Omega Seamaster 30 Vintage Watch Restoration With a Surprise :( 

This was the best movie I watched in 2020. It had a mystery, drama, great imagery and camera work, everything you could possibly want in a great film.

The single thought that keeps coming back to mind for me when I watch these videos is this. You are restoring the object's dignity. I know that may sound funny or overstated. There is a genuine Elegance in seeing timepieces that are good quality well in this case great quality that are brought back to as near to showroom finish and function as you can get. I am astonished that you are self-taught and that this is a hobby to you. To someone like me it is nothing short of miraculous and really admirable. I need to reach out to you for some help. Thank you for what you have shared.

This is the first video of yours that I have watched. Subscribed. Love my vintage Omega watches. I have a 30t-2 from the year that I was born1950.

This watch turned out so beautiful that I just purchased a very similar Seamaster on ebay that needs some work. I've been searching for a budget vintage automatic watch as a daily, and this video solidified my decision.

I can't understand how you can call this a "hobby" but you move better than any watchmaker on youtube.

I have bad insomnia & also suffer from depression, so these last few years have been extra hard on me, not the lock downs, I quite enjoy them. I only came across this site a few weeks ago & think I have watched most of them, there is something soothing but also interesting in the narrators voice & I think I have followed most to the end, this one was no exception. Doing up a watch like that for a gift is just priceless, my father has a classic Bulova watch from the 50's that has seen better days but no longer wears & could really do with treatment like that, thank you once again.

Thanks for another great lesson - as an avid aspiring watch technician I can empathize with the frustration of opening a new watch only to discover that the balance complete is missing! I have come to value your videos with the same awe as Mark’s - please keep on doing these!

Your movies have grown my appreciation for Omega Watches, especially the dressier examples.

As I get older, this makes me want to take up a new hobby and shelve the more physical ones. Nice job and exciting to see the balance move!

What a gorgeous restoration! I just started collecting a few months ago and found your channel. I was a mechanic for many years and after watching you for just a short period of time I purchased your starter tool kit. Can't wait to learn how to tinker with these pieces of history.

Oh, and apart from my comments already posted on this video, I'd like to say thanks for introducing me to watch making. I'm working on Mark's course, have an ST36 on the way, am now watching many other watch making channels, and am rapidly filling up my desk with new tools. I've gone from hardly understanding what I was looking at to writing what are probably very annoying opinionated comments on RU-vid videos. I guess I should apologise for the latter, and have the good grace to wait until I've actually got some experience, but well... ;-) You see, watch making was something that I really should have done right out of high school (for several reasons), but that was in 1982 and it was right in the middle of the quartz crisis. It really didn't look like a great career choice at that point because it seemed to all be going disposable, and maybe it did for a number of years. It's still that way for maybe most people who buy a cheap quartz watch that looks ok, and they just replace it when it gets smashed or stops working. There's something magical about mechanical watches though, and it's great to see the skills and resources live on. It's also actually fascinating talking to the current young generation - many of them don't seem to be able to read an analogue watch which is just mind blowing to me, considering that there's plenty of jobs that still require being able to read a multi-indicator analogue dial. If they have trouble with a basic watch, how could they understand a micrometer, an altimeter, It's fascinating that some companies have been trying to push watches into the realm of disposable trinkets well before the quartz era. It's was Timex before Quartz - you wore the thing through thick and thin, then replaced it when it finally got smashed or stopped working. Interestingly it goes back even further than that - I have a 1917 pocket watch that I just bought off Ebay, which was obviously made in the cheapest manner available at the time with old technology (pin lever and no jewels) stamped sheet metal for bridges, and a steel nickel plated case. I'll service it when I'm confident I know what I'm doing and see how good I can get it, but it was never meant to come back from the trenches, if it even managed to get there. I'd like to document my journey right from the start, but we'll see how we go with that. If I do manage to do that, it will be pretty low res for a while.

Great channel. Reminds me of tinkering with old Timex and Ingersol watches and Smith's clocks when I was a boy. I was always the clever one, ended up with fewer parts than when I began. But funny, nothing would ever work properly afterwards.

Great work! I love your commentary... the little slip-ups... and that you are learning, as we watch. Thanks for the video, stay safe.

I've watched a few of your videos and I felt rather proud that I figured out the problem you saw with the missing balance before you announced it. Shows your doing a great job with your explanations and videos.

God, these videos never get old. I came across you through LR, but this is so fascinating, and you're filming/recordings here are bloody fantastic. I love the little bits of watch history you throw in, and your comments on the different mechanisms/parts and tools. Keep it up!

You're one of the 3 that have made me want to take up this hobby.

Wonderful presentation, very fluid and clear. Congrats.

Great video, thanks. Beautiful watch, too. I've just started watch restoration as a retirement hobby (I don't retire for 7 more years but it'll take me that long to learn it!). Knowing that you started as an amateur too is a real inspiration.

Just a lovely video. Really clear photography, super informative and brilliant audio description too. Great job! Thank you.

Love how silent some parts are, and that you match the voice over to the pacing. These are very enjoyable.

Your camera work is the best out of all watchmaker content creators, not one blind spot through the whole video

What a thrill watching you bring the omega to life. I have to watch this again. Thank you for your time. Time, get it.

Very nice. Excellent outcome. If I quit drinking coffee for three years, I couldn't do any of that. About the smallest thing I can work on is a four barrel carburetor.

thanks Marshall, you really make watchmaking so approachable.. brings it down to earth honestly. gives me the confidence to take apart more movements than just my eta 2824 again and again haha :p

New to your channel. Like everybody I love the candor and humility of your narration. It’s also well explained and full it tips so helpful to debutant like me. Being totally new to this hobby, have you or can you do a video explaining the first tools you started with and maybe go through what you needed to add over the years, the essential that really makes your repairs/servicing a lot easier. That would be awesome to learn from your experience in building your tool set over the years from then to now. Great job, really awesome videos that makes RU-vid such a treasure.

These old Omegas are really good watches, a lot better than the average swiss brands of the time. That`s why in good shape they`re getting expensive now.

Unless the description stated it was missing parts/Not a whole watch, the seller misrepresented it. I would complain to Ebay.

love this watch, even better with the black face (Fox Mulder X-Files Omega)

You know, watch repair is not my thing. I've never even owned a decent wristwatch the truth be known. This said, I am a fan of your videos because they are so cool. Watch repair is cool. The tiny specialty tools are cool. Your enthusiasm for this hobby/profession is cool. And the fact that you talk about what you are doing, sharing tips and educating people like me is cool. The screws, the tiny gears, the overlapping component parts... Whew, they all look the same to me!?! Thank you for informing me on a topic that I had no clue. Marshall you are one Cool Dude!

"Certainly explains why is not running". Hahaha. Great sense of humour.

Just worked on my first Omega (30T2sc) - a gorgeous HS8 from a family friends dad! What a great watch! Thanks for the inspiration and help I watched your video a couple of times just to double check I’m still on the right path!

A great watch brought back to life to be enjoyed for many years to come. thank you for sharing

Wonderful content. I can't help thinking that a proper polishing machine would aid you immeasurably. I think also that a small sandblasting machine ( sits under desk bit of noise, not much ) would extend your range of decorative options. Probably thinking too much, but I also think you do a great thing. Thank you.

brilliant.. so amazing

One of my all time favorite watches

Man, I love your videos. You've inspired me to take up the hobby. Thank you!

Great work,when you adjust the beat error don't forget the lift angle is 49 not 52...................

Very relaxing watching you work on your watches

I've had very good results having gold plated antique razors redone. It might be worth checking out the equipment for plating for older gold plated cases.

Amazing to see how it all works, great patience is required.

Nice Leatherman Micra, visible off to the side while you restored the case. I've carried one of those on my keyring for many years.

Hi, WR. Very nice gift for your family member. They will appreciate what you have done. I certainly do. Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

I always love watching these for the teeny tiny chance that one of the springs jumps out and fucks off to Narnia, adds some real dramatic tension!

hi marshal fantastic video i am just in the middle of assembling the same seamster 30 but struggling to find setting lever screw keep up the great work

The grooves on the pallet fork jewels might be caused by a too tight cannon pinion, forcing the watch to go backwards when setting the time backwards. Setting the time backwards causes back-hacking due to the cannon pinion being too tight and the watch starts running backwards, which can damage the pallet fork jewels.

Great video keep up the great work! A good practice is paging the jewel hole before you put them in the cleaning Machine it is a common step in the dismantling step of the service. When you were talking about taking out/in the mainspring safety glasses is a very good thing don’t want to heart your eyes so you can’t do this craft you love !

The watch face is tres elegant. And I love the tiny script that says Seamaster.

Well done,wonderful job!Thanks for sharing!

Loved that video. Was the first one I just watched from you. Probably gonna watch all your video's in 1 day right now.

I'm constantly amazed at how anybody could ever invent how to make a clock or a watch. Are you kidding me so many little pieces with so many little angles and purposes to do so many little things truly and wonder of the world.

Hello Marshall do you have a part number for the O-ring kit that you have? Thank You...

I enjoyed your work.

Beautiful job, a joy to watch the process. Thanks.

Have you thought of building a booth or a tent when extracting and inserting springs? Heck! It could save all kinds of parts. Oooo! Build a clean room with back pressure. Ah! The possibilities!

What is the plexi or carbon rod called? One you used to hold the spring like you would with peg wood. Can’t find what they’re called to buy one.

I come from a mechanical baxkground so seeing the engineering is just fabulous

Omega should make this guy the brand ambassador. Not some Hollywood actor who knows nothing about the watch

It looks awesome, great job on the refurbishment 👍

There are two very important things in life. Harmony and balance! 😄

The title of this video sorta attarcted my attention - not in a clicky-baity way, just "hmm... might be interesting..." - And then I saw it's nearly an hour long and thought to myself "gee.. dunno if I really want to spend an hour watching a watch video..." And here I am, an hour later, like "oh, so it's already over?" "Thank you for taking the time to hang out" - ? No, it's "thank YOU for taking the time to make this video and puting it on YT for us to watch!" It's realy surprising how mesmerizing and captivating an exercise of taking apart (and putting back) few cogs and screws could be... Thanks, Marshall!

That bracelet really adds something to that watch, never seen any like that I dont think.

Beautiful and excellent work ❤️

stunning watch. thanks for brining it in to life

My dad often took me with to the big watchmakers in the City to attend to watches above his skill/tool level. they had these cool work desks with a support bit for their arms and it had a little channel at the bottom end of the table to catch anything that rolls down. putting a bit of low-tack masking paper over exposed bits on fine springs and pieces can prevent them flying away.

Which tool did you use to pull the "seconds" wheel? I'm working on a Wyler WW2 watch with the same wheel on an ETA 932. Love your channel and has really helped me in my restores. I also am working through the Watch Repair Course by Mark. Thanks in advance

I'm now looking for a similar bracelet for my '69 Omega Genève.

Thank you for this video. I Broke my balance wheel pivots. They bent. Findin parts for this is hard. Cal 285

Wonderful vid - and I just subcribed for this channel…Thanks for sharing !!!

you're right that never gets old I love the way you love your mainspring winder that tool kit for the winding is awesome‼️®™️ as a union ironworker we love our tools❕ Also has an ex union projectionist (IATSE LOCAL 230 projection union Denver Colorado) old movie projectors remind me of watches they're all different and yet they're all basically the same just as watches do projectors have different components within the unit yeah that's the sound system head, The projection head, The intermittent assembly, The lamp house etc. etc. long story short of fantastic stuff I'm hooked on these watch videos thank you and for everything you do‼️®™️

Amazing job, as usual! Greetings from Mexico.

Very nice watch. The Seamaster is one of my favorites. Another good job. I am totally into the self winder watches. The electric quart movements are just not my thing. TY MH

Hey, you fixed me on..bought a (running) 1012 Movement with Dial and a case (NOS) to see if I can put together a Omega De Ville :-)

I really would like to learn to do this. I find it so interesting and challenging so just up my street.

looks absolutely amazing, thats a gorgeous watch and youre right about that movement, truly lovely, you have a great talent and good taste, i would have no hesitation paying you to fix my watches

Is it possible to get a replacement balance or will you retire the other 286 and turn it into a replacement source?

When I watch your videos, I often catch myself wanting to hit the like button multiple times...

Brilliant!

Отличная работа, вы большой профессионал своего дела.... Удачи и успехов золотые у Вас руки, во сколько была оценена, данная работа

losing a small part then finding it is the best feeling lol

First time watch youre channel. Great repair.

This is a very special video ! I love it ! Congratulations !

What a beautiful movement.

I wish you could give a full clean and check to my omega speedmaster from 2008.

This video was excellent! Thank you for sharing your passion for vintage Omega watches. Would you consider a restoration of a 60s version for hire?

Shouldn't you have removed the dried up O-ring before installing the new crystal?

Dear Sir, I came across this channel by accident and as it turned out a happy one! I now subscribe to your channel. I've watched all your Video's and wait patiently for your new ones to come out...when exactly will the next one be? Your video's are inspiring and I went to EBAY and am thinking of buying the tools and a Vintage VENUS 175 Swiss Military Monopusher Chronograph. It could be a foolish idea but what the hey I'm retired and need a new hobby. God Bless you Sir and MAKE A NEW VIDEO...PLEASE!

Absolutely great vid. Thanks for sharing

A real pleasure, thank you.

Luv that i came across your channel.

I think the bracelet is called Milanese mesh.

Gaskets have come a long way since advent of Neoprene. Early gaskets were white (natural) rubber and carbon colored black rubber. It outgasses and dries out. So the new ones will last a long time. Some oils do dissolve either type. Likely nothing in use inside.

very good videos! I like your teaching approach.

I love your videos. They are so relaxing and informative. I am interested in starting the hobby but I don't find many candidates on Ebay. For example, would you buy a balance assembly if you didn't have another parts movement? What is you source for new parts because there must be parts that you can't find on ebay? It's almost as if ebay is has been bought out by hobbyists who started long ago.

My Dad bought a somewhat similar one (though an automatic with a calendar) in 1964 in Austria or Switzerland. I think I had it stolen when my place was burglarized and most things of value taken. I’d tried having it cleaned in the 1980s but it had gone too long without care and didn’t keep very good time; I wore it for a few months and had it adjusted a few times but not much could be done, I was led to understand, without heroic efforts I wasn’t willing to pay for.

That was a beautiful video! Thank you

Good morning, is this watch still for sale? Thank you. Awesome video

Question. He said that he had cleaned that replacement balance prior to installing it, but once we got those close up looks at around 37 minutes, while he was removing the cap jewels, the balance still looked a bit dirty and corroded. What was all that?

I have a project for you .it's a lanco very nice movement date complication .you mind if I ship it to you ?

Impressive knowledge

When you use those hand levers, I always wonder why you don't coat the back of them so that you don't need to pick through a scrap of plastic that may or may not have grit on it. Some nice white Teflon ought ot make the job a lottle more secure, I would think.