A Cosmic Conundrum - The Zodiac Astrographic SST - Hi-Beat Mystery Dial

[@michaellawrence6677]

As a guy who loses more than a few parts in any project I have to chuckle and give you a thumbs up for recreating that spring. Great job, nothing but respect.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Thanks Michael.

[@ryno101]

Such a cool watch. I’ve worked on a couple of AS movements, and they are both well made and “interesting”… nice job, Adam. I’m a huge fan of your content.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Much appreciated!

[@johnkucin4482]

Hello Again Adam! You work on the most interesting watches. I just enjoy unusual watches and this one looks like a UFO pilot would be wearing. As always great film work and most enjoyable narrative. Thanks!

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Thanks so much!

[@look4truth480]

You know maybe its crazy but any time piece you can get your hands on is worth it. Quantum, digital, computerized, whatever you want to call it, is going to make this clockwork go extinct. If I was a clock repair tech and rich. I would buy every watch I could get my hands on. Passing this skill down will keep this pieces priceless for a long time to come. Great thing to invest in. Not to get to personal, nor do I expect i reply. I hope you have an apprentice or someone you are passing this down to. This will be a rare community in the future. Watching mesmerizes me.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Thanks for the kind words. In reality, I'm the one who should be an apprentice. Outside of Mark's courses, I am self taught, and try my best to learn from others through videos, books, etc. There is quite a lot I could learn from working with someone else, but to your point, there aren't a lot of people still doing this work, at least not close to me. Thanks for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment though. I'm glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@rossjackson3670]

Flaming heck. Beautiful. Great photography and commentary. Easy to see the difference in your skills and the previous servicers, where on disassembly, the scratch marks are noticeably visible on the automatic bridge. Enjoyable from start to finish. Thank you

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simonmellor781]

Really enjoyed watching this video. Well done!! I love the mystery dial Zodiacs, I’d love to own one some day and restore it. Again - many thanks.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@dennishall9173]

This is my favorite, I been wanting this watch for years and love the way it looks.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

You and I both. I’m still on the hunt for a square model that can be found at a decent price.

[@tphvictims5101]

Beautiful timepiece ❤

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

It really is. I love those old Zodiacs.

[@kyledriscollmusic]

such a cool watch. Zodiac is such a fun brand

[@mosierbuild]

Well done Adam. That watch is excellent!! Liked the music video with no voiceover as well , but listening to you and the technical info you share is my preference. The watch hands on this watch are just cool , has me looking out for Zodiac's when browsing for watch deals. Thanks for sharing you knowledge and time with us. Great video.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Thank you sir. I really appreciate the feedback.

[@WatchWithMike]

This came out great! What a fun, unusual watch. 😁

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

They are really great watches.

[@AntoshaGorelov]

Thanks for the great video! My caliber is 86 in TV case model. But... Can I be THAT kind of guy for a moment? 😢 Yes? Ok, thanks 😊. So, am I the first person who asks why did you install the glass with an error of 90 degrees?😮 The logo is in the wrong direction.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Haha, you're absolutely right! You are the first person to ask that. To be honest I never noticed it. I was lining it up based on the larger markers a 3,6,9 & 12. I never noticed the logo was also directional. It was my first Astrographic service. I have been on the hunt for one of the square 'TV' style models (at a fair price) for a while now. I appreciate you pointing that out.

[@MichaelMitchell-vk9lk]

Great video on a very cool watch. Thank you Adam

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mackesteven]

Nice work, would you be willing to do another one, I've been told no quite a bit, I think mine needs a main spring.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Thanks so much. Regarding your request, unfortunately at this time I am not set up to accept incoming watch shipments. I'll need to get a P.O. Box and a few other things put in place before I can take incoming shipments. Regarding your watch, if your mainspring has an issue, it will likely require the replacement of the complete barrel assembly. Those are crimped & sealed barrels, and unlike others (most commonly Seiko), those are really not designed to be serviced. If the barrel is taken apart to remove & replace the mainspring, the barrel lid will not go back on because of how they are designed. It'll likely be less expensive (in the long run) and less of a headache to source a 'barrel complete'. Those can be found on eBay. Thanks.

[@mackesteven]

@@WeekendWatchRepair thank you for letting me know, have a great day.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

@@mackestevenAnd you as well. I hope you are able to find someone who can work on that watch for you. If and when I get set up to take commissions, I'll certainly let you know.

[@mackesteven]

@@WeekendWatchRepair thank you.

[@genekelly8467]

@@WeekendWatchRepair Same here-I have the square case version-my watcmaker doesn't care to fix it-he says he cannot even get a crown for it. Let me know when you start accepting wqatches for repair! PS-Love your vidoes

[@MichaelB-qx1eh]

Now I want an Astrographic. I serviced an AS1914 day/date recently very similar to this, same quick set. I found it challenging to get the stem the right length for the push to set to reliably change. I ruined a couple of stems for sure.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

I can see how that would be an issue. Thankfully I was able to re-use the original stem on this watch and didn't have to bother with sizing down a new one.

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

Very cool watch and thanks for the video. Learned a lot. Really appreciate it. Hopefully you will have 1000 subs before you know it.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Thanks so much. I'm glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@da___man]

Just wondering, did you remove the offset cannon pinion from the second wheel? This can be very tricky to do (I’ve damaged a couple of them) but it’s very important to do because the old oil can can dry out causing the cannon pinion to seize up. The watch cleaning machine won’t get into that area without separating the two parts.

[@Hook1fred]

I have an early 70’s maybe late 60’s Zodiac astrographic that belonged to my dad. I remember as a small child watching the little second hand go around the watch in amazement. It was put away in and forgotten about. I recently found it and would love to get it cleaned and running. Are the parts readily available? It needs a new crystal glass and a good professional cleaning.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Generally speaking the movement parts are available, but can be on the expensive side. The crystal on the Astrographic models are unique and can be difficult to find (if you are trying to find an original).

[@VinceD1G]

Hello Adam, I’m currently servicing a Zodiac 88D. I’m experiencing low amplitude ~235 with the 50 year old mainspring. New mainspring barrel complete are on eBay for $150. Were you able to find a more cost effective source?

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

No, I bought mine off of eBay as well. I think I paid around $130 for the barrel complete. I couldn't find a less expensive option.

[@hectorcortez3888]

Don't worry about dropping parts, the French watch collector does it also.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

That’s comforting I suppose. Normally, I’m not that bad, but for whatever reason when filming this watch, I was dropping things all over the place, haha!

[@Ba_Yegu]

Given options it's better to Drop than Ping. Just slightly more pressure and the objects do not drop any more, at least not so often. I did tend to Ping the parts too often, but now the handling has improved by learning to hold the tweezer more gently. Common error to correct Pinging is to keep the part firmer, when one should take it easier and softer. The harder one holds the tweezers, the farther away the part flies. 😉

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

@@Ba_Yegu You are absolutely correct. I learned that lesson a long time ago and try to use light pressure. Clearly I was too soft when handling some of those parts.

[@Dudden4]

Hello ! I am currently working on the same watch. Where did you find the new barrel? Thanks for this very useful video!

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Hello. I'm glad you are finding the video useful. I got the replacement barrel off of eBay. The Zodiac 78, 79, 86 & 88 high beat variants will use the same barrel. I'm not sure if you KZbin allows outside links to be sent in the comments. If you want to email me at: [e-mail] I can send you a link to where I got mine. It looks like there is another available currently. Thanks!

[@Dudden4]

@@WeekendWatchRepair Thank you for your prompt reply. I'll have a look on e-bay. Good work with your watches and I look forward to seeing your videos!

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

@@Dudden4 Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. Best of luck on your Zodiac service. If you are on eBay, do search for: "New mainspring barrel assembly for Zodiac 78,79,86,88 caliber (high beat, SST)" That should take you to the right part.

[@genekelly8467]

I have smaller square case version. My watchmaker cannot fix it; would you entertain looking at it?

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

I am unable to do commission at this time. Thank you for reaching out though.

[@munishbukhari6929]

I have this in golden colour could you please restore my watch ?

[@andrestenstrup1042]

I have one now, and I wonder is the movement bi-directional and what is liftangel on the movement ?

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

The automatic winding is bi-directional. As far as the lift angle, I never could find any documentation for this movement. I just used the standard 52 degrees for my before and after testing on this watch.

[@andrestenstrup1042]

@@WeekendWatchRepair I think you can find it here. It is 52 degrees. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10cRQbGs2YT9d9nnfG2YJ_21wq8lc02jHCp--V-8Slg8/edit#gid=0 About my watch then the winding crown came off. I adjusted time 3 times and it came all the way out. I hope it is just the screw that is a bit loose, so the crown can be put back in and be screwd tight again. But I do not know yet.

[@jefferywashington2095]

What’s up Adam. I have a similar Zodiac SST that I need serviced. How can I contact you to talk about it?

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Unfortunately I have not yet set up a P.O. box to accept incoming watch shipments, however feel free to email me at [e-mail] if you have any questions or need any additional info. Thanks a bunch.

[@andrestenstrup1042]

Is the watch sold ?

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Yes. They came back with another offer, although I had already turned down their previous offers and told them I wasn't trying to sell it. I reluctantly sold it, but it was for a very good price. I'm going to use the funds to source another Astrographic and will build it for myself. I'm thinking about getting a square dial for the next one.