114 Year Old Waltham Grade Royal Pocket Watch Overhaul

[@seayak]

Perfect music to watch a master at work. Wonderful photography, especially the images at the end.

[@charlesfick729]

Wow, such memory and motor skills. Fantastic

[@jda1961]

just discovered your videos, love the format, upclose videos, nice music and soft narration.

[@greggdoss9753]

I love watching a master at His work !!!!!

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Thanks Gregg. Very flattering!

[@itzhaccroitoru4082]

I really enjoy your videos and your pacing

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Thanks Itzhac! Much appreciated.

[@billg125]

Maybe you need a name change; 'not so grumpy'! Thanks for the excellent video ... excellent technique, excellent photography too. What a pretty movement. Please make the 'next time' soon

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Working on a video as we speak, but I just found out that the balance staff which was sent to me for replacement was the wrong one sent so it'll be a while before the video is posted. Cheers!

[@johnhannon]

I am working on a Royal grade Waltham but it is older (model 1894) size 12. I bought it as a non working movement to learn on. It has a broken balance staff that is a friction type. In it's past, someone replaced the impulse jewel with a tiny piece of brass. I am not sure if this was an accepted way to repair the jewel. It was actually installed with shellac. I am going to try cleaning and repairing it. I like your attention to detail and find your video very interesting and helpful.

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Hi John! Replacing the impulse jewel with a brass pin borders on insanity haha. Yes, it's possible the watch will "run", but not like you'd want it too. Also, you have have a situation with metal on metal contact which will speed up the wear and tear on the pallet fork. The impulse jewel is meant to be held in the roller table with schellac, but expecting the entire roller to be held onto the staff with schellac (as was the case in my watch), is again..insane. See if you can find a comparable grade which you can steal the impulse jewel from. In addition to having a properly functioning watch, you'll also have the satisfaction of doing it the right way. Good luck!

[@girlsdadx3]

What is the tool you are using at 7:23 to unwind the main spring. I need one of those. Does it come with a variety of tips?

[@ohger1]

I have a very similar movement that a buddy (jeweler) scrapped out for the gold case. Broken balance pivot.. Going to try to replace it someday. Subscribed.

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Thanks for the subscription John. These movements are beautiful and a real example of Americana. There are many replacement pivots out there, assuming you're talking about a balance pivot. Good luck!

[@jakeoregano2069]

I really enjoy your videos and your pacing. Really nice attention to details. One question - what is that tool you are using to wind the movement? Did you purchase it or make it?

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Thanks for the kind comments Jake. The tool you are referring to is called a "bench key". You can often find them on Ebay. They were designed to wind and unwind a movement during service when it wasn't seated in the case. They usually come in sets of 3 to fit all sizes of movements. Hope this answers your question!

[@markackermann673]

Sir, what you do is art, I have never had the patience or the ability to deal with so many micro small parts. Congrats! I envy your ability. I am a novice fan of pocket watches and have no real knowledge of their value. Could you tell me, approximately, what this watch, after your repair and service would sell for? Thank You for your response.

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Hi Mark, and thank you for your very kind words. Yes, patience is a real requirement here, and I confess, often I do have to walk away :) As for the value, that really depends on the make and model of the watch as well as type of case it is in. These Waltham Royals can fetch around $500 or so in restored condition. Hope this answers your question. Cheers!

[@sigurdurhannesson5779]

What is the tool you used to insert into the stem, when you unwound the train???

[@joepena2554]

Really enjoy these videos. Do you own a shop and if so, where might I find your web page for information and services you perform. Cheers

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Hello Joe. I do not own a shop, everything is done out of my apartment. At the moment, I do not work on viewers watches due to some serious time constraints. This will most likely change in the future however! Cheers!

[@tonyaxeman4381]

The one thing most watch makers fail to mention is how important that the hair spring has to go between the banking pins . I mean I seen only one man mention this. EVER !

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Hi Tony. One could make an entire chapter of videos on the balance assembly itself! You're correct, it often missed but very important!

[@FreeRange1234]

Of Waltham, Elgin, Hamilton or Illinois which brand would you recommend to budding collector? I like all of them, but want to narrow it down to one company

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Hi there! It's hard to say. If you have brand loyalty, then it would be up to you to collect watches from a specific manufacturer. People collect for different reasons. Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton...all have interesting histories. Collect based on what appeals to you. I tend to go for watches with low production numbers or historic significance. Good luck!

[@georgepatrick4135]

Hello all I am new to pocket watch repair and I need to know how do I fine what size and replace the jewel that the pallet fork

[@juandeabasolo7297]

After reading the comments I understand the meaning of your alias...🤣🤣🤣 Keep going (with music, please)

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Thanks Juan! I can see having no music if the video were 20 minutes long, but almost an hour of me picking up, dropping tools, and screw driver sounds, I think that would put most people to sleep :)

[@markackermann673]

Sir, Perhaps I can bother you with another question. As someone who would like to own a fine pocket watch and wants an American watch that meets railroad criteria, which would you recommend if you could afford only one. Hamilton, Waltham, Elgin, I don't care for the hunter case style watches and favor the size 18 or 16. Any help wpuld be appreciated. Thank You!

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Hi Mark. Again, that's really up to you. A lot of people do have preferences for particular brands and each brad has its own history behind it. Hamilton 992 or 992B would probably be the most accessible one as there are so many of them out there that you can find one for a decent price. You can also aim for an Elgin Veritas, but they may run you quite higher due to their lesser market presence. Illinois Bunn Special is also a beautiful RR watch. Waltham Maximus, again a beautiful RR watch, but not as common as the 992 and in good condition will cost you a pretty penny. If you're just after any RR pocket watch, I would suggest you look at the Hamilton 992 or 992B. Plenty of them out there and many are still in good working order as the 992B was made through the 60's. If you like something more rare, look at the Veritas, Maximus or Bunn Special. Let me know if you have further questions and good luck!

[@markackermann673]

Sir, took your advice and have a Hamilton 992 on its way from ebay, you wouldn't know an extremely talented pocketwatch hobbyist who would like to do a service, cleaning, lubrication and adjustment would you? Hope to keep this watch in the family long after I am gone! Thanks for all your advice!

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

@@markackermann673 Congrats! A fine timepiece for sure. I'm about to start making a video on one as well! At the moment I do not work on viewer's watches due to time constraints. If that changes soon, I'll let you know. In the meantime, enjoy it!

[@tonyaxeman4381]

I got a Royal 16 s on E Bay that was basically destroyed . Pivots, jewels all but the balance and jewels were okay .

[@watchesarts.5599]

😍😍😍

[@davidg8711]

Hello Sir, please can u tell me what the strip that runs in a recess next to the keyless works and under the clutch lever. U had a little trouble removing it. I am at the same point on a Waltham Riverside model 1899 movement serial number 17025494. And am wondering if I really need to remove it before cleaning? It's just a service & clean. As u have guessed I am only a beginner in this wonderful world and any help is truly appreciated. Great video and very helpful. Just wish u would talk and explain more for idiots like myself, lol...

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Hi David and thank you for the kind words! The little bar pulls the watch into the setting position. It is unnecessary to remove it for cleaning. I did so simply for the heck of it and to do a thorough job in cleaning the parts, but it is not necessary. If you do decide to remove it, cover it with a piece of peg wood or something similar to prevent it from flying away. It is under tension and will try to challenge gravity :) Good luck with your new hobby and if you have any questions, ask away! Cheers!

[@davidg8711]

@@grumpyswatchrestorations thanks greatly for the offer. Its really hard to find good help in this field so your offer is seriously appreciated and very generous....

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

@@davidg8711 My pleasure! We all start somewhere. I also ask when I have questions :)

[@davidg8711]

@@grumpyswatchrestorations hello Sir, how are u today. Very well I hope... your gonna regret saying u would help me with info!!! Lol... hopefully not. I am on the same movement I spoke of previously. Its fully stripped and in the middle of cleaning. But I'm stuck with what I think they call a safety barrel and how to open it!!!? I watched a video with a man that needlessly swore a lot(u may of seen it?) He opens the same barrel and used the ratchet wheel over the arbor and used the wheel to unscrew it. Is the arbor in two parts? Do you hold the whole barrel while unscrewing? The barrel is very unusual as both parts are separate with a gap. Are they all leftie loosie? I've tried gently to do it but I've learned the hard way not to use force until u know exactly what's what. Please, any help will be truly appreciated... All the best to you Sir...

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

@@davidg8711 Hi David. Are you referring to the mainspring barrel? Once it's out of the movement, place it on something hard (watchmaker's anvil} and press down on the arbor so that the force pops the barrel cap off. If you are unsure, I would recommend wearing safety goggles in case the mainspring comes shooting out. You are correct, nothing inside a watch should be forced, but this is where you do have to exert some pressure. Let me know if this helps or if you need further help. Cheeirs!

[@Haforn-ng2vy]

Surely you should change the case back once the acrylic arrives? Unless the case it came with was also not original?

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Hi! Of course! Once the new crystal arrives, I'll swap out the cases. I'll make a video of is as well! Thanks for watching.

[@Haforn-ng2vy]

@@grumpyswatchrestorations Lovely work by the way.

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

@@Haforn-ng2vy Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. Cheers!

[@zegarmistrz2675]

🙂👍

[@Donnybrook10]

your hands are not set correctly. You should have set them all to 12:00. The hour hand will be between 10 and 11 when the minute hand is on 12.

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

After I set the hour hand, I turn it 360* and then press the minute hand. Has worked every time. Thanks for the pointer though!

[@ohger1]

This movement has no date function. You can put the hour hand on any hour when you put your minute hand at 12.

[@sabbath7081]

This music is way too emotional for watch repair video

[@DutchClawz]

Working on the same kind of movement. Parts for these are impossible to find so I think it’ll just end up on the garbage pile..

[@veritas23j]

Why you change the nice original case to an inkorrekt modern style case? It's so sad

[@corypride5096]

Please stop the aimless background music. Watching watch work is soothing enough without the elevator tunes.

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

Hi Cory. I get both side of the isle, some like the music, some don't. I think 60 minutes of just plain and faded tool sounds may be disengaging. Thanks for watching!

[@ohger1]

@@grumpyswatchrestorations You can probably use some classic music that's in the public domain so there's no royalty issues.

[@grumpyswatchrestorations]

@@ohger1 Hi John. Yea, I've used various classical recordings with no artist names on the albums...just generic stuff and still got dinged for it. It's very hard to find a flowing musical background for an hour long video. Thanks for watching!