Restoring a WWII Pocket Watch (The Watch That Survived War) 

am so glad you decided to talk, your voice brings joy to many people ☺

I can only click the thumbs up once, Nekkid, you deserve more. And don't even think about NOT doing a commentary again. Your soft and gentle Brummy accent absolutely nails the information you impart. Yet another thoughtful and honest refurb which, if you had gone too far with aggressive cleaning and new plating, would have spoiled the watch and its history. We are back to you not marking your work, but we've talked before about that. So; 'tara a bit'.

"The Charge of the Light Brigade", a you read it, brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for all that you do, all that you communicate as you work on these mechanisms with sensitivity and caring.

I support you silent protest and in the silence could hear the pain of all those affected by war. I wonder how many 600’s have died needlessly and how many women and children have died caught in the midst of war. Your calm voice speaks of peace and love and I hope that everyone lives their lives with peace and love. Make that small difference in someone’s life. ❤

The high resolution really showcased the beauty of the watch but I come here for your craftsmanship and good humor, which would come through at the lowest res!

I came for the watches and I noticed the comedy was a bonus, and now I keep coming for the philosophy. Great content with a great message of humanity and justice.

Here in New Malden there has been a small traditional Watch repair guy... an Indian who was always cheerful & helpful,who also had his 'trouble' popping in to see what customers had come in, and then, as time passed, would be called to view what repair was needed. I went in again recently. 'Trouble' served... I asked after our local 'Joe' and was given the sad news of his passing. I expressed my sorrow but was also glad to see Dad's legacy all around him in the hundreds of restored/refurbished watches for sale. The shop continues in its traditional ways I'm glad to say.

I loved the 4k! As someone who has been to war I will say this. If left to the common man there would never be wars they are too busy trying to make a life for their families. Men with a lust for power and riches start the wars but rarely fight in them, instead they convince young men to fight either for their country or which ever thousand year old fairy tale book they believe in. There is never a good reason to kill, period. J.R.R. Tolkien said it best in The Hobbit “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

You are a very special person Joe. Thank you so much for your gifts, wisdom and compassionate words you send out into our world which would be so much less without you in it. God bless, Steph.

Hey, glad to see you’re back. I’m a hobbyist and have had much success picking up tips from you and a few others. I’m a US Marine veteran. I was deployed to Somalia in late 1992 and came home “Different.” I applaud your protest to the inhumanity in the world. I saw it firsthand, and it’s ugly. Watchmaking has helped me with PTSD issues I’ve suffered with for a long time. I’m so happy your channel exists. Love ya man!

You make me smile, you make me sad, you make me think...Thank you.

The 4K is good, but it's you we're here for. You're a voice of reason and calm in this mad world and I wish you could speak in the halls of power.

Love the mix of social commentary, humour, skill and camera work. Keep it up and I hear what you're saying.

You really are a treasure. I totally support your silent protest, but like most, much prefer hearing your sentiments. We all appreciate everything you do.

Yes!!!! so glad to hear your voice again! It's important in these times and age to at least speak up. the poems are heartbreakingly poignant whilst the lume really looks like a dog's dinner up close. Peace brother❤💚💛🤎🖤

Your world view matches mine. The last 4 years have revealed the evil behind the veil to all but the most blinkered. . When your grandchildren ask what you did, you can look them and everyone else straight in the eye. Peace be upon us all. ✌️🙏

In a world where everyone is being pitted against each other and violent rhetoric is de rigueur, its time for voices of peace to be heard.

Glad you have been able to use that great voice again understanding why you did remember it’s not always the watch it’s your take 👊

The Macro work was excellent. Very clear and interesting.

Hey hey, your back imparting your pearls of wisdom on your many followers, brilliant, we've all missed your dulcet tones.

Not many videos make me cry. Quietly understated, honest emotion does it everytime. Thank you for putting the world in perspective.

Along the lines of war, and who causes them is rightly addressed in a song by Black Sabbath titled War Pigs. Thanx, Joe, for another great video.

Really upping the production level here! Amazing stuff and a beautiful piece

Great narrative. Learn something new every time. Or, as in this case, need to go and read that poem myself. 😊

4k is wasted on me since I watch you on a rubbish cheap monitor but the quality of all your videos is just great anyway. Thank you for talking. Your work is so fine, calming and proficient. Thank you for sharing a beautiful thing with us.

As a military mother whose son went off into danger in Afghanistan and came back greatly changed and in need of healing the poem you read has changed for me from my first high school reading... changed to the point of being upset with those in power who send our family members to war for what!?!? I was fortunate, my son came back to me but so many didn't... what hurts one hurts all. So I pray peace prevails in the end and all humankind move in the direction of the need for unity in that regard. ❤🙏❤ Continue as you are with all your lovely expressions in whatever form. 😊

So relaxing,I felt like sleeping on a gentle swinging hammock.

Thank you sir. Every time I listen to you I learn something. Oh, and I learn something about watches as well... You are a gift.

Joe your voice is a large part of my enjoyment of your videos. I'm not a tinkerer I just love watching and listening to you. Time with you goes as if nothing and I always feel better after it. Blessings to you and yours

a voice for reason

Amazing. Great job and video. Thank you.

Joe, we have missed your voice, vocal and spiritual. We continue to despair about those things that bring us together only to be driven apart. Blessings my friend. Thank you for sharing your sanity.

So happy to hear your voice again 😀

Nice ending ponder

Another great video Sir… Peace

The Accountants nail lamp is by far the most brilliant purchase. Best wishes from Edinburgh, Scotland.

I’m happy you’re back to commenting, your calm voice and calm demeanor, always leaves me at peace. The 4K video is stunning.

It's been a while since I've seen Handala. Good to see him again. All the best.

"I know this is a voiceover, but I still have to act a little surprised!" HAHA... thank you Joe for a humorous, and incredibly shot video. Beautiful footage.

Great to hear your voice again, Joe. I am reminded if a scene in the film The Green Mile where John Coffey says the ugliness of people to each other was like glass in his head. We need less ugliness in this world. We change things, one person at a time, starting with ourselves. ❤

I stumbled upon your channel and I must say you keep me wanting to watch more of your videos. Your comments are the best part of the video. You've gained a new subscriber.

Thank you for this heartwarming end to my day. I send you love and respect. This watch deserved your love and care to bring it back to glory, while preserving the bumps and bruises that tell its life story.

I wouldn't want to be the groom...if this watch was 'attacked'... hahaha..!! I love your little monologue at the end..to wrap things up and bring to point......

Absolutely brilliant! T.y for making these because me and the test of the fam love watching and laughing at this awesome show..cheers

Great to hear your cherry voice once again joe and your little boy in the background.ready through all the comments I’m am just one of many who appreciate your good humour and brilliant watch repairs .

Thank you for your rendition of the Tennyson poem. I’m a retired English teacher here in the United States, and there were many stories that I shared with my students in high school who were around 14 to I’m not 16-17 years of age. Students who have a lot of trouble with reading and those are the ones I love to teach because they have been neglected when it comes to beautiful poetry and stories that have so much meaning behind them. One of the stories was a short story called the sniper if you’ve never read it, I recommend it. I also shared with them, the poem titled Flanders Fields. It’s very upsetting to see what’s going on in the world right now and I seek peace wherever I can I wasn’t supposed to teach about war, so I chose my literature very carefully to make it relevant to the things that we were supposed to teach kids about structure and such. My goal was to cover what was required, but to also teach my students to look into life and not just add it. I do not regret bending the rules in my classroom.

A veritable tour de force. Glad to see your'e finding some equilibrium... all you needed was a good clean and oil in the right places. In the hands of the eternal horologist somehow we all find our right beat... regardless of what calibre or make we are. I really liked this video. one of your best. Blessings! BobM

Thanks for the reminder of this beautiful Alfred Lord Tennyson poem that I studied in Form iV. You have a great voice and you narrated it so well!! Charge Of The Light Brigade Alfred Lord Tennyson HALF a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. 'Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns! ' he said: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. 'Forward, the Light Brigade! ' Was there a man dismay'd? Not tho' the soldier knew Some one had blunder'd: Their's not to make reply, Their's not to reason why, Their's but to do and die: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volley'd and thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell Rode the six hundred. Flash'd all their sabres bare, Flash'd as they turn'd in air Sabring the gunners there, Charging an army, while All the world wonder'd: Plunged in the battery-smoke Right thro' the line they broke; Cossack and Russian Reel'd from the sabre-stroke Shatter'd and sunder'd. Then they rode back, but not Not the six hundred. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon behind them Volley'd and thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell, They that had fought so well Came thro' the jaws of Death, Back from the mouth of Hell, All that was left of them, Left of six hundred. When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made! All the world wonder'd. Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!

If the 4k footage is harder to work with, don't bother 1080p had been great!! Your silent videos were understandable. I respect your passion, your conscience, and your art all the same.😊

Beautiful as usual 4k is spot on and hearing your voice makes it more engaging, like you Charge of the Light Brigade has stuck with me for the way those in power care less about us who serve and more about greed and standing, Peace to all.

Love your voice, in explaining, deep in the machine, but during and after, deep in the heart and deeper in the understanding. Thank you for the 4K video. It was truly outstanding. Peace be with you.

My favorite watchmaker and human being here on RU-vid and elsewhere.

Great to hear your voice with all the lovely nuances, sharing personal stories/views and chuckles. All of your videos show in detail your awesome craftsmanship, however, your voice/views add another bit of depth to you as a personable man. Although I don't have your skills & talents I enjoy see a highly skilled creative individual who is gifted with awesome interpersonal skills. Blessings to you and your family! ❤🙏❤

Im so glad to hear your voice again..just like evil can't survive in the light evil gains strength in silence so never be silent again..

Thanks Joe for your voice and your sentiment, not to forget your skill

I can only agree with your words and sentiment. ✌️

Thank you for your thoughtful commentary. We don't have to agree, but we should always speak our minds.

I enjoyed the video with no talking, but very much missed your soothing commentary and wise words. I enjoy the watch restorations very much even though I'll never be able to do that myself due to my tremors. But your words always calm me and give me warmth. Your words along with the watch restorations make your channel my favorite. And by the way, I very much noticed the 4k difference. I hope you can continue with that.

While working with aircraft for the Army in the late 70's, wearing a wristwatch was not allowed for safety reasons. That is, to keep your hand/arm from getting caught on something, or the watch causing damage somehow. Pocket watches, however, were allowed, so I carried one with me.

The futility of war, beautifully put into perspective. Clearly you are much more than a brilliant watchmaker... You are also something of a well read philosopher.

You made my day, thank you! Greetings from the Netherlands!

AMEN!!!! We are all the same!!!

I really love the details in this video, the extended and minituous description is highly appreciated Joe, thanks for sharing. The 4k is amazing

Thank you, I can't express enough how much I enjoy your videos, God Bless you as well.

All the best to you. Mad respect for your unapologetic stance for justice and peace. You are not alone. I stand with you because to do anything else leads to violence, death, and inhumane behavior.

Thank you so much for the poems. I came to your channel a few years ago for watch content and I keep coming back for your calming presence and voice and your compassionate stand against oppression. Grateful for you and your humanness.

I admired you for being a skilled and entertaining watchmaker...now I love you for being a compassionate humanitarian

i had not heard The Charge of the Light Brigade in AGES !!!! great poem about Crimean War...

1080 is fine. Appreciate your sentiment… while there must be behavior that is universally accepted as evil, equally necessary is to ponder on: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Beauty work as always.

Worth the watching for the poems and well spoken

I agree with you on the craziness of wars. Further more, I think it should be mandatory for politicians to be first on the front lines. Maybe then they might put more effort into creating peace than needless wars. Anyway as always ...a great video! 🙂🇬🇧👍

Tennyson wrote and published the poem based on initial newspaper reports from the battle, so the facts within it are, erm, debatable. By the time more details were printed the poem was already public and was an instant hit. Really, the Charge of the Light Brigade came down to a communication mistake on the battlefield. The Brigade charged the wrong way. The pathos of the situation and the tragedy of the result remain palpable.

Thank you for a beautiful, well hearted video.

"Are you looking forward going to school again?" , the dad asks " kinda .. " the reply!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 The most diplomatic answer I've ever heard !!! Beautiful restoration!! 4K looks great on my Galaxy S23 Ultra 👍🏻

The components on this pocket-watch look huge compared to a wrist watch. Even the springs look heavy. Very interesting to see it, some of the metal elements look rough.

The 4k delivered stunning detail on a large display. It is certainly wonderful for those who can take advantage of it. But don't pursue it if it means a barrier to producing videos. It's a great "nice to have" but not a "must have."

Thanks from a fan in Santa Ynez valley California Very entertaining for this old tinkerer!

Watched on my Sony 4K TV. Awesome!

Beautiful watch. Thought provoking poems . Oily be going now. Peace.🙏

In high school, I was made aware of that poem. I remember remarking to my history teacher “their dirty work should be left to the leaders. Put them in a boxing match, and let them sort it out amongst themselves.” My history teacher said “war is an opportunity to make money at the expense of human life.” I replied that if it’s about money, people love a wager, therefore they will likely profit more from bets than from weapon trades. Bet on the fight.

Great detail, thanks.

Thank you once more, sir. I always feel better after watching your work and hearing your thoughts.

What beautiful work you do. I don't miss your videos. I send you a big hug from a distance from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.

Good job, my friend. Let's all elevate those in our world who oppose war........these are our heroes, as no good ever comes from the destruction of innocent people!!😊

Thank you for your compassion and humanity Joe. You are a truly worthy representative of mankind.

Perfect, Joe, as are your watchmaking skills, empathy, narration, poetry reciting and spiritual resonance. Speaking as a military guy with 32 years in, I really appreciate your tact and sensitivity! Gleaming jewels, zero beat error and plenty of amplitude, bravo!! "Handala was born 10 years old and he will always be 10 years old. It was at that age that I left my homeland. When Handala returns, he will still be 10 years old, and then he will start growing up." "He was the arrow of the compass, pointing steadily towards Palestine. Not just Palestine in geographical terms, but Palestine in its humanitarian sense-the symbol of a just cause, whether it is located in Egypt, Vietnam or South Africa." Naji al-Ali

Always catches me. Joe, you are an extraordinary human being. As far as I am concerned you could make a peanut butter sandwich in low-res and I would walk over broken glass to to watch it. Speaking, non-speaking, high-res, low-res, priceless timepiece restoration, poetry reading or eating crisps - I'll be there. Always makes my day when I see a new video pop up. A sincere and humble - thank you.

My grandad owned this very watch and its currently at my uncle and aunties, i've seen it a few times and opened up the back to see what was inside. its very nice to see the same type here

I am greatly heartened to hear your voice again. I found the oiling of the pocket watch very helpful. I have several pocket watches waiting for attention. World events just claw at the heart. I am astounded by actions and decisions made to reek havoc on the lives of the helpless and vulnerable. Yet these have such an echo to events of the 1940's; have we learned nothing. Will there be justice - I hope so. Or will the howl of: cry havoc let slip the dogs of war - continue and fade as events in time with no justice.

Glad you are back ,all ways you leave me with food for Thought. Many Thanks. Manzy

So lovely, I really appreciated your sentiments and your poetry recitations.

Joe! So great to hear your voice again and laugh at your commentaries. I rewound and listened to the part about the setting left screw multiple times. I really laughed at that. I've been there too, when finally casing a new build, only to realize there's dust under the glass. I watched the 4k video on my OnePlus 8 and it was amazing. I have an old 6s pocket watch that I need to clean and reassemble, and the oiling guide will help a lot. Thank you, and God keep you strong!

I can not aford a watch love your stream sir its amazing that they can make all them little screws and gears

As an artilleryman myself, the biggest user of pocket watches were the artillery and naval gunners because you could from the lanyard hang them on or near the gun for precision timing. Sometimes the gun captains would hand his pocket watch to his no 2 who would call out the times etc when facilitating rolling curtain bombardments which the troops would likely be following in close order and a second wrong could mean you wiping out a company of infantry so gun crews always worked to the gun watch which would have been set and synchronised at briefing.

Hello Fine Sir! I’ve been subscribed to your channel for several years now and have enjoyed your banter along the journey. You are not only a superb watchmaker, but a true inspiration to me! I always look forward to the thoughts you have to share. I wish only the Best for you and your family. You have my sincere gratitude. 😊

absolutely beautiful ! and the wit and the young thespian. thank you

Don’t need 4K. Fantastic video as always

good to hear you again! & thanks for the poem- it stuck with me too, but i'd forgotten who'd written it- unfortunately too relevant these days. thank you for your kindness & caring, as well as your skill!

Yes, your voice and humanity and love for your children, touch us all. Thank you so much for your videos and the time we all spend together.

Video looks great on my 55" television, but all of your videos look fine. The song, "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", especially the Mitch Sheehy version, gets me.