1917 Elgin Pocket Watch Restoration

Another Elgin pocket watch! This one is from 1917 (grade 291). The seller wasn't sure if this was working or not, so I took a risk on it. This is the 4th watch I've serviced, and I think it turned out pretty good!
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#restoration #watch #watchrestoration #restorationvideos #pocketwatch #elginwatch #antiquewatch #diy #satisfying #repair #broken

[@micmacnz]

Love the music. Watching this at 1am waiting for my next patient

[@WatchOverhaul]

Thanks!

[@cashau2965]

...thanks for this useful vid...it helped me a lot to restore my Elgin pocket watch...I'm very grateful 👍👍👍

[@WatchOverhaul]

Cool! I'm glad I helped! Thanks for watching!

[@stayingsane5213]

Well done, especially considering the tools you had at the time. Turns out we have a lot in common, Software Engineering education, woodworking and clock and watch repair and restoration. Keep up the great videos and although easier said than done, try not to spend all your money on tools. I'm in love with the tools for watch and clock repair (especially the antique ones) but they can get pretty expensive. Thanks for sharing

[@WatchOverhaul]

Very interesting! That is a lot in common for sure. I like the antique watch and clock tools too, but people want hundreds of dollars for just the smallest thing. I try to use the tools I already have and only buy something if I really need to. Otherwise, it's just way too expensive to spend hundreds (perhaps thousands) of dollars on a hobby I'm making no money doing. Thanks for watching!

[@philipmelaragno1051]

Great video thank you for all the time spent

[@WatchOverhaul]

Thank you!

[@billg125]

look'n good!

[@WatchOverhaul]

Thanks!

[@AlexPerez-nj8gc]

Awesome video! What do you use to clean the parts as far the the machine and fluid? thanks in advance!

[@WatchOverhaul]

I just used water in the ultrasonic cleaner. Some use other chemicals but many of them will remove the natural patina from the parts and I don't want that. I also used mineral spirits and soapy water. Thanks for watching!

[@crokey64]

love your channel. Thanks for posting. I have a 1921 Elgin 18s 7 jewel style 5 watch that I need to reassemple. I have had no luck finding any schematics or instructions for assembling this watch. Do you have any suggestions? This is my watch. Thanks in advance!

[@WatchOverhaul]

Thanks! You can email me at [e-mail] and I can try to help.

[@RebelTurtleTim]

Love the video. I'm hooked on watching these and love old watches. I just purchased my first not working 1920's Elgin to be my first patient/ attempt at being a watch maker. I have questions on the oiling and how and why you oil in some places and not others. E.g. the first gear (min wheel and palet?) you placed you idled the bottom of the casement under the gear but when you put the top on and screwed it in, you didn't oil the top where it would touch the "bridge?" That went on top of it? I would think that gear would also rub the top? Also, why do you not put oil on the gears where they mesh (2,3rd, 4th gear)? Thanks if you have time to answer. Like you, I work in IT (IT Director) but hobby on the side in 3d printing and oddly leather work.

[@WatchOverhaul]

Thanks! I've only worked on a few watches so far and still trying to learn exactly what to do. I don't want to risk giving you the wrong information. I have a basic understanding of oiling and I'm not sure if what I did is 100% correct. It would be better if you asked the Wristwatch Revival channel. You can also check out mb.nawcc.org/

[@clayman117]

Is there a way to take power off of the movement before removing the hairspring?

[@WatchOverhaul]

Yes. While holding the crown, release the click from the ratchet wheel. Allow the crown to slowly rotate between your fingers until the mainspring is let down. Do not move the click away from the ratchet wheel without firmly holding the crown as this could damage the watch due to the power of the mainspring suddenly engaging the movement too forcefully.

[@CarnivoreCurin]

Please tell us about your qualifications. How did you get started and so on.

[@WatchOverhaul]

Hey! I've got a Master's Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and I'm a Software Engineer by day. On the side I also have my own woodworking company and make custom furniture, and work on watches/clocks when I have free time. I just really like creating things and working with my hands. Watching restoration videos on KZbin got me hooked on watches/clocks so I thought I would give it a try!

[@seangerst6561]

@@WatchOverhaul That ist so cool i really like that. I am also a Hobby watchmaker.

[@Wigglewagons]

What was the stuff you applied to the glass for cleaning last?

[@WatchOverhaul]

I tried PolyWatch www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3T237C and toothpaste. In my opinion, the toothpaste seemed to work better.

[@Wigglewagons]

Okay, thank you. There was something else at the 21:47 mark that I wasn’t sure what it was. “Lau… McL…” in a white bottle. That was just soap for cleaning the toothpaste I take it?

[@WatchOverhaul]

@@Wigglewagons Oh, that was just eye glass cleaner to remove any paste residue.

[@Wigglewagons]

@@WatchOverhaul Ahhhh… okay. Thanks again. Great video btw!

[@WatchOverhaul]

Thanks!

[@Sin_Teoria.]

What did you use to clean the glass of the watch? Greetings from Nantucket.

[@WatchOverhaul]

I think I used just a little bit of Windex. Not sure if that's good or not. Thanks for watching!

[@Sin_Teoria.]

@@WatchOverhaul Thank you.

[@timspeaks1887]

Talk or comments something. Tell us the condition of the watch. Music is putting me to sleep. But I really like you watch choices.

[@WatchOverhaul]

My latest videos don't have music, and I explain what's happening.

[@andys.3752]

Fantastic video! I just ordered a similar watch from Ebay, and can't wait to try this. What kind of lubrication did you use? I think I saw two different "types". A liquid on the moving parts, and a grease on the stem.

[@WatchOverhaul]

Thank you. There are links in the description for the oils and grease I used.

[@Review-This]

I have this same pocket watch from my grandfather. But the crystal glass is cracked and it doesn’t wind anymore. Is it worth to do a repair or just keep it as is?

[@WatchOverhaul]

It depends on how much the watch is worth to you. It will probably cost more to repair the watch than what you could sell it for. So it comes down to sentimental worth. If you like the watch more than money, then get it working again. If not, then leave it as it is.

[@SRSchoner]

Excellent video... BUT I need to replace a only the mainspring on a WW2 A-13 Elgin 24 Hr pocket watch. This was very accurate within 2-5 seconds off Universal Time in 24 hrs until the mainspring broke. It has a center pivot that I will have to remove for the second hand that is centered so that will have to come out first. After that is removed, and the second hand, too. Do I have to take the watch down to the extent that I see in this video to change ONLY the mainspring? I would not want to remove the balance wheel assembly first, as that might upset the watch accuracy after.

[@WatchOverhaul]

I haven't repaired enough watches to feel comfortable giving advice. The only thing I would say is to make sure you know how the watch really works and to use your best judgment.

[@touger9759]

I have an Elgin that was my great granpas that doesn't work. Anyone have an idea on what it could cost to restore?

[@WatchOverhaul]

Depends on what's wrong with it.

[@richardrice3137]

the one thing that is never stated is the cost of the restoration. not just you but NOBODY! NEVER! WHY? afraid people will stop using you?

[@WatchOverhaul]

The price of restorations is not the focal point of most restoration videos, so this is why. Everything I used is explicitly listed in the description with links to the products that show the prices. People stop using me? I've never had a customer, I don't do this to make money, and it's just a hobby. Try reading the descriptions to the videos, or do your own research if you're genuinely curious.

[@kenhorne5650]

You don't explain anything. Darn it

[@WatchOverhaul]

Sorry about that! I wasn't narrating my first few videos. Then I learned people like it better if I do.

[@kenhorne5650]

@@WatchOverhaul I am OK with it. Meant no harm. Just thought was is wrong with the sound. Anyway was a grea video.