, it’s limited, it’s only my hobby. I’m lucky to have a friend who’s a professional watchmaker. He’s being doing this for over 40 years and he advises me all the time. I still have a lot to learn. I hope others will enjoy the videos as much as you do 😉
Thank you so much for making this... just completed my 1st watch service (Waltham 1908) after hours of watching content, reading books and visiting forums. However, this was by far the most comprehensive and beautifully filmed tutorial I have come across. Cant say I restored it to as good as new but learned a lot along the way - following your content as I stripped and rebuilt. Keep it up.... build it and they will come 🙂
Paul, thank you very much for such a nice positive comment. Comments like yours put a smile on my face and they give me a good reason to keep on making other videos. Thank you for taking your time to watch my video and comment on it. Leo
Excellent video! I recently acquired my grandfather’s 1914 Waltham Traveler pocket watch from a cousin. The watch is evidently in need of serious cleaning and perhaps repair as it seems to have sat unused for a very long time. I have not attempted to operate it to preclude causing undue damage or wear until it can be professionally serviced.
It’s nice to own such an old pocket watch that belonged to your grandfather. Pocket watches always give me a pleasant nostalgic feeling. It will most likely need a service but don’t be afraid to give it a wind to see whether it works, try to set the time too but don’t force anything. If you feel any resistance then you must stop doing whatever you’re doing. It might have been used for many years without being serviced and if it runs for a few hours it will make no difference, nothing serious will happen. The watchmaker will set the time and will wind it anyway to see whether it works.
There we go, it’s running. That’s good news, the watchmaker who will be servicing it will not have to deal with broken parts which can be tricky or even impossible to obtain for watches of this age. This Waltham I had, it was very hard to pull the crown to time setting position. I had to apply force but I knew from the owner it was OK to do so. Perhaps best leaving that to the watchmaker.
Great stuff! I wouldn’t train on this if you want to get into watch repair. Go on eBay and search for ‘Seagull ST36’ - that’s the one everyone starts on, that’s the one to get.
This is a really nice video, thank you. Thanks for showing your dropping the pallet bridge - this kind of honesty is nice. I also appreciate the closeup camera work showing escapement oiling. And finally, thanks for using the parts' proper names! I've done a bunch of these Walthams but since the keyless works parts in particular don't always have direct equivalents in modern watches, I just know them by sight. Looking forward to watching more videos.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, thank you for letting me know. The pallet bridge, it didn’t look great did it? I wasn’t best pleased about it but these things happen, and worse. And the macro lens makes everything look ten times worse, it really takes no prisoners. I have to be like a hawk, a tiny spec of dust you have no chance seeing with a strong loupe and the ruthless macro lens will show it all. I had to get the parts list to get the names right for the video, otherwise I call them “this one”, “that one”, “this little bit”...
@@MacroTime28800 Yes, I think we've all done much worse than that - no big deal. I agree, that macro lens must be punishing! Great stuff, looking forward to watching your hand blueing video next.
This was a fantastic video, I love the level of detail you went to with the procedure. I have been trying to learn all I can by myself from reading and watching videos. This one is fantastic I have similar watches that this will help me service them. I have done a few watches so far but its been a struggle. I just love learning about them so I am happy to be able to do what I can. Can't wait to see more of your videos.
A thoroughly professional renovation on this exquisite Waltham watch. (I knew a watchmaker who was an instructor at the Waltham school in the 1940s, during the war.) Your videography was as carefully done as the watch repair; clearly such a video was not banged out in an hour. In focus, in frame, well-lighted, judicious use of slow-motion, well I’ll stop gushing now.
Your comment caused a sudden imbalance of chemicals in my body, it was predominantly dopamine that was rushing through my brain. Joking aside, it’s really nice to hear that you appreciate the work I put into my videos. I can’t produce them as often as I would like but there’s more to come 👍
Wonderful video, as usual Leo. I can’t imagine how much work goes into producing the quality video shots that you do, while still accomplishing the work at strange angles I’m sure. I also enjoy you occasional dry humor as well. Thank you very much.
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Unfortunately the camera and the lights are so close that I do not have space for the microphone to fit there. It would have been nice, I agree.
That was a cool, crazy looking pattern the old oil/grease/dirt, made on the top of the minute wheel. It's a spiral pattern,unless that's just accidental manufacturing marks...
I had to have a quick look because it’s a while ago I did this video. I’m not sure where exactly you see it. Certainly the barrel has a nice pattern on it, I liked it a lot.
The centre wheel? I spotted that when I was looking for it during the assembly after you’ve mentioned it. It looks like brushed finish going clockwise direction, all around the wheel. Very unusual, the other wheels didn’t have anything like that.
@@MacroTime28800 yup yeah center wheel I think I heard minute wheel when you removed it,which I actually went back and relistened so as to put what you said. But that one is the center wheel, that's what threw me.off lol
I have always loved the look of pocket watches some utilitarian timekeepers and some beautiful pieces of art but all tactile and fascinating and each a character. Came upon your channel purely by chance and so glad that I did . Thank you for the marvellous content , I can’t imagine the hours you must put into working on the watch and producing a video of such quality . I shall be “ watching “ for more of your content and thank you again .
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! Pocket watches are beautiful, no doubt about it. They can be hard work though. Many people worked on them over the years, some more skilful than others, obtaining parts can be difficult or even impossible sometimes. It indeed it is very time consuming when most of it is recorded under a macro lens but I do like the final result overall and I’m very happy to hear that you do too 👍
How the hell does that dirt and detritus get into these things in the first place? It always amazes me how this can happen. I really appreciate that you actually try to do something about the dials and the hands of watches you take care of. It'd really great to see them look like new as opposed to cleaning the movement, case and putting a new crystal on an awful face with nasty hands. That is akin to (to coin a phrase form a great film), putting lipstick on a pig.
Anyone can open the case to look at the movement. And they will, it’s pretty. The dirt will collect over the years. I had to do the hands, I couldn’t help myself. If I didn’t use the macro lens, they would have looked just fine but I wanted them to pop a little against the white dial 👍
I only have a few pocket watches in my collection, one an ex BR guards/stationmaster Limit No 2 all solid silver too and a couple of Soviet 3602's and a Soviet 3602 "marriage" reglateur quite well done pocket watch conversion to a wristwatch. The BR one is quite interesting as the watch is 1930's and BR didn't come into being til 1948, apparently was told all they did was get someone to grind flat the rear case shell and then had it engraved with the new BR information which mine is BR(M) and was last serviced in 1952.
Speaking of reglateur's, earlier this year on a very cheeky bid I bid on a Oskar Emil Orbit, now O-E is one of them Chinesium companies brand engineered but the Orbit is a tourbillion automatic reglateur with 24k gold plated insets, a very steampunk sort of design and from what I understand the movement was created specifically for this watch so very unique too. My first Oskar Emil is a Houston, high end Seiko chrono in very heavy stainless steel everything, heaviest watch I own then they went Chinesium and cheap sadly...
That was almost perfect service but there is one note. Under the barrel is lot of wear it means barrel arbor is loose and it should be addressed. But over all excellent work and even better video footage.
Fantastic! This is by far the best pocket watch service posting that I have seen on YouYube. It is also very timely as I am currently working on a Waltham Grade 620. Your comprehensive, step by step presentation is a joy to behold. You have cleared up so many questions I have had, especially regarding lubricants and their proper use. Your attention to detail is enviable. I would love to see you service an earlier Waltham Pocket Watch with a full plate. My Dad worked for the Waltham Watch Company for 32 years and I am a big fan of Waltham products.
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it and finding useful. I make them as comprehensive as I can so others who work on the same or similar movement can follow it. It's good to hear it's working. I wouldn't mind another pocket watch but they can be difficult. Parts no longer available, natural jewels have been replaced by synthetic ones long time ago, obtaining some tools can be difficult... Unless your dad left you a garage full of spare Waltham parts? I could do with some! All the best with your project 👍
Great work! As someone who just started learning watch service/repair during the pandemic, I find this content extremely helpful. I also just got my 1st elgin pocket watch Grade 572. So I'll be servicing it in the near future while watching this video to remind me of the lubrication points 👍subscribed
Thanks for the sub! I’m glad you found it helpful and can follow the video while working on your watch. Great choice getting a pocket watch to work on.
Absolutely perfect video ! I recently services the same pocket watch, it’s a piece of arts for sure ! Thanks for sharing it’s absolutely interesting ! ✨👌
Great restoration. Beautiful timepiece
Glad you like it! 🙂
Outstanding work both watching and video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good information, thank you. I'm a novice but working to be able to service a pocket watch.
Best of luck!
Great video, very informative, fantastic photography👍👍
Thank you! 🙂
Lovely informative and well shot video. Thank you.
Thank you very much! 😉
Excellent instructional video. I learnt a lot from this and just in time as I have just acquired a Waltham for restoration
Glad it was helpful! 👍
Genius, simply genius. Sir you could be a micro surgeon! Please keep the videos coming
Thank you, I will! 👍
Nice work! Thank you for sharing this on UA-cam: 👏👌👍
Thank you too!
What a cool pocket watch! I have always been interested in them.
Thank you! Glad you like it 👍
Very interesting. I have a 1917-built grade 610 Waltham I inherited from my grand father. I will need to do a full service at some point. It can run for 23h on a full wind and doesn’t loose too much on that period. But you can tell the jewels make the gears struggle.
It's nice to get old watches serviced/restored, especially the inherited ones. It will put a smile on your face 👍
Udate: just working on very similar model which is in the family for 55 years.....and this vid is priceless!
Glad you found it helpful 👍
I have a Waltham, American Watch Co. that belonged to my great grandfather. It needs glass and a sub second hand and a bow. It will run, but only if it's laying flat. The silver case is hallmarked in Birmingham in 1896, and has seen a lot of action. Personally I like the dinks and the patina because it shows its history and that it was clearly a daily use watch. I'd love to get it properly working.
If you Google the country where you are followed by the word watchmaker, you will find someone who you could send it to. If you want to narrow it down, instead of the country use the state/county where you are 👍
@@MacroTime28800 Thank you for the reply. Great videos by the way. I've found a few numbers to call but I really don't know what I'm talking about or what to expect. I don't want to be charged a fortune and I don't want someone who is not capable to accept the work either. Do you have any advice on finding a reputable person? Or do you have any recommendations around South Yorkshire or north of England?
I don’t know I’m afraid. This is just a hobby and I don’t know the professionals. When you find someone, you can always Google the name followed by the word ‘review’ and you should be able to find what others have to say 👍
I am a novice and had to replace the mainspring in a 15 Jewel Waltham without your instructions on heating the ends I would never had completed it successfully. Many Thanks Leo.
When I was working on this watch, my friend, a professional watchmaker alerted me about the mainspring that had to be modified. I wouldn’t have completed it successfully too.
Now I know what to do and I’m happy to pass on this information to others via my videos 👍
Your macro shots are excellent. Just bought two Waltham pocket watches, one as a non runner, vendor said balance wheel OK. I gave the pallet fork a nudge, it's working. After having seen your video, I'm more confident about taking it apart. Thank you.
Glad to hear that my video can boost your confidence. I hope they both work out well 😉
Fabulous work!!! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
you are definitely a master at your trade. You sir are the PROFESSIONAL a cardiologist when it comes watches. I like
all kinds of watches but I was very glad to hear that you hold pocket watches in high regard, truly they are bigger
but they can be as challenging to repair CORRECTLY as the many other watches out in this world. Pocket watches are
very exciting to me, I love taking them apart and restoring them to there true value.They are beautifully made I think.
thank you for the interesting narrative you give while you restore these watches of yesteryear. im a life time subscriber
pls dont stop making them
Thank you! I would say pocket watches can be more challenging than wristwatches due to their age, parts availability, so many people would have worked for them and some less skilful than others. I find them more challenging than wristwatches. Yes, they are larger than wristwatches so they are easier to handle but that’s where the easier part ends.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! 😉
You are a life saver! I disassembled a similar Waltham pocket watch and took many pictures, but nothing serves as well as your restoration video pointing out idiosyncrasies and how to approach them...AND close up and clear camera work. Thank you!
Glad I could help!
Thank you for making these videos! I learn many new things from each one. I like that you fix brands that are reasonable in price instead of those that are above the common man.
I’m glad to hear you learn from my videos. It makes sense to make a few videos of affordable watches that most people can afford and can follow my videos if they buy one with the same movement or a similar one.
Although I wouldn’t say no if someone sent me a nice luxury watch 😄
Beautiful macro/micro images. Subscribed!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the sub! 👍
Great job Leo, thanks for showing your craft, a true master is willing to share his knowledge.
Glad you enjoyed it 👍
The watches beautiful you got to be pretty smart to work on it
Thank you! It’s about watching other videos, reading books, talking to other people and practicing.
You don’t have to be smart to work on watches. You need patience and time 👍
The greatest thing about being a watchmaker or a service technician, is that you get to see what's inside and it's just plain beautiful
Indeed! Although with most pocket watches the owners can have a look at the movements, just like this one. But majority of wristwatches, for example Rolex, the owners will never get to see the movement inside.
@@MacroTime28800 So true. No display caseback on a rolex. The graving inside my 1888 waltham is stunning for a consumer watch. Pride of craftsmanship has disappeared in this modern disposable society. Thank you for your channel.
There are many modern watches out there with beautiful movements but they are not accessible to most people. One of my favourites is ‘Lange & Sohne’. If you Google it add the words ‘engraved movement’. Beautiful.
And it’s good to hear you enjoy my channel! I mainly focus on the movements and in great detail.
Chris Claydon
It's been a privilege to watch your work, thanks.
Thank you, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it.
One of the most informative watch repair videos I have seen. Thank you sir.
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Bloody ell ! What is this wizardry . Mesmerising stuff dude
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it 👍
Great photography…. Love Waltham watches. The factory is still there and just a few blocks away from the Howard Clock factory.
Great video, thanks.
Thank you! Yes, they are beautifully decorated watches.
Hi LEO your work is amazing ive never seen anything like it in my life realy amazing thankyou i really hope youshare more with us thankyou for sharing
More to come! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it 😉
This is a wonderful video. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍
Absolutely amazing. You are a master at what you do and very generous sharing your knowledge. Thank you!
Thank you very much, I’m very happy to hear you enjoy my work!
Excellent video, brilliant photography too. Looking forward to seing more - thankyou!
Thank you very much. I should have another video finished in couple of weeks 👍
Fantastic!! Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Great video. Thanks look
Thank you!
Thank you so much for making this Vidio,and professionalism that you take.Itzhac
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Be a clock repair man, yes I can see that you did very good!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I would certainly enjoy clocks but I still don’t have all the tools required for repairing watches. The thought of buying more tools to also repair clocks really frightens my wallet. But I can see myself getting a clock one day and service/repair/restore it.
You are the first watchmaker I've heard say pocket watches are not easier than wrist watches, just because they're bigger. They are essentially a miniature clock, and that takes a whole lot of old school skill. Well done.
I’m only a hobbyist, not a watchmaker. Pocket watches are tough. I’ve heard it so many times when I watch videos people saying pocket watches are easier than wrist watches. I don’t what they are talking about. I need to gain a lot more experience before I attempt to work on another one 👍
@@MacroTime28800 you would know better 🤣
Good job. Beautiful close-ups. Lots of technical information. 👍
Thank you! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it 😉
10:29 that center wheel on its own is a small work of art; note the manual, hand-finished chamfering on the interior angles of the wheel spokes compared to the more rudimentary finishing on the rest of the train wheels
Very beautiful indeed!
I really like how you zoom in so much with your camera work. Very enjoyable to watch.
Thank you very much! I'm glad to hear you're finding it enjoyable to watch.
I very much enjoy the movements with some of the parts gilded. Noticed the gilding of the main plate too. There are lots of other private label american pocket watches but this is the first I've seen for a UK retailer. Very nice looking watch.
Indeed. Very unusual to see a British retailer on the dial.
The movement is beautiful. When I picked up a wristwatch to work on afterwards, I was somewhat disappointed with the movement.
Excellent video .... almost a tutorial - thanks
Glad you liked it!
I just found your channel and was very impressed with your tutorial. I am just starting out and find myself naming the parts as you get to them. This is the first time seeing the keyless works set up that way. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Subscribed for the high quality video and the humor. Your workmanship is top-notch too.
Thank you.
Much appreciated! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it 👍
Fascinating
Thank you! 🙂
A first-time viewer of your channel. Very well done, in all regards. Thank You
Thank you very much. I’m very happy to hear you enjoyed it.
I have that very same watch just taken it for service so great to see what thay are doing with my watch. Thanks
Very cool!
I have a 1918 Waltham, though not this version, that was converted to a wristwatch, with an open case back so you can see Waltham's beautifully finished movement.
They are beautiful movements, very nice to look at 👍
great video. Full explanation, and it helped me figure out where I missed putting in a screw. really helpful video.
That’s always been my priority number one. To make these videos as clear as possible and help others. I’m glad you found it helpful 👍
@@MacroTime28800 - not only did you help on the screw, but explaing the setting/winding operation. I didn't know about the lever to engage the winding gear vs the setting gear.
Great stuff, now you know 😉
Sir, if I had your knowledge I'd be a wealthy man with a good running watch. I absolutely love your videos.
I wish I was a wealthy man so I could buy more nice tools 😄 I’m glad to hear you love my videos 👍
Very nice camera work. I appreciate the level of detail you are showing
Thank you very much! 🙂
The lighting is simply exquisite. Rich detail in interior shots, I was so engrossed, I missed the darn maker's branding makes, as I truly admire your abilities, you have left no stone unturned in brining us views no one else seems able to. Your lighting and those lens choices, nobody does it better!
Thank you so much! So happy to read your comment how much you enjoyed it 😊
Great video 👍
Thank you, nice to hear you’re enjoying my videos 👍
The decorative elements on the movement are stunning! It always amazes me the amount of work and artistry that went into a movement that hardly anyone would see.
It’s beautiful. At least it can be opened and admired by the owner. With some watches, they can have beautiful movements and if they don’t have clear casebacks the owner will never get to see it, only the watchmaker gets to see and admire it. It’s about knowing what’s inside the watch 👍
❤
Wow. My mind is blown at the detail and professionalism that you take. Wish I could send you an old family pocket watch to repair.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I don’t think I would dare to work on an old family pocket watch. This is my hobby, not my job and there is always, always something wrong with pocket watches due to the age and the number of people who worked on them. It’s almost impossible to get parts and in some cases also the tools.
Fairly modern watches for which you can often, not always, get parts, that’s no problem but an old family pocket watch, that is for a professional who has been doing for very long time and can also make parts himself.
I took my old family pocket watch to a local master clock maker and he fixed it. Since they have been in business for so long they have been buying out other clock company’s parts supply’s. He was able to get a new old stock mainspring for my 1904 Waltham pocketwatch and get it working again.
I work on Elgin watches because I have never successfully reassembled a Waltham watch. Even sometimes, Elgin pocket watches refuse to be reassembled, but sometimes I win.
Pocket watches are difficult. So many people worked on them, parts are difficult to source, sometimes you need tools that have not been produced for decades…
Best video I’ve seen. The time and effort that went into making this was time well spent. Thank you.
It’s nice to see that you can see that a lot of time went into making this video. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it 🙂
Not interested in doing watch repair myself, but I do like watches. Including my usual daily carry, which is a Hamilton 992-B that is my own age 979). Love to see you discuss and show the insides and how to service and repair them.
If I get one to service one at some point I will certainly make a detailed video
I worked for a while with watch faces in la Chaux De Fonds, Neuchatel canton. I find your knowledge, skill and passion for horlogerie inspiring and have huge admiration for your skills and your kindness in making this knowledge accessable on you tube. Thank you so much Leo.
That must have been rather interesting working in Neuchatel.
My knowledge, it’s limited, it’s only my hobby. I’m lucky to have a friend who’s a professional watchmaker. He’s being doing this for over 40 years and he advises me all the time.
I still have a lot to learn. I hope others will enjoy the videos as much as you do 😉
Thank you so much for making this... just completed my 1st watch service (Waltham 1908) after hours of watching content, reading books and visiting forums. However, this was by far the most comprehensive and beautifully filmed tutorial I have come across. Cant say I restored it to as good as new but learned a lot along the way - following your content as I stripped and rebuilt. Keep it up.... build it and they will come 🙂
Paul, thank you very much for such a nice positive comment. Comments like yours put a smile on my face and they give me a good reason to keep on making other videos.
Thank you for taking your time to watch my video and comment on it.
Leo
Impressive video obviously done to teach others.
Hey, if you put it back together and it ran, you're ahead of a lot of people. Usually I hear the first one never gets back together. lol
Excelente trabalho, obrigado
Thank you! 👍
Вы хорошо потрудились. Достойное качество репассажа.
Thank you very much!
I love the detail in the voiceover and especially the macro.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Great video!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent video! I recently acquired my grandfather’s 1914 Waltham Traveler pocket watch from a cousin. The watch is evidently in need of serious cleaning and perhaps repair as it seems to have sat unused for a very long time. I have not attempted to operate it to preclude causing undue damage or wear until it can be professionally serviced.
It’s nice to own such an old pocket watch that belonged to your grandfather. Pocket watches always give me a pleasant nostalgic feeling.
It will most likely need a service but don’t be afraid to give it a wind to see whether it works, try to set the time too but don’t force anything. If you feel any resistance then you must stop doing whatever you’re doing. It might have been used for many years without being serviced and if it runs for a few hours it will make no difference, nothing serious will happen.
The watchmaker will set the time and will wind it anyway to see whether it works.
I wound it a little and it kept time, but not sure how to set time. Stem doesn’t pull out and pushing in and turning doesn’t move hands.
There we go, it’s running. That’s good news, the watchmaker who will be servicing it will not have to deal with broken parts which can be tricky or even impossible to obtain for watches of this age.
This Waltham I had, it was very hard to pull the crown to time setting position. I had to apply force but I knew from the owner it was OK to do so.
Perhaps best leaving that to the watchmaker.
Okay, the time setting function works I managed to pull the stem out and it turns freely.
Great stuff!
I wouldn’t train on this if you want to get into watch repair.
Go on eBay and search for ‘Seagull ST36’ - that’s the one everyone starts on, that’s the one to get.
This is a really nice video, thank you. Thanks for showing your dropping the pallet bridge - this kind of honesty is nice. I also appreciate the closeup camera work showing escapement oiling. And finally, thanks for using the parts' proper names! I've done a bunch of these Walthams but since the keyless works parts in particular don't always have direct equivalents in modern watches, I just know them by sight. Looking forward to watching more videos.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, thank you for letting me know.
The pallet bridge, it didn’t look great did it? I wasn’t best pleased about it but these things happen, and worse. And the macro lens makes everything look ten times worse, it really takes no prisoners. I have to be like a hawk, a tiny spec of dust you have no chance seeing with a strong loupe and the ruthless macro lens will show it all.
I had to get the parts list to get the names right for the video, otherwise I call them “this one”, “that one”, “this little bit”...
@@MacroTime28800 Yes, I think we've all done much worse than that - no big deal. I agree, that macro lens must be punishing! Great stuff, looking forward to watching your hand blueing video next.
The hand restoration is good. I think you picked the best two videos I have done so far.
wonderful camera work and watch making.
Thank you very much!
Wow great video and great camera work and excellent commentary. I watch wristwatch Revival and James Martin clock maker. I think you are on parr.
Wow! Thank you, it’s nice to hear that you see my channel as one of the best on UA-cam.
Great work! From Beirut.
Many thanks! 🙂
What a pleasure to watch this work in detail and commentary. Very informative and great video quality.
One of the best on You Tube.
Thank you very much! Nice to hear you enjoyed my video 👍
Thanks
Thank you! 😉👍
This was a fantastic video, I love the level of detail you went to with the procedure. I have been trying to learn all I can by myself from reading and watching videos. This one is fantastic I have similar watches that this will help me service them. I have done a few watches so far but its been a struggle. I just love learning about them so I am happy to be able to do what I can. Can't wait to see more of your videos.
Thank you very much! I try to make them as clear as possible so almost anyone could follow my videos. I’m glad to hear you find them helpful.
Your camera work is second to none - awesome video.
Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it
Amazing video. Thank you so much for you detailed explanations and great footage.
Awesome, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!
A thoroughly professional renovation on this exquisite Waltham watch. (I knew a watchmaker who was an instructor at the Waltham school in the 1940s, during the war.) Your videography was as carefully done as the watch repair; clearly such a video was not banged out in an hour. In focus, in frame, well-lighted, judicious use of slow-motion, well I’ll stop gushing now.
Your comment caused a sudden imbalance of chemicals in my body, it was predominantly dopamine that was rushing through my brain.
Joking aside, it’s really nice to hear that you appreciate the work I put into my videos. I can’t produce them as often as I would like but there’s more to come 👍
Cracking video, love the shots of the pallet fork.
Thank you. I enjoy creating the macro footage, I will continue to do so with my future videos.
Wow. Great.
Thank you! 😉
Wonderful video, as usual Leo. I can’t imagine how much work goes into producing the quality video shots that you do, while still accomplishing the work at strange angles I’m sure. I also enjoy you occasional dry humor as well. Thank you very much.
Many thanks! It’s a pleasure to read such a positive comment 😉
45:00 Outstanding images! Well done Sir! Sound, Please!
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Unfortunately the camera and the lights are so close that I do not have space for the microphone to fit there. It would have been nice, I agree.
What I would like to see is the machinery they used back then to make such small parts.
It would have been mass produced so not overly exciting but still, over one hundred years old it would be interesting to see it.
Great camera work on this watch restoration. I really like the details of the work you are doing. Very good job, Thanks
Thank you very much. It’s very nice to hear that you appreciate what I do.
_Perfectly done. Bravo._
Thank you!
thanks for the video! it's a really great service you made!!
Glad you liked it!
That was a cool, crazy looking pattern the old oil/grease/dirt, made on the top of the minute wheel. It's a spiral pattern,unless that's just accidental manufacturing marks...
I had to have a quick look because it’s a while ago I did this video. I’m not sure where exactly you see it. Certainly the barrel has a nice pattern on it, I liked it a lot.
It's like faint lines 7:01 in a spiral. Maybe it's just me lol
The centre wheel? I spotted that when I was looking for it during the assembly after you’ve mentioned it. It looks like brushed finish going clockwise direction, all around the wheel.
Very unusual, the other wheels didn’t have anything like that.
@@MacroTime28800 yup yeah center wheel I think I heard minute wheel when you removed it,which I actually went back and relistened so as to put what you said. But that one is the center wheel, that's what threw me.off lol
That sounds like me. I do it all the time. I think of one thing but say something else 😄
Excellent video! Please give us more like this! Wrist watches too please. Great job. Loved it.
More to come! And wrist watches too 👍
Top notch work! Visual and auditory magic. Thanks for your contribution
Glad you enjoyed it, there’s more to come!
I have always loved the look of pocket watches some utilitarian timekeepers and some beautiful pieces of art but all tactile and fascinating and each a character. Came upon your channel purely by chance and so glad that I did . Thank you for the marvellous content , I can’t imagine the hours you must put into working on the watch and producing a video of such quality . I shall be “ watching “ for more of your content and thank you again .
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! Pocket watches are beautiful, no doubt about it. They can be hard work though. Many people worked on them over the years, some more skilful than others, obtaining parts can be difficult or even impossible sometimes.
It indeed it is very time consuming when most of it is recorded under a macro lens but I do like the final result overall and I’m very happy to hear that you do too 👍
Superb video Leo. Absolutely wonderful macro filming.
Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
How the hell does that dirt and detritus get into these things in the first place? It always amazes me how this can happen.
I really appreciate that you actually try to do something about the dials and the hands of watches you take care of. It'd really great to see them look like new as opposed to cleaning the movement, case and putting a new crystal on an awful face with nasty hands. That is akin to (to coin a phrase form a great film), putting lipstick on a pig.
Anyone can open the case to look at the movement. And they will, it’s pretty. The dirt will collect over the years.
I had to do the hands, I couldn’t help myself. If I didn’t use the macro lens, they would have looked just fine but I wanted them to pop a little against the white dial 👍
I only have a few pocket watches in my collection, one an ex BR guards/stationmaster Limit No 2 all solid silver too and a couple of Soviet 3602's and a Soviet 3602 "marriage" reglateur quite well done pocket watch conversion to a wristwatch. The BR one is quite interesting as the watch is 1930's and BR didn't come into being til 1948, apparently was told all they did was get someone to grind flat the rear case shell and then had it engraved with the new BR information which mine is BR(M) and was last serviced in 1952.
Speaking of reglateur's, earlier this year on a very cheeky bid I bid on a Oskar Emil Orbit, now O-E is one of them Chinesium companies brand engineered but the Orbit is a tourbillion automatic reglateur with 24k gold plated insets, a very steampunk sort of design and from what I understand the movement was created specifically for this watch so very unique too. My first Oskar Emil is a Houston, high end Seiko chrono in very heavy stainless steel everything, heaviest watch I own then they went Chinesium and cheap sadly...
I don’t really do pocket watches very often. It can be very difficult to obtain parts and tools
That was almost perfect service but there is one note. Under the barrel is lot of wear it means barrel arbor is loose and it should be addressed. But over all excellent work and even better video footage.
Thank you for pointing it out to me.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the video.
Best watch service video I've seen. Great work!
Wow, thanks!
Well that upload was worth a coffee...thanks.
My first coffee! Thank you very much and thank you for the sub.
Fantastic! This is by far the best pocket watch service posting that I have seen on YouYube. It is also very timely as I am currently working on a Waltham Grade 620. Your comprehensive, step by step presentation is a joy to behold. You have cleared up so many questions I have had, especially regarding lubricants and their proper use. Your attention to detail is enviable. I would love to see you service an earlier Waltham Pocket Watch with a full plate. My Dad worked for the Waltham Watch Company for 32 years and I am a big fan of Waltham products.
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it and finding useful. I make them as comprehensive as I can so others who work on the same or similar movement can follow it. It's good to hear it's working.
I wouldn't mind another pocket watch but they can be difficult. Parts no longer available, natural jewels have been replaced by synthetic ones long time ago, obtaining some tools can be difficult... Unless your dad left you a garage full of spare Waltham parts? I could do with some!
All the best with your project 👍
Great work! As someone who just started learning watch service/repair during the pandemic, I find this content extremely helpful. I also just got my 1st elgin pocket watch Grade 572. So I'll be servicing it in the near future while watching this video to remind me of the lubrication points 👍subscribed
Thanks for the sub! I’m glad you found it helpful and can follow the video while working on your watch. Great choice getting a pocket watch to work on.
Really great video, the images and fantastic. Learned lots. Really appreciate you taking the time to do it.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the video and learned from it. It does take time to make these videos but I enjoy it very much.
😶great video.. loved it
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
very cool mate, i loved the video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Absolutely perfect video ! I recently services the same pocket watch, it’s a piece of arts for sure ! Thanks for sharing it’s absolutely interesting ! ✨👌
Glad you enjoy it! 🙂
I truly admire your work.
Thank you so much 😀
Splendid and super informative video, hope to see more or your work.
Thank you, more to come! The hand polishing and bluing tutorial should be finished and published in couple of weeks.
I remember the seventies court case, Prestons of Bolton vs Boltons of Preston.
I never knew about that. I moved to the UK in 1995.