This Vintage Rolex Restoration Came Out Even Better Than I Hoped! 

I think the reason I keep coming back to your channel is that I can hear the love and excitement for the hobby you have! Makes the atmosphere amazing.

I'm not even interested in watch restoration, but I watched the whole video. Great work all around -- camera, narration, and skill level. RU-vid needs more people like you.

My favourite moment was at 16:49 when I noticed the very cute and amiable pupper sticking her nose in between Marshal trying to sniff out what he was doing. Top tier moment. 10/10 would like to see the pupper again.

Your videos have now replaced - or nearly so - my NF binging and it's caused me to dig out old watches that I've inherited from family over the years - including my great-grandfather's 14K White Gold Filled Waltham Colonial 17 Jewel No 1235. It's non-running and has been tucked away for over 60 years! After watching your videos, I'm inspired to think that it can be revived! Just love watching your videos.

I can tell you’re a fellow automotive technician. Very professional for an “amateur”. You’re too humble bro. I’m learning so much from you. Great work! Flat rate, baby 😎

For a clumsy person with no intention of taking on such a hobby, I am still fascinated. Enthralled, even. Fantastic work!

Speedking is such a cool name for a vintage watch

Your narrative and parts description exists where other watch restoration shows fail and that's what makes me a fan... I now know names that I never knew existed within watches... thanx4sharing.

As someone who may be going into this field. I seriously consider your videos as studying. Similar to Marks watch repair classes. Before taking his classes your videos taught me everything I knew. Especially since you repair more complex and “weirder” watches. I use the hard worked for information you obtain through trial and error, and put into your videos when practicing. Your videos are awesome man. For real. Keep it up

I know nothing about watches but I was honestly mesmerized by the process and the your ability to narrate it. Phenomenal! YOU are a very talented individual that has provoked a major new interest for me.

You have the same voice as Rob Riggle. And it keeps me coming back every time! Sometimes I pretend it’s Rob himself telling me how he fixes these watches.

Hey Marshall. I'm a hand engraver who like you ,Am not a professional but do it as a hobby. I started about 5 years ago when my Wife passed away from cancer and I needed something to keep myself occupied.I'm 61 yrs old now and was forced into early retirement about 3 years before my wife passed because of a really bad Motorcycle accident I was in. It pretty much crippled me. Luckily I still have full use of my hands and can walk as little bit as long as I have things to hold on to. I found hand engraving on RU-vid and fell in love with it. I mostly do knives & watches. I'm working on a watch now for my son in laws Birthday I started tinkering with the idea of working on watches since I have a lot of equipment and know a bit about assembly, removing & replacing crystals etc in preparation to engrave them.I just never really feel for it the way I did engraving. I purchased a Rolex Oyster date. An older one that runs sporadically.Got it for what I thought was a good price. I was watching your video here( I love watching them to relax ) and a thought came to mind. I realize a lot of watchmakers don't like Engraving watches feeling they ruin them. To me it's a personal opinion. Especially if you plan on keeping the watch . Some do like it. I was wondering if you might have any interest in a barter. I ship you my Rolex and you do your thing and you ship me a watch you would like engraved and I hook you up in return. Obviously the details would need to be worked out thru emails and probably a few video chats or phone calls etc. If your not interested that's perfectly fine. I completely understand.would you still be interested in trying to fix my watch for pay. Like I said it runs on & off .I get looked at the movement under my microscope and got a feeling other than possibly a part of 2 being worn out it probably just really dirty. Let me know what you think . My Email address is: EDGRABOW15@GMAIL.COM. Keep up the great videos.

I stumbled across this video toady. I was mesmerized. Simply amazing skill. And I enjoyed how you transmit true joy in a hobby that you love. So impressive, bravo.

So, you inspired me enough to lay out some cash and get into the hobby. I had NO idea what I was getting into! Watching your videos, I knew I'd be working with small parts but it's difficult to truly explain just how small these parts really are! Bottom line is, I came into this from fishing reel restoration and the size difference between reels and watches is like going from a watermelon to a raisin. But, at the end of the day, I truly love this hobby and understand your fascination! Thank you kind sir!

Every once and a while, you run across a real jewel on RU-vid such as this video! Thanks......

Because of watching your channel I have bought my own tools and began fixing my own watches and my wife's. It is just replacing batteries, but I enjoy working on them while watching your videos. I have also purchased my first mechanical watch! A seiko 5 automatic with the 4R36S. I have already changed the band using my newly acquired skills. Next up is hopefully repairing my late grandfathers watch. It is a Jules Jurgensen from the 70s. The movement is quartz and unfortunately the battery leaked in it when it was passed down to me without me knowing. So my goal with all of this is to restore it so I can wear it. He wore it daily for decades and even though its not a very expensive watch, I want to honor and remember him by wearing it as well. I know all my uncles and especially my Dad will get a kick out of seeing it working again.

Marshall, I started watching your videos a couple years ago during an illness simply because they started playing using RU-vid auto play. Those videos caused a memory from my childhood in the 1970's of being given a couple of my deceased grandfather's watches. Over the past couple years I have watched your videos and the urge to repair those old watches has grown to the point that the other day I dug them out of the drawer they are stored in. They are both old Elgin watches, one is an auto with day and date while the other is a simple wind up gold dress watch. Both watches are missing most of the crowns, apparently Elgin used cheaper materials for the crown and the only portion left is the small brass bit that screws to the stem. Anyway, I have ordered some new parts for the watch with the auto movement, a Swiss Felsa 4009 movement as it turns out, and with the help ofyour videos I will begin to attempt to repair it when the parts arrive. Thanks for videos and your positive, upbeat presentation style.

I have to say that my favorite part of these videos is your voice over. The emotion you put into stressed and exasperated moments flows so well in a 48 minute snip of work that takes hours over many days or weeks.

I have been in contact with my brother in law who own a pawn shop about sending me a broken pocket watch or 2. You my friend have enriched my life with the knowledge of these old watches and I can't wait to have one ticking on my desk one day.

For some reason I enjoy watching these videos, I have worked as a mechanic for over 40 years

Best wristwatch restoration channel on RU-vid, hands down. One of my favorites altogether. So excited to see a new video from you!

I just found this channel and I love it even though I'm not a watch guy. I was shocked when I heard his voice and was like "That's Marshall!" When I first got into MTG 7 or 8 years ago, I loved watching the coverage of the pro tours; the drama, the skill, the stakes were so fantastic. Marshall was a fantastic commentator, great play-by-play guy for a newb like me watching the world's most complicated game. I miss it. His voice and his ability explain complex things for a newcomer are still great, even when repairing an old watch. Marshall, you're great at what you do.

Great presentation. Your voice is amongst the best of RU-vid - do not let anyone persuade otherwise

I watched a full other video thinking "I know this voice!" The playmat locked it in for me, and answers a little of why I was recommended this channel. Thanks for sharing another of your hobbies with us!

Marshall, you blew me away with this video! I was impressed how you took the watch completely apart AND got it back together again so effortlessly. I watched the video from beginning to end totally rapt how you went about restoring this watch. Even the photography was amazing and the audience could follow along as if we were looking over your shoulder. Thanks for sharing the world of watch restoration with us. I found your channel by happenstance and I am now a new subscriber.

I really love this watch. As a diver, one of my dreams is to own one of the older Rolex dive watches for everyday wear. Sadly they are crazy collectible now, so that will not happen. But getting to see you bring back these gems to life is also immensely rewarding.

Considering how many restoration channels think that they need to make items, some being 100+ years old, look like they are brand new, it is really refreshing to see someone who breathes new life into something without trying to make it new.

Really love watching your videos Marshall your enthusiasm for this hobby/passion comes thru like “Gangbusters.” My wife likes your voice. It’s very soothing.

I can watch these restorations all day.

I don't even wear a watch and I watched your whole video. Excellent content! I was a little disappointed that we didn't find out how much you paid vs what it's worth after your restoration. But I can tell you're into it for the passion and not the money.

What an awesome lesson. I have a 1957 Oyster bought new by my grand dad, then passed down to dad, now mine. Very good video. What a "hobby" to have. Bravo.

I listen to you fix up these watches while trying to fall asleep at the ambulance station. The attention to detail and explanation really helps clear the busy mind

Since finding your channel, I've been catching up on all your videos. I'm thoroughly enjoying your infectious enthusiasm, clear calm voiceover, humour and down-to-earth presentation style - its a real tonic. The information you share at every stage in the process is just what's needed for a 'newbie' like myself and others. You've been through the learning process yourself, understand it and share it from that perspective. You've helped me tremendously, given confidence and all I can say is 'keep em coming' please.

I do love those old 34mm Rolex. This was a great looking restoration.

I know you are at or above retirement age. Your fingers and your diction and your proper speech without filler terms id a give away along with the passion in your voice about watch repair.

I have deep affection for these older pieces, and would wear this with pride. They have a special charm. You sir do have serious passion for two hobbies it seems. RU-vidr and watchmaker. Lots of work, and nicely done work on the video as well. First time here, and enjoyed it.

This was absoloutly fantastic...I don't know where the almost 1 hour went but you have a new sub here. REALLY great work, thanks for this great content.

thank you for the outstanding camera work, narration and knowledge of horology.

I agree with keeping the scratches that are particularly deep. It's practical sure, but it's also respectful to the object to let it wear it's age gracefully.

My first time seeing anything like this restoration, I was totally amazed at your knowledge and patience to work with such miniature components and overall engineering of these fine timepieces. truly amazing...Thank's for sharing

Please do a series like 'tips and tricks' or things to know for those wanting to get into this hobby.

LOVE the running commentry. Explaining as you go....

Outstanding photography, narration and editing. Couldn't do better. The only other repair videos I've seen that matches watch repair is auto transmission repair which combines mechanical movement with hydraulics and electronics.

Bravo, I love watching you at work,and bringing the life back to that gorgeous Rolex

There's a pretty cool story behind Rolex's popularity: as you might guess, during WWII, the watch business was not doing all that great, as the watch companies were cut off from their best clients (the Brits and the Americans). That is, until they discovered they had a bunch of Brits and Americans on their doorstep in the form of Allied airmen who had either managed to make their way to Switzerland after being shot down or had been locked in POW camps. Rolex quickly made a reputation to itself among the latter because of the deal they were offering: they literally said, *you must not even think of settlement during the war*, clearly indicating that they're expecting to get paid because they expect the Allies to win the war. Naturally, this was good for both the morale of the POWs and Rolex's business.

It's hard to believe that your not a professional t.v type presenter. There are a lot of people who do their own commentary and shouldn't. But yours is really good. Your comments are interesting and inclusive, I really feel like I'm being bought along on a fun and interesting journey. On this particular watch as a teenager in the 60s I won a competition on a popular weekend t.v music show. And the prize was a rolex watch very similar to this one. A couple of days after I got it delivered to me, my brother inlaw who was a navy diver asked if he could lend it for a couple of weeks because his broke. Needless to say I never saw it again. And I'd actually forgotten all about it till I saw this video.

Just want to thank you, since I discovered your videos not long ago, picked up some cheap tools to do some basic take apart and inspect on my watch that would only run for a few seconds at a time. Didn't take long to fix it, turns out from the factory they had inverted two of the gears for the automatic rewind system so it would just do an odd thing where the automatic system would somehow lock up the rest of the watch and the balance didn't have enough of a punch on its own to push past the blockage. Swapped them around, and now it's been on my wrist for the whole day, and still is right in sync with my smartwatch time. Keep up the wonderful videos, they're a treat to watch and listen to and certainly encouraging to pick up a lovely hobby!

You're amazing. As a watch enthusiast, I freaking love you for sharing this with us! You also explain things so well and simple. Subbed!

Great video Marshall. You have helped me get into the watch repair/restoration. It's so satisfying to see that balance wheel turning. Can't wait to see the next video.

love these classic Rolex watches. Minimalist and not too showy, which is nice to see

I sat transfixed just looking at the master rebuilding this time piece. I have such a watch that I inherited from my Father in Law so this was personal to me. Thank you master for a brilliant video

That was amazing! I love these restoration videos, so clever! I would have liked to see how the lume worked when finished though, but still looked at amazing at the end 👍🙌

Marshall, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE when you restore cases. It’s personally my favourite part of repairing a watch, and I’d love to see you do more!

For many years I thought "perpetual" on a Rolex referred to the date function. Today I learned that it refers to the self winding feature. Thanks for posting the interesting and educational videos.

Your videos are the most therapeutic to view on you tube I am transfixed with your methods and skill, always look forward to the next thanks baz 🇬🇧

When you use any kind of tap, even to clean threads, you should thread it in a full turn, and back a half turn repeatedly to make progress. Should also probably use some kind of lubricant. I'm not a watch maker or anything, but that rolex thread refresher thing looks like a tap.

This channel has fully inspired me to give this a go. I've loved watching the videos and the explanation of everything and how it works. I'm fully aware you've made it look easier than it is but definitely up for giving this a try. Taken your advice and brought a decent quality old picket watch to start off and some basic tools and I'll document my progress for when I inevitably get stuck or lost. Hopefully this can be a great new hobby and I don't utterly balls it up lol

I love your videos, and the commentary and the way you take us through the whole process is amazing. My new fun game when I'm driving to work is to listen to your videos, and try and visualize the parts and the process as you disassemble and assemble the watch. It's addictive!

The intricacy of these watches is amazing. How do they even make these TINY parts !?

We just watched the MCU film "Doctor Strange" last night, and I thought of you when his super expensive watch was smashed. I thought "that really just needs a new crystal and some servicing, and I'm sure it'd be fine again." :D

Congratulations on another wonderful video: it is always a pleasure to watch and listen to you bringing a watch back to life. That you had to pay $1'600 for a non-runner without any complications on eBay surprised me, even though it is a Rolex. You took a big risk there and got lucky, which you thoroughly deserve. Also, I very much agree with your approach to vintage items: do what you have to do, but do not overdo it. P.S. In the 70s and 80s only pimps, dealers and mafiosos would wear Rolex watches: the fatter, the more gold and the more diamonds the better. For some people - like me - this is a most vivid memory, which is why I could never wear one.

Are Camera restorations done the same way! This was an awesome video. Every thing today anymore is a throw away and buy something new but this hit the spot! Great Video.

you're the Bob Ross of watch repair! 😀

Perfect timing (pun intended) I was just thinking today I hadn't seen a new video from you in a while. Quick question, do you sell any of the watches you restore? If so, where can I buy one? love the content Marshall!

They are pretty beefy built time pieces. Some of those components look to be much better made than some others I've seen on here. Though I suppose that makes sense due to the brand. Love your work mate, love watching these and hearing your thoughts.

binge watching your videos like crazy...watches been a thing for me for like a week...and I'm hooked

I can't get enough of these videos, I've been binging for six hours straight. I've never given a shit about watches before, but watching them being taken apart and put back together in working order is absolutely fascinating. I could identify over half the parts inside of a watch now.

The Speedking looks fantastically classic and refined in style (ie without wear and tear) - also in relation to my simple steel 1985 Datejust which I bought new. Less "bling" such as the absence of the contemporary Datejust case and the Jubelee bracelet helps. I do not think that these have aged well stylistically. Otherwise, my 1985 Datejust still works perfectly even after 37 years of continuous use. The watch has been extensively cleaned twice and has had both the glass and the bracelet replaced twice. Keep up the good work :)

Thanks Marshall....you do alot!! I enjoyed every minute of this rebuild!!🇺🇸🎩🇺🇸

A hobbyist with almost a half million subs...pretty impressive! Marshall is the man

Everything about this channel is so relaxing.

This gentleman is the best, he has a gift. Watching him repair the watches is educational... I my self can't even change a battery...thank you.

Always nice to see your videos, Marshall. Looking good... You been working out?

Love this channel! It`s great to see someone so dedicated to preserving history!

Are you sure you are an amateur hobbyist? The confidence and precision with which you work is akin to a seasoned professional. Your set of special tools is admirable and your explanation of every step is superb.

I like the explanation of individual parts and their function , and facts about the company, as well as the watch design. Thankyou!!

Thank you for your videos. I wasn't really into watches a month ago, but now totally love them. I have acquired a 1903 Waltham pocket watch and I am now looking into some acquiring some tools. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Keep up the great work!

*Why not show the hour like for example **12:30**...just to see if they are in perfect place...*

I love to watch these mechanical storytelling. It's like a fairy tale with a barrel dragon, saphire knights and, most times, a happy end. ;-)

My first time watching a watch rebuild. I may be hooked. Time will tell.

I don’t know what prompted me to “watch” this video, but I viewed the whole thing. Very impressed with your work. I think I’ll try to restore my clock on the wall. It runs, but the hands are loose and it seems to be running fast. I also have an old cheap watch that I think I’ll take apart to see if the components are the same as the Rolex type. I just hope my eyes are good enough to see those molecular size parts with my eyeglasses and magnifying glass. Thanks for the video.

Okay Marshall. What happens to this watch after you fix it up? Does it go into your personal collection to admire periodically as you gaze rapturously on your treasures? Or, do they get sold at a profit because now they ARE working? or ???

Thanks to your awesome inspiring videos, I brought back to life my old SUUNTO Vector. I replaced strap, battery (I'm far from mechanical watches yet) - even the Heading Ring on top. As it was very precious gift from my friend and no watchmakers even bothered at all, thanks to you I encouraged myself to fix it. All the best from Scotland!

Marshal is the Bob Ross of watch restoration

If only you know what the future says, you'll know that indeed cryptocurrency is the future, investing in it now will be the wisest thing to do And you"ll thank yourself at the end.

I really love watching this channel. Your calming voice and watchmaking competence makes this channel very entertaining. I just wish that beautiful Seiko Pogue watch I’ve had for 45 years since new could be subject to your watchmaking skills. It’s no longer running. It has a wonderful history with SkyLab…

Thank you for sharing this timeless classic and beautiful watch

I will never watch videos over 8 minutes but once this one got going with your amazing camera work, narration and precise watch repair skills I could not stop watching. Absolutely incredible, incredible work! Thank you for the video.

Just thought ok I'll watch the first bit, ended up watching it all and now follow lol love the little gears and springs and how it all goes together. Great videos 👍

I love this restoration! Someday I want to purchase a Rolex Cellini with a white dial and rose gold finishes. Now I'm leaning toward a vintage example with some character.

These classic time pieces are such a mastery of clean design. Our design class teacher had several drawings with the drawn plans of these watches to exemplify aesthetic excellence.

A friend of mine recently bought a Rolex similar to this at a flea market for $10. And it runs too! He has a collection of hundreds of antique wrist watches. This by far his greatest find.

Really good work on this! kept its originality.

Digging your channel so far. I like how your delivery is a little mix of Frank Howarth and Chef John. Easy to watch and informative while entertaining and relaxing. If you don't already, it would be an interesting if you also briefly discussed what watches you're wearing in your videos. Thanks for creating an interest for me I didn't know I had.

I've finally got to the point where I can name every part of a basic Swiss movement, Marshall. I owe it all to you, your videos are excellent because you name every part, tool, and lubricant. I'm scouring ebay for used and new professional quality (Bergeon) watch tools, Timegrapher, and cleaning machinery. I'm an Electrical Engineer by trade, and I am acoustomed to working with small components, but this is taking it to an entirely new level. The parts and screws are miniscule, and require a very steady hand to pick up and place the screws in the right holes. I'd probably need to put the screws back in the holes during the disassembly, so I don't forget where they go. I set up a place on my electronics bench for watch servicing and repair. I already have a buffer system for polishing watch cases and bracelets, but I still need to populate the bench with watch repair tools. The mainspring winders are dauntingly expensive, and I may have to do with the Chinese knock-off version to begin with. They're fairly inexpensive, (a quarter the cost of the Bergeon winders) but they a significant flaw. The nub that the mainspring end hooks on to is a cast brass nub on the winding shaft, rather than a steel pin. I suppose that once the nub wears out, I can drill into the shaft, and press fit a steel pin into the hole. This would extend the life of the Chinese winders significantly.

Love the magnification views on this video. Like when the specific oils are applied. Awesome video.

Love this video. My grandfather used to do this as a retirement hobby in the 1950s and 1960s. I regret not ever seeing him work after seeing this.

You tube is lucky to have content creators like you. Good work and thanks for posting this. My skill level is changing the battery on my quartz watches and strap adjustment and replacing. 🍻 CHEERS

Obviously you love the work - I found the description mesmerizing. Thank you for introducing me to a new kind of art.

I love that the dog is helpingo you and that you're cool with it. Great video. Best regards from Mexico