CAN THIS WATCH BE SAVED? - Dorval Jump Hour Watch Restoration

[@MyRetroWatches]

If you would like to purchase any tools & equipment then please see my Amazon affiliate & eBay (I do earn a small commission from any sales.) Thank you. Link: Link: myretrowatches.co.uk/tool-sale-links/ If you would like to buy any of my T-Shirts then please look here: teespring.com/stores/my-retro-watches

[@MyRetroWatches]

@Ken Fullman because I don’t have any equipment to plate yet. It’s easy to remove the movement and glass literally a 2 minute job. Hopefully I will plate this one in another video

[@TerminusVox]

Good show!

[@ichthus1890]

Sharp eyes, steady hands, attention to detail and a reliable memory. Well done.

[@clivejameson9033]

Very interesting especially the strap, I think you've made a great job of that 👍 My vote also for nickel replating...the case shape looks like one of the easier ones to polish 😉

[@MyRetroWatches]

Hopefully Clive, the sides have some interesting angles and lines which might make the chrome removal more tricky. We will see.

[@Issueforth]

Happy for you to grow in your craft, plate it, and be pleased at your effort. I will!

[@Issueforth]

Also Dubbin to give the leather life, every couple of months!

[@100amps]

Great video, Mike, as usual. Interesting movement, and bugs. The strap really came back to life. I was going to suggest leather dye, but the shoe polish did the trick. Yes! Restore the case and nickel plate it. I think polished nickel looks much better than chrome.

[@RestorationAustralia]

Real retro, this was big fashion back in the days.😊

[@rbmwiv]

I have been restoring leather interiors for about 30 years and I keep every color of shoe polish there is. A lot of it is 20+ years old and not made anymore but I have always cleaned the leather then apply the polish evenly on all the leather. Let it set in the sun with windows up for a couple of hours then use a rag to buff it until nothing comes off then condition the leather. Looks like new unless it’s got tearing on it then it’s off to the upholstery shop. Awesome video as always.

[@MyRetroWatches]

That’s interesting I was not far off with my effort then.

[@DeniseIves-p9s]

I have never seen a dorval watch before just here on your channel, im definitely learning more and more.😮

[@lucyxchan6808]

For the leather Straps: try steaming them before pressing them. That gets out the wrinkles.

[@bartrainer3916]

A new Cosmetic beauty advice Chanel is born!

[@RealNovgorod]

Great attention to detail, even putting the original bug back into the movement! 19:58

[@MyRetroWatches]

haha fantastic. I think those bugs must be living on my bench somewhere. Lets see if another turns up on my next restoration.

[@jayjorgensen2024]

I saw it as soon as it moved around 8:46 ish. It was there when he opened it. Tiny little things.

[@psterud]

I was thinking they were living inside the watch, which would be pretty incredible, but unlikely.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@psterud would be also quite worrying

[@rover213]

a unusual tiny bug wandering around...

[@jeffreygoss8109]

I know right? I watched that thing for minutes before and thought it was on my ipad

[@velviaman3206]

@@jeffreygoss8109 I have spent a lot of my life looking down microscopes, there is a whole new world at the end of a light microscope x20 - x100.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

@@velviaman3206 sounds terrifying. Lol

[@hangtenboy]

I saw that too! Hahaha

[@patrickm3534]

It was a Chromite

[@esgg-ddy1]

I believe it deserves a case restoration with nickel plating . Lovely watch , fantastic job restoring the mechanism . Time to finish it I believe

[@MyRetroWatches]

Okay thank you. many people are voting for nickel so I will start looking into what I need and get some bits ordered up.

[@marketabolton9826]

Great video! X

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you! I am honoured you would watch it xx

[@romeldphillips3146]

Like how the strap came out, it looks fantastic

[@DeniseIves-p9s]

Its great the way you are so thorough and do a really solid job, well done again mike

[@davidfarrell7318]

yes it's worth plating it it is really nice to watch the movement ticking away.

[@Bristol1]

Great watch, and I really like how the strap turned out. I vote for restore the case also with the nickle plating. I'm looking forward to the Lip watch, it looks like a beauty. Cheers!

[@francispalmer9737]

I enjoy your jump hour watch vids so much I brought a Saytoko Grand luxe super 21 jump hour that was not working because the rachit wheel was missing and the screw had been sheered off so I got a replacement bfg 582 movement from Switzerland and rebuilt the existing movement with the parts (I did it this way because I did not want to take the dial off and face any more issues like spending hours on my hands and knees looking through the carpet for springs and bits lol) It works well now.

[@deanaldridge4277]

After all that work, I think the chrome lets it down. The strap came up a treat. Thank you.

[@endy_fx]

Mike: no alarms, and no surprises. Tiny bug: am I a joke to you?

[@MyRetroWatches]

Still not sure if the bugs are living on my bench somewhere?

[@MattSF23]

the desk mites! mite #1 came in and was replaced by mite #2 who was 3 times the size! 😀Great work on this, it looks amazing. I would definitely redo the plating on the case, it's not violating the vintage look of the watch, imo. The leather cleanup was very nice and the time lapse video at the end with the clouds was really a nice touch.

[@nikolaslarson6891]

Marvelously quirky. A treat. More of it, please!

[@jamiecvincent1]

I like that watch most unusual! Just purchased a jump hour now I have to get one of these!

[@NickiRusin]

Wow, that's a fascinating watch! Never seen anything like it, love the look of the rectangular viewing window. Didn't realize you could get bugs in mechanical systems, not just software.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Haha! More than just a bug. Seems I have these critters living on my bench somewhere

[@gcarlson622]

Just a little comment, when you’re polishing the straps, instead of using a brush, use a soft cloth and your index and your middle finger, it makes a little more precise and gets the polish into the leather a little bit better, also helps you work the leather so that it’s a little more supple.

[@davidmeffert2237]

Great job with this watch, especially saving the old strap. I vote to plate it. It would be cool to see it in its full glory.

[@jayjorgensen2024]

I am setting up a corner in my hobby space for Leather work, so I can build my own straps along with a few, not all, watches that need it. Just for days like that, where I come across a unique build and I have to make my own.

[@karaba22]

Thank you for sharing this. Fantastic watch.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

If you're looking to clean & rejuvenate old leather, I'd suggest Saddle Soap, it's specifically made to clean any type of leather product. Also some leather dye which is fairly inexpensive and a decent leather conditioner along with an old tooth brush will make any old leather look new. Just don't let the soap dry or soak into the leather for too long, you want to apply it scrub the surface and wipe it off, you can do this as many times as is needed. After you've cleaned it let it dry, then apply the leather dye if needed before finally applying the conditioner until it will no longer absorb into the leather. 👍👍

[@ygrbooks]

Incredibly good work on a spectacular watch - worth watching every second: thank you so much.

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

I know Ive already said it but Im so glad to see you back !!!!! and to hear your enthusiasm and energy !!!!!!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks Sonny. Its good to be back. I feel 90% how I did before the cancer. The other 10% may take a year or so to overcome. I love making videos and love working on watches so I will just keep on going! Still waiting for KZbin to take me viral but its highly unlikely!

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

@@MyRetroWatches Thank you for sharing your passion. Me and my 6 year old are as you know only months into our journey into watchmaking. But that journey only started due to videos like you share. And we feel that same passion. Something about the mechanical nature and the specialness of the designs just captivates the imagination. watching Williams eyes light up when were working on a watch is just priceless !!!! And when we watch your videos his eyes light up with excitement as you convey your excitement. honestly your the reason were embarking on wristwatches !!!!! Im not sure if I feel like thanking you for that !!!!! LOL !!!!!

[@garyroberts4257]

Loved the video! Watch came out great! Glad you restored the band and it came out beautifully. I think, keep it true to its aging. It’s awesome!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks Gary. I was not happy with the quality of the imagery on this one. The camera screen is too small for me to see how bad that dazzle was.

[@samnova450]

Great job on the watch, notice the bridge plate screws are not blue, might be the type of movement. You did a fantastic job on the watch and figured out how it works. Camera pictures looked fine from this side. As far as electroplating goes, I say this might be a good practice watch to do that on. I see other watchmakers polish the case like crazy to get rid of scratches. Then others like the patina look, your call. By the way I have a “Kingston 17 jewel jump hour watch” looks like you LIP watch, got it from eBay, not working currently. Will mess with it later.

[@pepelustig1802]

I love this watch some of my teacher in the very past has this. So nice, and swiss-watch inside 👌

[@mattobrien3346]

strip it and plate it! I have done this and after polishing the nickel came up great.

[@TripleDDDD]

Just recently bought one of these, in pristine condition. Was sitting in a watch shop since the 70s.

[@MyRetroWatches]

wow that would be interesting to see. Nice survivor watch.

[@paulgerard534]

Good job. I was lucky to get a Lucerne jump hour watch that just needed a clean to get it going, plus a new strap. I've kept mine 'vintage' as it has an unusual lacquer finish that can't be polished. Currently I have another to restore that is annoyingly missing it's balance jewel. Thanks for the inspiration again.

[@MyRetroWatches]

If you can work out the movement manufacturer and number there is a good chance of finding a donor balance jewel.

[@slyoldfox]

Great video Mike. I didn't have any problems with glare from the movement personally. Good work on the strap - nice to give that a fresh lease of life. Not sure on re-plating - never tried it, though there are many old watches that look bad because of worn off plating. It would be interesting to see the process carried out, but it's your watch!

[@colescrustycars]

For dried out cracked leather. Use Bag Balm. It's amazing on old dried leather. I use it on old dry, cracked automotive leather all the time.

[@TheGeezzer]

Well, I've never seen that before! I a little mini-micro bug of some description, running around the workings, smaller than a nit, one of the world's smallest crawling life forms! Great renovation of that classic 70's Jump-Hr watch, that came back to life!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Yes its crazy. I think they might be living on my bench. My workshop is basically in my garage and now its autumn all the little critters have a habit of coming inside. The that the bug appeared twice in the video on different days suggests they are living with me!

[@ruperthartop7202]

Thanks Mike. Think you may have solved a spring location problem i am having. Cheers

[@MyRetroWatches]

Pleased I could help you mate.

[@marionchase-kleeves8311]

GREAT blue grass mysic ! The BEST mandolin ive ever heard! Thanks!😊

[@Trainwheel_Time]

Another great job Mike! I'm in the replating camp. I do replating myself and love that I can take a watch that just looks terrible and replate it to look much better. It opens a lot of doors. Take care!

[@me-cq7wv]

Love the juump watches. Thanks for posting.

[@home-dp6oh]

Enjoyed the video as always! I would suggest maybe calling this type of "non-jumping-hour" watch a "wandering-hour" watch. Some of the old pocket watches made in the 1920's featured a "wandering seconds" disk instead of the traditional sub seconds hand. I believe both Waltham and Hamilton made them and probably others. I actually own a couple. Neat old watch though. Nice job! Something you might want to consider is making your own straps. It's really not that difficult. You could cut the old stitching out of the damaged strap unfold it and use it as a pattern. Really only need a new bit of leather, some saddle needles, and some waxed, hemp, thread. There are vids on how to do it here on YT. Just a thought. Cheers!

[@MyRetroWatches]

thanks, I have considered strap making so maybe one day. I have enough on my plate for now with all the watches I need to repair! wondering hour sounds so much better but equally much more technical than a circulating disc.

[@etebol]

Lovely watch. Thanks for all the effort put into making the video. I recon it must be a pain in the rear to work on a watch with all that filming equipment in the way. Definitively restore that case brother, it will still be vintage, just not beat up like it was owned by someone who got it as a gift and didn’t even like watches to begin with.

[@johnpeters7003]

Thank you for this video. I would have lost my nerve crowbarring those discs off thinking there must be something else holding them. Love your videos as usual as they are always so entertaining and inspiring.

[@DDeemsterDD]

Thank you, Mike! Totally awesome! Wonderful job!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks for watching . Glad you enjoyed it.

[@DamdamF]

Nice work! Thanks for the no alarms and no surprises by the way, the song got stuck in my head for the whole video 👍 No worries for the lighting, I hadn't even noticed

[@MyRetroWatches]

Haha sorry about that. Good track though

[@viewsandreviews180]

Another great restoration. I found including the strap restoration process informative and essential because of the scarcity of replacements. Chrome plating is a multistage process but I’m sure you know that. I’m not certain plating this case is essential for this watch but that’s your decision. Thank you for sharing the restoration to date.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I will not be chrome plating because I don’t believe that can be done on a home setup. Nickel is an easier solution that just requires vinegar, salt a power source and some nickel anodes. The key is in the prep of the case and how clean it is. Maybe an acid pickle too. I’m looking into it as it will make for an interesting video especially seeing me attempt something for the first time and on film.

[@DeniseIves-p9s]

A brilliant restoration mike, i rewound and the strap work was a great idea, you have just answered a big question with the strap, so i,ll be off out or a shop channel and give it a go. Once again thanks mike

[@hardeejd]

Try steaming the band with an iron or fabric steamer next time before cleaning and conditioning. It will loosen up / become more flexible, will remove some of the dirt and grime, and open the "pores" of the leather which helps with absorbing the conditioner. A trick I use on my leather motorcycle boots.

[@robertjordan7323]

Bringing back this watch was well worth it. Love you saved the strap! Replating no need.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you Robert. I like to think all watches need to be saved!

[@askdavidsen]

that brown strap you have on the jump hour is just beautiful

[@MyRetroWatches]

Just a standard 28mm strap from cousinsuk. That jump hour I will be reviewing on my second channel this week. Look for My Watch Reviews channel

[@Rems61]

I have 5 or 6 NOS Jump hour watches. They are branded Maggins. The case is identical to your watch, but they don't have a date. They are marked 25 jewel, Automatic. I haven't removed the case back to confirm all of this. It is in fact Jump hour though. I got one out because of your video, put a little wind to it, and it took off running. I've had these about 30 years. The back still has stickers in French, could possibly be the same manufacturer as your watch as the case and strap are the same as yours. Really nice video, I enjoyed it. My vote is to NOT replate your watch. Keep it original. Ron

[@MyRetroWatches]

Wow that sounds amazing. I love NOS watches from the past and finding jump hour ones is rare. Its also very rare to see ones with such high jewel count as many had BFG 1 jewel pin pallet movements thrown in. Many people are shouting for plating so I might still do it but its allot of work and I have to buy all the equipment first. Thanks for watching.

[@zaygezunt]

Great restoration - really interesting. 1970s leather is always worth saving as it is such great quality, you wouldn't be able to find a strap of that standard now. I love a jump hour, although I've reached the age that in order to read the time I have to extend my arm and squint.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Yes I have trouble reading them too sometimes even with my glasses on

[@thisoldwatch9944]

Great job!! I would like to see it fully redone

[@DanielBerroteran]

I like your watch restoration work... and especially those who are out of the ordinary... these saltadore calibers are great... they are very beautiful and different in how they present time

[@endy_fx]

I'm the same - I love the retro-futurist look of a jump hour. They still seem Sci-Fi fifty years later. For this one, I'm in the re-plating camp. I don't think the wear adds much character to this particular piece, and I'm sure moonbase alpha would appreciate it in top condition.

[@MyRetroWatches]

thanks. there are more for plating than against so it looks like its heading in one direction!

[@michaelreilly5706]

Like to see new movements. Was really interesting to watch.

[@ro63rto]

Mike, for re-dying leather, acetone to remove old dye as much as possible, then use the liquid leather cleaner/moisturiser then get some Angelus leather dye to the colour of your choice and apply it with the provided sponge. For videos, just watch Tring Shoe repairs or Bedos leatherworks.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Hi Rob thanks for this I will look into that for the future

[@splinterrad1963]

Just keep trucking. Love your passion

[@TheGrenadier97]

Very unusual and interesting design!

[@Snarfelle]

Absolutely a candidate for a custom watch strap and a replating to match all the service done inside ❤️

[@pablofierros3312]

Great video. Yes to nickel plating. Thanks for the unusual watch presentation. Hope you are doing well.

[@MyRetroWatches]

All good and recovery still going to plan. Hard for me to believe how well I am considering how bad I was.

[@victor58010]

Please refinish the case , Michael. It would make a big difference to the watch , especially with the acrylic crystal restored.

[@petercampbell3828]

Dee tent? Interesting watch. The outside is so different, but the inside is just a watch basically. Glad that you are doing well.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks for the pronunciation. I often forget the name of that part and end up calling it a click. I will try now to remember for next time. Yes it’s a standard movement really just has two discs. Actually shows the power of the motion works and train to actually turn these discs as they are no doubt heavier than hands. Thanks for tuning in.

[@glennpettersson9002]

I think with the strap you could steam it to straighten it prior to cleaning, boil the kettle and hold the strap over the spout until damp and then under the weight. To put a finer finish on the polish after buffing with a brush use a balled up stocking and buff with that. I have used both techniques but never on a watch strap.

[@garymckissick2621]

I really enjoy your videos as I especially like bringing old things back to life. I was watching another video some time ago where the watch was varying in accuracy in different positions and the diagnosis was end shake. The watch maker used a tool with a micrometer to seat the jewels at the proper depth and it increased the accuracy of the watch. I don't know if this is the case with this particular watch but it is an opportunity for a new tool.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Hi Gary. Thanks for your comment. That tool is called a jeweling tool. One arrived only last week for me! Not sure it’s applicable on this watch but they are very useful tools to have.

[@pavelpodgoretsky7129]

Very interesting four-toothed date-jumping setup, thank you for showing it! To my eye there is no trouble at all with the light in this video. Very best regards!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you. It was over exposed in places compared to other videos I have done. I am still learning the features on my camera and the screen is so small I don’t notice .

[@brianwohlleben3182]

Nice video! Definitely worth the effort for the education if nothing else

[@darrencheshire8546]

Great looking watch, with a interesting movement. Worth getting done. Stay safe buddy

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks, you too!

[@michaeldevito5575]

Very fine work Mike BRAVO. I've picked up a couple of tips from your watch work for my own watch work. Thanks much. Blessings.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you. Glad if something is of use

[@michaeldevito5575]

@@MyRetroWatches Blessings Mike. I'll be watching your videos. Keep up the great watch work.

[@mamayl8592]

Very nice. I'd say go for the plating. But either way you really can't go wrong.

[@jeffreyhickman3871]

These Jump-Hour watches ⌚️ are COOL 😎!! Saw one at Bookmans a few years ago. I should have bought 😪 it!! Your friend, Jeff.

[@stephenferguson7939]

Love the watch and the look. I think the re-plating would make it really pop. Interesting movement with that date mechanism and good job on the restoration. Great video as always..

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you

[@jayjorgensen2024]

Sometimes I work on a watch for 3 to 4 hours and not realize the time fly. Most watches I work on, I can get it in within 1-2 hours. The longest it took me to work on one watch was around about 8 hours. It was a stubborn one.

[@watchtock8818]

Well worth the effort. Awesome job.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks

[@propetamckissack524]

That’s an awesome restorations and repaired works on that very well done Sir

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you kindly

[@dbzamora]

Excellent work on the movement and strap! Looking forward to see your video on plating the case. Great video as usual. Cheers, Mike!

[@donbrough6386]

Plate it Mike. Doesn’t look finished to my eye. Enjoyed the restoration so far.

[@MylesChavenson]

I think you should finish the case and I enjoyed the strap cleaning

[@AndyHullMcPenguin]

BTW Neetsfoot oil is pretty good for old dry leather, it is used in saddlery and I've has some success with it on old watch straps and other old leather items.

[@MyRetroWatches]

thank you for the tip.

[@mywatchreviews]

Fantastic video Mike

[@BryanO92]

These 70s jump hours are a trip, they say so much about that era. Good job on the strap. I've had custom straps made when I couldn't find anything suitable, but it is not cheap. If I had an old strap that suited the watch, I certainly would try to restore it as well. I might be in the minority, but I say yes, go ahead and nickel plate this. If I thought it would be worth a fortune in the future, of course I would say leave it alone, but my guess is probably not.

[@bartrainer3916]

The clock is cool Vintage.

[@dsb1763]

Hell yeah, keep going! Great watch restoration and unbelievable work on the straps! 👍

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you for watching

[@Pehr81]

yes, replate! btw, that strap looks gorgeous!

[@michaelfonseka7657]

Good restore Mike,nice watch,great outcome❤😂🎉

[@pipodorologio1648]

nice one again Mike,....nickel plating and then a light brush with a scotch brite pad

[@stayingsane5213]

Looks great, amazing work on the strap too. I would vote against messing with the case. Although it would look great buffed and nickel plated, I don't think it would match the crystal and strap. Keep them coming

[@dre61986]

I honestly love the vintage look but I would love to see it fully restored

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you. Seems the majority what it plated?

[@NathanRBrown22]

I'm somewhat in the minority on this, but as close to as new would look fantastic, and especially with the effort to renew the bands and with the dial being so clean, the case should at least be touched up to match. Great job regardless, and thanks for taking us along this journey!

[@dodgydruid]

Lovely job as usual m8, def think a replate as those scratches and wear thru's to the brass do show a lot and it would do it justice to make it shine again inside and out :)

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

Wow ! Cool to back to life this absolutely special watch. Nice to work on this leather strap you did it well it’s a very good shinny finish ! Thank you to share this interesting special watch restoration ! ✨👌

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it! Strap was a bit of fun really. I think with different products I could make it a whole lot better.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

I've got a similar looking Secory. It runs but the date wheel is stuck. I still wear it occasionally though.

[@Fr4Gz36]

yes love it you have to do the chrome

[@neilwade9870]

Really cool watch, nice one 👍