Restoration of a Waltham Vanguard Railroad Grade Pocket Watch - Family Heirloom

[@HelloAlysha]

Thank you so much for fixing my grandfather’s watch. Not only did it mean a lot to my dad, it means a lot to the grandchildren and great grandchildren who have a tangible memory of our grandpa. That watch was handed down from my great grandpa Bill to grandpa Raye when he joined the railroad. It has now been a part of our family for 5 generations. We are so grateful for your skill and talent, as our grandpa would be to. Watchmakers and watchsmith’s are a lost art. Thank you.

[@csspinner]

My pleasure! It’s an honor to be entrusted with the repair of a beautiful timepiece. Knowing how special it is to your family makes it even more meaningful to me.

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

This is awesome !!!! Great job Chris !!!!!!

[@derekmacieski3992]

The making of the stem was truly impressive.

[@tiger_bread4]

Watched to the end and I found it funny how I was able to see your face in the reflection on the crown and ratchet wheel

[@mountainhobo]

At 3:00 am, it is therapeutic to watch you work.

[@Mr.O2183]

This is one of my favorite channels to watch and these videos are very calming to watch as well as being very entertaining!!

[@nolantaylor1760]

I too watched to the end. I am delighted by the "Gold" etching in the bridges, which is really pretty and tells of the quality. There is a certain elegance with the enumeration of the faces that use the "Dido" style font. Beautiful restoration and lathe work. Thanks for sharing.

[@WatchWiseUS]

God, I love lathes. My favorite tool in shop class. Now I'm learning watchmaking and can't wait to get to this stage.

[@briancarpenter1255]

I can watch these videos over and over again. I really enjoy the narration as the work is being performed. Thanks Chris!

[@55ATA3]

Enjoyed the video, hope to see more soon. The older watches are some of the best to watch, they put so much work in to parts that most people never get to see..

[@raymondwilcoxjr.340]

I do enjoy watching you rebuild the watches and pocket watches

[@j10948]

Awesome restoration work. Bring back to life this beautiful PW

[@todds2248]

Great work on an amazing watch. I never would have thought about a threaded arbor and jeweled barrel! Turning that stem was masterful.

[@vickiefowler1429]

I stayed to the very end... for the history and because I love Waltham watches. Turning that new stem was mighty impressive. Pretty fiddly stuff there. The final result was beautiful... nicely done!

[@jakekaywell5972]

American pocket watches are by far the best way to get the best finished movements possible for the least amount of cash outlay. Some of these pieces, such as the subject Waltham, could challenge the best of the Swiss watch industry both back then and nowadays. Lovely example here made all the more charming by the personal story behind it. Excellent work as always and can't wait to see the next one!

[@fiskeflax4894]

Fantastic video of a fantastic watch I have a watch that belonged to my great grandmother, she past away in 1943. She was a very special woman who made a living under harsh circumstances, there has been a book written about her life. My father, who is a journeyman joiner, made a case of oak looking like a miniture floor clock for this watch. He did it while my mother was pregnant with me, but he didnt quite finish so I had to finish it myself when I was grown up. It stands on the mantelpiece of our 220 years old summerhouse. The watch works a while and then stops I think it only needs cleaning and oiling. But our local watchmaker wont do it, as he says it isnt worth it. I think it would be worth it, even though it probably is a simple watch. I watch theese videos to learn how to do it myself, and one day I will, thank you for the teaching!

[@jackknack4263]

Excellent video!!! Bravo! What a beautiful watch and a beautiful story too.

[@williamgunter6801]

You guys who can work micro like this are awesome!😯😊

[@deanbrown4083]

Another very informative and entertaining video! I'm 73 and have several vintage and RR grade pocket watches. Watching you has inspired me to gather a few tools and supplies to try cleaning and lubricating a few that few of the lesser watches to try and develop a little skill. Thank you and yes, keep the videos coming. This was my first viewing of a jeweled motor barrel. Thanks ahain.

[@고구-h8x]

This is really good. I hope that the parts of pocket watches will be available forever for such services.

[@jakekaywell5972]

I mean, not forever. Eventually the original parts supplies will dry up, either used in projects like this or simply lost to the sands of time. Hopefully by then we'll have the technology to easily make such unobtainium parts fairly easily and cheaply.

[@deanbrown4083]

Watched to the end, really enjoyed. The Vangard is a beautiful watch. If my hands did not tremble at times I would live to work on pocket watches. Have a collection of 40+ pocket watches, railroad grade, hunter case watches and standard open face. I had an older watchmaker that did my work. Unfortunately he passed away.

[@RandyBarlow-fn8lo]

Thank you for the video. I fix watches as a hobby myself, and I just bought a Waltham 645. I found a lot of your tips like the denture cleaner really helpful.

[@skybpak4242]

As with all of your videos, I watched it to the end. Brilliant work on the crown stem.

[@bmen6401]

Great video, thanks. A family heirloom, wonderfully restored.

[@maestromecanico597]

That was immensely satisfying. And I'm not just saying that because I'm a retired railroader who collects railroad watches.

[@slim2429]

Wow those traces are solid. Running incredibly well for how old it is

[@carlrees5574]

Hi Chris, What a fantastic restoration, your ability to source parts like specific sized jewels is amazing. the TG readings are a testament of good inspection, cleaning and not skimping on procedure....amazing results!!

[@oysterjohn5669]

This is very interesting to me as a lifelong industrial maintenance person. Such fine and precision fitted pieces and craftsmanship, and the art that is etched and cut into the case and movement is amazing. Thanks for the videos. You truly have a passion for your craft.

[@samnova450]

Love pocket watches and trains. 😁

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Remarkable piece of family history. Well done!

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

I have watched a great many hours of watchmaking and your photography. Voice over and skills are second to none. Well done indeed. Sir.

[@fredschroyer584]

Beautiful work with a beautiful story. I continue to marvel at the craftsmanship in these timepieces and your abilty to restore them like new.

[@MikeKostecky]

You did a superb job on that watch!! Any railroader would be proud to call that his own!! Well done and please DO keep the restoration videos coming!!!

[@jefframsey5863]

Thank you for posting this video, I have a Waltham Vanguard Model 1908 made in 1942 and so this video was really enjoyable to watch.

[@TamaraWiens]

Thank you for the close-up of the bow-driven lathe - I've seen you use it on so many videos, but without the close shot I never knew how it actually worked. I love watching your videos with the sound off, they are great visual ASMR for me.

[@petelarsen721]

It was nice to see the same watch cleaning machine in use that I inherited from my dad had when he was repairing watches. Thank you

[@jlr8356]

Awsome restoration for such a piece of history.

[@erwinb3412]

These Waltham watches are not so simply contructed , but have some nice complexity . I did not know they are higher end .

[@durstondarden8765]

I was enjoying the video, and didn't want to stop it.. how far away every word in all your videos that I've watched. I think they're great - very informative.. I want to add something else to this comment.. I thoroughly enjoy your entertaining and informative content. Very well done!

[@davechandler6884]

Nice watch, enjoyed the commentary, it`s nice to know what is going on as you work, something some others don`t understand.

[@Ketrons_Radio_Service]

Very impressive! Thank you for making detailed service videos! A great learning tool for all of us. Your restorations are great, and you spare no detail. I have watched them in full length. You do a great and amazing job sir, thank you for sharing your trade!

[@sandrodunatov485]

this cleaned-up beautifully. Thanks for sharing. I missed your soothing background music.

[@Cleveland.Ironman]

I am not sure which looks more magnificent the watch or your tools.😊

[@timd5758]

My favorite watch. Excellent restoration!! I always enjoy your videos and appreciate your skills!

[@bonorolo]

Great work. Very well done, especially to make the new stem on the leathe by handtool.

[@jatco84]

A fantastic restoration on a beautiful movement. love the lathe.. Very cool and efficient and delicate at the same time to remove the scorring. Then, doing your own stem by hand...Just facinating work in my opinion..!!

[@arts.4014]

Really enjoy your pocket watch restorations!

[@cartoonfan925]

I love what you do and am in awe of some of the skills you demonstrate. This video will be watch again and again by me as I have just taken up the hobby and dismantled an old, non-running fob watch just like this. I need to know how to put it together again.

[@fluer6049]

First time watching. This is incredibly fascinating and satisfying to watch. I stuck through until I fast-forwarded the last few parts put in before you got to the case, but I've always been a tad impatient🙈 I got a giggle from being able to see your tiny face reflecting back at me on the various dials!😅 Keep up your great work!

[@larrykelly2838]

Wow, I really enjoyed this video. Great work on a beautiful watch. I'll be sending my 2nd Hamilton Railroad watch in as soon as I get your approval after you see the pictures. Great work.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

Wonderful to see this. My Great Uncle was an Engineer with the T&P until '35. I have is original Dollar Turnip he bought when he first marked up, and a similar Waltham he used until he died in service. Also a Company Jeweler's card. Wonderful experience to watch you.

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

Chris - great restoration as always. Pivots look amazing after burnishing and the lathe work is always a treat to watch. Thanks!

[@tonyvancampen-noaafederal2640]

Thanks for letting me know about Whites. I need a crystal for a 6/0 hunter case.

[@amme30]

Gorgeous restoration

[@suzisaintjames]

As always, beautiful job. Thank you for polishing the case. It's just the right amount. Not too shiny. Not too dull. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@williamrosenthal8144]

Beautiful work!

[@itsnishantk]

This is just so relaxing to watch with addition of all the knowledge you provide during the process. Great work 🎉

[@lechmiszkiewicz6778]

Always pleasure to watch your work and listen to narrative. Well done mate!

[@FrederikArntzenNeergaard]

Amazing job - and really educative for newbies into watch-dabbling like myself. Thanks for keeping a craft alive and passing it on like this. Even if I will never be a real watchmaker, you inspire me to press on and learn more!

[@mercuriall2810]

I did watch this video through to the end. Great work, Chris! I’ve also listened to your participation in JD’s watch chats. Oiling and choice of oils is certainly a controversial topic, with many conflicting or contrasting opinions put forth by many experienced watchmakers. Your choice of lubricants here is fine, but in my opinion could be improved if you do already have the relevant products to hand. Most of my suggestions are from the BHI pdf on watch lubrication (free online, just search if you haven’t already got it) and are the practices that I follow myself. On a movement this size and beat rate, 9020 would be my choice where you used 9010. 9010 will suffice if you don’t have 9020. For all lever escapement watches, and cylinders too for that matter) I now use Moebius 9415 for the pallet stones. When 9415 was introduced it was initially recommended for high beat movements, it’s thixotropic properties helping to keep it in place. Real world use showed 9415 to also be excellent on slower beat movements, an improvement on 941. It is now recommended for use on all lever escapements, regardless of beat rate. 941 will still work on watches like this Waltham, and are adequate. Once you’ve used up your 941, I suggest you only keep 9415 in stock. Keep up the great work, Mark

[@Genxdavidsmith]

Great restoration! It was a joy to watch.

[@susanmatteson7421]

Splendid job. A truly beautiful watch.

[@robbie6666666]

I own a mid 40's vanguard which was used on the railroad on Vancouver Island B.C. Canada.... It's a 16s I wish mine was as nice as this one.... good work

[@jonrutherford6852]

It's a pleasure to see tangible evidence of advanced technology such as in the indispensable railroad watches that needed to be accurate to within a very few seconds to help prevent catastrophic collisions (which were another result of advanced technology!). We may think today's electronic technology is wonderful, and it is remarkable: but what was achieved by mechanical means before the age of universal electrification is, if anything, even more impressive. It's no wonder that mechanical watches are enjoying a revival of popularity.

[@csnelling4]

First class work, video and lnfomation👍😊and there wasn’t mention of patina once , great!!!😊

[@michaelkeats1313]

Thank you for another excellent video, you are a very skilled watch repairman and fascinating to watch. The watch looks beautiful.

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you for another excellent video on the expert restoration of a most beautiful watch: 👍👌👏!

[@hampdentime]

Nice movement, Great work on that stem. One step that I have been doing lately is when replacing a staff is now I set the balance wheel less the roller table and HS in the movement. This is less all the wheels, then check for freedom and endshake. Saves time if I do it then before the roller table and hair spring plus I can really see around the balance without the bridge plate in place. Keep up the good work!

[@brucebarlow6604]

Great work as always Chris. As said before you will be busy bringing back to life these wonderful pieces. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@mccaine1]

Beautiful outcome! Well done.

[@WatchWithMike]

Wow, I learned a bunch! Beautiful job all around, and I especially appreciate the closeup angles of the Jacot tool and lathe in action. I can only imagine how happy the owner of this timepiece must feel! 😁

[@The1951skylark]

Excellent video ...Thanks very much!

[@A.J.pocketwatchshop]

Very nice job! Quality watches are a pleasure to service.

[@jason4109]

I have the same watch and love it. It is my daily watch and keeps time great mine is from 1900

[@vntg649]

Masterful work on a masterpiece. Great video and audio!

[@Sestorema]

Make a new stem like the original one, was amazing. A great watch, a great job👍 Well done 👍👍👍🙂

[@jozsefizsak]

I've seen a lot of watch videos and this one is outstanding!

[@sabatinobartolini8549]

Lavoro superlativo! Praticamente tornato nuovo ed anche meglio Si vede che ami il tuo lavoro a differenza di molti altri Serenità

[@karenadams1889]

I've enjoyed watching you repair this watch. It looks exactly like one I found among old family heirlooms. My watch is very worn, but it works. It was so surprising! To think someone in my family line used to wear it & heard the same lovely ticktock as we did, who knows how many years ago! I found another watch that my parents kept in a little display dome case. It seems more intricate than the one like you repaired here. While it appears to be in good condition, it does not work. I would like to contact you about these watches. Your craftsmanship is evident by your results. Thanks for sharing this!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Karen! My contact info is in the description if you’d like to reach out.

[@4Truth4All]

Nice work Chris! Always a joy to observe your process.

[@samharper4289]

Great watch to restore and you did a beautiful job as always! 😊

[@alanpreston3111]

Wow , what a great piece of work !! Your attention to detail is amazing, best restoration I have seen for a while .. thankyou 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@johnfox4691]

Great. Like the lathe work on the stem. Thanks.

[@mlsproject]

And I have screwdriver and oiler envy. Nice work!

[@emb9305]

Awesome job, I’ve been into watchmaking as a hobby for the last 5 years. I was a hobbyist luthier for 14 years before that. I became very sensitive to saw dust and decided I needed to trade in my luthier tools for horology tools. I’ve taken some classes online. You always end with the statement, “I hope you learned something,” I sure do every time. Especially knowing the challenge some of these time pieces pose. Cheers and continue what you do! You have a faithful subscriber.

[@thomasgabriel2213]

Another amazing video! And what a beautiful watch to have been able to restore.

[@CaptainJerry-]

Great video. I just found the same watch at a thrift store, $3.50. It will need a new balance staff and crystal.

[@georgeofthejungle8341]

Thanks for so good watchservice lesson and superb video quality. I enjoyed a lot..

[@GuyMonroeVoice]

🎉 Absolutelutly inspiring and education. Your precision, eye for detail and mastery is greatly appreciated! Much Gratitude! - Guy 😊😊😊❤

[@Gnomenutz]

Never in my life would I believe that I could repair a pocket watch, but I couldn't pull myself away from the craftsmanship that you put into each watch that you work on. Amazing job and a subscriber for life. I have to see what the next job will entail.

[@avianfish8732]

Nice job. I have never done a vanguard. I heard a lot about the jewelled barrel. Never seem one in real life,

[@AR-jq1hs]

Wow, it is very impressive to see a true Craftsman performing at such a small scale. That timepiece is a work of art and engineering. Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful video!

[@marka.schlueter9918]

Awesome. Love the look of this restoration. Great job

[@jamesoliver3624]

I have a silver one same condition except complete stem. In my dads stuff when he passed dont know about it had it about 30 years very intricate watch thanks for showing

[@MichaelB-qx1eh]

Heck yes you earned the like. Bluing only to turn around and then unbluing the new stem was rad.

[@markehuss]

I like how you made the stem-making seem simple, when I know you put some serious time into it. :)

[@leedale4008]

I stuck with you and it was a pleasure,keep the good work up.

[@patrickspencer4360]

I have also restored a Vanguard up/down wind indicator. I have been very surprised to see how much rust are in these watches. I ended up buying a second Vanguard and taking the best screws from it for my watch. I also polished each screw to restore the shine. I am still working through it but the beauty is stunning. I did really screw up by polishing the plates. Yea I took off some of the finish. This is my watch so until I die no one will know. I purchased it from ebay and the seller was a thief and sent it incomplete but dolled up enough to look great. All the up/down gearing was gone, the spring barrel was severely damaged and the balance was replaced. The serial number did not match so the balance spring has to be vibrated. That is very time consuming work. I am almost there, installing the balance spring to the post has been a challenge but I have been able to install it. I did make a tool to hole the balance spring post. It's been fun but I am almost done.

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

Fantastic Work !!! and I watched to the end !!! those extra dial washers were an interesting thing to keep.

[@fahd6008]

Woow, très intéressant, desassemblement et rassemblement sont magnifiques, le changement des rubis est fantastique, la cerise sur le gâteau est sans doute la fabrication de la tige du remontoir, vraiment agréable de regarder ta vidéo pleine de nouveauté, bravo pour ton savoir faire, on attend d'autres vidéos avec impatience, salut

[@bigb0r3]

I just got sucked into old pocket watches and hope to service my first soon. I like the circa 1900, 16 & 18 size the most at the moment. I find your videos some of the most informative and just plain pleasant to watch. Having done a little lathe work, I find the use of handheld tool bits for such precise work a trip. The locations to lubricate, and which lubricants you use are a great guide. Thanks for the effort!