From a $10 eBay buy to.... ? With commentary! 

*Your self-deprecating comments aside Stian, I seriously doubt ANY viewers of this channel dislike your EXCELLENT commentary & narration which accompany your work. If there were any, they’re long gone.* *_The watch is possibly the best looking classic dress watch ever._*

What I appreciate most is that you are rescuing these historic pieces from eternal doom. Great work!

About timegraphers: a few years back, I had a chat with a retired watchmaker, who started working in the late 1940s (school and apprenticeship) and retired in the 2000s. I had the same question for him and he said the first timegrapher, the Vibrograf, was a revolution for watchmakers when it was released! Before that, the shop were he started working used a couple of... marine chronometers, one of which was very old (1850s) the other was somewhat more recent. They did have a "shop display" Zenith chronometer, but as the name implies this was displayed in the storefront and was meant for customers or passerbys, so that they could adjust their watches. On the opposite, the marine chronometers were in the workshop and used by watchmakers only. By the way, using more than one chronometer was something that was also done on boats - this was basically the most precise way they could determine longitude, before the GPS. There are a couple of books about the "longitude problem" and how it affected watchmaking that are absolutely fascinating! Back to the topic: the old watchmaker I talked to said that, before the Vibrograf, they did indeed adjust the watch over a longer period of time (at least 24h). They did many things "by feel" and still got good results. At that time (in the 60s? I don't remember for sure) some of the older guys he worked with thought that the Vibrograf was a waste of money - they costed a arm and a leg. When he opened his own shop, he couldn't afford one so he bought what he could afford - a marine chronometer plus another "storefront" Zenith chronometer. Later on when he could afford it, he bought the Vibrograf and sold the marine chronometer.

I enjoy watching a craftsman who enjoys his job and has pride in his work. Thank you 👍👍

I'm glad you're doing better. I wondered why you released a video without your voiceover and dad jokes. I'm so happy you rereleased it with commentary this time. I have grown to love your sleek analysis, information, and sense of humor. I have to say that this Tanis watch was restored beautifully, especially that dial. What a gorgeous timepiece. Thank you for bringing us these restorations; I can't wait to see the next one.🥰🥰

Aha ahaaaaaa hot tea and no other stroll to the mountain , got your unique voice back . 😂😂😂😂 ciao Stian. Happy to have “ both “of you back .

The penguin and the polar bear... this is where Stian's true talent lies.

From approximately 1890, US railroad operating employees were required to carry watches that kept time to 4 sec. per day. Before starting work the watches would be compared to a local master clock. These clocks were typically in the Engine houses, Trainmaster offices, and other similar locations. The master clocks were regulated to time by telegraphic signals sent at noon by the US Naval Observatory in Washington DC. Generally speaking though the average man on the street at that time was happy if the noon bell, or siren found his watch within a couple of minutes of noon.

Timegraphers--they did exist back in the 50's. They were basically CRT type oscilloscopes with a crystal mic pickup. One use was for certifying stopwatches.

Love the slow motion sequence with sound effect

that dial is so beautiful and I really love your humor

Rally watch-strap with holes! I'd say around 1967. Those were the days!

Well worth reuploading, thanks!

When you were filing the stem to it's final dimension I swore I saw the wild turkey's in my yard come running. Lol

I enjoy listening to you as I drift to sleep each evening. Something about the time when I'm most receptive to learning.

Thousand times better with your presence vocally! Love your character.

WOW what a beautiful watch. and all the more so for the rescue job - that watch had 'bin fodder' written qll over it

watched it 2nd time after ASMR video just because commentaries are platinum and it is a great part of the reason I am subscribed to this awesome channel.

*I remember my grandfather’s synchronous clock, which followed the 60 cycle per second or 60 Hz oscillation of alternating current. An extremely accurate timekeeper, because the power grid must remain as close to specification as possible.* *_I will guess many a watchmaker used a synchronous clock._*

I absolutely love that watch

We love your commentary Stian 😀😀. Welcome back 🎁🎁🎈🎉🎉

What a beautiful face on that watch and thanks to your skill it’s clear for all to see once again.

I watched [and liked] this video without commentary and missed the friendly voice with the info and dry humour. This was worth waiting for. Liked again. 👍

What a gorgeous dial! Turned out great.

Ha the silent movies are over good I get to watch this great video twice

Absolutely love that kind of restoration ! Starting from an overworn or neverworn 😂😂 watch and finish with shinny pieces and of course back to life this vintage beauty ! Love you comments when you told that the Timegrapher morse code tell “Help” 😂😂😂✨👌

Welcome back...

I feel lucky to have found this wonderful channel , thank you

Magical transformation ! ❤

I enjoy your videos most when you are narrating them!!!

A remarkable transformation Stian - beautifully done.

A real pleasure to watch your craftmanship!

Thanks for the commentary Stian - missed it on the other video. Hope you are feeling better.

Love that dial

Great hearing your commentary! Welcome back! Awesome restoration! Cheers!

I'm glad you were in full voice Stian. I'm still picturing in my mind a drunken penguin running from a polar bear. As far as the restoration it's beautiful, but for me the choice of strap enhances the beauty of the watch. Like you, I love the dial. Cheers from this old retired coot living the dream in Tennessee.

good to hear from you again!!

Thank you for putting in the extra work to upload the video with the commentary! It makes the videos infinitely more enjoyable!

Beautiful work and I love your sense of humor.

So I enjoyed the ASMR version, but, I really enjoyed the narrative version. There is something about the Norwegian Barry White narrative with facts and humor that sets you at the top of the RU-vid watchmakers. Cheers from Tennessee

Very entertaining to watch an artist work. Thank you!

Ah, that’s better

Decades of wrist cheese - I love it!

Ah ah glad to see you actually used the 'drunken blacksmith' line! :-) Fantastic work, both on the watch and on the video!

Thank you so much for the narrative. You make repairs come alive!!! Beautiful watch.

This salvaging turned int a beautiful watch. You are a great watchmaker who knows his stuff and it shows!

Love that dial and love the the color of the insides on that one!

Stian, thanks for the comments. Job well done on a beautiful watch!

I enjoy watching your work and commentary. Your level of expertise and toolset knowledge really shows.

Brilliant to hear & see you running back on all 8 cylinders Stian. Take care & stay safe 👍🇬🇧🍀

Yet another incredible save Sir. Always a pleasure to watch a master at the helm.

Welcome back, we missed you 😊

Great to hear your voice Stian!, No comparison with the silent one.

Great video of a watch restoration, this time with the added bonus of your wonderful comments: Thank you Tanis - no - Stian!

What a transformation, beautiful watch again

Thanks for the commentary.

What a great looking $10.00 watch post your restoration that is.. Love your commentary during the process.. Adds some levity to the intense work.. Great work on the case and back - Looks awesome..Kudos to you since again...!!

Thank you for the audio! You are excellent!🇺🇸🇸🇯🇺🇸🇸🇯🇺🇸🇸🇯

You truly are a master of your craft beautiful workmanship .👍

I have watched both your iterations of this watch restoration and I, by far, appreciate the commentary version. You impart so much knowledge about the subject, making it a pleasure to watch and listen. Thank you so much.

loved watching this again its an absolutely beautiful watch to be able to turn something for 10 bucks into that is amazing well done and thanks for posting with commentary much better see you on the next project

I watched the earlier version without commentary and was puzzled as to why it was quiet. I'm so glad you have recovered and have now added a commentary to this. Commentaries make so much more from what you're saying. A little explanation here and there really helps. I have very much enjoyed your commentaries even your comments and remarks which I enjoyed too.

Fabulous watch and excellent video 👍 thanks

Super job Stian. Thanks for another great video.

That’s a classy old watch! I really love that dial. When you finished, it could have passed for a modern piece. As always, great work and the story is much more interesting when you can talk. Cheers

You are a MASTER of your craft!

Objection Stian!!! The penguin doesn't have to be drunk to panic seeing a polar bear... any idiot would, even me! 😋 🐧🐻‍❄ Cheers mate, love your sense of humor!

Funny AND educational. Just love your videos 😂👍 Your command of the vernacular is as peerless as your deep knowledge of watchmaking. This is a corner of the interwebs that should be required viewing for everyone. There would then be less time for invasions and skulduggery.

That’s better! Thanks Stian

Your narrative is excellent, keep me interested. Keep up the good work. James

great job as always.

Brilliant as always.🇬🇧

Amazing video! Not only is it a fantastic restore, but the information you've shared is invaluable. Love the tutorial on changing the balance staff! But dang it, now I have another tool I need to watch out for!! 😂 🙈

Great to have Stian and Barry back at the bench together one a mechanical mystro the other an animal voice over musical mystro. Take care and keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

Outstanding Stian, much prefer the commentary as I commented on the original Excellent video work and excellent horology of course, I'm glad you are on the mend, best wishes to you and yours

I am so glad that the penguins are safe

Thanks again fine work

Yes!!!

Great video and nice work. Loved it!

I love that you came back to add your humor and history to add color to the cheeks of this watch cleaning and preservation. For those who prefer silence, a pox upon their house!!

Excellent video Stian. you did a great job in refurbishing that watch.

Never thought about why I rounded off to the nearest 5 minute but now I know. Also back in olden times we'd call the phone company for the exact time

Regarding the precision of watches, once you can afford yourself not needing any precise time any more, the you start to being able to afford nice mechanical watches, maybe! Thanks for another great video Stian.

Funny! We like the comments and humor!

Great Commentary!

It was quite common to see my Father wear three watches at once. It was the best way to regulate a watch without the technology we have today. Wear it and see how it runs with natural wear.

Thank-you for answering the Timegraph question. Commentary videos are way better due to the teaching lessons. Nuggets of wisdom and experience.

Very witty and wisdommy. What a joy. In Britain, BBC Radio 4 has for a very long time had 'pips' on the hour. I think in the 1980s, they added a fourth pip at the end, which is atomic time.

Another beauty resurrection. You could revive the trademark Tanis and use it for your creations. :) I love seeing you pull out Mjolnir and go to town on those balance pieces. Exhilarating! Thanks again for your videos and commentary.

I'll be straight : without your comments I won't look at your vidéos. Et zut pour l'anglais ! Ta la voix , les commentaires ironiques et les blagues c'est ce qui fait que tes vidéos ont toute leur saveur.

Your dulcet tones are well liked keep up the commentary 👍👍😎😎

GREAT VIDEO,,,,THANKS

nicely done.

Worst penguin impression ever. 😂❤😂

Spot on penguin and polar bear impersonation.

You mean to say the commentary last week was all in my mind ??? 😲

I remember in the 70s and into the 80s, you'd call the local time and temperature phone number for the accurate time to set your watch.

That is gorgeous... right up my alley!

You are the best! Greetings from Mexico.

Thank you for the narration, even though your voice isn't quite 100% yet. It's kind of ironic that the very technology that almost killed the mechanical watch is now used to make them more accurate than was possible before, or at least for a watch timing machine to become so cheap as they are now and simple enough for a novice to use. Watch timing machines predated the quartz movement though. The first ones were bulky tube-driven things where beats were plotted on a paper strip, and which used tuning forks to establish a stable frequency on which they based everything else. You had to measure the slope of the line formed by the beats to determine timing. It's pretty easy to find examples from the 1940s, but I don't know if they were much older than that. Needing to know the time down to the minute is a chicken-and-egg thing, I think. It's natural to round to the nearest 5 minutes when looking at an analogue clock or watch, but with digital it's easiest just to read off the numbers. And now that we regularly have the time down to the minute, that governs everyone's expectations. But I think even in the old days there was at least one application where time to the minute was crucial, and that was railroads, which was why railroad watches had special requirements.