She Had To Fly To England To Save This Family Heirloom... 

Some interesting information found by viewers! 1) The makers mark "LA" refers to Louis Arnould, of the City Watch Case Company Limited which made gold watch cases in England until the 1970s. 2) The "9" just refers to 9 karat gold. 3) The building where the Charles and Co Jewelry Company once stood is still in Liverpool! It's still across from Central Station, and today it's a pub. Thanks for the great info to those who commented!

I lile to think that these videos are basically your marks on these watches. They document both what was repaired and what you did to it as well showcasing the watch's history.

I don't know how you see yourself as a simple hobbyist, from what I've seen online and in actual jeweler's shops, you're a pro in every sense and probably one of the top dogs in this field.

"Put our troubles aside, and restore a piece of history." I really, really needed to hear that.

My second wife was from London. She inherited her mother's watch. It was rose gold, had a hexagonal glass that was cracked, the watch had gotten wet and had rusted inside. The watch face was dirty, altogether in very poor condition. We found a jeweler from the old school who had been taught the trade by her watchmaker father. After about 3 months we received a call to say the watch was ready for collection. The watchmaker had found a new clock workings for the watch, found a replacement glass, had the face of the watch cleaned and the numbers repainted. We dont know how many hours this lady spent on the watch repair and restoration but she charged us AU$110 for all the work. We originally asked for a battery movement put in it because we thought it would be too much trouble but the lady would not have it. The watch was too valuable not to restore it to it's former glory.

Thanks to this channel, after being turned down by rude snobby watch repairers who only work on £10,000 and up timepieces, I had the guts to learn, study and do a movement transplant on my own watch. I'm happy to say it all went well (appart from putting the second hand back on, boy that was fiddly) and it is working again perfectly. Thanks for the tips Marshall, From Josh in the U.K

The sponsor's mark LA in cameo within a rectangular surround with cut corners was entered at the London Assay Office by Leon Allamand of City Road, EC, London. The first punch making this mark was entered on 22 February 1877, followed by an identical punch on 22 May 1882. Punches making incuse marks were entered on 9 October 1877 (L.A), 15 July 1880 (LA) and 8 February 1882 (L.A). Leon Allamand was clearly an importer of Swiss watches who also acted as an assay agent to get Swiss made watch cases marked with British hallmarks before that was effectively stopped by the Merchandise Marks Act 1887. The reason for registerin

Hello Marshall, my comment is not related to your video, I just wanted to thank you so much. I droped my great grandfather watch today (an omega seamaster from around 1960) and it stopped running. My heart stopped at the same time and I was horrified... then I thought about your videos, How I was admirative of your patience and how much time I spent looking at you dismanteling timekeepers. So I've taken my time, I have unscrewed everything in my way, (the balance was kinda blocked) and put everything back together. It is running again. I would never have been able to do this without knowing your channel and watching you servicing watches. So thank you. Thank you so much, you dont know how happy I am right now. Regards. Julian.

This guy is the Bob Ross of watch repair. Like... I remember growing up (being 36 years old now) and watching Bob Ross on PBS and loving how calming his voice was. He was educational to an extend, but mostly just made you feel so welcome and safe. I loved trying to figure out where he was going before he said it. On here, I watch and love to see what he will tell me about the watch and what the watch will tell him about itself. I love watches but am not an enthusiast or even have the money for anything of decent quality outside of a smartwatch I financed and some cheaper Timex's at Walmart, haha. I love this other said of the watch world.

I look for Wristwatch Revival every time I get a notification. I enjoy a lot of different content, but this is what I look forward to most. Thank you again, Marshall. Now the wait for your next video begins.

I love refurbishing knives for friends and family as I make my own and have the tools and skill. One of the hardest things is convincing people not to want me to shine and polish them. People think restored should be returned to like new condition. But any knife can be made polished and spotless. What can't be replicated is the patina and wear of the knives. Wear is beautiful and it tells a story! Why would I want to get rid of something irreplaceable in favor of something that looks brand new? I love your approach to keeping wear and showing a watches age. It takes 10 minutes to get rid of wear, but 40 years to put it back!

Hi, I don't know if you will see this, but I am originally from Liverpool and wanted to help fill in some of the blanks about Charles and Co. The company was started by Henry Charles Saalmans, son of a Dutch immigrant to the city, who married a local Liverpool girl called Maud Adelaide Howden. They had 4 children and attended St Catherine's church, where all 4 of the children were baptised. St Catherine's no longer exists after it was knocked down in the 1960's. (I have photos of it if you're interested!) They lived at 134 Smithtown Road, a 3 storey terraced house on a main road, just outside the city centre (It is now an Indian takeaway called Smithdown Balti!) From experience, I would suggest that Salmaans used his middle name of Charles to Anglicise his business name, a common practice in the UK during the early 1900's. Of note, Henry Charles' son, Henry Richard Salmaans, would go on to be a highly decorated Captain in WW2, receiving an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his captaincy of SS Empire Bard. Captain Saalmans was awarded the OBE and Lloyd’s War Medal for his work in supervising the unloading of war cargoes from Allied merchant ships at the north Russian port of Murmansk in 1942-1943. Saalmans was Master of the 3,000 ton ‘SS Empire Bard’, which sailed in convoy for Russia in March 1942. After surviving heavy air attacks, the ‘Empire Bard’ arrived at Murmansk on 6 May. For the next ten months, in the absence of cranes on shore, she acted as a floating crane for Allied merchant ships reaching Murmansk with their cargoes. By the end of her stay, despite being damaged several times by air attacks, she unloaded 27,000 tons of war supplies for Russia. The shop now isn't actually a pub, it is a takeaway called the Lobster Pot. Charles & Co had a fantastic location for their time, just down the road from Liverpool's most prestigious hotel (The Adelphi), and opposite the Bold Street Concert Rooms, (now a bank). Hope this gives a picture of who they were. They definitely rubbed shoulders with the right people!

I'm a recent subscriber. I know almost nothing about watch mechanisms but have always found them fascinating and beautiful and Marshall explains things superbly. The only thing is, despite Marshall really knowing his stuff, I always have this vague feeling of panic when he dismantles them and ends up with a pile of tiny bits! Does anyone else get the same feeling? 😄

i never though that watching someone fixing a watch would be so interesting. but i think is your passion and your voice what takes us into a journey with the way you explain things and talk to us about all the procedure youre doing, thanks for sharing your hobby with us

I cant imagine the amount of patience, experience, and concentration that it'd take to learn and do watchmaking. Im really impressed in what you re doing

Marshall I realize you are a conservationist when I am a restorationist, lol. With that said, I don’t see the harm in dating the case after a service. I don’t think the owners would mind as they may never see it, I personally would appreciate it because is a reminder for when my next service is due. Moreover I doubt is an ego thing as most forego their initials and limit themselves to inscribing the date, again, for the benefit of the time piece. Thanks for the videos, you are still my hero as a hobbyist and you make the best videos as far as editing and trying to provide us padawans with the best views and detail of what you do for the purpose of teaching the hobby.

My grandmother had one that was identical that. My mother inherited it, and it was subsequently stolen in a burglary. My mother purchased another with insurance money (albeit in rose gold rather than yellow gold) but nothing compensates the loss of an heirloom.

Oh my. My grandmother had one nearly identical to this. It was a wedding gift from my grandfather I never knew. You are so good at these restorations.

I love how so many people say they tripped upon your channel and then stayed for the whole video. I especially like your narration.

"By machine but by hand" is fun to try to explain. I shorten it to "done on a manual machine." As I am also a learning machinist this applies to my lathe and mill work.

You keep getting better and better and famouser and famouser. And gosh, what a beautiful timepiece! As a restorer of old airplanes, I envy you.

Beautiful restoration Marshall, great video editing and camera work too, I appreciate your attention to giving us such a great view.

I have never seen anyone get so excited about installing a spring, but that enthusiasm has piqued my interest in something I never thought I would be interested in. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and have begun to enjoy watches simply by watching it. Everyone should find something that they love, and spread that joy to everyone around them. I wish more people were like that.

It Doesn't matter How many times I watch your video's ,,, They always seem to amaze me ! For whatever reason , at 60 years old , I have through my life been deemed " Can fix or Build anything " ! I Grew up & Live in the Appalachian Mountains of N.C. ! I was taught by my Dad , Grand paw, Uncles , mentors all through mechanics , carpenters , small engines , electrician, plumbers , brick masons ,machine Shops , welders , Iron workers ,, I was always watching and learning & asking questions ! BUT ,,, I can sit down & rest with a coffee or tea ,,, and always always sit amazed at the precision and size of your skill ! I'm like a dry sponge , begging for water when I watch your video's ,,, Love em !

This channel is awesome! Great to see pieces of history being restored!

Everytime you drop the balance back in it's like a tiny heartbeat starting, new life, amazing. Love the channel

You technically have left your mark on that watch virtually, by means of this video. Immortalizing your efforts on the restoration on the internet!

It feels really satisfying watching you revive these vintage beauties... Your videos has been helping me get over my anxiety

The building once occupied by Charles & Co still exists on Ranelagh St, Liverpool. It is now occupied by Ranelagh's Tavern. The once bright white painted letters Phillips Charles jewellers still exists at the top of the building and has faded with time.

As always: I love your comments in your cool voice, your devotion, craftsmanship and restraint when restoring watches: well done Marshall, and thank you for another treat.

Marshall, you are very impressive on many levels. Great job, on the watch, on the camera work, on the narration, and the editing. Your channel is one of the gems of RU-vid.

He's like the Bob Ross of watches, Bob giggled all the time when he beat the brush, he giggles when he put the spring in. I don't know how i started watching your videos, but they are also addictive, like the joy of painting. Great job, keep up the good work !

When the person (whoever that was) bought that watch, they would not know that the watch would end-up in the USA, but they could have imagined that the watch would last 100 years, because at that time, given it was not a cheap one, watched did last long time. And it was normal to maintain and repair objects instead of throwing them away.

Love how gorgeous the crystal and case/band looked after cleaning. Stunning!

I love that you explain everything, every time. I have learned so much by watching this channel and never felt like I have to go back and watch every single video

Most likely a coming of age (21) gift from her parents. Very common in U.K. in 20th century. My mother had a similar looking watch..

Without a doubt the best quality content on this platform! Thanks for your vids!

This is the most fascinating channel on YT. I'm an industrial mechanic and work on gearboxes and transmissions that weigh tons. The similarities between those and a tiny watch are amazing.

Brilliant story , there is a magic about old watches their charm and beauty is something to admire .

Been binging on your channel for a while now. I'm literally going to buy a pocket watch and try to fix it because of your videos lol.

Due to the lack of historical information in the U.K. on this company, I suspect that Charles & Co may have been a large retail jeweller who bought these watches had them marked with their name (?).

I had a good chuckle Marshall when the first add came up for Apple Watch. Thanks for restoring a piece of our history. Peace be with you.

I'd like to imagine the owners child or grandchild looking back on this video with fondness and interest, maybe even inspiring them to get into the hobby. Great work as always.

Excellent as always. Have you ever addressed how watch parts were, and are made? I simply can't imagine a machine that can make a screw small enough to fit even a pocket watch let alone, a small wrist watch.

“9” is for “9 carat”. I think it was mainly for the benefit of the English market and 0.375 was more for the continental European clientele. Cyma is(was) a Swiss watchmakers and was founded in 1862. They still make watches today. It was common for shops to sell watches with their shop name on the dial at that time. (Like Cartier, Gübelin, and Huber). You’ll see “18” too with the 0.750 gold watches.

Been watching for a few weeks now and, silly as it sounds, I sit up when it comes to 'popping' the main spring back in. It's those hand full of 'yes' moments as everything comes back to life. Good job Sir.

I have to say I kind of feel like you putting your mark on it is absolutely part of the story of the customer who owns it, and the watch itself. Watch didn't work, you fixed it at some point in time or it'd be dead. Customer trusted you to help. You did a great job.

Imagine telling the original purchaser that in 100 years a half a million people would watch it being serviced on video. I love watching your videos, thank you so much for the hard work you put into them! #bobrossofwatches

the ”i really screwed up” giggle is your best feature of these videos, instead of editing it out you admit your faults and show us how things ho together and how you need concentration to get things right. i can understand why you can’t afford the extremely special tools and devices and you introduced two devices that i haven’t seen in a video before, is there a device that you don’t have that you want?

I love watching these videos, very inspiring. I just repaired and cleaned my friends 1917 Elgin pocket watch. Would never done that without your programs. Many thanks my friend!

I love when you get excited putting the balance wheel on… it gets me ever time..!!!

Popping the main spring back in the watch is the equivalent of Bob Ross cleaning his brush.

That was absolutely delightful to watch you do your, if I can call it magic! 😉😊! Secondly thank you for showing us all! I loved every second of all that you did! To say well done does not really do your efforts justice! Bravo 🤩😀

Marshall you have a great voice for radio and pod casts/ and always informative

I really like that you leave your mistakes in the video because it makes you even more human. Really enjoy these videos and how much you enjoy working on these time pieces

I totally understand what you mean and feel about the watchmaker's marks, however I have to politely disagree. That's part of the life of the watch, it's expected as it allows the watch to talk to the next watch maker, as you often say who knows when the last time this watch was serviced, well if the watch maker would stick to tradition and log in who what and when, lol yeah that's why that's done. It's the secret language kept between watchmaker to watch maker and watchmaker to the time keepers (watches). I've also seen who it can affect the value but not in the way you think, without those marks some places believe the value is less because there is barely or no record of it's life, where it's been as some watchmaker's will code in location. So, don't be so hard on yourself for not doing it, yet don't be hard on those who do, it's just expected like a secret note passed from one watchmaker to the next throughout time. Like a workbook no one writes in yet in the back there are several blank pages some even say notes on them for one to write in. It's part of the life of the watch. I have an Elgin 18s from 1889 key wind and key set, 5020266 is it's SN. On the inside back cover there are Watchmaker marks the show who what when and one has where. That mark shows London, 1896, the history my watch holds thanks to that mark I know it was in London why and by who I don't know, another mark shows 1905 and another 1915 it's been alive and working pre WWI and WWII. My watch thanks to those watchmakers can talk to me, though limited it's very cool. The watch has others dates through time, but the last one on it was when I bought it, which is a record of my life with that watch, 05/01/1998. I bought it for myself as a birthday gift. I had it serviced in 2010, but sadly the watchmaker didn't put his mark on so it doesn't show it and I have no proof. But getting into this hobby and when I feel confident in my skills, I'll service it myself and add my marks to it, so one day long after my family dies out someone will see but not know that one of it's owners was it's watchmaker. Thank you for reading thumbs up Marshall, and I thank you so much for what you do, don't take anything I said here personal or me being another mean comment person, no, just explaining in a cool way my thoughts on Watchmaker marks. Be Safe and Be Well All!

Where the heck did you find a donor movement main plate? And how long did the search take you?

I just watched 3 hours of you fixing/restoring watches…I need this hobby…

Descovered this channel by accident - a happy accident incidently. Great Restoration on this family's Heirloom watch. From start to finish I was lost in time taking in all you did for it, thank you. Got another one just in the Nick Of Time ~

I'm curious about replacements. Do you need to find the same maker, model, year, etc. for something like the jewel in this one? Are there "universal" parts like wheels or does it just depend? Is it worth trying to keep parts on-hand or would that be an exercise in futility because everything is basically different? I really love these videos & am not really a "watch guy".

With the age. The broken jewel could have been caused during the bombing of London during WW2.Just a thought.

I love that moment when you remove the back plate Marshall and expose the movement...I always go "Oh wow!" because they are more often then not utterly beautiful. I love this watch...the movement was small and chunky...but very beautiful. I do some work on watches and working on the balance is for me such a nightmare.....if there's one part of a rebuild that makes me swear like a sailor it's the balance....and maybe getting the pallet bridge to sit nicely on the forks....Another amazing video...I'm totally loving your channel Marshall....the pieces of the puzzle that is watch servicing are starting to fit together with your help. Thanks to you!

I stumbled across your channel by chance. After getting hooked and watching dozens of your watch repair videos... I decided to click on another person's repair video. They did not narrate their video, and I realized I was narrating the video to myself. When did I learn all these terms for the inner parts of a watch!? You are a great teacher, I didn't even realize I was picking all this up.

Watching your videos on repairing watches. It is amazing from all the watches you have repaired how there is little to no changes on how the watch function and is designed.

Those breguet hands and numerals are just gorgeous. The movement even has a sharp interior angle! Really enjoyed this one

What a beautiful patina the watch has after a century of use and love. I'm glad you cleaned it up without removing it. Thank you Marshall for all that you do to educate us while also entertaining us with your hobbies and interests (LR listener here who also likes to take apart and fix random things when time permits).

Strangely hypnotic viewing … very interesting and the fact you kind of commentate through the process makes it hard to not watch till the end .. proper enjoyed that lad .

I really appreciate the fact you don't just mark someone's watch automatically but if you ever worked on my family heirloom antique gold pocketwatch from around 1900 id actually like you to mark ot especially if you have a nice mark/handwriting because you're so talented and i think it'd really add to the story and sentimental value.

Always been interested in watch works. Growing up i demolished several just to see what made watches tick. Watching your channel is really informative . Now i from past experiences with watches am afraid to tackle a simple clean and service. I have had several health problems that is preventing me from sitting there long enough to be competent so i am living vicariously thru your channel.

Enjoy your program. I did my apprenticeship in the late 1950's. We didn't have spring winders and our movement holder was thumb and finger. My father before my had turn up new ballance shafts from wire stock. I went on to the computer industry in the exploration of oil. Keep up the good work.

What steady hands you have. A pleasure to watch. I would have sneezed at some point and all the tiny pieces would have been lost. Keep up the good work.

Another fascinating video and highlights the ever expanding range of specialist tools Marshall is building up for his hobby (the jewel removing and setting set for example), lucky man!!

The person who bought this watch couldn't have ever imagined that not only the journey this watch took, but the manner in which it is being serviced and watched by thousands of people on a device that would astound them and via technology that would be impossible to imagine.

So I finally figured out why I love watching these videos other than they're just interesting. Marshall kind of sounds like Chef John from Food Wishes and there's something just really soothing about his voice

Hi Marshall, I'm a bit of a nerd for searching for things like hallmarks...the case may be made by City Watch Case co. (Louis Arnould) from 1920-1927, based at Crown Buildings, Cox's Court, London EC1. Lovely restoration, great commentary! 🤗🤗

I actually managed to find out some more about that business! So much in fact, that i had to share some of it! "Phillips" (couldn't find closer details sadly) took over "Charles&Co" in 1898 already and (as seen in the gazettes listing) in 1925 they fused to "Phillips and Charles & Co", somehow still being two firms though. Then, in 1954, the two companies were finally formed into "Phillips and Charles Ltd.", a single limited company. I'm not sure if that goes for Charles&Co or just the "Phillips"-part, but in 1979 they had their 125th anniversary (according to an article), so following that, the company has had to be founded in 1854. After the founder "(first name unknown) Phillips", only descendants of him were in charge of the company, therefore it's been family-owned for 156 years! The location of their stores seems to have changed quite a lot. While at the time of the fusion being at 17 Ranelagh St., Liverpool, as well as 11 Church St., Ormskirk, they also had a location at 57 Lime St. in Liverpool at some point as well, with Ranelagh St. being their head office until at least the 1980s. The last ever store/office was at 14 The Crescent in West Kirby, Wirral, which closed on 30/10/2010, marking the end of the company due to insolvency. Today, another jewellery store is located in that same place, how ironic. Quite crazy how much you can look up about one small business in so little time on the internet, and thats not even everything I found out! Little bonus: there's still a "ghost sign" on the wall of the house the store was located in at 17 Ranelagh St.! watch here: goo.gl/maps/it45wypNhbTUHaH59 www.reddit.com/r/Liverpool/comments/cvr6qh/phillips_and_charles_jewellers_ghost_sign Hope I could brighten y'all up a bit, it was surprisingly interesting and fun to research this!

Excellent work, Marshall! I love watching you work on these complications. In fact, it's a hypnotic, relaxing experience! Keep them coming. Cheers!

Thank goodness, I was having withdrawal. You are by far the best narrator on RU-vid. As an amateur genealogist hearing the history of the watch was a nice addition to the video.

You are so amazing.!The loving way you handle every piece ,the ingenuity.the history ..Thank you sir for all you do

What a beautiful piece and nicely done repair/service to a family heirloom Marchall. Im sure the owner is thrilled to have it running again so it can be worn when desired. Kudos

Fascinating. The history tidbits, the technical details, the care taken into disassembly and reassembly. Last week I tried cleaning my old Casio and I just lost a couple E rings and a washer that held the buttons in place in the case, makes me appreciate this even more 🤣

Another relaxing half hour. Thanks for sharing your bench with us.

Yay! A Scouse watchmaker :) I know Ranelagh St well. Love the channel, very relaxing seeing you work Marshall

I like it! The watch is really beautiful! I actually like the voice too when the mainspring clicks into place…so satisfying! Thank you for the video and the information about the brand! 💜

A beautiful watch with a beautiful movement. You are a good friend to the owner doing such a quality restore. Kudos.

Just finishing watching so thank you very much for a wonderful video. The whole thing looked fantastic and I hope your friend is pleased with the final result.

What a lovely back story to go with a lovely little watch. Another excellent restoration, Well done Marshall. 🥇👍⌚

I love watching these even though I don't repair watches. This guy speaks well and tells a good story. You Rock Marshall

I love the use of mixed camera angles!! It's so cool to be able to keep up with the really zoomed in camera angle to see what's going on, but the zoomed out camera angle to see just how small everything is you're working with is a good perspective setter. Thank you for these amazing videos! This channel has inspired me to get my first not junk adjacent watch! (Even if it's nothing fancy with a real proper movement). Thank you!

Love your passion with the watches and the story of the watches. Great work!

Great start to a long workday. Thanks for the boost in morale, Marshall!

I have a lot of respect for the expertise and craftsmanship you have.

Another very interesting watch repair. Thank you, Marshall, you do nice work.

Beautiful viewing. Thanks

Working on watches seems like such a cool hobby, but my god that's so many tools to get your hands on.

Hello and thank you very much for your nice proposal! In 1972, I entered as an apprentice in a photo and film equipment repair workshop, alternating with courses in a Technical High School in Strasbourg (Alsace). Future photographers, watchmakers and I were brought together in the same class for certain courses. It was there that I became friends with a watchmaker who taught me some basics of his trade. I quickly admired these beautiful watch mechanisms as well as the skills of my new friend. Since that time, I can't walk past a watchmaker's shop without hanging on to the window for a while. Also, I was very happy to discover your RU-vid channel where I can, thanks to you, immerse myself in this fascinating universe. Best regards, jp willm ** Bonjour et merci beaucoup pour votre sympathique proposition ! En 1972, je suis entré comme apprenti dans un atelier de réparations de matériel photo et ciné, en alternance avec des cours dans un Lycée Technique à Strasbourg (Alsace). Les futurs photographes, les horlogers et moi étions réunis dans une même classe pour certains cours. C'est là que je suis devenu ami d'un horloger qui m'a appris quelques bases de son métier. J'ai tôt fait d'admirer ces belles mécaniques horlogères de même que les compétences de mon nouvel ami. Depuis cette époque, je ne peux pas passer devant une boutique d'horloger sans rester accroché un bon moment devant la vitrine. Aussi, j'ai été très heureux de découvrir votre chaîne RU-vid où je peux, grâce à vous, me plonger dans cet univers fascinant. Sincères salutations, jp willm

Thanks to you, I've ordered a basic tool kit and a book on repairing antique watches. Thanks so much for your content,

I have to say sir you are the most educational watch repairman estoration guy ever!

An English manufactured watch that belonged to a Belgian lady who lived in Antwerp according the notification about her death. And now it is repaired in the United States... What a trip ! Greetings from Antwerp, Marshall !!

I really enjoy when a new project introduces a new procedure. Replacing the jewel was a really interesting process.