Watchmaking: Machining the Heart of a Watch 

Regardless of being inefficient, that's still a beautiful piece of engineering!

I was searching RU-vid a few days ago to find someone actually machining a watch from scratch and was surprised at how few results I got. A lot of people calling themselves watchmakers that only clean and reassemble watches, never making them. And now more videos from you, awesome.

What fascinates me is the amount of handwork that is involved in the making of many of your mechanisms!

You guys are filling in the Clickspring-Shaped hole in my heart :) Wonderful work and beautiful camera shots, as always! Gorgeous mechanism and video!

I just wanted to commend you on this video. The audio levels are perfect both for speech and background music throughout, the focus of the camera is spot on, and the pace is fantastic for the type of content. Thank you for sharing! 👍

I’m amazed at people who can work with such small items making even smaller items.

That was 38 mins well spent. Thanks for an informative and soothing dive into the spring detent escapement :) Cheers

It's fascinating to see the other end of the spectrum of precision machine work. I manually machine stuff that is in the tens to hundreds of pounds that require 0.005" accuracy usually and it boggles my mind that people such as yourself have the steadiness and patience to craft such tiny and precise parts. Truly awesome in the original sense of the word, extremely well documented and presented craftsmanship.

The amount the weight drops each tick is directly related to the distance your escape wheel travels. It does not necessarily relate to the power required to run the mechanism, for example if the weight was smaller it would still travel the same distance, thus using less power. So while the spring surely does use more than it could, I feel that a smaller escape wheel / more teeth on the escape wheel would be the easiest way to increase the efficiency. Or making the barrel for the weight smaller. I wish I could make stuff like this, I've always liked watches and would like to make miniature steam engines and stuff too. Really fun watching people doing these things, especially largely by hand. Awesome video, thanks!

Spent 3 months following your instructions, bought all the specialized tools, had a lathe installed & made all these impossibly tiny parts only to find out you "weren't trying to make an accurate timekeeper.." Now I'm running late for work so thanks 😤. Seriously though, beautiful work. The level of precision you achieve by hand is incredible

Premium, detailed, impeccable standards of a premier.

The patience and meticulousness of this process is astounding. I was mesmerized by the techniques, craftmanship, and knowledge of these guys. Amazed. I'll never look at my wristwatch the same again. Perhaps he said in the vid, but how many hours was this from beginning to end?

As someone who started their working life as a Scientific Instrument Maker, your work is a joy to behold. Thank you for sharing your creative journey.

Ooh, I didnt know I'd be learning about escapement mechanisms today 😊 Thank you for taking the time, and explaining everything in such detail

36:34 the moment its heart beat for the first time - it lives! i request an asmr video of this thing running. just the thing. running. nothing else.

Sir, the meticulousness of your manual adjustment is extraordinary, the quality of the tool equipment that you operate is good, complete and, most importantly, carefully chosen. The treatment of the edges of each tool individually are so precise that I really only have to tell you that I admire your masterful hand in turning, filing and cutting, your final result and suitability to do so. I am a mechanical adjuster but I have never practiced the profession. I was extremely pleased to be able to appreciate someone who honors the profession and, although I do not practice it, I totally love it. Thanks for posting.

This channel deserves more subs. People with skills like this with this level of attention to detail are extremely rare these days.

I recently read the book, longitude, which is roughly about the making of the first accurate time keeper for use in ship navigation. It was fascinating. As is this video. Just incredible to imagine the people of long ago making these.

The mastery of the technical language is remarkable! Hats off your excellent work 👏

Oh my. The end result is indeed a thing of beauty. Enthralling to watch from beginning to end. Thank you for sharing your fantastic work. 👏👏👍😀

Glad to see this was re-uploaded. Thanks for sharing.

Beautiful work, but also, Beautiful machine tools! 👏

I wish you put more time into showing how the parts work together. It was an extremely interesting video. Very well done. Awesome craftsmanship!

This video is superbly narrated! Cadence, pitch, diction, and technical vocabulary are spot on. Well done! Subscribed 👍

Very nice video, especially liked how the escape wheel was machined. The weight drop is determined by the dimensions of the parts, and gear ratios etc. The minimum energy required could be determined by decreasing the weight mass, until the mechanic wouldn't tick over any more. Not sure if the experiment was conducted in this fashion. Though what was shown in the video it seems that a some one weight was hooked to the mechanism and then the change in potential energy was calculated, this would show the energy budget for the mechanism, with the given weight.

Beautiful craftmanship. Thank you.

Amazing! I would love to see a follow-up using an infrared camera to see where heat is lost!

Absolutely beautiful precision Tools… and phenomenal skill of you Guys. I could “Watch” this kind of Video all day. This is tantamount to Brain surgery. Thanks. Nigel.

I became interested in mechanical principles a few years ago. Back then I didnt appreciate the engineering know how that goes into mechanical watches. Marvellous to see how you achieve what you do. Many thanks for the high quality videos. :)

The scale of these pieces is consistently mindblowing. The camera makes them look like hefty, substantial pieces of metal... until I see them sitting on a fingertip and realize they're the side of a kernel of corn and the measurements are in micrometers. And these are _two to three times bigger._

I watched all of this video and I see that you have asked for some suggestions. To reduce the weight of the assembly, drill a series of small holes in the escape wheel rotating and moving components. That would reduce the weight and would not seriously compromise the strength. I think your poise weights are too long. My suggestion is mainly to reduce the length, diameter, and weight of your moving components by drilling holes, reducing thicknesses, and carefully removing mass from your components. I am a retired tool and die maker and I admire your work.

So very beautiful. As a watchmaker who has worked on countless watches over many years, I applaud your workmanship and thank you most sincerely for making these videos.

One video and I'm completely addicted! Consider me subscribed. As for the inefficiency, friction and any spring that is being deflected require energy to overcome. That energy must be subtracted from the gravitational energy available.

Ive spent a fair amount of time watching similar content, but this is the first time Ive really felt that I had a clue how the escapement worked. An excellent model/display, and great camera work too! Thanks.

Super machining work !! Kudos to the patience.

I'm fascinated by your comment on energy used. A couple others commented on this question. For the sake of discussion, let's increase the driving weight a little thus increasing the energy used. Presumably the timing of the motion remains the same. So, if things are running at the same speed, where does the extra energy go? 1) The clicking. I imagine a heavier weight will produce a louder click, which represents more energy. 2) More weight will put more force on the various pivot points and bearings, as well as at the sliding contact point between the escape wheel tooth and the impulse wheel. This extra force increases friction. Presumably parts will wear out faster using a heavier weight. 3) I suppose, perhaps, that the balance wheel will swing a wider arc, moving faster as well. That means more air resistance. All these things seem so miniscule, but at this small energy level they are significant. One comment mentioned reducing the weight to the minimum that will keep the clock going. I agree with him that this would be a better analysis of the energy that this clock requires to run. Another comment mentioned reducing the mass of various elements. That would reduce the vertical forces of the various axles on their supporting surfaces, thus reducing friction. (Though would holes in the balance wheel add air resistance?) Another miniscule contribution, but possibly significant. Thanks for the invitation to think about this question and to comment on it. I enjoyed doing so, and also very much enjoyed watching your work.

I have been not patiently waiting for another video of yours for so long it seems like, I absolutely love your content as a fellow horology enthusiast and watchmaker I love getting to see the fun and amazing work you do, puts a smile on my face every time. I gotta say I bet you love using that Knew Concepts piercing saw! I have one and can’t believe I used a standard one before that, it’s such a night and day difference with the amount of control and precision you can get with those saws, great video and I can’t wait to see what you do next.

I was just thinking about making a similar size chronometer escapement! Gorgeous work!

Just finding the channel, instant sub, like, bell:) I got into watchmaking when this video came out, I dug out my grandfather's 1920 Elgin pocket watch, wound down the main spring, reset the balance, and got it ticking for the first time in my lifetime. A couple George Daniels documentaries later, a former train hopping past, and I have recently started my collection of railroad grade watches. My father was a sailor, and I sailed as well, so naturally I am now down the path of the Harrison clocks and other maritime chronometers. This content is invaluable to me, and so many others. Thank you for sharing the knowledge!

Thats so awesome thanks for the video

I greatly enjoy seeing good workmanship and precision. Thank for providing this video.

Y'all bring so much motivation and joy. You're one of the very few who can explain how something is made without completely going off topic. Thank you. Going to be making my mechanical wall clock here soon. Currently designing the dial. This definitely helps with my escapement problem. Always good to see masters at work.

Wow about time.. lol. I've been watching < watchmaking videos now on RU-vid for about a year. Not searching just when I see one and I'm in the mood I'll watch it. This Chanel so far is the best. There is another guy I won't mention by name but he... um.. I wanna be respectful so I'll leave it there. My dad was a watchmaker for almost 60 years and he taught me everything he could lol which by his library of knowledge was about 10%, I remember sitting and watching him make balance staff for a lady Rolex watch, it was mesmerising. His attention to detail was amazing in everything he did. I bet spending a day with you would bring back a lot of memories. Sadly he passed away before he could teach me watches but he did teach me everything I know about clock repairs I worked side by side with dad for 20 years and even right up to the end he amazed me with the skills he wielded. Some of these RU-vid watchmakers Make me cringe. Well done and thank you for actually being a true pleasure to watch right to the end. It really is a shame that we are a dying breed.

Absolutely staggering. I'm almost speechless at the ease with winch you work. you've made a beautiful thing between you, thanks for sharing.

Amazing content! To solve the problem of the drop i would suggest to add more teeth to the driving wheel . Because with less space between each tooth you will have a lower drop i think. I might be wrong , although i think it would be worth trying. Thank you for the amazing content. I am a very passionate Watchmaker based in London and i believe that videos like these are extremely important for the Art of Watchmaking to continue expanding and to inspire the future generations.

I don't care if it's not commercially viable - it's outstanding, beautiful work.

Lovely to see all the Geo. Thomas gear in the video! The pillar tool, the dividing head, etc. And wasn't that a Quorn making the fly cutter for teeth? Nice job guys! You didn't mention any rarified watch oil for the pivots--perhaps a source of energy loss?

I find it amazing people were able to produce these in miniature hundreds of years ago.

I am watching the filing and this man is an expert at it. I file and make things with files but I do take my hat off to you.

Making these beautiful pieces of engineering is fascinating, but something needs to be said about making the small TOOLS that are used too!!!

I have always been fascinated with the designing, and building of watches!!!

Awesome Video, always wanted to see how watch makers hand craft (no CNC) inner workings ,very good resolution on the various metal removals.... that's art just incredible

New, but willing learner for craft being shown here. Thanks for your time!

At last I found you! I could not find a video explaining watch making. And , oh boy, your video is wonderful. And your work is just art to me. I love watches. I will look at my automatic watchess with even more love. The sound your watch makes reminds me of the old clock in my grandfather's house (he was born in 1887 and had it since 1910). Sadly, the clock was lost between all the things when he passed away.

Years ago I made a detent chronometer escapement wall clock. I initially used a flat "hairspring" made from an old watch spring and it didn't really work as good as your escapement. In the end I made a vertically coiled spring from flat section plastic (3mm X 0.1mm). With this spring the movement works quite well and does not take so much energy to power it. The only other thing I noticed is that the clock is very noisy compared to an anchor or grasshopper escapement. Superb video though - keep them coming.

Amazing to see such skill still exists. Keep doing what you're doing.

I can watch videos like this for entire day

Wow, thank you so much. I really enjoy watching skilled people producing projects like this.

I get a real pleasure seeing this type of precise hand made work. Although as you say so, much is now done with CNC machines et cetera but it’s so nice to see the true art is still being used and the skill maintained. Hopefully the next generation will still find enjoyment and keep it going , thanks for posting this

I would kill to be able to go watch this process from start to finish!! Truly master craftsmanship. Great video!!

Mesmerizing from start to finish. Amazing knowledge and skill required to make every individual part and the finished product didnt disappoint me at least. Thank you for sharing with us.

These videos are so relaxing. I would love to one day be able to machine something of this precision and quality

This channel is very reminiscent of Clickspring, except with a relaxing English voice instead of a relaxing Australian voice

Would love to see a long video of just the mechanism ticking.

A beautifully created video, thank you. This is one of those videos, that while watching it, I find myself not breathing. Great explanation of the 'Heart of a Watch'.

Clickspring made me open to channels like this, you have a new subscriber. Keep up the wonderful work

This is becoming my new favourite channel.

Absolutely beautiful. The precision is wonderful!

Watched from start to finish. Very soothing. Awesome craftsmenship.

Beautiful! Creating a living heart out of several types of metal. Bravo Zulu!!!!!

This was incredibly inspiring to watch. Truly amazing to see such high skill levels. It must have taken many years to get to that level.

Re: efficiency. I think that although it's is using 150uW to run, it doesn't need all that energy. It's ticking quite loudly and powerfully/firmly. I expect you could get away with a much lighter weight, or a larger diameter "bobbin" (sorry don't know the correct terminology!), bringing energy consumption more into line with the escapement your friend is making. Regardess of all that, thank you for sharing your beautiful craftsmanship and videography and editing and audio skills. A joy to watch!

Love it, I would struggle to make this, and its 3 times actual size! superb demo thank you

i love the sound it makes, wish i could have one of these to listen to when i falling asleep

YOU my friend, are a MONSTER!! NOW I know how unskilled I am. Supernatural!! PLEASE KEEP TEACHING US ALL!!

I started my engineering career as a scientific instrument maker some 55 years ago. Your fine work brought back happy memories.

Mesmerizing and fantastic handcrafts. Thank you for this video.

That was a delight!

What a beautiful piece, Awesome to see someone doing this kind of work, very neat!

Fascinating, amazing and relaxing all at the same time!

Beautiful work and documenting!

Cool work , very good camera shots 😊

Form + Function = Elegant. Thanks and Regards !

I have been wanting to build a watch the size of an 18 inch wall clock and have the entire thing in a glass case so it can be seen working. This video is encouraging me to go for it!

Beautiful!

I'm a new member!!! I like to see machining tiny pieces...

Impressive work + explanation. Makes me want a clock with no hands that exists solely as a kinetic sculpture showing off the escapement.

this is such a great explanation, I loved it

A calming voice and patience seem to go hand in hand.

This and the music is very relaxing. Thank you.

always amazing to watch you guys work!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

yes, very much enjoyed it 🙂 !!!, am also hoping for your covering a modern swiss watch locking mechanism that uses a pallet fork ???

Thank you so much for making this video. It is beautifully shot. I appreciate the difficulty of doing this when filming such small things and also the camera being in the way whilst you are trying to work. Thank you also for taking the time to make this explanatory model. It was also very interesting to me as someone who also machines parts for various purposes to spot almost train spotter fashion the George Thomas universal pillar tool and dividing head, the Quorn tool and cutter grinder, The Myford Super7 and the Dore Westbury milling machine which lastg I also use though subjecting it to greater stresses. Thank you again for your efforts.

Wow. I was captivated the entire time much in the same way when I watch Clickspring's content. You guys are killing it!! Keep bringing us more videos.

This is on another level altogether! Thank you for the awesome video!

I learned so much about manufacturing of small parts like toothwheels and bearings, thank you very much for the video, I subscribed your channel to see more of your skills. Greetings from Bavaria, Wolfgang

Beautiful work and video.

THANK YOU FOR EDUCATING US .

Superb. What a wonderful video. Thank you!