Forgotten FUSEE Gets a New Pivot and Restored - WHY was I TERRIFIED of this repair?

In this video, I’m working on something a little bit different. I will be repairing a fusee pocket watch in a sterling silver case. Fusee’s are scary as hell to work on, and I’ll show you why. I’ll also try to explain what a fusee is, and how it’s supposed to work. The owner of the watch would like it running again, but expectations were low.
#restoration
#watchrepair
#pocketwatch
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:
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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:
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Moebius 941: amzn.to/3Hf6g2X
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Buffing and Polishing:
PolyWatch: amzn.to/3XlVTja
Polishing Compound: amzn.to/3QQ1r33
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:45 What is a Fusee
3:30 Disassembly Begins
6:51 How to let down a fusee
8:15 Disassembly Continues
13:30 Cleaning
14:40 Repivoting the 4th Wheel
19:43 Cleaning Continues
21:57 Fusee Cone Repair
22:37 Final Cleaning
23:27 Assembly Begins
30:07 Making a New Banking Pin
30:48 Assembly Continues
34:18 Winding the Chain
38:29 Final Assembly
41:19 Making a seconds hand pipe
43:37 Casing the Movement
44:33 Hand Installation
46:46 Regulation and Timing
48:04 Crystal and Final Steps

[@TodayFreedom]

As a professional watchmaker I commend you for excellent practise- you followed almost all the standard rules. The quality of the video production is superb too, and that’s a point that shouldn’t be overlooked. It must be 20 years+ since I first worked on a fusee as a young watchmaker and it is indeed a stressful job first time around! My boss simply handed the watch to me (made in 1829, I’d add) and said “Right- repair that”. Handed me a book covering the main points and that’s all! Congratulations- you have all the requisite skill and equipment to make this a full-time profession. Literally the only point I can recommend is to use some thin plastic on the bridges when replacing the brass pins…not always necessary if using nylon-tipped tweezers. There are virtually no full videos of fusee watch repair on KZbin, and this is BY FAR the best. Honestly, you did a stellar job. Very impressed.

[@jrbeall33]

As ninety yr old clock maker I found much to admire in your video. Thank you for your time and work in providing enjoyment for your viewers.

[@masterofcents.8175]

One of the craziest things about the watches is that children are the ones who made the chains because their hands were so small, and it was easier for them.

[@ericl452]

And their eyesight was good.

[@ploneuk]

@@ericl452 & cheap

[@JasperJanssen]

That whole thing has always seemed more of a justification than an actual reason.

[@Thetimecapsuletx]

That chain just blows my mind! I can’t even begin to think of anyone making that over 100 years ago. You rarely get to see such a vintage timepiece being serviced and repaired. The dial was one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen! Amazing pocket watch. You have earned my subscription to your channel.

[@jadall77]

You got to rivet or hammer each link together all by hand. I saw a clip of ancient jobs or something with tony robinson I think the guys name was and it is crazy small making those fusee chains

[@funhog24]

I watch a lot of watch repair vids, and am really just starting my watch repair journey. I know master watchmakers, but they don't tell me how they do it. This was the only fusee video, and it was mind blowing! I'm 70, and you never stop leaning! Thanks.........

[@TJ-wp4yz]

I stayed with you, I’m in total amazement as I watch your gentle but sure hand movements. You are a true craftsman.

[@ronpeterson9528]

What a incredible movement. Hard to believe that chain was made by hand one link at a time. Great video! Thanks!

[@mullicrk9782]

One if not the best Videos I've seen. I am a Gunsmith and very much appreciate seeing your your work and tools.

[@Jak_To_Mozliwe]

The level of details and a very complex mechanism back in ~1860 is absolutely gorgeous. How do they cut such a small chain is beyond my imagination.

[@bradyhudgson7749]

They used to use orphans, for their eyesight and tiny hands

[@EvaderGuy]

Well, self criticism aside, I think you display wonderful, craftsmanship and patience. That truly must’ve been a challenging project and I think it turned out very, very well. What a beautiful piece. I just can’t get over the chain. The level of craftsmanship involved in making that by handis beyond compare. Wow!

[@johnpayne1117]

Watched every minute, sir. It's probably one of the best video's I've seen on watch repair. Absolutely beautiful time piece...

[@TheRealBrook1968]

As a kennel owner with low vision and timekeeping aficionado, I am jealous of your ability and want to learn all I can about mechanical movements, although I will never be able to actually try my hand. I want to thank you for an entertaining and informative repair.

[@Bristol1]

I made it to the end! Had to watch in stages, but that's how it goes some days. Absolutely fantastic work you've done here. I don't believe I've seen a Fusee and Chain being serviced before. Thank you for taking on this challenge, and for taking us along for the ride. It was very cool to see how this goes together. Cheers!

[@stevev7402]

Chris you are a true artisan. Such an amazing job. I always find myself watching your videos multiple times just to enjoy the precision and pride you take with each project. Thanks for creating such enjoyable content and for keeping such a lost art alive

[@michaelpthompson]

That's just amazing! I would be intimidated just to wind a fusee watch, much less work on one. Your attention to detail is incredible. BTW, your voice over really enhances the video.

[@52dislikes]

Many years ago, I collected fusee watches. But my interest turned to American RR watches, and now just Hamilton 992, 992B. But now, it's a thrill for me to explore my boxes of Fusee watches. ~ retired. Thanks for this Great Video !!!

[@gotchagoing4905]

AMAZING to say the least. You know when your watching a movie and you et all tensed up? Watching you make those parts, fitting them and then putting the chain back on I'm like at the edge of my damn chair. I've always loved watch's, Seiko being my favorites. But seeing you, and others on yt has really opened my eyes to a whole other world, and I find it absolutely fascinating. If I have to get up for any reason, I make sure I pause it so I don't miss anything. Thank you for showing us a whole new world.

[@user-xv4ve5wj7i]

It was a joy watching you use both the Turns, as well as the Boley lathe.

[@sdmbusiness]

I've never seen a watch like this. Thoroughly enjoyed the video.

[@GentlemensWatchServices]

Before watching this I’d have been “nope” if asked to service one of these. Now I’d go for it. Cheers!

[@rgomez1968]

Wow, you are a craftsman. What a great video showing unbelievable micro work.

[@clubsoda85cook55]

Awesome job of bringing back to life a piece of history.

[@paleulfr4023]

I enjoy watching you fabricate watch parts.

[@MohdHilal]

thanks for the 49 minutes of stress-free time, I am watching this video from Palestine during this difficult time I need extraordinarily interesting content like this to keep me away from news

[@johnoconnor4941]

Considering you claim NOT to be a professional I see a clear passion, not to mention skill set that is above the basics. I can change a battery all by myself but I can't see me challenging your abilities anytime soon. Brilliant stuff

[@francispalmer9737]

Very enjoyable to see you work on the first FUSEE I have seen worked on, I think these FUSEE movements are well underestimated. Great job and clear commentary. Cheers C S

[@cudamank]

Wow! Insane mechanism! You are an artist!

[@AMF1]

I loved the video , my Grandfather was a horologist and 50 years ago used to spend hours watching him work on movements hence my interest now!

[@vicrod5]

Simply brilliant, thank you for sharing your craft with us warts and all. It speaks of your integrity and professionalism.

[@cgrant9673]

Time is a dead god Cronus 🌹🌚👍 rest in the good news 🌹 okay bye

[@TexanUSMC8089]

If you would have asked for help...I would have turned on the camera for you. LOL. Incredible job. I've never seen anything like it. Thanks for sharing.

[@jdmccorful]

Totally engrossing! What a beautiful time piece!Thanks for this enjoyable journey.

[@mhoover]

Wow. I'd have a dozen ulcers if I tried this. I don't know how you do it. This deserves a like and subscribe.

[@Hawk89gt]

Great video, amazing work. Shocking how relatively well that watch tells time after all these years.

[@kevinbriggs5320]

Watched the entire clip, truly amazing, thanks for posting it. You are are a true craftsman.

[@woodbutcher3887]

Enjoyed every minute of the rebuild of the watch. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@lukasdoerr9167]

These are without a doubt my favorite watches to service and you did a beautiful job.

[@IShootWatches]

Wow, this is another great video! Super cool to learn about fusee movements and I love the detailed repivoting section! Thanks for taking the time to make this and sharing it Chris!

[@allthingsgood156]

that chain! quite amazing to think someone made that. fabulous video thank you

[@PaoloBanke]

What I always see such as this as is caretaking, preservation and a salute to old masters. Bringing something back to life that into its second century and it doing the job it was designed to do. Of course it takes skill, knowledge and patience to do that and when the balance wheel sets off without prompting like a heart beat it displays all three and warms the soul.

[@dinodeangelis7978]

That was amazing. The tools you have as your arsenal are on another level and your craftsmanship is superb, the sturdiness of your hands. And what a beautiful pocket watch. Thank you

[@bunnyrabbit4972]

Wow, the craftmanship of this 150 year old watch is incredible. Your restoration is impressive. I imagine the guy who made this would be proud if he could see his work still running today.

[@tonyaxeman4381]

Job came out wonderful . Saw one that was really roached and it did come back to life .

[@kerrymangum4166]

I loved the entirety of the restoration. My hands shake to much to do anything that small, but I can still dream of doing what you accomplished.

[@fm00078]

1ST time watching a watch repair. I figured I'd be good for 5 - 10 minutes then suddenly seen the balance spring move on its own. Wow, 40 minutes & not bored one second. GREAT VIDEO, thanks 😜. (BTW, my girls boss was Douglas Stiles, Jonathan Dillon’s great-great-grandson.)

[@georgejamison3782]

I never would've guessed that a watch was chain driven. Such a great video!

[@arts.4014]

A quite late (recent) English watch. By 1878 the Americans were dominant but for several centuries, until about the time of the Civil War the Brits were the masters of time. Watch/read Longitude all of those watches were fusee and some were much more!

[@ahmedlaithy5786]

I really appreciate your efforts to save such a great and precious piece of time..

[@davidroberts2476]

As a horology lover who has owned several high-end watches. I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video and seeing all the steps needed to restore an old mechanical watch. Nicely done, from someone who enjoys the concept of mechanical means of calibrating earthly time. Having said that, like Ram Dass said in one of his earlier writings, "If you were out in space circling the earth from somewhere in space, and you looked down at the earth moving underneath you and asked yourself, "What time is it"? You'd have to say, "I guess the time would be, NOW"!

[@The_DuMont_Network]

I am speechless. That's pure magic and wizardry. Such fantastic skills and knowledge. Subscribed.

[@wildernessofzinn17]

Interesting. Cool old watch. Not to mention, superb work fixing the ol' girl up. Don't worry about that timegrapher result. That was awesome!. It's running, and that's an accomplishment on its own. Oh, and I'm jealous of all your lathing and part-making work. ⌚⌚😎😎 Oh, a little horological history trivia...you know who made a lot of those fusee chains?. Not the watchmakers themselves, as one would think. Sometimes the apprentice. But they were often contracted out. Back in the Dickensian Victorian-era, orphans and kids in the workhouses oftentimes made those chains. They had the teeny hands and the good eyes to do it better than adults could. They had to earn their gruel and daily thrashings.

[@fredschroyer584]

What a beautiful job and expert video. A real education in only 49:18! I had not heard of the fusee-&-chain system. Thank you for such an informative & entertaining video.

[@Northweasterner]

You have always done wonderful work, and it shows with people trusting you to repair their watches. It’s been really enjoyable to watch the channel grow in popularity as well.

[@user-jf7tx1dw3e]

a master watchmaker at work

[@recyclingrider6743]

impressive work...I never imagined that machinery like that existed...the best video I have seen about watchmaking...a hug and congratulations

[@theboz19]

Wow, so gorgeous. Great work. I have never worked on a fusee.

[@tonygu2958]

Chris, I have a fuslee watch also, made in England. She's about the same age as this one. Also silver case, how I got it you would fall over, she was in the trash at the bottom of the can with other vintage watches, about 13 of them. I saved all of them from a disastrous faith. Had them now for over 32 years in my collection. Some have soild gold crowns that are stem wind/stem set, others are kw/ks, kw/ls, sw/ls. But only one fuslee. I am a antique dealer in CT. Up here you find the damest things. Keep on posting!😂

[@Bill23799]

It is great that you rescued those old watches. By the way, I am sure it was a spellcheck error but I am sure you meant to say you save those watches " from a disastrous fate ".

[@tonygu2958]

@Bill23799 yes, it was a error, fate was the intention Not faith.

[@JimmysGarden]

I bought a job lot of 6 silver pocket watches to restore, 3 of these are fusess pocket watches. Thank you for this imfromative video. I'll have to watch this a few times before I try to restore the 3 of these are fusess pocket watches...

[@kh7794]

I admire your skill and ability to work with the tiniest parts and peices, beyond me that's for sure. I love love love watches and clocks and if I can see any movement I am enamoured. In most cases I would much prefer old rather than new...washer and dryers from 60's to 80's, I even love the old wringer washers, they did a much better job even with not so fresh water...and saved a bunchbof water as well. Cars, no computers to blow up costing a mint, houses (albeit with new plumbing and electric). Old stuff was built to last and be repaired. Even sewing machines seem to be computerized crap with platic everything that can't be recyclednor broken down.

[@todds2248]

The craftsmanship on those chains is insane. How on earth did they create those back then?! I don't think I'll be touching one of those any time soon...if ever! Great work.

[@arts.4014]

Actually in an unpleasant way - child labor... Small hands and young eyes...

[@ericl452]

​@@arts.4014True. Often from orphanages. The child labor generated income for the orphanage.

[@dougcain2720]

I loved working on and rebuilding Fusee pocket watch. Repivoting the staffs and repairing chains was my major thing. How many I've seen broken due to attempting to wind them. Many of these beautiful watches were trashed because of people selling the gold cases. Your videos are super great!!!

[@johnwhite6899]

🙋‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Hi what a brilliant restoration video thanks really enjoyed it.

[@supermenthol5531]

Another great watch restoration, they make my day 👍👍

[@chowlissy]

That was a very instructive and entertaining video, beautifully videographed and narrated, thank you. I would love, as an amateur, to get to the bottom of fusee watches, and this video helped a lot.

[@1611bimotayb6]

What a fantastic save. I especially like how it was all presented. Informative, calm. And the chain in a watch I saw never before. This was better than an action movie. I love it.

[@jadall77]

I like all his tools equipment the lathe table reminds me of my stepdad had worktables built into these boxes with casters.

[@larrykelly2838]

Wow, man this video had me on pins and needles, especially putting the chain back on. Very interesting and a great restoration.

[@josealbertobejaranoulloa2280]

What a beautiful and detailed job! Congrats!

[@jdsstegman]

You say your not an expert. But when the only expert, the guy who made it, has passed on, your now the expert. That and not everyone who repairs watches, get alot of work because I'm sure there are not many still left around these days. I repair 50's threw the late 80's metric motorcycles. And all the people who built them and worked on them when new are mostly dead. So who is an expert anymore. Well, the person who have taken up the mantle to repair them. That's who. And then it's all based on experience. Great work I have to say. You did no harm, and it's better for your work.

[@leadingauctions8440]

This was beautiful to behold.

[@marcbink5370]

Good job! Very professional! The first watch I ever rebuilt was an English Lever fusee like you just did, I over paid for it and swore if it was the last thing I would do, I would get it running again. It took a year of research and self-education but I did it. That was 7 years ago. Now I'm the only one in the area that will look at a fusee. The next part of my education is learning how to use the lathe and the Jacot Wheel; (I have a number of them that need new balance staffs), - you make it look easy. Thanks for teaching me a few new tricks; chaining up is by far the worst, especially on older Verge-Fusees.

[@mrlazli]

What a stunning work with the restoration of this unique watch!!

[@user-hq5yx7zk7v]

It's truly amazing. There is one watchmaker in Korea whose skills are second to none. Thank you for the good video.

[@jeflarremore7170]

Fascinating. It's like a cross between a Da Vinci machine and a semi-modern pocket watch. That's work to be proud of.

[@HorologyBiology]

Absolute phenomenal job 👍🏼👍🏼 I don't envy you at all taking this on.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@davidchapman2839]

Respect. I have only known one other watchmaker that would repair a fusee (Shy Shyock) and he is long gone now.

[@davidchapman2839]

And he used to take a shot of brandy before working on the fusee train to stop his hands from trembling.

[@markehuss]

Chris, you are always mildly self-effacing, but the work you do is inspirational. And I am consistently impressed with all those cool old tools you have (and know how to use!). And hey, it's a Spinner viseo, so there had to be a pivot. ;) Thanks for sharing your work.🗝

[@oak_meadow9533]

These restoration videos are absolutely the neatest thing I have watched on months. I speaking specifically about the videos regarding the oldest of watches. You have opened my eyes to a world of watches who need a little love!😊❤

[@donreg_gio]

The best watch repair video I have ever seen! It is art from every aspect. The beauty and the mechanics of the watch, the craftmanship of the restoration, the skills of generating parts which are broken or missing together with the beauty of the tools you're using therefore, the video itself and all the explanations you made. Thank you so much for it!

[@1337Jokerman]

37:36 You just showed my favourite watch of all time: The Tourbograph Perpetual Homage to F. A. Lange Honeygold. 😍Sadly, I have no house to sell to get hold of it. 😅

[@t5sur1]

watched the vid to completion. i was very fascinated.

[@johnsing1833]

Thank your so much for this thoroughly awesome and educational video.. I`m a clock and watch collecter and have minimal repair skills but appreciate your fantastic techical skills

[@BubnLora]

I can't believe how steady you are. Love watching. ( stayed with ya.)

[@lefty2660]

For your Timegrapher Problem: I watched lots of Fusee restorations because i just love them more than any watch. In most of those they explained that Fusees run at such a slow pace with different readings that the grapher cant pick them up. I think there are special ones out there. Hope i could help.

[@csspinner]

Thank you, sir. Puts my mind at easy a bit :)

[@BigBenTheory]

Absolutamente magistral. Nunca podré agradecerte lo suficiente el trabajo tan impresionante que haces. Sin gente como tú, estos bellisimos artilugios mecánicos serían olvidados. Eres un auténtico maestro. Muchas gracias por compartir tu arte.

[@timcarpenter9835]

I did a restaff on an English fusee when I was in watch school.The staff was really nothing more than a steel taper pin with pivots on both ends.Despite its seemingly simple design,it took me numerous tries to cut the whole staff with pivots ,and due to its tapered shape,I had no way of holding it in a lathe collet.When I finally did succeed,after mounting rhe balance wheel, wobbled around like a drunken sailor but,IT RAN!.Not surprisingly,it was a terrible timekeeper.The owner,a prominent judge was delighted to even have it ticking,and didnt care about the timekeeping.The watch had been in his family for several centuries.

[@4Truth4All]

Nice job Chris! What a beautiful repair and restoration. This is my first exposure to this type of drive mechanism and you did a great job of explaining and servicing it.

[@ericashmusic8889]

And importantly a watch that runs & keeps reasonable time is not junk !! besides I don't know anyone who can regulate their day by minutes anymore, let alone seconds, not in today's world. Great Job ! Thanks for posting.

[@ygrbooks]

A brilliant video on a most challenging restoration. I would have hidden under a rock, but you took this on and succeeded spectacularly, so hats off to you! 👍👏👌 - Thank you so much!

[@wings4victory]

I really enjoyed your video. It was fascinating comparing it to more modern movements to see how things have evolved. Other than the fusee it looked much the same to me although obviously less refined. Thanks so much!

[@christophresmerowski1824]

A fascinating look into the past. This tiny chain seems just so unbelievable if you think what kind of manufacturing processes where available back then. The Internet brings your tremendous, skill, knowledge & patience to me in the middle of the night. Life is amazing, again and again. Thank you.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

RIGHT = so watching you work on this = i went and bought a 1878 FUSEE watch on ebay = hope you can fix it if it breaks down = THANK YOU !

[@user-pv9bu5ec5t]

I enjoyed watching this repair, it brought back memories of a fusee watch my dad gave me. The watch had a broken chain which was devastating to see but a friend who like myself had never worked on a watch before set about striping the watch and repairing the chain in the process. Yup a couple of novices did repair a chain with basic electronic repair tools. Nearly 40 years on the watch still runs when I intermittently wind it up. Thank you for the commentaries as you go about each stage of the servicing, I find that really interesting.

[@haroonawan763]

Thanks so much for the high quality videos you prepare. They are a treat to watch and learn from. A lot of painstaking effort goes into these preparations. I watched the video to the end with pure fascination. Have retired as an ophthalmologist and now enjoying my time as a clock hobbyist, I must say that you have the precision and finesse of an ophthalmic surgeon in your hands and fingers. Bringing this fusee pocket watch back to life is a joy to watch. Bravo 👏👏👏

[@kathleenwhite9741]

That was fun to watch! It's so good to put vintage pieces back into use. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.👍💖

[@alpal6300]

What an amazing and beautiful watch, with its gorgeous dial and unusual, old fashioned movement. I applaud you for getting it running again. My only disappointment was that you didn’t polish that beautiful silver dial before you put it back together again. Thank you for your work. I enjoy watching your videos. ❤

[@alvinwoods639]

STUNNING!! A master piece brought back to life.

[@paullewis5045]

I would say it took some guts to take a Fusee on as a project. That is a spectacular piece -- way to go! Outside your video, I have seen one in person. They are beautiful and amazing in craftsmanship.

[@ronkeim8315]

I watched the video start to finish non-stop. Great job. Very interesting.

[@keithbednar6814]

Beautiful job Chris. I enjoyed the entire video. You blew me away with your skill and NO FEAR attitude.

[@oliverw3646]

You are quite talented. Spectacular work!

[@AnitaBetterScreenname]

Absolutely amazing & fascinating! I watched the entire process and re-viewed a couple of spots. Stunningly beautiful watch! It's satisfying to see all the micro details and the tools you have to achieve such precision! Thank you so much for making the video.

[@ussweeneyd]

I have this very watch, given tome by my grandfather when I was about 8years old. I have never tinkered with it apart from fixing one of the case hinges. I am 72 years old now but tackling a full clean is way beyond me. Most enjoyable to watch this video.