A Gorgeous 1940's Omega Vintage Watch Restoration 

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I bought an old watch recently, to take apart and rebuild. I was amazed how many parts were left over, and oddly enough it didn't work

Nothing to worry about, Mike. Fatal doses of radioactivity are usually measured in sieverts, and the geiger counter was reading in microsieverts (1/1000000 of a sievert). For a bit of real-world relevance, microsievert exposure to radiation occurs in everyday life just by walking around, both from cosmic, natural, and man-made sources, usually in the 30-60 microsievert range. Precautions are always wise, however, since you wouldn't want to breathe in powdered radium.

Great video Mike. Because you take your time it is really helpful for the learner. Concerning radium and tritium dials which are less radioactive unless one has dozens of dials it is not a problem but with numerous dials it is best to keep them verntilated because of the gas they give off. I have a couple of watches with tritium dials and not concerned about the risk. IWC were using IWC tritium dials until the early 2000s and when I had a black replacement for my IWC They gave me the white tritium dials as a replacement. The risk was always mainly for the workers who had to manufacture them. Although you will still hear alarm stories from some scientists. I live in a 19th century house and I am more concerned about the radioactivity from the house than the dials even though Shropshire is a low radium area

Thats a pretty watch

Hi Mike. Thanks again for this video. I’ve just acquired a 1949 Eterna Matic which undoubtedly has remnants of radium on the hands so I’m going to be ultra careful. For your further edification, an alpha particle is essentially a helium nucleus: 2 neutrons and 2 protons.

Hi Mike, you’re right to be cautious. Radium is an alpha emitter, which is a large, relatively heavy but slow moving particle. It can be stopped by the crystal and even your own skin. It should not be inhaled, ingested or allowed to enter a wound as it can cause damage to a healthy cell. Tritium is a low energy beta emitter which is a light but very fast moving particle. Again, the crystal provides protection but if you do gat a small dose then, being an isotope of hydrogen with a strong affinity for water, the dose will essentially be to the whole body, and you will very soon pee it away.

If you were living over granite, you’d be saturated with radon everywhere

Am sure you're already sorted in this area but regarding cameras for macro, from my experience, that's one area where Micro Four Thirds cameras can be a win. They are generally cheaper, good for video, and lenses are a good bit smaller too. And for macro the 2x crop factor is actually an advantage.

Do you have a mido 917p project on the corner? I cant find assemb/dissasemb videos or sheets anywhere ; / Can you show us your recording equipment too? :D Keep up the good work man.

Its just alpha and beta radiation, it does not have much ability to penentrate even a watch glass. Ingestion is the danger, dust gas, bits that fall off. It does have a half life which is partly why it goes brown but half life is kind of exponential. So it wll still have some active stuff in 100 years. Generally speaking dont disturb it. Dont put any debris into the environment etc..

If it were Tritium it has to be encapsulated in a glass tube with fluorescence coating and the gas makes them glow like a fluorescent bulb. Radium’s a different kind of radiation then tritium which is so weak paper will block it also tritium quits glowing 12-25 years depending on the tubes that are used. Both my tritium watches have the T100 tubes that are suppose to last for 25 years.

Could you have demagnetized the entire movement at the time you found the first magnetized part?

I really enjoy your videos and I learn much from each one! Thank you! I prefer vintage watches so getting to see the pieces you work on is a real treat.

My wife has one, that doesn't work either :( It runs for 20 sec per minute...weird..

When you are looking at the gunk on the pallet fork, the gunk on the banking pin is preventing it from moving all the way over so the escape wheel isn’t able to get past the pallet fork jewel. Pretty sure that was the original problem.

Really pleased for you Mike. Great work. Thanks for videos. We love you

Humm those black fingers add some "film noir" vibe to the video.

I tuned 8n to this and immediately determined that I could never afford an Omega…out…

Really pleased for you Mike. Great work. You're not alone, my wife also doesn't get it :)

I own 3 similar Omegas. Thank you, Mike!!! I know it will be years before I have the courage to attempt to service one, but I will save this video for that day.

An Omega automatic from the 40s? 🤔 Until 1948 Rolex had a patent here... However, lovely old watch.

Great job Mike, I really like your videos. I'm laughing with myself now. I realized that RU-vid is playing out of sync. At 43:05 we can hear click and train wheel before you touch the watch. :-D :-D

The radium paint from an old watch dial is only dangerous if ingested Unless you're in the habit of licking watch dials, or scraping off the radium paint and snorting it, you have nothing to worry about. For example, the story of the 'Radium Girls' took place at the US Radium Corporation factory located in Orange, New Jersey, about 25 miles from where I currently reside. During the 1920s the factory employed hundreds of girls in the task of painting watch dials and other instruments with radium based luminescent paints. They girls, who painted on average 200 watch dials per day, pointed their brush tips by twirling the brushes between their lips. They ingested large amounts of radium in this manner, which their employer KNEW was dangerous. Negative health effects of radiation depends on how much radiation one is exposed to, or how much radioactive material is ingested. My neighbor did occupation duty in Japan after WWII, and he visited Nagasaki in 1946. I've scene a photo of him standing at ground zero Nagasaki from that time. My neighbor is still alive and nearing 100 years of age.

One Sievert of exposure carries a lifetime risk of approximately +10% of developing cancer at least 10 years on. You measured a peak of 8.2 microSieverts per hour. As long as you don't eat off of it, I think you will be fine.

The radiation emmitted by the dial is insignificant. We are normally taking a dose of about 10uSv/day from background radiation alone. If the dial is enclosed in the watch case, the radiation readings will go even lower than 4uSv/h. Back in the 20's and 30's, there were factories that employed people to paint dials manually. Those people were instructed to "dip-lick-paint" the dials, therefore by doing this on repeat, every day, caused severe radiation sickness and tissue necrosis, which in most cases, had lead to death. Factories had been sued for this in an attempt to ban radium dials, but they won every time. Radium dials had finally been banned in the 70's. Nowadays, luminous dials are being made with synthetic superluminous compunds based on phosphorus and tritium.

Do watch people think that a watch crystal blocks radioactivity or something? I’ll put it in this radioactive container but I don’t mind wearing it on my wrist for forty years or scraping it off apparently. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

717 Thumbs up Would have been nice to ACTUALLY see the watch running, not just stills. Would have been good to re lume the hands to get rid of most of the radium.

This is awesome. I have only one question about the lume.. does it glow at all. I got negative comments about watches from my family that I'm not going into detail about but it is defiantly a personal interest lol. I will someday get my first Omega. Maybe the thread/hair/string was wrapped around one of the wheels before cleaning and the cleaning loosened it. Gold movements are awesome and Omega is more awesome.

It is a 1944 Trésor. I am currently restoring one myself. More specifically, this is the precursor to the Seamaster.

Really enjoyed this video, I was particularly interested in the dial lume as I knew nothing about the radioactive lume, and have cleaned old dials by licking a bud and rubbing over the dial several times, won't be doing that again and will definitely take more care next time I open an old watch.

The annual safe number of Micro Sieverts is 1000. So at 8 you'll be ok.

Hi I'd like to see more in depth like the winder and the hair sorted

Don't know if it was just me but the sounds was out of sync

That little trick about leaving the click in is really helpful, thank you so much for saying that.

Strange number 2"s on dial.

A great vintage timepiece but I simply can’t help being constantly aware of how dangerous these are due to all this radium paint on the dial and hands. It's rather certain that radium was used here due to the watch production date. Unlike tritium and promethium, radium has a half life of 1600 years and retains very high bio-toxicity in all forms (α, β, Χ, and γ due to decay), both from particles and in gaseous form, for thousands of years. The reading you got from that tiny semiconductor dosimeter is very inaccurate and only reads strong γ/Χ emissions with a nominal -/+30% error, so expect at least 2-3X higher γ/Χ reading if using proper equipment with decent sensitivity, plus detecting α and β emissions; for comparison, 5-10μSv(uSv) is the average dose received from a set of dental radiographs. Unlike γ/Χ rays, α emissions (and to a large extent, β emissions) can be blocked even by a piece of paper, so readings from even a few centimeters distance or having the dial behind plastic can be misleading, especially with a toy-like geiger meter. I'd recommend getting a proper dosimeter than can read α and β rays in addition to γ/X radiation; it costs about $250-350 and it's a relatively reliable way to detect radioactivity in old watches (and other artifacts). You seem to be aware already of some of the dangers and taking some sensible precautions, but I'd like to stress that you need to be extremely careful with radium. There is nothing in such a watch to prevent tiny particles from slipping into the mechanism and case, so unless you are ready to handle the watch as a whole as radioactive, I'd strongly recommend against servicing (or even owning more than a couple of) watches produced between 1900 and early 1970s that have radium paint on the dial or hands. Take care.

You should be fine, radium girls probably did thousands of watches and paint pots and brush licking. Any interest in me posting a 1970 Bulova automatic 17 jewel that stopped running for parts? Case is very rough...?

It may be prudent to open the watch outdoors, so the radon gas can escape that has been building up inside over the years. Radon is a decay product of radium. You don't want to inhale radon gas.

It's a shame that they don't use Radium anymore. The paint and lume chemistry and technology has come a long way. I am certain that they could use radium more safely. In a past life, I was curator for a small air museum. We had two planes that where chock full of radium dialed instruments. We had to have the planes surveyed periodically to make sure they were still safe to enter. What a hassle. Nothing was glowing. All the lume that the radium was supposed to charge was deteriorated.

Worth the wait, Mike! Yeah, radium... Don't ask internet people, you'll just perpetuate some rather ridiculous misinformation. I do encourage you to find and read some (real) science about it though. Spoiler alert: you're gonna live. 😎

Sitting here reprofiling a spring bar hole in my second weirdly shaped Lorus Fusion Kinetic's, this one is more the starfleet shaped logo and in black whilst the other is silver and has a more Blakes 7 shaped case, both YT57 Kinetic's and just so crazy looking hehe One of my subscribers has sent me a Go Pro because the camera on me fone is just bad so am doing a comeback special and got a whole shoebox full of new acquisitions to show off.

The lume on seiko's is radioactive (old models 70s 80s do far that I've tested) but is a safe dose... Still experimenting with the stuff as I've figured out-ish how to whiten lume

According to Ranfft 30.10RA PC was made from 1942-1949 when changed to 330. 1944 would seem right. Always look forward to your videos.

I restored a 1985 tag Aquaracer and it had an aftermarket crown on it, was pitted and didn’t screw in, a new crown cost me $75 usd. But it was worth it to me, now it’s waterproof again and looks much better. Not to mention the relume, it had gotten water in it at some point all the lume was black. Only plus was it came off really easily.

I love the movement in this watch. I've been slowly getting in to repair myself and this is one that I would absolutely love to work on.

I got sent quite a fancy geiger from a Russian chap after he agreed with me that with so many dodgy Soviet items out there that I needed to vet my incoming stock before handling, it all came about when a watch I bought from Siberia pinged up the sensors at the Moscow international parcels departure unit. Seller gave me a refund without me even asking so guessing the men in long coats and tall hats had a word in his shell like. Thing is Russia has lesser radioactive protections than most countries so it is quite easy to end up with something slightly hot just nuking yer cells and certainly several of my sellers wouldn't know a geiger counter from a ginger chip so is quite scary.

Why do you not oil the pallet fork?

Beautiful👍

5-10 μSv: One set of dental radiographs....

Forgot to mention Mike, if you do have to relume some radium hands, you're welcome to do the scrape off etc in my fume cupboard (got it for an absolute steal off eBay) I'm not too far from Coventry 😉

excellent travail ! je possède une universal geneve polerouter avec le même mouvement 138s !!! Enfin il lui ressemble beaucoup !!👍

When de-magnetizing, a cheap compass will always tell if the job was done properly. The needle must not move when parts are held next to it. Even springbars have been known to be magnetized.

Great video Mike! I'm still wading through your older vids, but watch the current ones as they come up! I'm still yet to actually tackle a watch, but am currently working on a vintage swiss alarm clock for my channel 😊

Look for lenses secondhand you don't need new ones. Generally, if you buy second hand of a Pro photographer, the gear will be in excellent condition. From what I have found.

Well done Mike!, great video!. Don't give it back!!! 🤣. Adrian

IS IT WORKING ???

Hi, amateur watchmaker here, I watched your video about cleaning parts and I dont have propper cleaning solution, so I just used soap water with ultrasonic cleaner. Two watches later, I found out that some of the parts went black. especially screws, escape wheel, cannon pinion and some of the parts. Do you have any idea what could happen ? Idk if it the same problem, but when I'm cleaning the main spring in the same solution, after it is done and I place it on some paper, it leaks yellow brown stuff.

Hi, my watch is from the same era. Number that starts with 10 000 000 is exactly from 1947,the year that Omega introduced automatic movement cal 344, 351 etc. Best wishes you doing great job, Many,many regards. igor😊

You won't start to glow like Chernobyl any time soon, so relax.

ionised radiation is measured in milliSieverts/hour or mS/h depending on the isotope size alpha or beta. a safe level is

This is perfect timing because I have an Omega with a automatic bumper movement which is in need of a service. Thanks for the video showing how to get into it, Mike!

Great video Mike, pleased you got the watch going, always a pleasure to watch you work. I think you got the balance just right with the Geiger counter section, as some fellow subscribers have mentioned the levels of actual radiation are very small however this does not detract from the danger faced when handling a degraded dial or lumed hands as only one flake of radium injested can cause health problems. Interestingly this gadget was invented originally with help from the Japanese government to aid people living in the region surrounding the nuclear power plant disaster to test the levels of background radiation. I personally think it does enough to inform the presence of radium as it's not always obvious, and enables you to take precautions if you decide to dismantle the watch. You did a great job of showing that Mike. :)

The Dollop podcast has done two relevant episodes regarding clock lume. One of was the sad story of The Radium Girls, which you've mentioned before. The other was the story of David Hahn, an American teenager, who built an illegal nuclear reactor in his backyard. :D As far as preowned cameras the Sony A5100 is a good budget option with many lenses available. The Sony A7 is a higher quality option worth looking at.

Hi Mike, no problem, but what happened to the cleaning montage? I miss and love the music you put to it.😁. Great repair! All the Best.

Top Mike! Finally an Omega ... ;-) Great Watches. I have also a Seamaster from the 70';

From where you mention looks-like-battery-acid at around 16 minutes, there is a long hair or fibre which appears to be trapped on top of the pallet fork that won't "tick" both ways. You actually touch it with your tweezers at 16:16

Great job Mike, as usual ! Why you didn't replace the crown with an original one? (it's too big in my opinion) The owner didn't like it?

Well done. I own a bumper. I still need to service it.

It might be 50s Mike it has incabloc shock protection. If the Omega dating chart came back with 44 it's probably right Mike,

Great watch, well done for taking it on. Stay safe buddy

Very nice looking Omega Mike, hope it's the same on the inside and it just needs a service but that's wishful thinking. 🤞 bumper movements are ok i think first auto but i could be wrong, they're nice, unless parts are needed, full rotors are better but newer technology for their time they're the dog's you know whats, cheers Mike thank you. Wow comment 2

Lovely piece & cracking results on a movement that age ,well done Sir i reckon you deserve a drink & a pat on the back especially putting the Omega demons to rest , i must confess i did miss the "montage" maybe i should get out more 😊.

Catching up on your past videos. I really enjoy your candor and the commentary. I was thinking of another contest in which the winner allows you to service/restore their watch on camera. I imagine your viewers would spring for the postage/parts. I know I would. I have a small collection of Gruens, some of which need a good service and no restoration.

Fabulous stuff Mike! You've not been beaten yet..I'll have to do better. I'm loving that tweed strap too mate I might have to grab one for it. Cheers matey

Love your work, can you tell me if you're just supposed to just push crown and stem into a nh35 movement with out holding down the little button that you push down win u remove the crown and stem out.

Thanks. Inside the watch looks much better. Very enjoyable.

Do a test on the concrete and bricks of your cellar.... those are usually radioactive if there is any granit in it.. just to scare you ;)

Another great restoaration with a "magnifique Omega" ! Good job M8 !

Great film. Glad to see you taking precautions with the dial and hands. Can I ask what main spring winder you were using?

Pallet fork Bridge looked. Like it had a crack?

Card “reflector “ painted with matte black paint is what I use. Good video keep em coming.

Mike, the iconic "rose gold" hue of the Omega movement s imparted by copper.

Nice video Michael. Many thanks.

Why not polish the case?

Not sure if it would help but in photography, if the light is too harsh or we need to soften it a bit, we use a Diffuser. You can easily make one from plain white paper and wrap it around the light. Or form it into a box shape and put the light inside.

It's one of the best videos you have done so far! Really entertaining even for me who doesn't have the steady hand for watch movements but really like watches!

I admit, I enjoyed your video, but it was like watching Mr. Magoo repair a watch. You must admit, bridges were never set on properly on camera and in the end showed still photos of a "running" watch! Jolly good show!

Great video Mike, thank you.

a great watch to die for...or from, radium

Great work Mike, really enjoyed video 👍

Love the microscope images! That really takes it to the next level. Fascinating to see things at that high level of magnification!

The Harris tweed strap from Vario is real fun and an eye-catcher.

Its just a little more radioactive than a banana. You are safe👍

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Fascinating to watch, Mike!

Great job, but after you put the spring in (before putting the rotor bridge back on) the rotor teeth jumped out of alignment with it's counter part... see 59:55 That's why the rotor didn't make it to the other spring when you moved it around. Easy to remove the rotor bridge and re-align the teeth.

This Omega movement is indeed interesting but I am surprised at the intricacy for such a basic watch. Particularly those screws and strange looking springs. It is a rare bird.

Also one question if you don't mind: why do some watches have so many weights on their balance wheels like this Omega, while others in watches just as good have so few?

Thanks for sharing this one Mike. Great work as usual, good tips as well.