How to find that hidden gem in a thrift shop or garage sale! Tips and tricks

[@garysalisbury8949]

I have picked up a few old mechanical watches at boot sales or off ebay. Some non-premium brands were still very nice, with good movements. In the UK, Rotary, Accurist, Sekonda etc were very popular. Those can be picked up now for very little, and with a clean up and a new strap can be very usable.

[@nomebear]

Your comments and observations have taught me a greater level of appreciation for horology. A friend passed away, and as I was packing his possessions, amongst them was a box of old watches. Had I not seen your channel, I might have tossed them. But, as it turns out, it was a collection of fine examples of American watch making. All were in good working order, some were solid gold cases, the mechanisms are stunning. Again, thank you.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

So sorry for your loss. All the best, Kalle

[@j1d7s]

I seldomly learned so much in 15 minutes, thanks! I feel better equipped for my first thrift store watch buy.

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

Good thrift shops and flea markets are quite rare here in Spain, LOL.

[@thomaslomanno8427]

As someone who has bought a few newer (far more expensive) watches, nothing brings me the same as the vintage watches I've found for $40.

[@dartagnan1954]

That’s exactly what we need More please ❤

[@simonclegg5301]

All good advice Kalle. I just cannot pass a thrift/charity shop without going in. It only takes 2 minutes to scan for bargains. You never know what might turn up. Cheers.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

So true!

[@SOPHIAFLYGIRL]

Recently purchased a large lot of movements in bulk, over 150 of them total. 76 were complete, just need service and 12 of them are running. Rest are missing parts or broken balance staffs. Benrus, Waltham, Bulova, an Omega Seamaster dial was in there. Paid $158.00 USD for everything. Now I have plenty of movements to practice on before Watchmaker School starts next year!

[@kevinbaker4907]

Nice one ! This is where the fun is ! A rummage, a wee gamble, a bit of time and love then the perfect strap and buckle...a watch born again ! And just maybe - a one of a kind - priceless. Keep your Rolex were they belong - up your arse !

[@martenmoore3429]

I found a couple walking through Tokyo on holidays 2 weeks ago. The sellers assessment was so cute! A lot of the older citizen an Seiko watches were labeled as “junk”😅 I bought an old citizen triple date

[@Antiqueexcavator]

I’ve been a reseller on eBay for 20+ years and get most of my inventory at estate and garage sales as well as auctions. My best watch finds were a real 1940’s Rolex Oyster and an authentic quartz Cartier tank. Each was in a box with a bunch of fake high end brands. I suspect the collector had acquired 2 real watches but when he passed the family thought all the watches were fakes so they threw them all into a bin and sold them as a lot.

[@WheelchairDave1031]

Ive just started my watch collection. I love that you said if you like it buy it and that it doesn't have to break the bank. Just after watching a few of your videos you are helping me build my confidence in what to look for and hopefully my new found interest will grow. Thank you for your videos.

[@archie1554]

I like this channel very informative

[@semirXLVII]

12:20 Careful Kalle, that's not a stainless steel watch, only the caseback ("fond") is. Have a nice day!

[@CharlesThompson-ou7wp]

Kalle, from the get go you have given the most important and honest advice in the vintage hunt! Thanks for your expert tutelage!

[@jeffreydheere4737]

I got a Seiko 7202 watch at a flea market recently. It seems to function but needs a full service. I've been nervous to take it apart and clean it up not having a good chart or video on reassembly.

[@miguelguerra6363]

And talking about watch movement's. In your opinion between movement's from Unitas , AS, FHF , Bifora, Certina which ones do you prefer?

[@p.a.4928]

Since 7 years spend in garages sales and second hand shops, I've buy : 7 Omega's from 1$ to 150$ (pocket watch to f300hz), a Universal Genève Compur for 3$, a Longines pocket watch for 60$, a lot of old Swiss and German watches brands (Mildia, Certina, Corum,...),... ... and all working ! I only paid few bucks in garages sales and maximum 150$ in second hand shops. If you search, you find !

[@dimzzywotblitz]

What do you think of old Soviet watches (50s--70s)? I started to collect old Pobedas and Raketas and they are very beautiful inside! Also Vostok/Volna 2809 is a relatively cheap way to own Zenith 135 and you can find these watches in exceptionally good shape. It would be nice to hear your thoughts in one of such videos. Thank you!

[@TheeJohnP]

I found a running Smiths Deluxe recently at a consignment mall that was only $10. Always fun when you run across a working quality watch for not a lot of money.

[@hrachiag]

Kalles wisdoms are so precious! I sadly could not take part on his course on short notice but I hope I will be able next time.

[@flymoracer]

Great content, useful tips Kalle, thank you. I’m a collector and trainee watch/clock maker. I’ve learned to avoid anything gold plated for the reasons you mentioned. I’m a sucker for a nice Swiss movement though, so I can’t resist a nice old watch with a beautiful movement hiding away behind that case back. The other thing I’m wary about is the state of the dial. Dials aren’t the easiest (or cheapest) things to restore, which is a pity. I know some people frown on a restored dial, but I have no problem with a dial that has been professionally restored to its original state, but it can often cost more than the watch to do.

[@manuelox1977]

I have a nivada f77 from the 70's tv, an eternal vision with a worn dial, and a mikado chronograph US movement tbd tenor barack dorley assembled by kelec very rare they all work wonderfully greetings

[@iandone5926]

Great advice here .. I found a strapless and crownless watch in an old tin .. in a loft while clearing my dads things after he passed .. and my sister talking of an Omega .. somewhere!!. But it was a Helvetia Britannia I had found... cracked "glass", broken stem .. a little shabby... with the help of videos and research, it is now running and my favourite watch .. for special occasions. Still not seen the Omega "Broad arrow" ... identification via my sisters un-prompted memory ... maybe one day.. the loft is still there and in the family Love your videos

[@problemwithauthority]

As I dig deeper into watchmaking, I have learned a lot from opening and reading what the inside of the watch can tell me. So far, I have one universal truth, everyday men's watches from the 40's and 50's will, at some point, have had some moisture ingress simply from men washing their hands. I have pretty good luck with older movements manufactured by {AS} A. Schild.

[@dawn8692]

Hi all. I'm new to the wonderful world of watchmaking / repair and have been watching and learning from your videos for about 6 mos now. I have learned so much and really appreciate all of them! I have found a Tourneau Automatic Certified 40953 that says," use 1200 wrench" on the back - I'm assuming its to open it because I cannot figure how to open it.🙄 I've tried googling/ researching what that might be but cannot find a definitive answer on it. Can you give me so insight to that? Thank you.

[@geoffdunstan8567]

Thanks for the helpful video Kalle. My first purchase (beginner's luck!) of watches was 4 for $10AU early this year. One was an early release Seiko Age Of Discovery, a couple of small issues fixed to get it working and it runs perfectly, it's my pride and joy! A recent purchase was 5 watches for $50AU, among them an early yellow dial Seiko "Pogue" (the Astronaut one), working condition :) Having a lot of fun, regards Geoff from Merimbula Australia.

[@orvillefindley8117]

I have a Cyma Cymaflex. I think it's 1950's ? It has a Tavanes 17 jewel movement. It's a great watch. 👍

[@richardkent2200]

Brilliant again in my Christmas stocking watchmaking tools-you have inspired me!

[@nielsvandenbranden7202]

I bought a novoris for 25 euro and fixed it and gave it to a friend (: I paid to mutch (cilinder escapement i think) but i like it

[@ElderPinto254]

super leuke video!! bedankt! Ik heb een eterna gevonden bij de kringloop 20 euro zo blij mee..

[@manuelcorreia6448]

Really useful information! Thanks for sharing Kalle!

[@boydsargeant7496]

Thanks Kalle, nice video for people getting into this great hobby!

[@nicksayajirao1730]

I’m just starting my watchmaking journey. I have the good fortune to be living in Turkey at the moment for work. Normally i live in Belgium. I’m buying watches online here for around 30-50 euro. Usually they’re Turkish brands but what’s s nice is that the movements are from good swiss houses like AS or Unitas or ETA. Also some defunct quality brands like Cortebert or Enicar are available here for good prices. So I’m able to build my skills up, and if i ruin one it’s no big deal. Just don’t waste your time and money in the bazaar in istanbul, and Turkey can be good for mechanical watch lovers.

[@user-zw8kd9eo9b]

The best ratio of movement beauty to the price I find in case of vintage ladies watches. Recent purchase: three-hand + date, 50 y.o. ladies Provita, running +6s/d for 12€.

[@derekgray3019]

Great advice and will certainly use it going forward. I purchased a couple from eBay the other month, one was an Emka gents dress watch, super thin (6.5mm), only cost me just over £7. It needs a new crystal, crown, service and case polish as there is very little wear on the gold plating. I would add couple of photos, but can’t see an option to add photos.

[@DimasFajar-ns4vb]

peace be upon you sir from java island indonesia

[@jem1282]

Mi primer y único vintage hasta el momento es un Technos bastante parecido al reloj que aparece en 11:45 del video. Aparte del precio fue muy importante que el reloj empezó a funcionar al momento y el tamaño, porque es relativamente grande. Lleva un movimiento as1130 y me gustaría mucho limpiarlo y lubricarlo... pero no me atrevo por el momento. Y también creo que es interesante contactar con relojeros de por aquí y ver sus tarifas. Por ahora todos más 120 €... A falta de lupa utilizé la cámara del teléfono. Podría haber mirado la marcha con alguna app pero me pareció excesivo por un reloj tan barato. De haber sido más caro quizá si habria estado bien mirarlo, aunque la app no sea demasiado precisa. Muy Buenos consejos, como suele ser habitual en todos los videos! Gracias!!

[@Vadym1406]

Lol)) I have the same 21 medals watch. It was my first crap from eBay

[@pgprentice]

I bought a gold Caravelle automatic for $.50c at a thrift store. It is rough but still running. Made in the 70's. Not of any great value but a solid watch for .50c. Cheers

[@adfpv1153]

Great advice Kalle thank you my friend. 😁👍

[@trololo_zhirnota]

Why do some watches say "T Swiss made T" "L Swiss made L" and some say just "Swiss made"?

[@CromoXtheConqueror]

Would love to hear you talk about French watches from the Besançon / Morteau area, their history, build quality, and putting them in context of a geography that is close to le Locle and la Chaux-de-Fonds And also the women bracelet watches with the tiny tiny movements :)

[@velviaman3206]

Look out for Besançon made Zenith watches . No Swiss made on the dial and the Zenith star is usually painted not applied. Factoty opened ~ 1923 .Movements made there cal.106,126, 120, 133.8,2511, 2531, 2522, 2532, 2541 and 2542. The serial numbers on the movements have six digits the not seven digits found on the Swiss made Zeniths. The French factory was most likely opened to avoid import tariffs

[@CromoXtheConqueror]

@@velviaman3206 thanks I had no idea!

[@velviaman3206]

I can recommend Zenith from the 1940s , 50s and 60. I have more than ten of them and not one had the horrible problems that Kalle shows us on Tuesday evening. Look out for cal. 71, 133.8 and 2552 all chronometer grade automatic movements with or without chronometer on the dial. If funds allow look out for a cal. 135 manual wind chronometer . As Kalle advised avoid gold plated and if from the 20s or 30s try to find one with an enamel dial because those with painted dials will likely be horrible . Always buy the ones with the best dials because that is what you look at.

[@manuelcorreia6448]

What do you think about a Zenith 40T movement?

[@velviaman3206]

@@manuelcorreia6448 I do not have a cal. 40T but I do have a 1957 Sporto with a cal. 40 which runs about +7s/d . The cal. 40T has a moveable stud carrier which allows the watchmaker to better adjust the beat error. The movement is nickel /rhodium plated instead of gold plated. There are chronometre versions with chronometre and a stylised forty on the dial, it looks like an open square 4 with a long vertical and a small zero in the bottom right corner. It is not a symbol for the observatory which did the chronometer test , this is a myth. These tend to be in a gold case and expensive. Both calibres have additional shock protection on the escapement and a double tail regulator. The correct crown at that time was a star with a Z inside. To sum up a good reliable and tough movement but be picky about the dial condition.

[@openclockclubarchive325]

Great idea for a vid and great vid.

[@StephanJPPL]

Excellent tips. Thanks 🎉

[@johndowning3211]

hello, great video ,did you go to the science museum in London last week ? i didn't see anything on your trip thanks from w london

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Unfortunately we didn’t had enough time to go to the science museum this time.

[@johndowning3211]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking i will look forward to meeting you there one day mabe on your next visit

[@GustoTheGamer]

Ik heb een automatische seiko gevonden uit 1975. Horloge lijkt op een Grand Seiko. Top horloge loopt maar 10 seconden per dag achter 6119 caliber . Dat voor 70 euro😂

[@arts.4014]

What's your best 'find'? (garage sale, boot sale, flea market, etc.)

[@steve1811uk]

Bought a Record ladies Cartier style tank watch , age approx 1980, from a charity shop for £5

[@MexicoBeachFloridaLiving]

Looks like my junk box. 😊

[@chrisl6985]

When I first started out hunting for vintage watches here in the US, I would often stumble across watches branded "Hormilton Electra." 🤣 Clearly, these were marketed in the 1950s/60s to fool customers into thinking they were getting a high quality Hamilton mechanical or Hamilton electric watch, when it just had a cheap pin lever movement inside.

[@tonzelle2720]

I got a LIP de Baschmakoff that way, it needs to be refurbished, can I come to your repair shop?

[@b_altmann]

Quite funny the inscription on the Francaise: it was never made in silver.- I bought a vintage Poljot once, it had a nice inscription on the back (Moscow 1968). However I then found it urgently needed a service as some m****n had sprayed the movement with WD40.

[@HagDerVriese]

Kalle, you are much to late with this video, i already have a huge pile of scrap in my collection, but its a funny journey so far though. I managed to become a proud owner of 7 automatic watches, 4 of them can be called Vintage, so it was totally worth it.😁 I like your videos a lot, not just for entertaining, but also for the entertaining.

[@taylormedia1000]

To plate or not to plate? 1984 Cartier Tank Vermeil with box and documents. Serviced exclusively by Cartier with a recent 5 year complete overhaul (my words, not thiers)

[@parcydwr]

My Sons and I are making a physical periodic table of the elements. I got a big bag of junk watches as one had a radium face for our 'Radium' sample. (no comments please about safety). I checked through the remaining 33 watches..... 32 Crap. 1 Meh

[@TonyNL87]

My G-shock GST B500D 1AER is a quality watch in the sense it's made to last and it's extremely accurate compared to cheap quartz watches. It's also made from stainless steel and not that stupid resin stuff other G-shocks are made from and it even has carbon. So it's a quality watch... but with phillips head screws. Just not on the same level as those luxury brands. I think you meant to say you will hardly find phillips screws in a luxury watch.😅

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Latest watch, a €2,- Lidl/Aldi Auriol IAN 337510_2001 HG06651D... It runs on time, Put it on a NATO... From the Kringloop shop :)

[@RoderikvanReekum]

There are so much less known Swiss made vintage watches for sale, for a good price.

[@user-zw8kd9eo9b]

And also German or French brands using quality Swiss movements (eg. Provita, Arctos, Rogau)

[@Joe-cp5ud]

Buy the one that looks like a stop sign

[@dale4034]

I've purchased watches in lots of places, garage sales, estate sales, junkteec shops, coin shops and jewelers. If it's mechanical I buy all they will sell me at reasonable (my idea of reasonable) prices. Most quartz watches I've paid 50 cents to $2 (I'm not a fan of quartz watches).

[@srenjrgensen4512]

Getting new parts for an old watch can be hard. Better to buy time only watches

[@Stanjara]

Hold up, wait a minute... that Delbana is Fond Acier Inoxydable ... that means stainless steal back. It's a quality watch worth to nickel plate again... but... it's not stainless steal watch, or all stainless steal. Also, nickel plating has a more of that flat shine than a regular steal... it's almost too shiny for it's own good.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

You are right about the case, but is has a lovely movement inside.

[@Stanjara]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking Yes, Delbana, Eterna, Anker, Roamer, Darwil, Cortebert, Marvin have all fantastic beautiful movements

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

If it looks crepe, it is probably a French pancake :)

[@marekmhj9349]

I have a WYLER watch, maybe you can tell me more about this brand and the type of shock resistant used in this brand of watches

[@Tiocacike]

I have a friend has found a real Rolex 1002 for 40€, IS the find of his life, the seller said It whas a copy, but we have verified its real one...

[@richardkent2200]

Can’t afford a fat Bertha yet!

[@mohammednajibbenkacem5947]

How to send you a watch photo in ordre to know IS trie or false???

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Please please please don’t 🙏