Hi Marc, thanks for posting this. About a year ago I bought my beloved Orient Bambino (from Long Island Watch, of course!), one of my first mechanical watches. It has consistently run about +23 s/d. It never bothered me too much, but after viewing your video I decided to try regulating it. I don't own a timegrapher, so I did an iterative process combined with some good old fashioned trial and error. My watch is now running at -1 s/d! I would never have attempted this without your video. Thanks again!
I enjoy your work Mark.. I'm a guy born in Astoria.. grew up in Flusing, went to St. John's and NYIT.. now live in Boulder, Colorado.. saving my watch budget to pick up an Islander.. did lots of field work on the North Shore for my undergraduate degree, and that is in my heart! Thanks for all you do! Frank in Colorado
Hi Mark. I just wanted to come back and thank you for making this video. I got a Seiko Alpinist a year ago that had HORRIBLE accuracy from the factory at -40 seconds per day.. I do not have a time graph machine so I was prepared to spend a few days regulating it back and forth to get it right, but after watching how you did this, I got my watch to -40 per day to +1.5 seconds per day on the first try. And finally, I can wear my Alpinist with setting it minutes ahead or having to reset it every other day.
Recently took the plunge and regulated my beloved SKX 007 (bought from long Island watches btw)...and took it from -11seconds a day to +3 a day....all thanks to this video, Thanks Marc
You are exceptional at these watch and learn videos. I've learned quite a bit from you that I can't and don't get from anywhere else. You do things at the level that a truly enthusiastic hobbyist enjoys, but also works for someone getting into the hobby as well. Not so horribly bogged down by professional level details that I couldn't do at home if I were really looking to make alterations. Keep up this tremendously good work.
I used a phone app that uses the built in mic to pick up the ticking of my Seiko SARB. The app told me that it was running at about 21601.5 bph, or 1.5 bph fast. I extrapolated that over 24 hours and it works out to be about 6 seconds fast per day. This is very consistent with what I'm actually getting, and as it's much better than spec, and consistent with what everyone seems to get with this movement, I'm happy with it. Considering I get different times on and off wrist, I don't feel it's worth trying to get 0.0 seconds per day, it's just not realistic even with the most expensive movements.
Great info. Some youtubers will say never to regulate a watch. But then again, I only paid $45 for the watch I'm wearing. I'd like it to run on time without constantly having to take it to a watchmaker. Vintage watches have a hard time keeping the same rate over the years.
This video gives the best watch regulation instructions on the web, IMHO. I just managed to regulate my NH35a movement (Yep, the Invicta Pro Diver). When Marc says move the lever tiny amounts, he's not kidding. If you saw it move, say 1/4 mm, it's too much. Firm but TINY nudges are best. Even so, mine bounced back and forth several times between -14 s/d and +18 s/d. I finally settled on -3 s/d. We'll see in a couple of days how well I really did.
Mark, thanks for these instructive videos. I got into automatic watches during the pandemic shutdown of summer 2020. I must have watched over a hundred of videos on watch reviews and watch repair/ maintenance. This is by far my favorite channel. No BS, no spin, straight forward. ✌️ Peace!
My Dad was a watchmaker thanks to the GI bill after ww2. He did everything with NO electronics. He used his skills as a side line since he got a civil service job as a cop. I was fascinated with his work. You reminded of those days. Yep, I would never touch the back, no way.
I have 3 watches with NH35 movement. Two of them was running late a few seconds, so I adjusted them with a mobile phone app (not too pro, I know). But it worked! I keep them on a winder, when not worn. One runs +3 sec per day, but the other ... well the lever stuck at one point, I used force, the spring got deformed, so I messed up the whole thing. Fortunately it was a cheap Chinese watch. So I approve that this operation requires very delicate movements and high precision. Super informative video btw! Thank You, Sir!
I own an SKX007, and I check it every night before taking it off, if its running slow or fast. If its fast, I place it dial up or down. If its slow, I place it on its side, crown up or down. With this method the watch is running very precisely, very close to 0 s/d. :)
Marc, you have a good knowledge base for not being a watchmaker. A note here is the timegrapher is set at a default lift angle of 52°, making your Rolex show it's actual amplitude but not other watches which do not have the same lift angle. The beat error and rate displays will be true for all mechanical watches regardless of lift angle.
I would like to add a comment about the 4R36 caliber in My new Turtle. I have had my watch now from new for around 3 months. I wear it every day and I love It. When I received the watch it was keeping good time up until around a week after, then started losing a few seconds a day, which then stayed very consistent in its settled state. I then after this wonderful review decided to calibrate it myself as I live in the UK and it wasn't calibrated for the UK and for the way I wear this watch. My first attempt was a slightly bigger nudge on the main spring tension lever than I wished for and the watch then was gaining 3 mins a day lol. I then with far more of a delicate touch over days and weeks found what I consider to be the perfect adjustment for me. Now during the day it will gain between 1 second to 4 seconds a day, depending on my activities, I'm a builder by trade. And at night I sit it face down whilst I'm asleep, I wake up check the watch with my preferred atomic clock, and it is back to perfect time, give or take a minus second or 2. then during the day again it catches up and so on. It is in a state of self regulation depending on how I rest it at night. My movement for a mass produced product is far more accurate than my brietling ever has been. I take my hat off and give a bow to Seiko. They certainly know how to create a time piece that keeps amazingly consistent and reliable time. Thank you all 😊 over and out 👍
VERY IMPORTANT - on a Seiko movement such as this, the rate adjustment arm has a brass carrier in it which guides the hairspring. It's clearly visible in this video. When regulating the watch, DO NOT touch this brass piece or you can accidentally rotate it, which will change the angle of the hairspring by distorting it, and make the watch run completely screwy. Unless you know how to adjust an oscillator correctly, this mistake will take a watchmaker to repair! It is extremely easy to move that part unintentionally, so be careful!
absolutely new to the hobby but a adjusted my nh35 movement today after 2 weeks of wearing. i dit however hack(pull out the stem and stop the watch) before pushing the lever. it seems that i went from -7 to -1 a day. we will see in a weeks time
Marc, just stumbled to this video. And because of it, I've decided that an automatic watch is NOT for me. At my age, I don't have the patience needed for this kind of watch movement care/maintenance. I grew up in the 1960's and from back then I've had nothing but automatic and mechanical watches. With those watches, it was the norm to have them periodically cleaned, regulated, and adjusted. Time marches on so to speak, and quartz became the mainstream. I appreciated the relative accuracy, ruggedness, and minimal maintenance that quartz watches offered. Lately however, I was feeling nostalgic for the " good old days "and thought of getting an automatic. This video convinced me to stay with quartz. Thank you for this video, you've spared me some serious money.
Definitely understand, but there is just something very special when I put on one of my automatic watches-Breitling Skyracer raven, Colt Chronograph, etc. A watch person would understand what I mean.
I appreciate these necessary essentials that you video for the hobbyist/novice. This video helped me better understand the timegrapher and its importance or moderate importance (one on order). Lift angle is still a bit ambiguous but... Thanks for this concise look-in.
If you are comfortable loosen the screw that holds the balance cock. Not sure what movement you have, but in cheaper movements sometimes when the balance cock is tightened the pressure slows it down or stops it. The manufacturer (more like adjuster on a bench who is just trying to get the watch to work) creates a bump by using a punch into the metal main plate. When you tighten down the balance bar or cock, the bump stops the balance staff and pivots from being squeezed too much. The bump can be squished down if the screw was tightened too much or if the bar/cock was removed and then put back.
Searching on UA-cam and I found your old video. I decided to regulate a 3 years old Seiko that is about 45sec per day. Thank you for the explanation. Definitely, a lesson to learn.
Super video Mark! I regulated my NH35A Seiko (housed in the 8926 Invicta) without the timegraph. Gotta tell ya, the lever is nano sensitive! Now I know why the spec on the NH35A is +35/-25 sec/day: So they can ship them without the extra expense of fine regulation! Anyway, you have become one of my most trusted sources of information in this complex hobby, so a big THANKS.
Regulating a watch always sounded intimidating but your helpful videos like this one takes the mystery away. I didn't know I needed a timegrapher but I do want one now!
Thank you for the never ending knowledge!! I'll be regulating an nh36 that's been acting up, and feel more confident because you teach us something every day! Thanks again!!
I found this video very informative.i I didn't think it was so easy to regulate a watch. Can you use any time grapher or is there a certain brand you prefer. Two watches I have are running seagull movements which I don't like and want to try and improve them.
I really like your Videos. Very educational. Finally found a video who explains easy how this adjustment works. Have a friend who has a Rolex GMT and he told me that it's normal for Rolex that they go after 48h +5min just like his. Did not beloved him and you showed how precise this watcher are. Hope to see more from you, please don't stop!
Thanks for another fantastic video!! I have questions to ask regarding watch movement regulations: 1) How do you regulate in multiple positions having already done (setup) in one position? 2) Is there a timegrapher app that actually works / displays the result accurately? 3) Is it true that a cheaper timegrapher might not necessarily measure cheaper movements? 4) If so, how does these cheaper movements cloud the timegrapher's result? 5) There are timegraphers priced from $150 and up. What would be the optimal one if you are just starting to learn how to regulate? Thank you 🍎
I have an old Tag Heuer watch that I had a battery replaced about 4 years ago. After I wore it for a while, the arms just fell to the bottom 6:30 position like it came off the watch. I went back to the jewelry store that I had it changed and the store was closed. I still have the watch and is wondering what could have caused it and if it can be fixed? Thanks for any input.
I have a Seiko skx007 and it seems to lose time I want to regulate it however doesn't opening up the backing ruin the seal or relinquish the water proof effectiveness?
Mr. Marc, I have a Longines Hydroconquest ceramic gray that houses a L888.5. I opened the back and looked for that fine ETA regulator like the one on your video mark 16:56… couldn’t find it. It slows and it’s driving me nuts as I wish it would gain seconds instead. Kindly help!
Great video! I just purchased my first automatic watch today (orient tristar) that i got a really good deal on btw after wearing a quartz (fossil diver) for 15 years. Im learning more about watches now and Im excited for my new piece to be delivered and timing its performance. I really like the orient blue ray 2 also and it may just be my next purchase. Im an oilfield electronics technician and an ex auto mechanic so the mechanical watch movement is fascinating to me. Your videos are very informative and explained in a way that is easily understood. Thank you!
chris doyle, I was really impressed with that watch when I did a hands modification to make it look like an Omega for a friend’s birthday. Very nice fit and finish, handsome movement. Go for it.
Hi Mark! While I was regulating my vintage Certina 919-1 automatic, I briefly touched the BALANCE, not the hairspring, just like you did in the clip. Now, I'm scared shitless...did I mess it up?
Excellent tutorial and presentation. Many thanks for taking the time to educate us lesser knowledgeable out there and promoting the hobby of collecting timepieces and caring for them.
Thanks Mark! My Mako XL was running anywhere from +12 to +15, but thanks to your, and just blue fish's video, I decided to regulate it for the first time. According to the app I've downloaded it's now running around -1 sec/day. I know this is not an accurate representation, but at least I have a baseline to compare and might help me tune it over time. Thanks again, cheers!
Hi Mark, I am in the process of searching/liking a watch for myself to wear it every day and your videos helped me a lot to understand the inner workings of a mechanical watch and what to look for. Thank you so very, very much for your effort and sharing your knowledge with the world!
Hi Marc A good way to protect your backs from scratching,after being removed. On a screw back and using a clamp use a glass clean one cloth,, just place over the back before attaching clamp. If it has screws rather than using tweezer and having them ping away,use a bit of blu tac to hold screw and start turning. When using a clam knife just put a bit of clear plastic bag over the knife.
what if my timegrapher draws a like S shaped curve instead of an straight one? does it mean the speed of my watch isn't consistent? if so: what could be the reason of it?
You didn't mention it, but I've found on every watch that I've regulated that re-installing the caseback significantly affects the rate. It usually makes it faster. Not sure why it is so, maybe, the case flexes a bit? Air pressure inside changes/increases? Whatever it is, it's something that will definitely cause me to have to re-regulate it after getting it "perfect" on the Timegrapher.
I have a brand new Seco five, how much would a service like that cost if I brought it to a watch shop in my neighborhood providing he has the tools you do
I just got one of your hex bracelets, I was thinking it might be a bit blingy for me, it absolutely isnt, its perfect. I would call it impossible to make it look better. Imo, anyway. I love it
Hello, great video! I wanted to ask how much can you regulate a watch? Mine is running too fast and the regulation arm is already at edge of the (-) mark.. Though I could still regulate it more before it hits the beat adjustment lever.. Should I??
Sorry if you have gone over this, I can't find that segment. I have a 4r36 movement. If it runs 20 seconds slow per day. Will laying the watch down at night (6-8hrs) in a particular position help? If so, how should I lay down the watch ? Crown up/down/right/left, face up/down?
Usually dial up / down will speed a watch up. On its side will slow it down. So if at the end of the day your watch is slow, put it on the caseback flat. If it is fast, put it on the strap and side with the crown up or down.
Mark what an awesome Lear I got video. Thanks. I am going to pick up a time graph to monitor my watches every so often but have a watch maker do any adjustments. I’m just afraid to screw up the movements if I did it myself LOL. Thanks again for the great information. Good luck with the business.
Thanks Marc you answered me on insta a while back but this video really helps.. still haven’t regulated but I want to. If the watch runs a couple mins fast over time what’s the best method to wind back? Is it in reality to wind forward and then adjust the date and day back? Don’t want to mess up the movement and I feel like winding time backwards would go against all the springs and movements
thanks...excellent lesson in adjusting and regulating . ... and how the adjusting separates the high end from the low end cost watches . My wife is saying " " are you watching about watches again ?".... usually at the most interesting bit !
When I regulate the watch with case open on bench the results differ once it's sealed back into case. It's as tho the motion or position of the watch changes the calibration.
I've had 4 Rolexes over the last 40 years, (last one was stolen), but you're absolutely right. Even if I'd seen this video, I'd never have taken the backs off!
That adjustment actually clamps the spring and the piece between it and the last stud stops moving. That's why it shortens or lengthens the amount of that spring coil that oscillates - effective length.
I have one of those inexpensive seiko watches. If my timegrapher thinks I got a 4ms beat error is that worth trying to adjust? I have seen two videos telling me not to touch that, but you at least tell me that's what the deeper adjustment is for.
I have a new 24 hr Breitling Chronographe Etanche that gains about 2 hrs every hour. Also, the hour hand never lines up with the odd hours on the dial. I took it to a repair shop and the repairman said that 'it just needs to be worn'. I've worn it for 4 days straight and no change. Does what the repairman said make sense to you? What's your opinion re: the watch? Thanks
two questions about the topic: 1. Can a hacking movement be regulated while the balance wheel is stopped to reduce the likelihood of damaging the spring? 2. Can the indicator be moved at the gap in the ring instead of the end of the lever to reduce the risk of slipping and hitting the spring? Cheers
One question. I have several automatic watches and I need to ask is it true if I don't wear particular watch(es) for a couple of months that oil inside the mechanism will drop down from oiled parts? So it will lead to excessive friction? thank you in advance. Watch is 3 months old (seiko turtle SRPC44) and seiko 5 7s26 (A) which has been serviced 7 months ago.
I have worn a Rolex since '68. It's a GMT Master that I bought to wear as a professional Soldier/ Army Officer. Roles were popular with the military because it took helicopter vibration well. I don't understand why it does not keep time and has lost its hack capability. Three years ago I had it serviced by Rolex but it cannot be relied upon for accurate time. How can this be corrected.
Drift? I have a Seiko 7s36 that seems to be getting gradually slower since it was new about 5 months ago. It started off gaining about 4 s/day and now losing about 4 s/day. In any given week, it stays pretty close, less than a second variance, to the average for the week, as long as I keep it on the same wrist. Is this expected to continue, or will it eventually stabilize? FYI, it reliably runs about 3 s/day slower on my right wrist, so position does matter!
Hello, I have an Invicta Pro Diver (Model 9937OB) that has a Sellita SW200-1 movement in it. It is always gaining a few seconds everyday and I don't have a timegrapher to tell me exactly by how much. My question is: Once you regulate it how often must it be done?
Hi Marc. I can't remember which video it was, maybe it was a Watch and Learn about the difference between a manual wind and an automatic, but I think it was on that one where you had an Automatic Swatch that you said you liked but it would never be within regulation. I have a vintage manual wind Lucerne watch I bought through a private sale that I think I paid too much for. It was gaining several seconds per hour (which is usually the first test I perform on a used watch up against a reliable time source) and took it back. The guy claims he oiled and cleaned the movement but now it was losing time. I took it to someone else and he said there was no adjusting the watch because the movement may have wear from age and said he'd ask for a refund. I also found out it's a single jewel movement. I'm guessing the best thing for me to do is either find someone to experiment with it? The guy I bought the watch from gave me some excuse about it being normal for a watch that old (70s). Any opinions or suggestions? I'm probably going to send it to the place you e-mailed me about for repairs and modifications.
Its gotten to the point that my wife has also become enthralled with my hobby. She's even taken to wearing some of mine. Now if I can just get my graf zeppelin back from her. I know,I'll tell her to keep it and buy something else
Hey Marc- Do you have any vids on correcting a dive bezel? I've had a couple divers where the bezel triangle wouldn't line up correctly with teh 12oclock position. I have heard of ppl saying "I can have it fixed", but what do they mean? How would you fix that?
12:51 - You said the accuracy range is (+25) --> (-15) seconds a day. My watch runs slower 5 seconds a day (after 12 days I have to advance 1 minute the make it right), then should I regulate it?
Hi Marc, thanks for posting this. About a year ago I bought my beloved Orient Bambino (from Long Island Watch, of course!), one of my first mechanical watches. It has consistently run about +23 s/d. It never bothered me too much, but after viewing your video I decided to try regulating it. I don't own a timegrapher, so I did an iterative process combined with some good old fashioned trial and error. My watch is now running at -1 s/d! I would never have attempted this without your video. Thanks again!
Good to hear that it's easily doable without a timegrapher. It just takes a bit longer. I'm going to give it a shot on my Orient Kamasu!
@@tristandauod Good luck! Just take your time and be careful. 😉
6
@@tristandauod There is an app from Play Store that does the same thing. Just place your watch near your phone mic and it really works !
I enjoy your work Mark.. I'm a guy born in Astoria.. grew up in Flusing, went to St. John's and NYIT.. now live in Boulder, Colorado.. saving my watch budget to pick up an Islander.. did lots of field work on the North Shore for my undergraduate degree, and that is in my heart! Thanks for all you do!
Frank in Colorado
I just got into watches mid 2024 and your videos from 7 years ago have been life savers
Hi Mark. I just wanted to come back and thank you for making this video. I got a Seiko Alpinist a year ago that had HORRIBLE accuracy from the factory at -40 seconds per day.. I do not have a time graph machine so I was prepared to spend a few days regulating it back and forth to get it right, but after watching how you did this, I got my watch to -40 per day to +1.5 seconds per day on the first try. And finally, I can wear my Alpinist with setting it minutes ahead or having to reset it every other day.
Recently took the plunge and regulated my beloved SKX 007 (bought from long Island watches btw)...and took it from -11seconds a day to +3 a day....all thanks to this video,
Thanks Marc
You are exceptional at these watch and learn videos. I've learned quite a bit from you that I can't and don't get from anywhere else. You do things at the level that a truly enthusiastic hobbyist enjoys, but also works for someone getting into the hobby as well. Not so horribly bogged down by professional level details that I couldn't do at home if I were really looking to make alterations. Keep up this tremendously good work.
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it, and are enjoying the series!
Becoming one of my favourite "Real World"' pragmatic and "middle class oriented" watch channel 😊👌
If we could have less talk at the beguining it should be perfect
Thank you!
I get carried away at times, but try to keep the banter pertinent.
@@tutututu81 I wonder why so many watch channel videos here have 2 to 6 minutes of pointless intro and banter that waste time . Ironic
I used a phone app that uses the built in mic to pick up the ticking of my Seiko SARB. The app told me that it was running at about 21601.5 bph, or 1.5 bph fast. I extrapolated that over 24 hours and it works out to be about 6 seconds fast per day. This is very consistent with what I'm actually getting, and as it's much better than spec, and consistent with what everyone seems to get with this movement, I'm happy with it. Considering I get different times on and off wrist, I don't feel it's worth trying to get 0.0 seconds per day, it's just not realistic even with the most expensive movements.
Do you remember the name of the app?
Great info. Some youtubers will say never to regulate a watch. But then again, I only paid $45 for the watch I'm wearing. I'd like it to run on time without constantly having to take it to a watchmaker. Vintage watches have a hard time keeping the same rate over the years.
This video gives the best watch regulation instructions on the web, IMHO. I just managed to regulate my NH35a movement (Yep, the Invicta Pro Diver). When Marc says move the lever tiny amounts, he's not kidding. If you saw it move, say 1/4 mm, it's too much. Firm but TINY nudges are best. Even so, mine bounced back and forth several times between -14 s/d and +18 s/d. I finally settled on -3 s/d. We'll see in a couple of days how well I really did.
It seems to have settled down to 0 sec per day. Sheer unadulterated luck, of course, but how nice!
Mark, thanks for these instructive videos. I got into automatic watches during the pandemic shutdown of summer 2020. I must have watched over a hundred of videos on watch reviews and watch repair/ maintenance. This is by far my favorite channel. No BS, no spin, straight forward. ✌️ Peace!
Great video Mark. I regulated my SW200-1 from 12 seconds fast to 1 second a day fast. Thanks a bunch!
My Dad was a watchmaker thanks to the GI bill after ww2. He did everything with NO electronics. He used his skills as a side line since he got a civil service job as a cop. I was fascinated with his work. You reminded of those days. Yep, I would never touch the back, no way.
im 22 but you made me get into watches, my dads been a mechanical engineer at parker hannifin for over 20 years, you made us buy 2 j model skx's
I have 3 watches with NH35 movement. Two of them was running late a few seconds, so I adjusted them with a mobile phone app (not too pro, I know).
But it worked! I keep them on a winder, when not worn. One runs +3 sec per day, but the other ... well the lever stuck at one point, I used force, the spring got deformed, so I messed up the whole thing.
Fortunately it was a cheap Chinese watch.
So I approve that this operation requires very delicate movements and high precision.
Super informative video btw! Thank You, Sir!
I own an SKX007, and I check it every night before taking it off, if its running slow or fast. If its fast, I place it dial up or down. If its slow, I place it on its side, crown up or down. With this method the watch is running very precisely, very close to 0 s/d. :)
Great idea! "free" regulation!
Does there ever come a point where I should have my SKX007 over hauled by a watch maker or is that even worth it?
mrgoldindex If you wear it everyday then every 5-6 years .If you wear it very little then when its not keeping time anymore
Marc you're the best! Been thinking about having my SKX regulated lately. Just purchased your Ray II yesterday as it's such a great deal!
It should be the other way around
Marc, you have a good knowledge base for not being a watchmaker. A note here is the timegrapher is set at a default lift angle of 52°, making your Rolex show it's actual amplitude but not other watches which do not have the same lift angle. The beat error and rate displays will be true for all mechanical watches regardless of lift angle.
This was an excellent basic tutorial on regulating. Gonna give it a try on my SKX031J running too fast tomorrow.
Hey Mark. Such a treat, both informative and concise. A video with out the, and ums, ahs, ahs, uh, umm.... etc. etc. Most enjoyable!
Awesome. A simple answer to a simple question. Makes me wonder why it took me so long to find this information. Thank you!
Merci Marc, from Paris. I just regulated my Alpinist thanks to you. What an amazing youtube channel... I've learned so much 😱
I would like to add a comment about the 4R36 caliber in My new Turtle.
I have had my watch now from new for around 3 months.
I wear it every day and I love It.
When I received the watch it was keeping good time up until around a week after, then started losing a few seconds a day, which then stayed very consistent in its settled state.
I then after this wonderful review decided to calibrate it myself as I live in the UK and it wasn't calibrated for the UK and for the way I wear this watch.
My first attempt was a slightly bigger nudge on the main spring tension lever than I wished for and the watch then was gaining 3 mins a day lol.
I then with far more of a delicate touch over days and weeks found what I consider to be the perfect adjustment for me.
Now during the day it will gain between 1 second to 4 seconds a day, depending on my activities, I'm a builder by trade.
And at night I sit it face down whilst I'm asleep, I wake up check the watch with my preferred atomic clock, and it is back to perfect time, give or take a minus second or 2. then during the day again it catches up and so on.
It is in a state of self regulation depending on how I rest it at night.
My movement for a mass produced product is far more accurate than my brietling ever has been.
I take my hat off and give a bow to Seiko.
They certainly know how to create a time piece that keeps amazingly consistent and reliable time.
Thank you all 😊 over and out 👍
VERY IMPORTANT - on a Seiko movement such as this, the rate adjustment arm has a brass carrier in it which guides the hairspring. It's clearly visible in this video. When regulating the watch, DO NOT touch this brass piece or you can accidentally rotate it, which will change the angle of the hairspring by distorting it, and make the watch run completely screwy. Unless you know how to adjust an oscillator correctly, this mistake will take a watchmaker to repair! It is extremely easy to move that part unintentionally, so be careful!
Do you mean the brass-colored piece he touches (or almost touches) at 12:02?
I read somewhere that this brass piece is for isochronism
absolutely new to the hobby but a adjusted my nh35 movement today after 2 weeks of wearing. i dit however hack(pull out the stem and stop the watch) before pushing the lever. it seems that i went from -7 to -1 a day. we will see in a weeks time
Marc, just stumbled to this video. And because of it, I've decided that an automatic watch is NOT for me. At my age, I don't have the patience needed for this kind of watch movement care/maintenance. I grew up in the 1960's and from back then I've had nothing but automatic and mechanical watches. With those watches, it was the norm to have them periodically cleaned, regulated, and adjusted. Time marches on so to speak, and quartz became the mainstream. I appreciated the relative accuracy, ruggedness, and minimal maintenance that quartz watches offered. Lately however, I was feeling nostalgic for the " good old days "and thought of getting an automatic. This video convinced me to stay with quartz. Thank you for this video, you've spared me some serious money.
Definitely understand, but there is just something very special when I put on one of my automatic watches-Breitling Skyracer raven, Colt Chronograph, etc. A watch person would understand what I mean.
Does this have to be done in a specialist dust free room or can it be done at home?
I appreciate these necessary essentials that you video for the hobbyist/novice. This video helped me better understand the timegrapher
and its importance or moderate importance (one on order). Lift angle is still a bit ambiguous but... Thanks for this concise look-in.
Thanks for watching!!
Excellent explanation. Good teacher for those of us willing to learn. Thanks for your video.
I tried to speed it up and put the regulator anti clockwise. The first 5 minutes the speed was ok, now the spring stopped beating...what could it be?
If you are comfortable loosen the screw that holds the balance cock. Not sure what movement you have, but in cheaper movements sometimes when the balance cock is tightened the pressure slows it down or stops it. The manufacturer (more like adjuster on a bench who is just trying to get the watch to work) creates a bump by using a punch into the metal main plate. When you tighten down the balance bar or cock, the bump stops the balance staff and pivots from being squeezed too much. The bump can be squished down if the screw was tightened too much or if the bar/cock was removed and then put back.
Searching on UA-cam and I found your old video. I decided to regulate a 3 years old Seiko that is about 45sec per day. Thank you for the explanation. Definitely, a lesson to learn.
Super video Mark! I regulated my NH35A Seiko (housed in the 8926 Invicta) without the timegraph. Gotta tell ya, the lever is nano sensitive! Now I know why the spec on the NH35A is +35/-25 sec/day: So they can ship them without the extra expense of fine regulation! Anyway, you have become one of my most trusted sources of information in this complex hobby, so a big THANKS.
LOL, thank you!
Regulating a watch always sounded intimidating but your helpful videos like this one takes the mystery away. I didn't know I needed a timegrapher but I do want one now!
Haha, its a nifty tool.
Thank you for the never ending knowledge!! I'll be regulating an nh36 that's been acting up, and feel more confident because you teach us something every day! Thanks again!!
I found this video very informative.i I didn't think it was so easy to regulate a watch. Can you use any time grapher or is there a certain brand you prefer. Two watches I have are running seagull movements which I don't like and want to try and improve them.
I really like your Videos. Very educational. Finally found a video who explains easy how this adjustment works. Have a friend who has a Rolex GMT and he told me that it's normal for Rolex that they go after 48h +5min just like his. Did not beloved him and you showed how precise this watcher are.
Hope to see more from you, please don't stop!
Great Video. But, how can I be sure that the timegrapher itself is properly calibrated??
Thanks for another fantastic video!!
I have questions to ask regarding watch movement regulations:
1) How do you regulate in multiple positions having already done (setup) in one position?
2) Is there a timegrapher app that actually works / displays the result accurately?
3) Is it true that a cheaper timegrapher might not necessarily measure cheaper movements?
4) If so, how does these cheaper movements cloud the timegrapher's result?
5) There are timegraphers priced from $150 and up. What would be the optimal one if you are just starting to learn how to regulate?
Thank you 🍎
I have an old Tag Heuer watch that I had a battery replaced about 4 years ago. After I wore it for a while, the arms just fell to the bottom 6:30 position like it came off the watch. I went back to the jewelry store that I had it changed and the store was closed. I still have the watch and is wondering what could have caused it and if it can be fixed? Thanks for any input.
I have a Seiko skx007 and it seems to lose time I want to regulate it however doesn't opening up the backing ruin the seal or relinquish the water proof effectiveness?
Mr. Marc, I have a Longines Hydroconquest ceramic gray that houses a L888.5. I opened the back and looked for that fine ETA regulator like the one on your video mark 16:56… couldn’t find it. It slows and it’s driving me nuts as I wish it would gain seconds instead. Kindly help!
Great video! I just purchased my first automatic watch today (orient tristar) that i got a really good deal on btw after wearing a quartz (fossil diver) for 15 years. Im learning more about watches now and Im excited for my new piece to be delivered and timing its performance. I really like the orient blue ray 2 also and it may just be my next purchase. Im an oilfield electronics technician and an ex auto mechanic so the mechanical watch movement is fascinating to me. Your videos are very informative and explained in a way that is easily understood. Thank you!
chris doyle, I was really impressed with that watch when I did a hands modification to make it look like an Omega for a friend’s birthday. Very nice fit and finish, handsome movement. Go for it.
Hi. I have two Orient watches, an Explorer and a World Timer, and they both keep _really_ good time. I'm very happy with them.
Hi Mark! While I was regulating my vintage Certina 919-1 automatic, I briefly touched the BALANCE, not the hairspring, just like you did in the clip. Now, I'm scared shitless...did I mess it up?
Thanks Mark! My ball was about 30 seconds slow per day so I'm working on getting my time regulated thanks to your video! :)
Excellent tutorial and presentation. Many thanks for taking the time to educate us lesser knowledgeable out there and promoting the hobby of collecting timepieces and caring for them.
Thanks Mark! My Mako XL was running anywhere from +12 to +15, but thanks to your, and just blue fish's video, I decided to regulate it for the first time. According to the app I've downloaded it's now running around -1 sec/day. I know this is not an accurate representation, but at least I have a baseline to compare and might help me tune it over time. Thanks again, cheers!
Nice work and congrats!
Hi Mark, I am in the process of searching/liking a watch for myself to wear it every day and your videos helped me a lot to understand the inner workings of a mechanical watch and what to look for. Thank you so very, very much for your effort and sharing your knowledge with the world!
Hi Marc
A good way to protect your backs from scratching,after being removed.
On a screw back and using a clamp use a glass clean one cloth,, just place over the back before attaching clamp.
If it has screws rather than using tweezer and having them ping away,use a bit of blu tac to hold screw and start turning.
When using a clam knife just put a bit of clear plastic bag over the knife.
Thank you for sharing!
Should the case gasket be replaced every time you open the case?
When you open up the back of a seiko skx does it ruin the water resistance?
what if my timegrapher draws a like S shaped curve instead of an straight one? does it mean the speed of my watch isn't consistent? if so: what could be the reason of it?
You didn't mention it, but I've found on every watch that I've regulated that re-installing the caseback significantly affects the rate. It usually makes it faster. Not sure why it is so, maybe, the case flexes a bit? Air pressure inside changes/increases? Whatever it is, it's something that will definitely cause me to have to re-regulate it after getting it "perfect" on the Timegrapher.
Tried this on a SKX 007 a couple of years ago. Trashed it and ended up getting a whole new movement!
Would it be a good idea to stop the watch (if it's hackable) before making the regulating adjustment?
I have a brand new Seco five, how much would a service like that cost if I brought it to a watch shop in my neighborhood providing he has the tools you do
Hello thanks for the video i think the blue moon is great with the leather braceler can you say me where i can find it? thanks a lot
I just got one of your hex bracelets, I was thinking it might be a bit blingy for me, it absolutely isnt, its perfect. I would call it impossible to make it look better. Imo, anyway. I love it
Hi I just received a new seiko 5 (snk793) and it looses about 2 minutes a day, what should I do?
Hello, great video!
I wanted to ask how much can you regulate a watch? Mine is running too fast and the regulation arm is already at edge of the (-) mark.. Though I could still regulate it more before it hits the beat adjustment lever.. Should I??
"... unless you know what you are doing. but if you know what you are doing - you are probably not watching this video anyway" :))
Hi Mark, does the regulation need to be done while it is running? I would be more comfortable if the heart is not beating (crown out position).
You could, but then you'd have to restart it to see how it's doing.
Sorry if you have gone over this, I can't find that segment. I have a 4r36 movement. If it runs 20 seconds slow per day. Will laying the watch down at night (6-8hrs) in a particular position help? If so, how should I lay down the watch ? Crown up/down/right/left, face up/down?
Usually dial up / down will speed a watch up. On its side will slow it down. So if at the end of the day your watch is slow, put it on the caseback flat. If it is fast, put it on the strap and side with the crown up or down.
Can tell you how much I love, enjoy and appreciate all of your videos. I have learned sooo much from you. Thank you immensely Mark.
Mark what an awesome Lear I got video. Thanks. I am going to pick up a time graph to monitor my watches every so often but have a watch maker do any adjustments. I’m just afraid to screw up the movements if I did it myself LOL. Thanks again for the great information. Good luck with the business.
What do you think about magnetization? I have a Orient Ray ii for less than a year and I realized this past few months that minutes/day fast.
Thanks Marc you answered me on insta a while back but this video really helps.. still haven’t regulated but I want to. If the watch runs a couple mins fast over time what’s the best method to wind back? Is it in reality to wind forward and then adjust the date and day back? Don’t want to mess up the movement and I feel like winding time backwards would go against all the springs and movements
I just got a new skx013 and it’s running consistently-15 per day. Is it worth getting it regulated
thanks...excellent lesson in adjusting and regulating . ... and how the adjusting separates the high end from the low end cost watches . My wife is saying " " are you watching about watches again ?".... usually at the most interesting bit !
When you take the back of the watch off. Do you have to do anything special if its a waterproof watch when you put the back on again?
When I regulate the watch with case open on bench the results differ once it's sealed back into case. It's as tho the motion or position of the watch changes the calibration.
thanks, I have a Seiko SKX007 which loses 5 minutes a day, this will help me get it back on track hopefully
Terrific tutorial. Your videos are informative and also very interesting. I’ve learned so much from watching your channel. Thanks again.
Would this have any effect on water resistance? How can you ensure your dive watch still retains its water resistance rating if you're opening it up?
Technically you would want to re-test it but in most cases if the gasket is
I've had 4 Rolexes over the last 40 years, (last one was stolen), but you're absolutely right. Even if I'd seen this video, I'd never have taken the backs off!
Yes, know your limits!
Do you regulate your watches that you sell server on your website
That adjustment actually clamps the spring and the piece between it and the last stud stops moving. That's why it shortens or lengthens the amount of that spring coil that oscillates - effective length.
Hello What do you think of the Hanawa type wristwatch
I have one of those inexpensive seiko watches. If my timegrapher thinks I got a 4ms beat error is that worth trying to adjust?
I have seen two videos telling me not to touch that, but you at least tell me that's what the deeper adjustment is for.
You're probably going to have a hard time with not just making it worse. Seiko movements are $30-50 so at some point it is easier to just replace them
Will removing the case back to access the lever on an SKX and replacing it compromise the water resistance?
I have a new 24 hr Breitling Chronographe Etanche that gains about 2 hrs every hour. Also, the hour hand never lines up with the odd hours on the dial. I took it to a repair shop and the repairman said that 'it just needs to be worn'. I've worn it for 4 days straight and no change. Does what the repairman said make sense to you? What's your opinion re: the watch? Thanks
Extremely clear to follow - thanks. I’m new to automatic watches so didn’t understand the difference between position adjustment and regulation.
Long Island Watch Yes I do.... at last - thank you! Love your vids
Another great video, Marc. Thanks. You have a talent for explaining things well
Thank you.
two questions about the topic:
1. Can a hacking movement be regulated while the balance wheel is stopped to reduce the likelihood of damaging the spring?
2. Can the indicator be moved at the gap in the ring instead of the end of the lever to reduce the risk of slipping and hitting the spring?
Cheers
One question. I have several automatic watches and I need to ask is it true if I don't wear particular watch(es) for a couple of months that oil inside the mechanism will drop down from oiled parts? So it will lead to excessive friction?
thank you in advance. Watch is 3 months old (seiko turtle SRPC44) and seiko 5 7s26 (A) which has been serviced 7 months ago.
Nice vid..... how much are those calibraters
I have worn a Rolex since '68. It's a GMT Master that I bought to wear as a professional Soldier/ Army Officer. Roles were popular with the military because it took helicopter vibration well. I don't understand why it does not keep time and has lost its hack capability. Three years ago I had it serviced by Rolex but it cannot be relied upon for accurate time. How can this be corrected.
My watch has 2 adjustment pins, one with 1 dot and another with 2 dots. Do I ALWAYS adjust the one with 2 dots to make the watch run faster/slower?
Drift? I have a Seiko 7s36 that seems to be getting gradually slower since it was new about 5 months ago. It started off gaining about 4 s/day and now losing about 4 s/day. In any given week, it stays pretty close, less than a second variance, to the average for the week, as long as I keep it on the same wrist. Is this expected to continue, or will it eventually stabilize? FYI, it reliably runs about 3 s/day slower on my right wrist, so position does matter!
Hi Mark, do you do watch regulation for customers at Island Watch? I would be interesting in mailing my Seiko Samurai in to have this done. Thanks.
What timegrapher do you recommend? Lots of choices out there.
Great walk thru of the timegrapher features and what they mean! Thank you
Hello,
I have an Invicta Pro Diver (Model 9937OB) that has a Sellita SW200-1 movement in it. It is always gaining a few seconds everyday and I don't have a timegrapher to tell me exactly by how much. My question is: Once you regulate it how often must it be done?
Not to sound silly, but whenever it gets out of whack. It should stay in beat for a few years.
Thanks for the video, just regulated my Seiko turtle to close to +5 sec per day.
Does this ruin the water proofing?
Does a luminous dial get effected by direct sunlight ?
Hi Marc. I can't remember which video it was, maybe it was a Watch and Learn about the difference between a manual wind and an automatic, but I think it was on that one where you had an Automatic Swatch that you said you liked but it would never be within regulation. I have a vintage manual wind Lucerne watch I bought through a private sale that I think I paid too much for. It was gaining several seconds per hour (which is usually the first test I perform on a used watch up against a reliable time source) and took it back. The guy claims he oiled and cleaned the movement but now it was losing time. I took it to someone else and he said there was no adjusting the watch because the movement may have wear from age and said he'd ask for a refund. I also found out it's a single jewel movement. I'm guessing the best thing for me to do is either find someone to experiment with it? The guy I bought the watch from gave me some excuse about it being normal for a watch that old (70s). Any opinions or suggestions? I'm probably going to send it to the place you e-mailed me about for repairs and modifications.
Can you do this without being in an explicitly dust free environment?
Its gotten to the point that my wife has also become enthralled with my hobby. She's even taken to wearing some of mine. Now if I can just get my graf zeppelin back from her.
I know,I'll tell her to keep it and buy something else
Hey Marc- Do you have any vids on correcting a dive bezel? I've had a couple divers where the bezel triangle wouldn't line up correctly with teh 12oclock position. I have heard of ppl saying "I can have it fixed", but what do they mean? How would you fix that?
Awesome instruction. Very educative!
12:51 - You said the accuracy range is (+25) --> (-15) seconds a day. My watch runs slower 5 seconds a day (after 12 days I have to advance 1 minute the make it right), then should I regulate it?
5 seconds per day is within specs, and doesn't really need regulation.
Thanks :)