I'm Joel that gets name dropped at the very end. That's my grandfather's watch. I contacted a few guys about the restoration before settling on Chris. As you can see, I chose the right man for the job. Chris did a phenomenal job restoring it and I'm not sure there are many guys out there that could have navigated all the surprises lurking beneath the dial. Thanks again for resurrecting a family heirloom.
@@csspinner this was indeed a joy to watch and learn the engineering behind the mechanical watch I am avid watcher of wristwatchrevival but techniques and information shared here is next level. Chris you are a champ 🙏🏻
I'm Natasha Romanoff, I've had three watches repaired by Chris and I hope to send him another one after the first of the year. Here's a link to one of those repairs: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-az-TOvw-0Hs.htmlsi=iB1MCwKmrY5kMJ0e
I'm not a watchmaker but I love watching timepiece repair videos-go figure. Also being a tool nerd, the tools shown here had me drooling. Wonderful experience seeing you work with precision tools, patience and knowledge and the end product was beautiful. Timepieces are a great example of mankind's ingenuity and accomplishments.
Bravo Howard, bravo! It's such a pleasure to watch a skilled artisan at work. Thank you. And I appreciate all the extra time it takes to set up cameras, edit film and overdub. I follow several watchmakers and they all do a good job making videos, but this video tops them all. I always wondered how balance wheels with screws were balanced. And now I know. And making and blueing your own screws? Dude, that's over the top. You've got ALL the tools! Looking forward to your next video. Thanks again!
I am speechless. Now I know why my Hamilton pocket watch cost a high amount of money to clean and inspect. Thank you for being one of the few who still have the knowledge to do this type of work.
I like wrist watch revival but you definitely deserve a lot of subs as well you are going deep my man you are going really deep doing stuff that he definitely would not do
Hello CS ... XLNT video. You're obviously a very skilled "artician" (made up word...lol). I also have a Howard Series 5 that I restored probably 10+ years ago, Howards are one of my favorites. It was made a little later than this one you worked on (serial #1110627), with upper jewels pressed into the bridges (they're huge! I think nicknamed "owl eye" if memory serves me). I just pulled out of the box (been at least 5-6 years), started up on the 7th wind, so I now have puffed out my chest ...😂. Anyway, great camera work to boot so you've got an large set of skills. Keep up the excellent episodes, the community needs your input!
Absolutely wonderful. I appreciate your technique of repair as well as presentation. But above all else is the transformation of what some may see as a "basket case" into the thing of beauty as it was meant to be. Bravo.
I really appreciate this video because it’s a technical one, It’s will be another nice reference for a future repair ! This watch is absolutely a piece of art and the final repair and look is really perfect ! As always thanks for sharing you got all my respect as a watchmaker !! ✨👌 Best regards !! 😊
Great video, Chris! I love how simple the Seitz measurement at 12:55 was! I can't believe that I have actually struggled trying to figure out how to measure jewel depth with my Seitz tool! 😂😂😂 That's one of the things about watchmaking: it sometimes seems super difficult just because it's so tiny and precise, but if you just ignore those constraints a lot if it is actually quite simple!
The part that I didn't get was to measure it with a lower stump than you'll be using to push out the jewel, or be prepared to actually note which stump and pusher you used and the setting on the micrometer so you can adjust the micrometer to allow more travel to punch the jewel out, and then use your notes to get back to that exact same measurement set-up when it comes time to push it back in.
Chris you would be the premier pocket watch repair man. Always a good show when screw making and the use of the angry beaver claw. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿
So glad I found your channel. Your light touch and ability to fabricate many of your own replacement parts is very impressive. Your shop is nearly self sufficient. I appreciate your attention to detail and trouble shooting process. Do you normally not use epilame on the pallet stones or lubricate all the escape wheel teeth? Just trying to understand your technique.
I haven’t yet seen a measurable benefit in using epilate yet, but I can be convinced. I don’t have any strong reason not to use it other than I’ve had good success without it. I lubricate both stones with a generous droplet, which eventually would evenly distribute among the teeth. Any more than that and I feel the oil could begin wicking away from the faces and up the sides of the stones… which I suppose is what epilame may help resist :)
They is something about a pocket watch that I like very much I have one myself which belonged to my grandfather then my dad and now myself I treasure it so much but it’s not working I must get it fixed I think I would still like to use it 😊the ticking is so nice to hear
Fair play Chris you do a fantastic job with these pocket watches. I find them a total faff and avoid at all costs. However I have a Waldon display back pocket watch which im rebuilding but run into some issues. I would like to pick your brains at some point if possible.
I'm a retired bean counter. Can you indulge an old accountant and tell us how the hell much your entire set of mind-bogglingly-precision teensy-weensy-adjusting tools cost? And a lot of them look OLD. Are some of them even available any more? Hell, could you do an entire video just on your fascinating tools? Or have you? {Off to look at your YT site.} Liked and subscribed.
Great job Chris. You’ve inspired me to revisit my large collection of Elgin pocket watches (i.e. my collection of broken balance staffs/jewels. I’m curious but did you find a decent source for balance staffs and jewels other than using donor movements from eBay, hence the large collection?
@csspinner Another piece of great American history saved. So happy that you got this one up and running. I have 2 Howards here (both caseless) that are non runners, but being where I am located, it is impossible to get them running. Thanks for posting such a detailed video. As usual, awesome work.
You did a great job with this one! Although i'm picturing the poor future watchmaker trying to work out why the pallet fork bridge has two different threads! 😂 Well, got to keep the next generation on their toes, i guess. Keep up the great work!
I really like finding past watchmakers work in old watches, if it’s well done like this. Take a moment to appreciate the work and think about the person who did it.
Thank You Chris... Always a pleasure watching the quality of your work and the quality of your video.... At 38:43 I could see your reflection & noticed you do not need magnifying glasses? ... another quality show... TM
Outstanding skill to make that old piece of history run. I'm about to start watch repair myself. The wife and I decided on a 1500 dollar starter budget. I had bought a 30 dollar junk set just to see if it would be enjoyable to me. It is for sure. I already have a microscope because I am a silversmith and set my own stones. So I figure after Bergeon Screwdrivers, tweezers, movement holders and lubrication stuff, I'll have about 1K left. I also have a ultrasonic cleaner. I will be working on old pocket watches at first. Then move in to smaller time pieces after I have some experience. What would be the best use of the 1000 left. If you don't have time to answer, I do understand.
Hi airjocky, I’m a few years in and can suggest a some things. Microscope is a great start, you’ve probably got loops too and a work space so you’re ahead of the game starting out. Thinking about what I’d be unable to work without…Demagnetizer is a must have, likewise a timegrapher, sharpening/honing setup for your tools, hand levers, hand pushers, rodico, cleaning and rinse solutions, IPA, essence of renata, parts trays, watchmaker’s cushion, small staking block, peg wood & acrylic sticks, case opening tools - ball, blade. Then later on staking set, seitz tool, crystal press. For tweezers I’d recommend carbon steel and bronze rather than stainless. Are you planning on lessons? You’ll get a certain distance with youtube but there are so many little details to take on that often aren’t shown. Good luck!
You are to watch repair as james martin is to clock repair. If he can't repair a part he, like you, will make it and you can't tell the difference between original and new.
Nice looking movement but someone butchered it up pretty bad. Lots of scratches and tool marks and way to much "lube" in some spots and not enough lube in other spots.
I have seen several RU-vid watch repair programs have watchers tell them about scammers contacting them to get their watches repaired. PLEASE PUT A DISCLAIMER IN YOUR PROGRAM TO WARN PEOPLE ABOUT THIS SCAM! Perhaps a way to verify with you incase scammers do make contact.. LOVE YOUR DEMENOR AND MATERIAL
Maybe I'm desensitized to watch servicing videos because this was by far one of the most fascinating watch services/restorations I've ever seen. The amount of tools you have at your disposal along with the specific nature of each is both incredible and ridiculous. I sat here and watched this entire thing and could not look away. You're easily one of the watchmaker GOATs of RU-vid. I love how your video had none of your personality and is just straight up POCKETWATCH. This belongs on PBS or some shit. Absolutely spectacular luxurious result, thank you for sharing that with us. Man, I love the internet. I love pocket watches. I love horology. You're a madman.
Chris, JD here. I watch this video through and through and you do such an excellent job with the narrative on your watch restoration. One gentleman said you should be on PBS, and I do agree. I am curious what camera you use to get those wonderful close-ups. I don’t think I would have the patience for the narrative as I would keep dropping in jokes, because that’s part of my chatting in personality on my channel. Again for such a short period of time with watch repair you’re doing an exceptional job.
Thanks, JD! The wider shots are take on the iPhone. For the majority of the video, I use a Lumix G85 shooting in 4K with a macro lens. The really close shots are recorded on the microscope
I was mesmerized by the attention to detail and the naming of the individual pieces, your no bully approach to stubborn movements tells the patients & skills you've achieved . Watched every second, Well Done.
I find your approach and your tools absolutely impressive. I have watched a lot of content, created my own watch restoration videos and I am stunned by the amount of work that has to go into yours! I can really appreciate that you earned the knowledge to use all kinds of different tools, how special and niche they may be. Every video is extremely informative and on point. My deepest respect.
This was wonderful to watch (no pun intended!). Pocket watches are such beautiful pieces of engineering ....and it's fantastic to witness one being restored with such care/expertise. Thanks for taking us on the journey...cheers!
Wow Chris making a replacement screw and reaming out the jewel holes for the modified jewels that's micro mechanical engineering at it's finest, lovely work and a great restoration!👍
If I were born again, I would like Switzerland, 1840. I would have been a watchmaker instead of a hacker. My tools would last a lifetime; my children would inherit them.
11:54 Really liked this shot. I have watched several of your videos now and the close-ups are really nice but I had been having a little trouble staring at my wristwatch and envisioning the size of all the little gears and stuff, but that shot really put it into perspective for me just how small all these parts are. Really am in awe of your knowledge and skill. Plus I am in love with all the old tools you showcase.
Found your videos a while back and have been binge watching since. Each video is a pleasant informative experience. Thank you and keep up the good work. New subscriber.
What a beautiful watch! What an astonishing bit of over-the-top craft-ship on your part. First time I've ever seen someone make a tiny screw! Thanks so much for saving this gem!
Thank you so much for sharing this brilliant video on the perfect restoration of a wonderful watch: 👍👌👏! I loved every minute of it and am in awe of your expertise and handling of the 1'000 tools that you have.
Great job as always! A little tip for any newbies to the craft... I noticed the black is out of most of the lettering (there's still a little in the "19 Jewels"). That's probably because a previous service left the parts in an ultra-sound too long (or used a wrong cleaning solution). Your type of cleaning machine won't do that to parts. I always make sure to be very careful cleaning plates with black or gold painted words. Sometimes I'll carefully clean those few plates with a soft tooth brush and cleaning solution.
Bravo on your production quality and thoroughness. I am in the trade too... been doing the same for 30+ years and I applaud your ability to portray your/my life at the bench... almost every day. I will say, and this is not to be overtly critical, throw away that staff removing tool! If you gently turn the rivet of the staff off, without digging into the balance, it will save you great heartache. You obviously have a good handle on the lathe! This should not be too difficult. Forget what Henry Fried offers about staff removal... yet I believe most everything else he offers. Just lean into the staff with a pointed graver until you are the depth of the rivet and then tap out the staff in your staking set. You should be left with a little "washer" of rivet and no damage to the balance. Let me know if you want me to send you a small stash of old balance wheels to practice on. I have a bunch! Lastly, I'm pretty sure this Howard should have had a whiplash regulator... I know, tough to find. I have a few that are lacking too. All in all, you and I think are of the same cloth! Keep up the good work and don't hesitate to reach out to me. dave@lastwindup.com Always happy to help a fellow craftsman!
Thanks, Dave!! I have since been turning the hubs off the staffs on the lathe. Takes all but a few minutes. I’ve found the hole in the balance arm remains “tighter” than when I jam out the rivet.
I would say you have mastered watch repair now Chris. Your next level is to start hobbing your own wheels! Really enjoyed this video. I’m left in awe and you’re inspiring me to push myself more.
Absolutely beautifully filmed and told as a story. The editing and shots were just wonderful. Thank you for taking us on this restoration journey with you.
Here is a master at work, not only in watch restoration, but in filming and narrating the process. What cool tools he has, never mind the training and technique to used them as intended. Mesmerizing and educational!
Wow what a beautiful movement. I love the styling of the bridges, and it's beautifully decorated. Edges of the parts are also really smooth. Too bad previous watchmakers weren't as careful. Lots of little scratches. And that dial turned out beautiful. A miracle that it didn't crack or chip over the years without crystal. Are the main plate and bridges made out of brass and then nickel plated or is it some kind of stainless alloy? Because it's quite an early movement to be nickel plated I think? Although the train of wheels is definately electroplated.
That is a beautiful watch. Nice work in restoring it, especially the jewel replacement and making that screw. So nice to hear that you are going to use the lathe to cut out the rivet, congratulations. Well done on the poising! Do you use a demagnetizer? Magnetism can be a problem sometimes.
Chris, I had an epiphany while watching this. I do bushing jobs on clocks and watching you realized that the jewel work is the same thing, just different tools and materials. Now I am not intimidated to dive in to re-jeweling. I have enjoyed all of your shows and learned a lot.