$2,700 Rolex from eBay - Restoration 1960s Broken Vintage Air King Date - Rolex 1535 Caliber

This time I´m restoring a Rolex Air King Date from the 1960s. I´ve bought this watch from eBay for $2,700. It´s powered by the Rolex 1535 Caliber.
The watch is in a really bad condition. The case is severely damaged, the glass is scratched, the crown-stem and the balance-staff are broken, the index of the dial fell off and the movement doesn´t work at all.
After polishing the case, the bracelet and the glass I need to re-brush the bracelet and the clasp. The movement gets a complete service and I´m replacing the broken parts.
After everything is cleaned, polished and re-brushed, I can re-assemble the movement with some fresh oil. After that, this watch is in a fantastic beat (+0 seconds per day) again.
I hope you liked this restoration, if so, like, comment and subscribe ;)
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Music:
"Pray" by @AnnoDominiBeats
Link to the Song:
• Pray
Thanks to all my patrons and subscribers!
And especially to my gold-patron:
- Diego Macias
as well as my silver-patrons:
- Peter Oetterli
- Alessandro
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- Zachary Forrest y Salazar
- John Parker
- Alfredo Lagos
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Graffiti styled tools by Horotec SA
@horotecsa2535
Link to the shop:
horotec-custom.ch/shop/
Acrylic Glass Polishing Compound: amzn.to/2XIP8vF **
Case Polishing Diamond Paste: amzn.to/2Ye1MSo **
Case Polishing Wadding: amzn.to/2UlNfme **
Thermo-Tape: amzn.to/30YktME **
Fiber Glass Pen: amzn.to/2AQfpzi **
UV-Lamp: amzn.to/3iuOSJ8 **
UV-Glue: amzn.to/3ghGSZK **
Rodico: amzn.to/3eWtTN2 **
Multi-Purpose Watch-Repair-Kit: amzn.to/2XIQ7Mn **
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[@Herbie11]

The whole time watching this video I didn't think of anything but. No stresses of the day, no bills, no work, just this. Thanks

[@DangerDIY]

This is what I love about working on a watch.

[@markhyman7983]

I totally agree 😂

[@supergrendel]

See, all you need is a lifetime of watch repair knowledge, $150k in specialty tools, an insane amount of patience and precision and you too can fix a $2,700 Rolex!

[@Samuel-xe9fc]

I see! Even multiple watches. Maybe 100s a year. Time to get rich

[@gregjohnston1842]

Exactly. Anyone ever look up Bergeon tools? It’s insane. And of course hours and hours of free time….but it’s fun to watch

[@COORSMAN0790]

Even if I had the knowledge, precision, money and tools to repair luxury watches I would still be screwed with the patience.

[@spbapf]

+$220 for parts

[@andrewmosley2588]

You don’t need $150k in specialized tools but ok lol.

[@deniskeks8086]

When people only see 220$ of repair costs. All i saw was Multiple hours and knowledge that no money can buy. Great video.

[@ramsinator101]

That was just the parts cost too. Factoring in labor, if this were a customer repair, it would be several hundred more, if not thousand. And worth it too.

[@dhjrtw]

I finish work at 4pm. When I want to relax I watch one of your videos. Hypnotic and I am in awe of how you can repair these battered diamonds in the rough.

[@lucashipkins]

I really enjoyed the restoration of the balance wheel, super delicate and really interesting to watch.

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it 😉

[@kr19569]

@@RedDeadRestoration how come this was commented 5 days ago when the video was published 1 hr ago?

[@opablo_gm]

@@kr19569 most probably he has patrons or friends that get access to the video before it's published to help him with the editing review... or maybe posted the link to the video in a restoration club/blog/group before listing it on youtube..... all this is very standard practice... nothing to worry about

[@kr19569]

@@opablo_gm ah, that makes it clear

[@GMCNightmareRepairs]

@@RedDeadRestoration first time on any of the watch channels that I follow that I've seen someone take the time to adjust the balance wheel 🤯 very amazing to see

[@andrewd7586]

Being born myself in 1962, I wish I could get a makeover like that Rolex!🤣👏🏼😍

[@pangolier-rr6qg]

😂😂😂

[@peterewski]

I just discovered this master and as a motorcycle mechanic (at home) I found the workmanship and the tools absolutely fascinating. I’d be dropping and losing those little tiny parts like crazy. I love watching a master like you and will continue watch in amazement.

[@lnz971]

you are nothing alike him lol repairing moto

[@refraf8030]

@@lnz971 he didn't say he was, you corpulent fool.

[@ythandlerandom1278LK]

@@lnz971 - shut up

[@lnz971]

@@ythandlerandom1278LK 🤡🤡🤡

[@in2minds907]

This was RIDICULOUS! I have watched you restore so many different things incredibly well - but THIS… oh my goodness… done perfectly, filmed perfectly… SUBLIME sir! Thank you for always providing AMAZING viewing content!

[@Luigilr]

One word comes to me watching your videos: 'HOW?' It's really impressive to watch a human being do such a precise work even seeing step by step the question remains. Truly impressive what a great job you do!

[@rigoeats3654]

enough hours, you can become a master at anything.

[@myroadtours6147]

@@rigoeats3654 10,000 hrs...at least they say.

[@martinvanburen4578]

the answer is one word: passion

[@tschoy9388]

@@rigoeats3654 Not enough, you should have a steady hand. And a lot of patience.

[@aldo9923]

Shits fake bruh

[@anthonywilson4873]

It is so calming to watch a craftsman at work doing the job correctly with the right tools. Beautiful work and a beautiful watch at the end of it.

[@gromit1996]

This is easily one of my favourites of your restorations. You demonstrated such a range of precision work on a wonderful tool watch. It feels like it should be worn instead of protected in lucite like today's high end watches. The "return to factory" sort of look isn't for all fans of vintage watches, but I think this was done very carefully and isn't overdone at all. Thanks for your videos.

[@Alex-px2mb]

SO satisfying and masterfully done. This is one of your best videos and one of the top three or four watch restoration videos I've seen - and I've watched hundreds. You are such a great change of pace and your editing in this video is fantastic for the way you are trying to film it and the "tone" it has. It's relaxing and captivating and engaging all put together, and the results are phenomenal. Please keep it up with more like this.

[@thedgreek]

Ok it’s no secret this is the absolute Best Watch repair video I have ever seen. I’ve watched countless but this one earned the Gold Medal. What an amazing find and incredible talent 👏

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Wow, thanks!

[@user-qp8jk5dj2e]

жаль у нас ролексов почти нет винтажных

[@christianmummelthey7361]

These videos are always like a little vacation for me and like to watch it for distraction or if i need a break. The best thing is no stupid talk, just the watch, the beauty of the mechanics,tools i have never seen before, the great work and an impressive result. Thanks for this

[@BlueNoseWarren]

This comment…I couldn’t have possibly worded it any better!

[@Anupam19781]

Well said. Totally agree.

[@d1nonlymontezzy348]

I have no idea why this popped up on suggestions? I watched it anyway. Unbelievable ! I love the plot twist with the socks 😂 … Beautiful art and craftsmanship

[@aminaalipova]

@@d1nonlymontezzy348 ber birde

[@wyorattler_rawdogs]

Again! Another fantastic restoration. I love watches and timepieces. When I see you take a classic and high end timepiece and bring life back to it seems so pure and beautiful to observe!! Thank you!! I look forward to the next one :)

[@davidinghram2494]

After a while I started to notice the quality of each individual part of this watch, and how beautiful it is no matter where you look. I have always been a shaker, so watch repair was never a possibility, but I sure enjoy watching you different fellas recreate the former beauty of these old ones. Excellent camera work. My dad was an aerospace machinist, so I learned many years ago to appreciate all of the wonderful tools that workers like you use.

[@Mooorino]

I find used Rolex watches more charming. They tell an unknown story from somone's life!

[@loangquangtv1424]

😊😅😮😢🎉😂❤0000000000000000000000000000000

[@loveobd628]

Du kommst halt jedes einzelne Mal mit einem Knaller zurück. Allein die Benutzung eines einzelnen Pinselhaares, um des Ungleichgewicht herauszufinden...👍🏻 Das Endergebnis ist wieder zum Niederknien 😊 Den Wert hast du verdoppelt mMn. Mit der Bitte, genau so weiter zu machen, wünsche ich ein schönes Wochenende 😄

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Danke, ich gebe mein Bestes :D

[@MusicCisco93]

So good to see the watch movement come to life at 17:27! Pure magic.

[@waynejrice]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I see a miracle unfolding in a thousand tiny steps using techniques and equipment that I am sure took years to attain. Bravo! Again.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

While watchmaking and working upon engines are two different pursuits, I have an idea of just how much you must enjoy doing this work, bringing an old veteran back from the brink. It's a wonderful thing to have not only the skills, but the knowledge and patience to do this work. Thanks so much for this video... the quality is excellent, beyond reproach. All the best for 2023!

[@brianschott8162]

I'm appreciating the fact that you're sharing your costs of the material items to fix the watch.

[@michaelkaercher]

Problem is that he uses 20k worth of equipment to fix it. But it is a pleasure to view it.

[@sultanofswing7198]

@@michaelkaercher closer to a couple grand.

[@thegerm1397]

Now it's fixed how much is it worth?

[@h0niels]

@@thegerm1397 about 5,000 USD

[@littlejackalo5326]

@@michaelkaercher What's the "problem"? LOL. Do you watch videos of someone fixing up a car and then start adding up the price of the tools? What does that have to do with anything?

[@marianmoses9604]

I love seeing just about any vintage item being restored to “like new” condition and appearance, but watching an expert watch repairer plying his craft was even more impressive given the complexity of the Rolex watch and the steady hands and extensive knowledge and skill needed to successfully complete this project. Bravo! 👏

[@chingho3842]

Cost of skill and knowledge= priceless. Just subscribed and liked. Absolutely fantastic. Open up a Rolex is already frightening. Fixing and restore all components is truly skill of art. Keep up with the good work.

[@keendeesjarlais3636]

sure bud

[@raudi42]

That moment you put the balance wheel back in and the clock springs to life - magical!

[@januarioqueiroz3122]

😊👍

[@Robert-vw3od]

Absolutely superb and the best 20 + minutes I’ll spend all day. how we all wish we bought a Rolex air king.

[@ShawnLindstrom]

I'm a complete layman, but I can tell you one thing for sure--this was a serious watchmaker flex. Might be the best wathmaking video I've ever seen, and I've seen quite a few. Wow.

[@bladimirkroutska3707]

The time and effort cost more than the watch does... The craftmanship of this guy is priceless.

[@ikon8275]

Wow I just stumbled upon this channel and I'm falling in love with it. It's so fascinating and relaxing to see the meticulous work that goes into a high-end watch restoration! At the end of the video he said he used two hundred and twenty dollars worth of parts but his labor fee was probably way more than that because it's a lot of meticulous precision labor.

[@williamm3503]

220 for parts plus the cost of all the special equipment and the time. U did a amazing job. Plz can u add the cost of everything. I would like to get into the hobby.

[@MidMOGrower]

They usually don’t tell you this because it’s from customer to customer due to condition kind of like a mechanic shop. By the amount of restoration, I’d say he charge about 3 grand.

[@ruhelislam2069]

I always love it when the balance wheel goes back in. That’s when you know that the watch repair is almost complete.

[@De132an]

Nice work! I’m just glad we have people like this with the skill, knowledge and patience.

[@Mitglied11elf]

die sieht recht modern aus fuer ihr Alter, schoene Restauration.

[@daniel.amokachi]

Balancing the balance wheel was an art. Thanks for this great masterpiece!

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ArcadiyIvanov]

That was actually science ;)

[@CatsMeowPaw]

I always enjoy watching highly skilled people doing what they do best, and this video really delivers.

[@pauldyer3821]

One of the most therapeutic videos I've watched!

[@jamesharris9352]

❤️ The Sound Of The Main Spring When The Casing "SNAPS!" Together... "That was a good one!" 😄

[@varunkassie6745]

Wonderful.. best part is no annoying background music.. job well done 👏

[@djkilleen876]

Absolutely incredible craftsmanship, and amazing skill

[@greengohm]

Mighty, MIGHTY good restoration! Balancing the balance wheel was a first for me! Was not surprised by the accuracy measurements at the end. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Thanks 😊

[@Benis650]

The movement inside still looks beautiful even though the outside was already a mess nice work on this restoration, GJ!

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@newtonlee7849]

Incredibly well filmed!! I once owned a 70's Air King. Brings back memories. I never realized how intricate the watch was.

[@gpgameseanimes8815]

Parabens pela restauracao, ficou sensacional.

[@dieterfelden7121]

Respekt, saubere Arbeit. Für mich als Grobmotoriker, ist das leider nichts. Aber schön zu sehen, das Leute sich mit soetwas beschäftigen. LG

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Danke für das Lob!

[@fakereality3792]

An extremely reasonable price for the repair. Well done you 👏👏👏

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Thanks 👍

[@peterbush1595]

I'm always captivated and stunned at the discipline of this micro work. What a talent! Bravo!

[@MacChallenge]

Brilliant craftmanship, awesome video. Thanks for sharing, master!

[@magnumpunch]

You got better and better!

[@AllenCavedo]

Excellent restoration.

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Many thanks!

[@BalrogSlayer666]

my man got every tool under the sun

[@jameslanglois4188]

Absolutely amazing workmanship and camera work. Thank you for putting this together.

[@leandrohernandez2695]

Nice and great talent to do his job. Tks for posting this new video

[@RedDeadRestoration]

My pleasure

[@johnf285]

I was a diesel mechanic for 30 years before I retired. I admire the rare person who possess both the detailed knowledge AND the manual skills to diagnose and repair machines. Could you tell me how many hours you spend on a restoration like this?

[@RedDeadRestoration]

It's hard to say. Maybe 60 hours?

[@andrewallen9993]

@@RedDeadRestoration About as long as reconditioning a large Cummins engine?

[@brianheminger2814]

These videos are worth "watching" just to see your tool collection...amazing!

[@fvazquez64]

Respect for this kind of work, it requires knowledge, concentration and patience...

[@Ecksterphono]

Depending on the Rolex model they've taken a lot of shortcuts on their newer models. Some of them don't even have a removable front bezel anymore. Such a shame. I used to make my own polishing pastes I don't trust mainbrands anymore

[@MrHardhatharry]

It so relaxing watching an expert work! Very remarkable restoration of an old damaged Rolex, returning it to like new condition.

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Thanks mate 😊👍🏻

[@damienphotographe]

very skilled and well tooled operator, unreachable for a non pro, shows the complexity. Well done

[@julianwalker1546]

Wonderful to see a beautiful watch brought back to life with such care and skill!

[@dec1aim_flow432]

First video where I see a correction on the hairspring balance… amazing

[@creepinwhileyousleepin]

wow, never seen a restoration where they rebuild the balance wheel. I thought you just had to buy a whole new one if something was wrong.

[@sphereitis2433]

It's a shame to see a great time piece in such a bad state. So good seeing your videos and your skill bring them back to life

[@billybuttons4298]

Brilliant video. File this under Unintentional ASMR.

[@billschipper1718]

Wow that was incredible!! All those tiny tiny parts and you took that Rolex apart and put it back together like it was child play. I've always said you can tell how good a person is at his job by how easy they make it look. You must be great at yours. Great job and the watch is beautiful.

[@dbbogo6069]

WOW .. restoration on another level! 220$ components , but plus hand craft probable around extra 700$?

[@miluki2375]

To put all the tiny pieces and clean them all are really satisfying! Im definitely awe how you restore this luxurious time piece! I am now a fan! ❤😊

[@Pessimistic_Gardener]

This is the most fascinating video that I think I have ever seen. The watch in this video is 7 years older than me and the very idea that it can be restored to be better than its modern counterparts is incredible. I often baulked at the expense of a luxury watch, but, having recently bought myself a vintage Longine, I am no longer doubting the incredible skill that commands the elevated price. I look forward to viewing all of your uploads.

[@georgejamison3782]

You sir are a craftsman! Thank you!

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Wow, thanks!

[@jasonrogers8826]

Talent and elegance mean nothing without rigor and precision and undoubtedly, you have both! Beautiful work!

[@aneeshfroome4464]

Absolute work of art. Also the video editing and camera shots were 10/10!

[@athaxan2110]

Restoration including balance repair is one of my favorite! Great great job!

[@vbtktr]

One cost is impossible to asses is price of your skill in repairing, using those tools so skillfully. I believe knowing a watch mechanism and knowing how to repairing them is one skill and another skill is expertly using so many tools, otherwise it may break more parts of the watch.

[@triplex86]

That was so enjoyable to watch. Absolutely stunning work and it must be so satisfying to be able to do this. To a layman like me, there seems to be a different tool for every task in watch repair - it must cost a fortune to fully equip a workshop. Thanks for uploading the video.

[@petrus666love]

I actually think the editing and sound must be just as difficult as the restoration if not more , then again I could not do either , sheer enjoyment, thanks much from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@stefankonstantinov950]

ABSOLUTLY INCREDIBLE!!!

[@markiobook8639]

Fascinating, master horologist.

[@patrickstack5185]

My first visit here, excellent craftsmanship, really enjoyable to see you give this watch so in need of service/repair some love. This Air King is my favorite of the Rolex lineup, not at all showy, just an elegant timepiece. I'm subscribed now, I'll be back for some more fun. Thanks, Patrick

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Thanks 😊

[@nordic1121]

I don’t own a Rolex but I do own an Omega , people ask ‘why pay so much for a watch’ if they was to see a video like this it would go towards explaining why. That is a beautiful watch brought back to life by a craftsman.

[@horst_koehler1969]

Jesus Christ! This is insane work! I am speechless.....

[@Justinsdada03]

The repair of the balance wheel and rebalancing of it, is the most incredible thing I've ever seen

[@timofey24]

So satisfying to watch, when a man has the right tools and experience.👍

[@sdavifcom]

Impressive work on an impressive watch. Very well done. The watch is beautiful. i love it. I'm a big fan of grey dials.

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@faisalaftab4240]

What a beauty which comes with all your hard work, time and money involved..

[@Andromedust]

Beautiful results

[@gabe4952]

Now this person knows what their doing. Absolutely beautiful work

[@andrewe.8321]

Your work is exceptional

[@shimmeister1062]

I absolutely love watching a person who has all the right tools and the skills to use them. Wonderful restoration. Every time you opened a box I got excited to see what precision tool was inside.

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@nintendokings]

Most of the fixes I could follow and understand but that balance wheel fix was next level. Only a great watchmaker can do that 👌

[@SJ-qf3ns]

I'd buy one of these tomorrow after watching the video, and seeing the competence of the repair and restoration work

[@g0ld3nnn]

Damn, what a great job ! ❤️

[@istrazitelj]

Artist...👍👍👍

[@ilynas10]

What the hell did I just watch? This is a masterpiece!

[@Lopezprieto]

Thanks for doing this, that watch has a history and it deserves to be in good shape. This video is so satisfying.

[@Nafregamisrocanob]

Nice job. Intrigued though on overall cost to repair. Some may be interested in purchase price, others in cost of parts to fix, but I’m interested in time; how many hours you spent sourcing parts, reviewing manuals and tech information, and finally time spent actually working hands on- then what would be the charge to someone who walks in to repair. This way one could judge whether a timepiece is worth repairing regardless of brand. I know to some it doesn’t matter, but others like myself it does. again, it looks great and as an owner of several vintage watches, thanks.

[@stevenwilsondrummer5956]

I subscribed to your channel a long time ago. I have to say that you brought this beautiful Rolex back from the dead. Absolutely stunning work, second to none. It was really fascinating to see the specialist tools that you used in this one. Amazing work Sir. Superb!

[@nytrini1ify]

Your workmanship is so ridiculously amazing. It hurts my brain to see the complexity of the process.

[@silas5341]

A beautiful clean and restoration. KNOWLEDGE is power! 👍🏽🏆

[@ericneal8582]

Incredible. Really makes you appreciate the craftsmanship.

[@heavymetalboi]

Wow, just wow… incredible workmanship!

[@albertoguerreiro006]

Nice lessons , good examples of live , I leave same things in youth , I am 44 and always learning , cheers .

[@bryanp771]

True craftsman. Hopefully talent like yours will not be lost to society in future!

[@Kanmurisan]

Excellent workmanship. So sad to see a Rolex this way. It's great to see you brought it back to life with amazing precision