A 1970s Seiko Chronograph Watch Restoration Project - 6139B Watch Repair Tutorial

[@nicomacinta]

Like mine! My dad bought it for me when I was 10 y.o. and I still have and wear it regularly. Had it serviced 10 years ago, and the crystal was replaced. Lovely to see it here on your fantastic channel

[@JB91710]

I have a 6139-7039 Black Face that has only had the crystal/Glass changed. It has never been opened. It starts up the moment I put it on. I carried it over to the computer, set the time and it is sitting there Working! The bracelet end link cover came off and was run over by a car so I changed the bracelet with another from Seiko. It is still one of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen. It is almost in As new condition. In the 45 years I have owned it, it hasn't been worn much. After spending my life in construction, big stuff, it is beyond my comprehension how someone could design a watch, manufacture the parts, assemble it and then have the talent and mental fortitude to repair a damaged one. You sir are a Master. The music worked to sooth the tension building up in me as you worked.

[@Windgonner]

That hairspring job was intense.

[@watchmovements]

I'm a Japanese watchrepair technician.Great job balance & hairspring repair!!

[@art1muz13]

Mr. watch-man I've been viewing your work for years. I actually rather enjoy every moment. Your hands are so steady! your memory "MAGNIFIQUE!". How do you remember where every thing goes. Thank You.

[@rdrun51660]

As a cyclist I have trued many wheels, but damn, watching you true that wheel was amazing!! And working on straitening that spring was even crazier!!!

[@AlthaelRoncenoir]

Each restoration seems to be an adventure, with its own twists and turns, its own history! Today you gave us the first chapters and I'm looking forward to see what's next! Thanks again !

[@waerokinghuang8603]

Are all friends like me very happy to see You back , sound and healthy? and been longing for your video these staying home days

[@francispalmer9737]

That chilled me right out. Great to see another restoration session.

[@scotth6848]

As usual, I am excited about the restoration of a dead watch. However I learned more about hairspring adjustment in one video than I ever understood before. Excellent instruction, and again, thank you for saving a watch destined for the scrap heap. This is shaping up to be a serious challenge, thank you Mark!

[@1SaG]

Hairspring-repair ... under a microscope. Now you're just showing off... ;) Absolutely incredible work, sir! And you chose a watch truly worth saving. I wish Seiko would still make them like this.

[@saintsmccastle3521]

Hello. Here I am, watching this video at home during virus quarantine!......a very relaxing video. I have my grandfather's Seiko 6139-8001 from 1971 with a 6139A movement in it. Cheers from Spain.

[@timeandnourishment1961]

The workmanship, the watch, the photography and the background music combine to make a thing of beauty. Thank you for this wonderful video. Stay well!

[@Andrew-J316]

Tweaking that coil spring to perfection just amazed me at your gift for this stuff! Nice video!

[@petrvyhnalek3890]

The job with the hairspring is hardcore for strong nerves. Respect!!!

[@MrZeke]

wonderful seeing you manipulate the hairspring with such finesse! Getting ready to start that in school. Seeing how lightly you rubbed it was very insightful! Thanks again!

[@jeffreysouthflorida7008]

Great video and I look forward to the next installment. Seeing you bring back to life a fifty year old movement is really enjoyable. Cheers.

[@HansFormerlyTraffer]

Straightening the hair spring absolutely BLEW my mind. Wow, What skill!

[@bintangsena2249]

that hairspring repair is the most intense thing i've ever witnessed today

[@joeskeptical4762]

I Gede Bintang Nararya Sena: *_But there is always a tomorrow._*

[@hamzajas1532]

This is tedious work as heart surgery. I work as a heart surgeon and we repair mitral valves every day, but with less room to make errors lol. And through a small hole in the torso, on a working heart...

[@syedmohdfasihnaqvi155]

@@hamzajas1532 But you have to work on already working machine since you cant disassemble the body parts to start your work. Watchmakers need to disassemble all parts before working

[@stephenhenion8304]

I really like the Seiko Brand. I'm inspired by their history and drive for accuracy. I have two of their SNK809 models. Thanks again for your thorough rework of this Jem!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

The full video is uploaded here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6qleXZpaMZ6qdE In this video I am restoring a vintage Seiko Chronograph with a 6139B movement and a huge amount of damage and wear. In fact, this is such a crazy long job I have had to split this video into two as I wait for parts to be delivered.

[@jmfa57]

Absolutely fascinating, Mark! The degree of expertise you demonstrate is truly amazing. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@aayushoberoi2486]

hello can i send you a watch i own of my father and you can restore and give it back to me? hes no more and i feel this will remain in his memory forever... really hope you reply to me.. ill bare all costs including shipping.

[@amicoorologiaio]

Bravissimo complimenti😀👏👏👏

[@christopher2206]

Hi Mark, I am trying to get myself set up to be hobbyist watch guy. I am trying to figure out where to get information on movements so I can order tools to repair and clean them. I ruined a decently running 2836-2 Asian movement on a replica Rolex Presidential Day Date. I want to temove the old movement, replace it with another movement. I didnt realize the tools were so specific. What levers, hand replacement tools etc should I order?

[@jsollien127]

Thanks for repairing rather than just replacing parts Mark, I bet you would make a great surgeon. 24:41 How cool wouldn't be to frame a picture of famous movements laid out like that? I know I'ld like one!

[@Andrew-J316]

I never stop being amazed at the skill you show us. Loved the video!

[@Zardwark]

And I was just this morning thinking "It's been a long time". Very happy to see something new -)

[@Pg91357]

Zardwark been thinking the same

[@michaelneal310]

Mesmerizing... This is a silly question to ask a trained professional craftsman, but at what point do you call it off and order a donor movement on eBay? There has to be a significant repair bill on this project.

[@hoppysport2872]

I have that exact same watch. It's from 1969. Mine is still in perfect shape, except for the rice bracelet. Fantastic watch! Loved this video. Thanks so much for the incredible production and presentation.

[@letlogiclead1187]

Love watching and listening to you work. Very therapeutic in these times. You also give me the confidence to investigate why one of my watches is malfunctioning.

[@thomulusmax]

I honestly loved your choice for demonstration, this Seiko certainly has a multitude of problems and I'm currently in the middle of your video but just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying it and thank you for sharing your knowledge. Again I'm a new subscriber but hopefully we'll continue watching and maybe even turn into a Patreon supporter. I think it's great with people like you that have a skill (or dare I say art ) and share that knowledge with others so freely it is quite commendable.

[@hernancoronel]

The hairspring repair reminded me of when the IBM labs where manipulating atoms one by one. Awesome video, thank you!

[@איתיאשור]

I was realy exited when i saw you posted a new video, seriously this is my favorite thing on the internet. Thank you

[@mistered1397]

Thank you for sharing your videos. You do really nice work on each timepiece. Looking forward to your next video on this one. Most people would probably throw a watch out in the shape it was in. At least your working to give it a second life. I did clock repair for a living years ago and really enjoyed it, till I had to give it up due to my hands and small parts not work well together anymore. I still enjoy watching videos on this trade. Keep them ticking !!!

[@eclectarama]

Another work of art, Mark. Thanks for making the time to do these. What would be supremely useful is a video covering various types of stakes and stumps from a staking set and how to get the most from them. Thanks again.

[@Janet_Airlines802]

Just built my first watch. I built one with a 6497. Thanks for the video you did on it, it helped a lot thank you. My new favorite watch.

[@richardmcmellon216]

Thank you for the calming background music ... I was getting quite stressed watching your hairspring manipulations! Nice work, and thank you for a very helpful video! :-)

[@MikkoKalavainen]

That hairspring is something else entirely! Such an astonishingly fragile looking thing. Now I want to see how they’re made!

[@robpriest9031]

Just when I thought I was getting proficient in my hobby of watch repair.......I now realise I know nothing!!!! Fantastic to watch a true expert at work.

[@ilfordino-fordfiestatutori8725]

Only a SEIKO movement can run at such rough conditions, impressive!

[@joeskeptical4762]

ilfordino - Ford Fiesta Tutorials: ◀️◀️ A Rolex will run like that also. Two examples: *_1)_* My friend wore a Coke GMT-II from the mid-80s until it stopped *>30* years later. It looked like you would expect, faded bezel insert, hazy scratched glass, case and Jubilee. Rolex Dallas put it back to an almost like-new condition, and even took out some bracelet stretch! It ran accurately right up to shutting itself off. *_2)_* I fell and banged / scratched my DateJust (plastic crystal) so hard & bad, the time could not be read if the hands were underneath the crystal from 9 to 12. The crystal remained intact. The left 12 o'clock lug looked like a wood file had worked it over. The rotor was jarred loose, and buzzed every time I moved my arm anything but slowly, more than 30/40cm, however the watch still wound itself and kept COSC time for a few months until I took it to a Rolex service center. The watchmaker came out to ask me how I did it and to find out if my arm had been broken! *(No)* He assured me they could repair and restore it; they did! *_Still runs today 36 years later._*

[@raygv1]

At about 20 minutes in is where I stop and look at what I did and panic and stop and put everything in a baby food jar and try to not think about it. Lol a gifted man you are to be able to take it the entire way through

[@OtherWorldExplorers]

I don't recall ever seeing you do balance wheel surgery before. This is fascinating. Thank you very much for posting.

[@cactuspharmer]

I find these videos very calming.

[@relojerochannel8880]

Hello sir im a retired watchmaker. But i love to watch this video, aligning hairspring. I worked at Seiko Company 20yrs ago. Aligning hairspring is so time consuming. You need to hold breathing for a while just to make a good result. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@kevgermany]

Amazed by your patience and skill. I kept expecting you to say not fixable. Guess you're going to sort the crown out in the next video.

[@paulschumacker9901]

Another excellent video. Good lesson for me , as I managed to bend the hairspring at the collet as I was removing it from the balance staff. Patience and a gentle touch. Thanks for the wonderful teaching!!! Can’t wait for your next video!

[@russellharris5072]

Nothing short of genius Mark,brilliant and the patience of a saint.........

[@MyRetroWatches]

This was a great first part Mark. One of my favourite movements as you know. I wish I had seen that hairspring manipulation last week when I had my blip, I now think my issue is fixable! Tackling the buckled wheel too , outstanding work and shows the difference between us tinkerers and you professionals. Stay safe and I really look forward to part two.

[@cristobalosuna3106]

What a mess of a watch and what an incredible job you did on it... Thank you for showing.

[@mimmo2341]

As always masterful work ! Can't wait to see the finished product. Thank you.

[@st3althyone]

Poor watch, who would dare subject such a timepiece to so much damage? It's amazing it survived all that to get to your qualified hands, I can't wait to see the finished product!!

[@USAHaCkY]

Hi Mark. Still waiting for that watch to be restored.... Congratulations. Great channel.

[@haroldwiser2641]

Good to see another video and looking forward to part 2!

[@robertbrandywine]

This watch has an amazing number of parts!

[@joeskeptical4762]

Robert Brandywine: ⬅️ *_Yes, every chronograph._*

[@jco1298]

Guessing this was a Philippines special. I can’t believe you are tackling this POS. Amazing project and will be cool to see it come back to life. Don’t think it will be financially viable considering your labor but doesn’t matter if it is a labor of love. Nice to see you back.

[@XavierAncarno]

The legend is back

[@randynovick7972]

Holy cats! You have certainly picked a pickle of a project! Waiting anxiously for the thrilling conclusion!

[@jbbrabant]

Thanks so much I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. Looking forward to part 2. Your patience is amazing. Stay Safe

[@FirestormAA]

What a long wait but is all worth it. Thanks for another awesome video! Extremely well shot & detail.

[@emanuelmagda5855]

You are a truly gifted watch surgeon. I love your video very relaxing.

[@slick4401]

That watch seems to have been serviced before by a series of orc blacksmiths in Mordor.

[@Starlord85]

Haha! Love it

[@emanuelmagda5855]

😁

[@talldave1000]

That's the kind of service you get for $5

[@xmarcovinzx]

I really hope we'll get some updates on the ST1903 chronograph as well!

[@jeff1176]

Mark, I find your videos quite soothing and relaxing to watch. Being new to the watch collecting world. I'm going to try and follow your instruction to building a watch from ebay. Wish me luck.

[@RelojeandoconFelipe]

Once again, one of the best restoration Video I've ever seen! Thanks for share with us.

[@sanatkumarasharma3627]

Deep 'meditation' in action as usual especially on the spiral hairspring, thanks also to a perfect soundtrack... A suspenseful ending too! 😄 Cheers and thanks!

[@cristianbalate]

This is an amazing journey into this process.

[@BeckVMH]

Your videography and commentary are impeccable.

[@parenpi]

My wife just asked me how I can be so fascinated by a 40-minute watch repair video.....

[@joeskeptical4762]

Pierre Parent: *_A woman could spend twice that time just looking at shoes, and if her male mate questioned such a footwear fascination, how would she react? Declare him toxic? Controlling? Part of the misogyny of patriarchy? Cut off nooky & cookies for weeks?_*

[@BeckVMH]

My wife doesn’t even ask anymore haha.

[@A-FrameWedge]

@@joeskeptical4762 If that is truly the case you need to let her go and soon.

[@A-FrameWedge]

Your videos have really inspired me to learn more about watches, so I signed up and purchased your 3 videos yesterday.

[@hantimau]

I love vintage watch, and Aumaticly so on your channel

[@markflyjcd]

great job balance restauration!! thank you for showing us how you do it ;)

[@sdcoinshooter]

I admire your knowledge and patience, if it were me attempting this restoration at about the two minute mark I would have hit it with a hammer and walked away.

[@emerald698]

have no interest in watch repair but watching this video was a real cliff hanger, if it was me personally i would of lost my patience and just binned it, kudos to you sir, look forward to the next gripping episode

[@derektalbot4887]

Hats off once again, I've decided your never too old to learn new skills, so I am off to your website

[@Portrayalpress]

These are great. I have been inspired by your work to fix a few old A-11's from WW2 - even working on straightening.a hairspring. Great video!

[@samblack1975]

great video.... been a fan for several years keep up the good work...can't wait for part 2

[@talldave1000]

Amazing job. I'm impressed with your skill. You are like a surgeon.

[@gazzaco1]

I have the very same watch it was my grandfathers. Had it serviced a few years back and apparently parts are very difficult to get now but it’s working which is great.

[@williamcarboni2614]

Missed your videos glad your back. Amazing work. Thanks and stay safe.

[@z2021]

I am impressed with your skill level. I bought the exact same watch when I was 17 years old. I bought it from the Post Exchange (P.X.) as my father was in the U.S. Army at the time. It was my favorite watch. I had it for many years, until I cracked the crystal and went into the ocean with it. The next day, it was nothing but rust. I have been looking for that watch for some time and what I find is questionable work or original watches in questionable conditions with an enormous price behind it. Once you have restored it, would you be selling it? if you are I would be interested in buying it. Despite some Hamiltons that I own. This Seiko is still my favorite. I wonder how that watch became to be in such bad shape. Yes, I understand its approximately 40 years old, but it look beaten up pretty badly, inside and out.

[@1pilotsteve]

i just love these videos... The special tools needed are so cool to see working.

[@BrooneyGloomer]

Thank you for sharing this. Can't wait for part two.

[@mikedillon6233]

Boy it is not hard to tell that you are professional!

[@teamwilliamsfw303]

Wow, what an amazing job on the spring

[@craigjones325]

Absolutely fascinating, can't wait for pt2.

[@dirk4926]

A lot of crazy stuff going on in this watch, I'm looking forward to seeing the next video.

[@valmonta3647]

Looking forward to part two, great job as always

[@juliobrador8425]

Great work per usual. Nice to see this one in particular. I was waiting anxiously this episode you announced some days ago just because I decided to have a try with a 6139 "Coke" even though finding replacements for this model is quite difficult and expensive. Thank you so much Mr. Lovick, hope you are doing well in these hard times. Congratulations for your channel.

[@johndoe2808]

Thanks for leaving us hanging chief! Man now ill never see this finished.

[@doejohn5399]

Hi and can I say just how much I enjoy watching your videos. I am wanting to get into watch repair, purely from a hobbiest point of view. How can someone who has never stripped a watch even begin to start? I do have the time needed though and lots of patience

[@ronaldspencer547]

Wonderful video. I can't wait to see part 2!

[@unregistredhypercam]

I love 6139s. I need to get mine sorted. Been trying for years but the last guy I tried made it worse. They're very complicated and fickle things, but they just look so damn cool in a way nothing else does. Most are pretty worn now and some of the parts are impossible to come by. I really wish they still made them, I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat.

[@robinrai4973]

Awesome video as always! Weirdly love the condition of that movement, looks straight out of a car engine!

[@joeskeptical4762]

Robin Rai: ⬅️⬅️ *_Your experience with car engines differs from mine._* 2 (two) words: 1. Motor 2. Oil

[@peterr.7429]

Excellent video, very well presented and super clear , thank you.

[@joeskeptical4762]

So far, good to *_"watch"_* _(pun most definitely intended)_ I expected the hairspring & balance wheel would be written off and replaced. The repair work done to them is impressive. *_I am looking forward to seeing this timepiece back in action!_*

[@Watchugoton]

Always good work and a pleasure to watch, if you ever do a live workshop let me know. 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@spidiq8]

Another fantastic and fascinating video Mark. Looking forward to the follow up and the lathe work, pivot turning? You could almost hear the cries of thousands of Seiko fans early in the video screaming, 'noooooooo, the patinaaaaaaaaaa' 😂

[@daleyurk4369]

What a nice job on that hairspring!

[@reinesjogren150]

I have one since 1972 still working !

[@untungsurapati559]

From Indonesia : Wonderful tutorial thanks teacher

[@TheCruiser3004]

Thanks for another great video. Quite mesmerising

[@brito4business448]

Waiting the second part of this wondrful job!!!!!!!!

[@nicto9445]

An excellent, sophisticated watch, one of my favorite Japanese brands. Excellent neurosurgical work! Will the assembly continue?

[@FourIntoOne]

Wooow. That balance.........That spring........

[@carloscarvalhido2424]

Excellent hairspring lesson. Thank you.