Rusted Rolex Resurrected from Ruin

This rusted 1978 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref 1603 is in dire need of repairs. Inside the watch is the 1570 caliber 26 jewel movement, which features automatic winding and a date complication. The watch has much sentimental value to its owner, Octavio. It was gifted to him by a family frield who was WWII bomber pilot and who employed his father for 30+ years.
I knew there was going to be some water damage since the watch had been missing it's crown for quite some time. To be honest, it was in awful condition and I had my doubts whether it would ever run again.
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:
Micrometer: amzn.to/3vPPuUy
Micrometer Stand: amzn.to/3vPPuUy
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
Bench Buffer Polisher: amzn.to/3OlcW2E
Otto Frei Tools and Parts:
www.ofrei.com/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Disassembly
14:05 Balance Staff Replacement
18:56 Building a Frog Polisher
21:54 Screw Head Polishing
23:22 Pinion and Pivot Restoration
25:25 Cleaning Sequence and New Parts
27:42 Begin Assembly
39:34 Balance Installation
40:29 Initial Timegrapher Readings
41:44 Light Case Work
45:45 Casing the Movement
46:50 Rotor Axle Replacement
49:04 Final Assembly And Microstella
--

[@octaviobarajas3980]

Thank you so much! It’s the only watch I’ve been wearing since I got it back! Thanks Chris!❤

[@erickm6134]

Wear it in good health🙏🏻👍

[@dsell993]

This video deserves a beer! I really enjoy not only how well you document these challenging restorations but how you also inject your unique brand of humor to make them fun! This is exactly what the amateur watch restoration hobby should be about - taking on projects that aren't worth a professional watchmaker's time, giving them new life and having fun along the way! Cheers! 🍻

[@csspinner]

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate this. Glad you enjoyed it

[@IShootWatches]

I have owned my dad's 1603 since I was 12 (when he died) and it's my most precious watch. I've only ever had it serviced by Rolex and it's in good shape but I'd never open it myself. Bravo to you for taking this one on, particularly with the difficulty of getting parts for it!

[@sdcoinshooter]

Such an awesome story about your dads (your) Rolex. I wish you many happy and healthy years wearing it.

[@andyoverall1951]

You did an amazing job with that watch! I'm sure that there are plenty of watch repairers that would not have touched it.

[@captaincef]

Love the smiley face in the cleaned parts layout. Awesome work!

[@jdmccorful]

The whole repair was very interesting. Rolex should take a look at this video and improve your status so you can get non bogus parts supply. Thanks for your time and effort.

[@traviswalker8933]

Rolex also doesn't supply parts to other watch repair channels on YT.

[@richardbell466]

Rolex should thank it's lucky stars for watchmakers like Chris.

[@ehun]

I think you executed a perfect balance between parts restoration and replacement. I have seen videos of others trying to restore parts only to have the watch returned with problems. I really enjoyed this restoration video!

[@ashhavan4345]

That was an incredible project of restoration that you undertook Chris. In the beginning of the video, my heart sank at each exploratory turn of the screwdriver and as you kept removing parts that looked like they were rescued from the Titanic. The mainspring barrel was so bad that I almost had a coronary infarction when it exploded as you were opening it . And to watch the entire video to arrive with bated breath for the piece-de-resistance! The moment when the balance sprang to life. You woke it up from certain death, and that watch owes it life to you. I dub thee Maestro Chris Spinner. Truly a special treat.

[@vatazhka]

Hats off to your skills and dedication! You managed to salvage a better part of a watch to an exceptionally good overall result. I think that it's very important for the owner and that such kind of service couldn't have been provided by professional watchmakers.

[@marymanchester8629]

Just a few lines to let you know how much I love watching you take something in such bad condition and bringing it back to life. You are amazing. I also appreciate your explanation of what you’re doing, your voice has a calming effect so thank you. Will continue to watch your videos!

[@uqox]

This was an amazing video. I enjoyed so many parts of it, but watching you make a tool to polish screws was the stand-out moment for me. This really was a fantastic restoration, given all that rust damage. You did an outstanding job, given the parameters of the service. There is real sentimental value in keeping a timepiece 90% whole, and he has this video as part of the watch history. Great video!

[@fieldie]

Can i just say, what an absolutely amazing music choice for this video!

[@light1531]

And the frogs 😂

[@fieldie]

@@light1531 Frogs?

[@light1531]

@@fieldie He says the frogs are in the background and I can hear them! They add their own music.

[@georgeknight636]

A lot of work went into this restoration . You did a great job . Best wishes from scotland.

[@waerokinghuang8603]

i think most watch repairers refuse this restoration job ,even R. service center .......'cause R. service center : " You better buy a new one, but not the same model " Besides a great watchmaker you are also an artist 👍👍

[@DennisFutball2396]

You sir are doing gods work. Doubt even 1 in 69 watchmakers would’ve even tried

[@briancarpenter1255]

Fantastic video. You really should have more subscribers because your repair videos are that good. I am glad the owner is able to enjoy this watch for years to come. Keep up the great job Chris and looking forward to the next video.

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

Amazing restoration! You cracked me up with that sweating scene! 😂

[@csspinner]

😁

[@frankthomas855]

The frogs and thunderstorms. Oh yeah, all the watch restoration too... Amazing work!

[@Silke8611]

Amazing. Thank you for allowing us to tag along for the ride!

[@christopherhankin6158]

With great patience and skill you have saved another time piece did anyone else spot the smiley face in the parts lay out 😀

[@deadstartcrashkit]

So my father bought his dad pretty much the same watch in the 60's. Around servicing time my grandfather found out how much it would cost to get it serviced and instead had a local guy in southwestern Louisiana service it. The service was done badly and seawater found it's way into the watch destroying it. My father was upset and took the watch from my grandfather and kept it in our kitchen for years. Fast forward almost 20 years. I had moved to nyc and figured I would secretly have an estimate done for repair. I took it to Aaron Faber, which is across 5th ave from Rolex's HQ. The staff didn't think it was possible but their watchmaker said they would do it. I was always curious as to what the watchmaker saw when they removed the case back. Thanks for doing this video. It gave me the glimpse I needed.

[@ronl7131]

Patience is a virtue with a project like this….great restoration

[@jatco84]

What a fabulous restortion of a classic Rolex piece. Love your reworking of the balance and fork.. and bringing it all together. Gre job, imo....

[@55ATA3]

You did a very nice job on that one, thank you for taking the time to video it for us see..

[@wolfgangbarreto1833]

It is always uplifting to see a master of his craft at work and you are one. Great video on a great job.

[@boydsargeant7496]

I love a project like this! You did a fantastic job Chris, I couldn’t believe the finish of the movement afterwards. I particularly liked how stuck you were for a while getting the movement out!

[@stevenstewart3414]

What an incredible repair! This watch looked like a goner and you brought it back to beauty and accurate functioning!

[@anakinskywalker9752]

Video recommended since I was watching some dj reviews, but stayed all the way, that says a lot about the quality of the video.

[@csspinner]

@@anakinskywalker9752 thanks! I appreciate that 🙏

[@mekanik164]

Loved the entire process and the way you documented it. Favorite part was the Shawshank Redemption insert....Nice!

[@josephgiannantonio6275]

Well done, excellent work. That movement was in ruff shape. The result is a testimony to the quality of Rolex and there abilitie to be reborn after being in such bad shape. I have a 41mm datejust I bought in 2022 that I plan on passing down for many generations to come.

[@markgardiner5150]

Chris, you have again shown your talents which are impressive. This is the reason I talked to you about my watch, (I still have not decided yet). I was a maintenance machinist where I learned to kind of McGiver many tasks. It is so good to see your approach to repairs. Again great work!

[@marktime9531]

Love watching these videos. Chris repaired my family heirloom 1955 Tag Heuer A&F watch flawlessly and it's now running like new. Can't wait to get the excuse to send another one when I can.

[@coolnessfactor1]

You're one of the most underrated watch channels who does acutal watchmaking. Totally didn't binge watch most of your videos... Yes.

[@armandofrancin3518]

Le voy a ser sincero, me he quedado sin palabras, es uno de los mejores videos de restauración que he visto.

[@rickkirby6856]

I've seen all the watch restorer's videos, and I must say... I like your blend of info and comedy. The parts delivery was too funny! New fan here!

[@LD-eu9gd]

Expertly restored. Very enjoyable to watch. Pun intended.

[@keithbednar6814]

Chris, your work gets more amazing all the time. Really enjoyed watching the process of restoration of that fine watch. You ROCK

[@federicoprice2687]

Absolutely fascinating - what an epic restoration! From eeeoww to woweee in a flash of evaporust and an amazing amount of skill! Brilliant, yet again!! ❤

[@Joerilla369]

what a journey ! thanks for taking us along!

[@charlesw.2218]

This was an awesome transformation, as the watch in its original condition looked like it did not stand a chance. Also, it looks like a smart and efficient use of new parts to make this restoration as cost-effective as possible. My favorite part of the video was the surprise when you replaced the main spring.

[@ericfg806]

+1 for not over-polishing the case. The scratches that occur from use and wear are part of the item's history and don't need to be removed, completely, during a restoration. IMHO.

[@mikebruegger8654]

Beautifully done my friend. You are a great asset to any old watch and far from any hack! 😊

[@brucebarlow6604]

All puns aside it was great to see the angry beaver claws out again and what a fine restoration and result Chris. Regards from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

Great video, not and easy start but you surely save this watch life !! Thanks for sharing this one is a very interesting restoration ! Best Regards ! Alain

[@vascovisser]

Great work! Good thinking with that full face helmet. Safety first!

[@zekel787]

Finally finished the video. Someone had alot of fun editing this video. It was great fun to watch

[@michaelkeats1313]

A great enjoyable video with the right amount of humour. Fascinating to watch ,please keep your format exactly like this. Thanks for taking the time to record and edit the videos.

[@davedawber527]

Outstanding Chris. A great way to spend an hour.

[@xmarcovinzx]

The Shawshank Redemption scene murdered me. I'm still in tears 😂

[@Mtlmshr]

I’m very impressed with your ability to clean all those parts so well! I have seen others who have done similar cleaning attempts and they did not have close to the same results! Well done!

[@dh4521]

Fantastic! It's amazing that you only class yourself as a hobbyist, your skills are extraordinary and your investment in tooling is remarkable. Great to see such a thorough revival in great detail. 🍻

[@mikaelhedqvist3876]

You are The Man of watchrestorations🤘👌

[@tomcat561]

I hadn't laughed this hard over a watch service ever. What a great job and just awesome video. The funny bits really did it for me.

[@bruceneal4173]

Beautiful time piece. Excellent repair. Well done ,Sir!

[@rondickson1491]

What a great job restoring a beauty back to operation. Best wishes from Virginia.

[@edhavrilla2312]

Really nice work. Your channel is my favorite channel for watch repair!

[@awdturbopowah773]

Unbelievable how talented you are! And not only that, but your skills just keep improving, and not just with watchmaking - the edits in this one were fantastic! 😂 Thank you for bringing us along on another incredible restoration! Cheers 🍻

[@luispaz6908]

Incredible work. Great attention to details and reasoning. Thank you for the explanation and amazing takes. Great job !!!! 😍

[@MD.KALAMSIKDER-p9s]

MaMaCoo You are so well-informed about luxury watches. You've obviously done your due diligence and the comparison to the US is very informative...because of course, I live in New York. thank you very much

[@andrewmurton8379]

Beautiful restoration of the whole watch, a lot of water damage caused carnage inside that the quality of your work reversed and made new. Great video.

[@rweeks8879]

As i watched this video, i kept wondering how you would get thru this. As usual, you did not disappoint.

[@davidatkisson6141]

my favorite part was the sweat on your noggin while opening the main springs case. LOLOL

[@johnarizona3820]

Beautiful work!

[@larrykelly2838]

Wow, that was a rust bucket, but it turned out great due to someone's expertise.

[@krugerdave]

Great video! I like the mixture of live commentary and voiceover 👍 I'm impressed with your perseverance; any other situation than intense emotional attachment and this is what I'd call a donor movement!

[@25RAD]

It was indeed ebjoyable. Love the frogs singing!

[@gcarlson622]

What a incredible transformation! Hopefully Octavio takes better care of it now.

[@johnny6171]

"Game of operation!" Great humor!

[@MichaelWillems]

When I can’t sleep at 4am, this was exactly what I needed. Superb restoration!

[@Gopalawatches]

Great restoration and amazing job! Thanks for the video

[@Mtlmshr]

Ingenious way to remove the stem! A little bit of knowledge goes a long way!!!

[@scottsmall9898]

This time of year there is a storm every afternoon here in South Carolina. But it's over quick and back to being a sauna. Great work on the watch, turned out much better than I thought was possible and saved a lot of money by saving some of the parts.

[@jlr8356]

I have enjoyed seeing specialized tools you used. Im starting to service my own Seiko,Omega,citizen and Orient watches as a hobby, since is Hard to find a good watch repair here in my country (Gdl,mex). At this time I only have a few bergeon tools. (Hands pusher, screw drivers,back case remover). 😊

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

Awesome work !

[@Michaeld-jk4kv]

That is an amazing restoration! Great job!

[@1611bimotayb6]

I enjoyed watching this clip very much. Interesting und informative. Just the right amount of talk and explanation. What a fantastic recovery of that rusty watch. I am looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@jasonmaccoul]

Hi C! (Bad pun) 😂. Loved the editing and comedy. Shawshank was a nice touch. I think you’ve transitioned beyond hobby as you’re more professional than most watch repair professionals.

[@csspinner]

Thank you so much 😁

[@richardraby6266]

Loved the bit where you make the tool clamp for resurfacing the (automatic mounting?) screw heads.

[@4Truth4All]

Nice job Chris! You continue to be an inspiration!

[@richardwong1108]

Enjoyed watching the nice restoration.!

[@saada.izeddin7712]

You are an amazing watch saver and I just started following you, I will go back to your video's history and enjoy it. Thank you from Iraq.

[@nomadhawg]

I was thinking during most of the video that I was going to subscribe to the channel, but the bad puns during the assembly of the automatic winding works made me pause the video to comment and subscribe. Thank you sir.

[@fepatton]

What a mess - and what a heroic job resurrecting it! Agree with you about Otto Frei - they're local to me and I've been using them for years. I highly recommend them. I still need to get one of those bezel removers. 🙂

[@Optiksnut]

Nice to see restoration is done in a sympathetic manner. I think I will stick with optical restoration (microscopes, telescopes & binoculars) as watches just look a bit on the difficult size (although I have done old clocks!). Thoroughly enjoy your videos.

[@NetdiegoN]

Crazy work and amazing results! Enjoyed all parts of the video!

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you so much for sharing this brilliant and beautiful video with the watch-loving community on KZbin: 👍👏👌❤! And seeing how many tools, techniques and skills you have, you should drop the "amateur" in the description of yourself as a watchmaker. Let us say semi-professional 😊.

[@tonyaxeman4381]

You are making this a lot of fun . This is something I would not try .

[@xanthaz7399]

Awesome video! The more wrecked the movement the more I enjoy it! I have been watching your older videos and have noticed a significant improvement in camera work, editing, and your confidence! Keep it up! FYI, "family frield who was WWII bomber pilot" in the description above has a typo. Thanks!

[@csspinner]

Thanks for the call out! I’ll fix that

[@nickhull83]

incredible resto!

[@JoshHefnerX]

Fantastic recovery, as crusty looking as it was it came out fantastic!

[@art1muz13]

20:05 ''clickspring'' ain't got nothing on you! Great video!

[@markehuss]

Another nice video - I've never seen an oscillating weight axle/staff replaced before. :)

[@terrypack7537]

Great video, very relaxing to watch and listen. Thanks 🙏

[@timothyodonnell8591]

My favorite part was the smiley face in the clean parts review.

[@fortza11]

Cool, you don´t see that everyday on YT, a big thanks!!

[@alltruetv]

great video - and congrats on your milling machine!

[@coryunlisted-2]

That spring flying. I’m dying 😂

[@Evergreen64]

Rust takes no prisoners. Honestly though. I've never been a fan of Rolex's business practices. I've always considered them the "De Beers" of the watch industry.

[@csspinner]

It’s a bummer for sure. Swatch group is the same way. They are shutting out independent watchmakers all over and the courts have seemed to rule in favor of Rolex/Swatch

[@da___man]

Lol. I chuckled when you had that little video outtake about obtaining watch parts. From eBay to cousinsUK, et al. I’ve been there. Then there’s the wait. Especially if it gets stuck in customs for no good reason.

[@csspinner]

It’s like Christmas morning when they all finally show up !

[@brendancunningham1182]

Amazing work CS.