Restoring an UNWANTED 80 year old ROLEX Heirloom 

Thank you for making this man’s life be remembered if for no more time than this video. When you think about this man’s life, he lived through 2 world wars, the roaring 20s, the depression, early computers, television. But all that’s really important was that he probably had a wife, children, grandchildren. Family is all that defines us when we leave this earth. God bless you and your family.

Only 5 minutes in, and this man has already fixed a bent hairspring and got it to +7 seconds before any regulating. Is no one else blown away by this? Amazing

As a 74 year old veteran, I appreciate what you said at the end. I am amazed at the skill you have and hope your child learns from you. You are an artist and good man. I wish I had your talent in this field. Myself, I'm just an old physician. God Bless.

Almost in tears for the last 15 mins of the vlog. You kept the histroy of this incredible timepiece alive by leaving its birth certificate with it. I hope this priceless gem finds its lost heritage in the near future. You are an amazing watchmaker. Thanks for sharing. God blessings.

I'm really glad that you decided not to erase the history of this watch. Mullard was best known for their audio valves (vacuum tubes), which remain prized by audiophiles to this day. There are now licensed copies available, but they made in Russia. The main Mullard factory during the time Mr McBride worked for them was in Blackburn, so perhaps he worked there. They employed 3000 people and could produce half a million valves per day.

The good old days when your employer rewarded your 30 years loyal service with a gold Rolex. I worked nearly 40 years as a registered nurse, recently retired, and didn’t even get a sandwich ! 😂 Fabulous video ❤

What a wonderful story you tell while you work your magic, the engravings tell their own story and I’m glad you preserved them.

When people talk about the knocks + bumps and patina telling the history I’m always confused why people would want to erase the engraving which is if nothing else how the knocks and bumps got there in the first place. Thank you for keeping the history of it, it’s more valuable in social history than it is in pure money❤

Beautiful restoration. The history was worth keeping.

Excellent tutorial, humor, and lesson!

In all my years of watching RU-vid I stumble onto your page. That's without doubt the most therapeutic video I've ever seen. Thank you.....

"We take nothing with us, but we can leave so much behind." Well said. Good on you for not removing the engraving - it may not count as provenance but it certainly is part of the watch's history. Great job as always on the restoration - not only are you an artisan, you're a surgeon. And thanks for adding the brief history of the companies and the components - it makes the video that much more interesting.

So glad you kept the engraving. I think it adds to the watch, not detract, plus it's well done. This came out so nice!

Outstanding renovation. I always learn something new from your videos. Your "beyond the renovation" messages are great too.

Fantastic words at the end,brought a tear to a old non believer 😢

Having worn my Rolex for 59 years now, this a beautiful restoration. Very impressed by the care taken!

Mullard vacuum tube company. Legendary! Might be of value to an audiophile or guitar player.

I spend 38 years with a company and I so wanted a watch when I retired sadly many companies no longer value long service and they do nothing for a long term employee when they retire. I would myself have been honored to find and buy a watch like this one, that celebrates another’s long service because I understand what that means

Looks better than any modern Rolex.

Every person has two deaths . The physical one and when it is forgotten. Thank you for keeping this man's history alive . You made my eyes wet at the end . Greetings and respect from a greek historian .

I love that you didn’t wipe out the engraving. I would think that adds value. For an old watch, it’s nice to know the history of it. If I had a McBride in the family I would definitely buy it.

Sir your work never disappoints thank you for your videos and great work

NOS Mullard tubes are still highly sought after by hi-fi enthusiasts. I have a few in my stash from the late 50's. They don't make them like they used to. I would definitely think that was bonus to have that history with the watch.

I've watched a fair share of these watch restoration videos. This one for some reason I find truly mesmirising. Maybe because the watch is very old or the narators tone of voice.

Inspiring words at the end uplifted me so much. As for the watch. Truly magical how you restored it to glory. Thank goodness the owner was happy to let the beautiful engraving stay. Thank you as always!

So glad you saved the engraving - it is part of the watch and its history. I restore old radios and come across Mullard components all the time. A beautiful watch and a famous and revered company. What an honour it must have been for Mr McBride to be presented with such a gift.

I love how you can put forth amazing care, craftsmanship and humor at the same time. Keeping it light hearted, humorous and yet deadly serious at the same time. Watching a fine craftsman at work never gets old. Amazing restoration. Thanks for sharing.

I am astounded by your skills. I am a carpenter by trade. It's something I acquired through time and diligence. It appears to be a schedule you follow and it is ingrained in your mind, the entire process. Making decisions as they are needed and to stop where it is not. I couldn't respect you more I too get to reflect and stand back. To have praise that is absolutely worthy. Your humility is mighty. Thank you for sharing your wisdom as well as your experience. It's truly a gift. Your humor and wit is killing me sometimes. I laugh out loud as my wife eyes me in wonder. Please never lose the shine that exist within you. You give so much hope to so many people. ...just thank you.~Sincerely, Daniel John Forbes

Nice, perfect video before bed 😁

You go beyond on each release in every aspect of your videos. Not only the image quality but also EVERYTHING. The music, the histories, your handcrafts, the timing, the framing and the most important, the time pieces. Thank you for your inspiring work. Please, don't give up like the watch repair channel. If necessary, take as many sponsors as needed.

I felt as if I were seated next to you, and you were speaking to me about this watch as you repaired it. I was mesmerized.

This is such a wonderful video. I've only recently started watching a few watch making/restoration films. I find them strangely therapeutic and relaxing! Admiring the patience and precision of watchmakers/restorers. I'm an exiled Brummie, congratulations of the film and well done for remembering the gentleman that this watch belonged to. Cheers.

I also was very impressed by the fact that you did not "wire weld the heck" out of the engraving ! It shows respect for the accomplishments of others, something that no culture can survive without. I didn't hear your son say anything that should keep him out of America, maybe it even saved him a seat in first class.

I love vintage engraved case backs, that history.

Watched this with my 6 year old son and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful result!

You made excellent decision in keeping the engraving. High marks for keeping history alive, no matter how small or what we feel may be insignificant. Job well done!

A beautiful sympathetic restoration , leaving the engraving was the right thing to do , wishing your family peace and happiness

“Wow”That was nice. I loved the ending.

Beautiful, well done, glad you left the engraving. History vanishes well enough on it’s on.

Watching you and Trouble work together is so relaxing and educational. Love your videos! Superb photography! Very grateful for you and your productions!

I would hate to see that engraving go.

This video made me think. On the back of my Rolex is my mother’s birthdate, a tribute to her; I purchased it after she left this Earth. I wonder who will see (and hopefully wear) that engraving long after I’m gone.

I restore vintage tube amps and I would pay extra for that original engraving. Funny world. Love watching your work.

Wow! This may be my favourite episode yet. It is not just becuase the superb restoration but also the untold history of its former owner. Thanks for sharing, Nekkid.

Glad to see that you saved the history of this piece. For me, maybe I'm just a sentimental, a piece with a history behind is much more valuable than something without.

your a good man to save the watch memory. you spoke of your son. teach him that important thought process he will always remember and pass it on to his sons and so on . who knows the world might get better bob

You are not truly gone before anyone stops thinking of you. Good thing you left the engraving as is.

Many years ago I started watching Mark Lovick. Have watched many other watchmaker channels but Joe is IMO, one of a few that are next level skilled. You can see the experience in every video. It was Joe who helped me take the next step from collector to watchmaking so my hats off to you sir.

Great video as usual. I think the engraving adds charm and provenance, especially if has tender words. Even if it was given as gift after many years service its best to keep it. Its all part of the watches history. A few years ago I sold a 1951 9ct gold Rotary which has an inscription thanking the recipient for 50 years service. He received the watch for his whole life's service. If I had removed the inscription it would be like wiping his life away. Keep making the videos. Yours is the best watch repair channel on RU-vid.

So happy you were sympathetic to its original owner, very touching. And the “ Dumpling” was funny too. Thanks for sharing your skills and humour and humanity, we sure need it these days❤

Thanks for adding such a personal touch to this video with both preserving what you could of this man's life and the interactions with your son. Enhancing the videos we are all here to see

As far as I'm concerned, you did the right thing by keeping this engraving. Also, I'm in awe of your skills and experience when fixing that hairspring. Just, wow. Thank you!

The Engraving is what makes the watch special, I'd actually pay more for a wonderful history such as shown on this Rolex, Beautiful Restoration as usual.

The patience and care of the guy... Incredible! If he treats his wife the same, she is a lucky, lucky woman.

An etched grave stone is sterile and lifeless of one who was and is no more, but an engraved timepiece tells a story of one who was and still lives through what he once owned.❤

A beautiful restoration as ever. So glad you kept the engraving. For me, this additional provenance would add to the value of an antique watch - not detract.

To look beyond the “thing” and see a man’s life instead-that’s just so right. Expertly conserved watch, beautifully told story. We miss your videos and are always delighted when there is a new one. Hoping you and your family are well always.

You are truly a master of your craft!

Sterling decision to keep the engraving. A Piece of history. Priceless. Well done 👍🏼

You are an absolute wizard with watches as you in still pure magic on every restoration, in my opinion. Lovely workmanship. To be given this Rolex for service would mean he was quite a flyer in the business world. I would have thought.

Thanks for having the patience and fortitude, not to mention the skill, necessary to restore the hair spring! That was an awesome bit of work!!

Wow, never thought a hair spring repair could be done. That’s awesome

Thanks for saving this man from the dustbin of time.

wow you did the man justice and respect by leaving his name that just adds to beauty of it all, wonderful work

Beautiful sympathetic restoration. I was watching the video and it brought back memories of my grandfather. He was also born in the late 1800s, and he also served in both World wars. So a similar story to the original owner of this watch. The watch is just gorgeous and it is a testament to exquisite 20th century craftsmanship.

Mullard, famous for manufacturing electrical valves. Glass bottles with magic inside now replaced by invisible transistors and micro circuits encapsulated in plastic. This man would be staggered to see how the world of electronics has moved on. Glad you kept the inscription, I would have paid more with that on if I could afford a Rolex.

Joe, your sense of “doing the right thing” was exactly what I have come to expect from you. A very valuable life lesson for Trouble 🦖 as well. Fantastic video as usual. Be well, and Peace ☮️

Beautifully and skilfully restored. A true craftsman.

The work you did on that hairspring was insane to watch

It seems a real shame to remove that engraving…. I think it would add value in my opinion, particularly given the dates. Edit** well, after finishing the video…it was heartening and a relief to see how you handled the engraving🙏 Beautifully done!

I'm so glad you kept the history alive with that watch. And what a beautiful piece it is.

Just want to say thanks for being an amazing dad. Your son is lucky to have you, as I'm sure you are lucky to have him!

To me, the engraving seems like part of the history of the watch. I like the trick using rodico&paper as a pattern to align the bend of the breguet. It is sad to see the long scratches on the train bridge.

That engraving is part of te history of the timepiece

Your work and comments bring to me a sense of tranquility. Thank you.

Thanks for the Sunday surprise. Wonderful restoration. Of all the incredible work that you do, Joe, your work on hairsprings is the most amazing. Good to see that Trouble is still causing trouble. He's growing so fast. You and the family be safe until the next time.

Totally agree with you engravings add to a watch no way does it detract

A splendid and sparkling review. With a lot of good wisdom included

I'm happy you kept the engraving.

Absolutely fantastic, as usual. You are truly a real craftsman.

Beautiful Watch! You did the right thing keeping it's history. My Grandfather was a Watchmaker, was still repairing watches into his 80's. Love your restorations.

Ich bin richtig stolz, das es noch solche Leute gibt. Grüssle Herbie aus Deutschland

Great video. Thanks for publishing his history.

That is a Beautiful watch!! The save on the Hairspring and the re-calibration was amazing! I concur that leaving the Engraving was a great save! The engraving is the heart and soul of the watch!! Your apprentice is doing well like Bob Cratchit ;) !! I hope when he is older that he reviews your channel and has fond memories of you!!!! Time will tell!!

Wonderful work as always !! AB would be glad to know his watch is in good hands!

As a guitarist this is fascinating as Mullard made vacuum tubes (valves) which are still highly prized in guitar amplifiers. The Mullard name is legendary.

Thanks for your videos which I enjoy not only to see you use your craft but also for the warmth of your narrative and the occasional , but welcome, intrusion of your young son.

I always enjoy watching your awesome craftsmanship, loving interactions with your son and heartwarming consideration for the sentimentality behind this particular watch. Thank you! Bless you! ❤🙏🙏🙏❤

Its a shame this watch didnt stay in the family but at least the new owner wanted it restored and agreed not to polish out the presentation on the back. You did a beautiful job in restoring, cleaning and repairing it! Thank you!⌚️

As always, your watch restauration videos are simply magnificent. I wish I had your talent. Keep doing what you're doing.

My mother was a watchmaker for Rolex, roughly in the same time period as this piece. It was lovely to see you bring this back to life, and I was delighted to see you retain the history of the piece. You are an artist my friend. Peace be with you and your loved ones. :)

I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video. I also really appreciated the way you made the video engaging and entertaining. You kept my attention throughout the entire video, and I never felt bored or lost. I would definitely recommend your video to anyone who is interested in learning more about the video.

Welcome back ! Great to see you again! Im happy to see that you kept the engraving, I like seeing history preserved for younger generations so they can research the past , and its fun to do the research on engravings sometimes.

You kept the man's memory and legacy alive and you don't even know him, hope your memory and legacy will be preserved too. Our journey never really ends, on we go to the next unending journey.

When i watch your videos, it's like meditation. Your calm voice and the tenderness with which you treat the watches is great. This watch is not just a thing, but a piece of memory of a person. Thank you for 40 minutes of happiness!

Loved the intricacy of the balance spring work, you are so talented. I agree with the decision not to remove the engraving, to me that just increases its appeal. Beautiful job.

Probably the most entertaining and sympathetic watch restoration I has viewed, almost make you want to buy a Rolex so you can pass it down to your children, wonderful.

This watch came out beautifully

I can see you have inspired many on here not only with your exceptional mastery of the watchmaking trade but your humble way of presenting to me, what makes us human in spirit, God bless you and your family they must be so grateful for you being in their life Aymen

Stunning restoration. what a privilege to own such a beautiful watch 👍