🤢ABUSED by a Jeweler! Rolex DateJust RESCUED and RESTORED.

This 1985 Rolex DateJust (reference 16014) is in dire need of repairs. Inside the watch is the 3035 caliber 27 jewel movement, which features automatic winding and a date complication. The watch has much sentimental value to its owner, who sent it in for repairs. To be honest, it was in awful condition and I had my doubts whether it would ever be a good timekeeper again. Those expectations further declined when I opened the case back. Observe as I meticulously repair this movement and restore it to working order.
I also give the case and bracelet a little love. This nearly 40 year old watch was a certified chronometer. Will it still perform as well as it once did when it left the COSC test lab?
If you're looking for an incredible watch repair or antique restoration project, be sure to check out my video! I'll show you how to fix this vintage watch and get it back to working order.
#restoration
#watchrepair
#wristwatch
#swisswatch
#rolex
Contact info: [e-mail]
Many of my tools I use are affordable. If you're interested in getting started with watch repair and would like to use what I use, I've included some links below. I earn a small commission from Amazon if purchases are made using these links.
Useful Texts:
Watch Repairer's Manual: amzn.to/3knrwdG
Watchmaker's Lathe: amzn.to/3D02WGb
Tools:
Microscope: amzn.to/3ZrQ3Pn
Movement Holder (pocket watches): amzn.to/3H9JBUv
Movement Holder (wrist watches): amzn.to/3JeG2iv
Ceramic Tipped Tweezers: amzn.to/3QP1qMH
Finger cots: amzn.to/3CXbXzJ
Micrometer: amzn.to/3QNGN3C and Stand: amzn.to/3iIyF86
Rodico: amzn.to/3kr5RBb
Tweezers: amzn.to/3GNFEVi
10X Loupe: amzn.to/3iLfome
Levers: amzn.to/3XB4RZG
Demagnetizer: amzn.to/3ZINUhS
Screwdrivers: amzn.to/3Xr7gqo
Cleaning:
Mesh Baskets: amzn.to/3ITqikE
Ultrasonic: amzn.to/3wcO7wg
Mason Jars: amzn.to/3WkUfgB
Cleaning Solution: amzn.to/3XwQ16I
Rinsing Solution: amzn.to/3wdgAlA
Cleaning Brushes: amzn.to/3QPnSp8
Lubrication:
Oilers: amzn.to/3Xi8LXR
DX Grease: amzn.to/3ZO0kVU
Moebius 941: amzn.to/3Hf6g2X
Moebius 9010: amzn.to/3CVGM7Y
Moebius D5: amzn.to/3ITqikE
Buffing and Polishing:
PolyWatch: amzn.to/3XlVTja
Polishing Compound: amzn.to/3QQ1r33
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:10 Begin Disassembly
13:27 Cleaning
15:44 Begin Reassembly
31:07 New Lume
31:44 Case Restore
35:35 Assembly Continued
38:04 Timegrapher and Regulation
--

[@paullewis2873]

I watch 5 watch repair channels. All of you disassemble and reassemble watches differently. I find your narrative informative and interesting. Keep up the good work 👏 🙌

[@WatsonOnPatrol]

Which one do you follow ?😄

[@jrderoubaix5093]

oops at 26:26@@WatsonOnPatrol

[@grayparatrooper]

i like wristatch revival

[@dittmerg]

NekkidWatchmaker is also very good....love the channel!!!

[@JDRichard]

What about me:)

[@randyattwood]

I've seen a lot of watch repair videos now and this one is the most oil-abused watch I've seen. Good job!

[@grayparatrooper]

the prev guy just said i think dunking the whole thing in oil should be fine.

[@sys-administrator]

@@grayparatrooper First ever Rolex hydromod

[@oldrrocr]

perhaps the owner, after finding the crown gone, just sprayed oil inside to keep it from rusting...

[@keksbrot4995]

@@oldrrocr maybe, or just wanted to make it more smooth when rotating? I would say, he would have mentioned it. I mean...ye no idk

[@eleven8948]

If a jeweler actually did that oil dousing and causing all that damage, they should never be allowed to set foot in any jewelry store ever again. Unbelievable job you did. What a difference. I thought the dial and dates were damaged but you did great saving all the damaged products.

[@michaelcook2220]

I think he was a railroad brake man in another life and can't give up the big pump oiler.

[@4Truth4All]

Nice job! I really enjoyed this project. Crazy that this watch contained so much oil... it probably saved some of the components from rusting since the crown was detached for an extended period.

[@AndrewZavgorodny]

Thank you for showing the balance adjustment using the microstella tool!

[@user-fi7dh9zu3o]

Best ever close up photography. And oil and grease application. With excellent narration. Roger

[@magintysmaw]

This must be one of the finest videos on watchmaking I have ever watched. Superb video quality and narration. 👍👍👍👍

[@danielhulan3058]

All of the watch assembly channels that I watch show how meticulous you must be when repairing/restoring these older pieces. You do such great work and that is a beautiful watch.

[@briancraft2160]

That was amazing. I don't know anything about watches, but it was clearly in rough shape when you started with it. Going the extra mile to ensure it was back to a certifiable specification tells a lot about your professionalism. Thank you, well done.

[@vonkruel]

This seems to happen surprisingly often, where people think drowning a movement in oil is going to help. It was nice to see that awful mess cleaned up, and the date wheel came back to life surprisingly well. Very nice job as always! 👍

[@DuncanL7979]

Oil mean lubricated. Lubricated part move better with oil. More oil more move better.

[@tismeagen684]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video, can't believe the amount of oil inside this watch before servicing. I've worn a Rolex Datejust model 16220 for 31 years, wouldn't change it for anything else, keeps super time, recently serviced by Rolex at one hell of a cost!

[@phillipmaciver3226]

That ia an insane amount of lubricant!. What a lovely restoration, the owner will be extremely pleased I have no doubts....👍👏👏👏

[@alanpreston3111]

My first viewing of a watch overhaul for a couple of months , glad I picked yours again , beautiful outcome 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@1611bimotayb6]

Excellent comments. Not too much but very infomative. And no distracting background music. I enjoy the channel very much.

[@fgb3126]

I second that motion about distracting background Muzak. It's like it's become universal with KZbin creators of late. It adds NOTHING to the show.

[@eglinacorrigan1678]

Your work is truly incredible 😮. It’s so intricate and precise and I have a new found respect for watches and watch makers. I only came across your channel as I recently found my late father’s vintage Rolex from the early 50’s. Thank you so much for your workmanship and I hope it continues as a craft rather than computers taking this precious skill away ❤

[@lindaruljancich8291]

I will never look at a mechanical watch the same way again - remarkable. Thank you from Australia

[@BBgunX22]

I’m not a watch maker but even I know that is an insane amount of oil. You did a fantastic job cleaning it up.

[@mikev3245]

This was great! I really appreciate the extra effort you take to dial in the best accuracy on a movement that is capable of extreme accuracy. Too many on youtube take a "that's good enough" approach which really isn't. Thank you!

[@kevins4229]

Another awesome video Chris! As always appreciate your attention to detail. And a huge shout out for actually emailing me back and answering my question! Thanks again!

[@glockman9c]

Perfect example of why a Rolex is a Rolex. Nice job!

[@amme30]

Wow, that was so much oil! I loved the service and the care given to the watch case. I am sure the watch owner is delighted it is back in such good condition again.

[@55ATA3]

The video was very well done, it was great to see the watch cleaned so well. Sad to see how the last person had left the watch, to think he had to pay them to do that work is a shame.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

One of the hardest things to find is a good proctologist and watch tech. Very well done. I watch Marshall at wrist watch revival channel as well.

[@stevev7402]

This is a perfect example Chris of why you are such an important resource for us horologists, trying to preserve a piece of history, or just an old family heirloom. I would be mortified if I took one of my watches to someone who would just pour a bunch of oil into a watch and hope for the best. This should be criminal. Another great and entertaining video. Oh, and the wooden wrist watch is pretty cool !

[@santaclause2875]

You are so correct. These timepieces are literally works of art. I've heard of some people that submerge the movement in a bowl of lighter fluid, soak it for a few days, blow it out with compressed air, then spritz it with WD-40, and call it "good". Scary stuff.

[@michaellooney1089]

Yes, I spotted the wooden watch too!

[@PercyPruneMHDOIFandBars]

I think the barbarian that did this should be named and shamed!

[@JP-lq7wi]

Nicely done! Thank you for the video and all the tips! I wouldn’t have thought of naphtha for cleaning up the dial, great job!

[@michaelfonseka7657]

Another fantastic job Chris and a bonus in seeing the balance adjustment instrument being used. Thanks. Keep well Mike

[@mdaydj]

Thanks for sharing and for saving that watch from the abuse it suffered. Mechanical sympathy is a thing and you my friend have it in spades. So good to see it brought back from near death and looking so good, Great work !!!

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video of an expert restoration on KZbin: 👍👌👏! I have heard of and seen a couple of watches that were put in "storage mode" by drenching them in oil in the late 80s and 90s. Considering that you were able to restore this watch without any greater problems, not such a bad idea perhaps. At least it kept the movement intact and the rust away.

[@benjamins.3664]

Thank you very much for the quality of the video. Naming the lubricant used on each piece is very useful for learners (like I am).

[@rickkearn7100]

Great idea showing the before and after of the polished surfaces. Quite an improvement but still retaining some patina. Great work start to finish, CS! Cheers.

[@genghiskhan7041]

Very cool. I can imagine the movement in that watch struggling and finally failing against the load of oil in that watch. It's amazing you restored the crystal on that watch so well, it looked like new!

[@r.d.6112]

And what do we learn from this? You shouldn't take your watch to a car repair shop to have it serviced! 🤦🏽‍♂ You can only be glad that the amateur hadn't damaged anything on the drive beforehand! Thanks for the brilliant video, very good work

[@panther105]

What I learned was that Rolexes are built like tanks... New to learning about watchmaking and repair but imho that watch had sturdy looking parts and was just needing some love and a couple of worn parts. Your camera work is stellar.

[@miker5502]

This was very enjoyable! I don't know why but I find watching watch repair videos to be both fascinating and relaxing… not to mention educational. New subscriber from Nova Scotia, Canada 🇨🇦. Cheers MikeR.

[@combatangler6812]

You sir have gained a new subscriber. Your narration and videography made me feel as if i could follow along and do this myself. Well done!

[@nathanlehoux9498]

Fricking incredible quality. What a restoration, man. Excellent work.

[@RetroJack]

Watching you and Marshal really puts me in my happy place!

[@csspinner]

Thank you! That means a lot.

[@davidperrott4502]

just discovered this channel and seems like you are spot on. just saw your comment flicking through them thinking the same.

[@alex_blockchanger]

LOVE the image clarity and zoom!. Thanks

[@user-do1wv8wh8v]

Dude you are the goods man I am 56 and trying to get someone to help me get an apprenticeship to do watch repair I hope the ALMIGHTY has it in my future 😊PEACE & LOVE

[@MikeLike8]

Nice the date wheel and especially the dial did not get damaged from the excess oil or removing it. Nice work !

[@peterjoseph8974]

Phenomenal job. Pet peeve of mine with vintage DJ's but I would send the bracelet in for repair to address the stretch.

[@MikeLike8]

Great job resurrecting this nice watch. Rolex are well made and it’s nice seeing this fully serviced inside and out as good as new mechanically.

[@ethanwalker7865]

Very cool video. I cannot stress how much i love how you called it the carcass of the screw down crown. subscribed

[@hargoniyamaki5168]

Enjoyed your video and the clear, educational narration.

[@jonpatterson7211]

Mr. Spinner, I've come to the conclusion that you and Marshall over on Wristwatch Revival are not watch repairmen. You are both aliens sent here from another galaxy to confuse and perplex us poor humans. Your itty bitty screwdrivers and your tiny little drops of oil aren't fooling anybody. All kidding aside, you are both superb craftsmen and I'd like to thank you for bringing us along on your adventures.

[@RedJeanetteRedlover]

I think the Nekkid Watchmaker is also from that same planet!!! 😂

[@fredwestbuilding2155]

That crystal polish is absolutely amazing.

[@paintedwink1520]

Dam just watched your channel for the first time and will subscribe. I have been watching wristwatch revival for 2 yrs now it's nice to see a different approach to this profession. Thks much.

[@sabbath7081]

Thanks for the video, my next project is to do a cleaning on my 3035, I have a 1982 16030 that looks a lot like that except it has the engine turned bezel, I replaced the Crystal and the crown and the gaskets, gave it a brush and polish much like you did, and it is a beautiful watch.

[@lestercoons3962]

WOW!!! You're amazing! I can appreciate the skill of a watchmaker. I was a master machinist and tool and die maker in my younger days. The stuff you use and work on is just very tiny!

[@low87dawg86]

Great video. I have a 1978 Rolex 1500 OP date that I got from one of my guys that works for me. It was his Great grandfathers. He sold it to me to buy another Cow. I believe it might need a new crown stem because it’s really hard to manually wind it without it slipping. It also looks like someone tried to get sandpaper to it to refinish. It’s two tone and I love it even though it’s a little rough and on the small side for me. I would love to send it to you for some work.

[@MichaelNeal-gc4xg]

Awesome video . Amazing how much goes into those movements

[@mastaboog749]

This came out mint, really like watching these videos. I hope to get into repair some day it seems fun.

[@rondickson1491]

Wow! What a beautiful watch and a fantastic restoration. Great work. Best wishes.

[@brucebarlow6604]

Great restoration Chris. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@keithschwartz7318]

Makes me want to wear my Datejust even more. Thanks for this video.

[@flattailbob]

Nice work as usual. My DateJust that you repaired for me must be the grandfather of this one!

[@user-ev4rp3qb6x]

Absolutely high end engineering, a work of art ……..

[@conzmoleman]

That crystal is the most insane polywatch before and after I’ve ever seen. Clearly I’m not putting enough time and elbow grease into my efforts.

[@andrewm514]

Beautiful film. I did my own exact model, took me six months and a lot of stress too! I wish I'd have had this video at the time ( no pun intended). I usually only tacked old clocks so this was bloody hard work. Now with Parkinson's my clock repair days are over but this was a joy to watch ( another pun) lol.

[@pauloalvesdesouza7911]

Great video and a top notch recovery of a great watch, and a good distraction from all those nice pocket watches. I especially liked the way you edited the before and after sequence with "before" having subdued colors.

[@iannicholls2790]

That's an effect (IMO) overused in The Repair Shop (UK TV series), where the 'before' was almost sepia and you couldn't tell what colours were which. An otherwise excellent show.

[@adayofforever]

Wow, that was a ridiculous amount of oil! One of my favorite parts was watching the wash in the ultrasonic cleaner knowing all that mess was coming off. The reoiling the proper way and appropriate amount was very satisfying. Definitely a master of his craft! Great video. Subscribed!!

[@AnonZero0]

*To the extent you worked on this piece--well done.*

[@4800BMO]

Dude this was incredible! I’m blown away!

[@tonyaboud8953]

A true horologist... Puttimg it back together without having spares on the bench is an enormous yask

[@andybrananigan6524]

as a hobbyist, I'm shocked how much oil was pooled up inside that watch! I learned early on about discipline in lubrication, not to mention the fact that the kind of money that watch oils cost! but to be honest, that oil looks like some all purpose lubricant in a bottle with an extending tube that I use for my ceiling fan bearings and door hinges!!!

[@csspinner]

It smelled like a submarine engine in there. So I’m not sure what type of oil it was. Certainly wasn’t watch oil.

[@almond1915]

Yeah, just fill it full of engine oil and send it back. It will be fine! Thank goodness for guys like you.

[@travels1047]

Out standing work, very enjoyable to watch

[@richpontier8307]

thanks for sharing Chris, better oil than water....another interesting video and look into a fine movement. I love the high video quality/resolution. Great job...👍. I wondered how you did clean the datewheel?

[@MrPolicesnpr]

Absolutely fascinating!! I've never seen a watch completley stripped. You did an amazing job and that must be so satisfying to see it reborn into a beautiful watch again.

[@VeritasPraevalebit]

A beautiful video about a beautiful watch. Thank you!

[@samharper4289]

As always, amazingly beautiful work! 😉

[@rajansaravanan6604]

Perfect video…thanks for sharing ❤🎉

[@BigBenTheory]

Su increíble habilidad, delicadeza y profesionalidad no dejan de sorprenderme nunca. Muchas gracias por este magnifico trabajo.

[@rickseconds7676]

Can't wait to see your work on my Heuer!

[@IShootWatches]

Great video as usual, Chris! Very interesting to see that regulation system and really nice work!

[@WatchWithMike]

Excellent video, Chris! I'm late to the party, but I'm thrilled to see that you are getting tons of views, which you deserve! 😁 I've never seen a watch swimming in so much oil. Clean up on the calendar wheel and dial, and the polishing on the crystal was like magic. Rolex is such a solidly built movement. It looked like the balance wheel started swinging just by holding it near the movement, lol. It was very satisfying seeing this come together… after a long Monday of not accomplishing half of what I set out to do, it was nice seeing someone else finish a project so successfully. Kudos!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Mike! I appreciate that. :)

[@carolriley9392]

Bravo! Wonderful work sir!

[@geoffquickfall]

Extremely well done, thanks!

[@user-qy4iy2im2w]

My dady bought one NKUWAN and he loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when he went out with it.

[@kkal1183]

Very well presented with a wonderful voice.

[@iamlugee]

Wishing you more subscribers. That was a fantastic job + the video's superbly made. Keep it up!

[@JohnWhite-dp9yq]

I am always impressed with your tweezer and screwdriver dexterity. As a novice, I still fumble a bit. Another one of your consistently well produced videos!

[@ozzy10881]

Your videos are always very enjoyable

[@federicoprice2687]

A brilliant restoration superbly depicted and narrated. 5* And subscribed.

[@MrSmith-hd8od]

What a great find this channel is! Really enjoyed the whole process and narration (apart from the hideous "gifted" instead of "given", sigh, but oh well lol)

[@csspinner]

Thank you!

[@TJ-wp4yz]

Excellent restoration, well worth the time & cost.

[@g5realestate280]

Excellent work. Thanks from St. Louis. Missouri. USA.

[@lsimpson50]

Great restoration!

[@padavonadbest6206]

Precioso trabajo ,felicitaciones !!!

[@Marky_F]

Super video, great job!

[@George196207]

I just removed and replace the battery in my cheap Cardinal made in Japan movement in a made in China case . Was harder for me to do then the way you stripped that watch apart and fixed it !

[@csspinner]

Bet that quartz still keeps better time though! ;)

[@markgiles8527]

Great job! The owners going to be so happy. 😊

[@4800BMO]

Wow!! Now I know why theses are so expensive! Great work!

[@ernestolopezruiz8149]

Exelente video muy bien el asercamiento alas piezas felicidades 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

Wow! I once purchased the same model in 1986.

[@frankponte4031]

Great work with the 40 year old Rolex.

[@christoyiatrou9331]

I enjoyed watching this. Really interesting !

[@ronl7131]

Nice restoration. Solid timepiece

[@andrewcumming7220]

I have always sent my watches back to Rolex for service, seeing the state the last person left this watch would have made my cry if it was mine.

[@eaturkishdude]

How have I never seen you before?! Amazing work. Keep it up. Subscribed.

[@Noname23489]

amazing restoration