WORSE than it looks? Repairing an Elgin B.W. Raymond Antique Pocket Watch with Wind Indicator

[@peterbroderson6080]

What a piece of timely Art!

[@alanfasbury]

First time watching your videos. Exhausted myself with watch repair videos but this video is excellent. Music not to intrusive, pet hate. Magnification perfect. Voice over informative and pertinent. Showing actual repairs, not here's one I bought earlier. This could be the start of a good friendship...now where have I heard that line. Al

[@leostask]

The B.W.Raymond brings back a lot of memories to me. It was my final test watch in college! I had to make a balance staff from stock and repair a instructor mangled hair spring, and tune it to run 6 positions with in couple of seconds between them!

[@csspinner]

That’s impressive! I’m not yet at the level to make a staff with any consistency. Throw in some hairspring repair and it sounds like you ran the gamut !

[@leostask]

@@csspinner thank you, it was a difficult task, it took weeks to accomplish! I unfortunately had to quit watchmaking because of digital watches. There wasn't enough repair to make a living with any more! Became a surgical technician, but I still repair a few clocks now and again.

[@genghiskhan7041]

I love how clean and functional those old railroad watches were. The one in this video is lovely, I can't believe it's over 100 years old!!

[@Watchdoc65]

It takes real skill to manage a hairspring properly! And to resurface that pivot! Excellent! Enjoyed watching!

[@csspinner]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment

[@RussellLea-rp1ts]

I have great delight in watching your utube videos, I am amazed at the work you do...😊

[@MyRetroWatches]

Chris! that was on another level. Not only do you execute such skill with dragonising and then carrying out all necessary repairs but you have also mastered how to use all those tools. Most of which I don't even own. Your videography is superb, the angles, the lighting and everything always in focus. Granted a pocket watch is much larger than a wrist watch but you sir have acquired a good level of understanding to master this skillset as well. I still struggle with this after 6 years of making watch videos. Hats off to you. Really enjoyed this repair immensely.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Michael! I found the blue background is easier to film against as far as lighting goes, compared to white. The next video will feature a Rolex so we’ll see if it translates well to the smaller movement.

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

@@csspinner Mike is on point, your filmwork is as good as your watchmaking, What camera are you using ?

[@csspinner]

@@sonnymoorehouse1941 aside from the couple microscope shots, it’s a combination of my iPhone and the Canon EOS Rebel

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

@@csspinner no kidding ? well you use them very well, your video is fantastically professional and a real joy to watch.

[@tadeubotelho4410]

Your skillful craftsmanship is a beautiful gift. Congratulations! And thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@cplmark29]

my uncles old elgin pocketwatch looks exactly like that.,great video.

[@RichardHolt-sy8ux]

This is a beautiful watch a little bit of history .I love the quality and workmanship I have a Waltham 1883 that I carry every day it has a daily variation of less than ten seconds. Thank you for keeping these beautiful watches alive

[@mattthompson2075]

I love the talk through and the emphasis on the tools. I’m a definite new loyal watcher! I’m excited to explore your other videos. Incredible quality video!

[@horstb29]

Very well executed! Respect!

[@chuckbowie5833]

Beautiful work my friend

[@ehun]

I was hoping to see the video of the broken screw removal. It was a pleasure to watch the rest of the video. Looks like whomever "serviced" the watch prior sure missed a lot. It speaks to your skill that you found and addressed all the issues they missed.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! The screw was removed by drilling out the carcass using a carbide PCB drill bit. I’m kicking myself for not including it, but I was quite frustrated at that point and didn’t have it in me to take the time to film.

[@r100curtaincall]

Very understandable I actually have a veritas that has a screw on the yoke that has this issue. I really should fix it….

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

Man I didnt realize that you had a youtube channel !!!! Great stuff !!!!!

[@ruud9767]

A perfect result and a most engaging video. Quite wonderful!

[@csspinner]

Glad you enjoyed it! This watch’s brother, the Father Time, will be the next video.

[@k9six185]

I find it amazing that on top of everything else you also know the name of all the pieces

[@supermenthol5531]

I enjoy watching the master at work 👍👍

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Dale! - Chris

[@FJMBZ]

Enjoying to watch your videos. I’m getting into this hobby.

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

Thank You for sharing your work !!!!

[@John_Mack]

Making your own tiny screw... mechanic level 100 achieved.

[@lukasdoerr9167]

Your videos are by far the most professional, most beautifully executed and elegantly presented of all the restoration channels on here. Your patience is admirable. Your explanations like a teacher who truly enjoys what he's teaching. You bring a disciplined air and love of these little living reminders of the past that is contagious presented in a way that the ever growing number of Rock Star 'watchmakers' could never compete.

[@csspinner]

Wow this really made my day. Thank you so much for leaving me this comment! I really appreciate that! - Chris

[@TimTellsTime]

This was a great video. Very pleasant to listen to you speak through the video. I would have liked to see the mainspring process and the watch in different positions on the time graph. Thank you for the content.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Tim! I appreciate the feedback- Chris

[@Tinfoilhat311]

Mad skills!!!! Becoming a lost art. Nice to see you preserving a piece of history. Pass your skills on!!

[@bigbob1699]

I love that dial! It screams the time!

[@stevewilkinson7200]

Greetings! I really enjoyed this video as when I looked at the thumbnail I realized it was my pocket watch! I have exactly the same watch that was my grandfather’s and he worked as a brakeman for Union Pacific Railroad and retired in the late 50’s. My S/N is 17871075, everything else on the watch is identical. I had it repaired (broken mainspring) in the mid 70’s but was told then that it was not the correct spring but at least the watch ran but the up/down never worked correctly as it would run past it high low limit marks plus it seems to be harder to wind than I think it should. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for the content and I have subscribed and rung the bell. Cheers!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Steve!! They are beautiful watches and the best ones have a personal connection like you have with yours. - Chris

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

That one did it for me. Subbed. Great resto and great catch on the hairspring and collet. Elgin is one of two American makers who made their own proprietary threads. Good work on the screw. Watching you fix that hairspring gave me the willies. Brave soul.

[@csspinner]

Awesome! Thanks for the comment and the sub!

[@johnmood5653]

I'd be shaking more than the hairspring was at first! You deserve accolades about taking on these kinds of problems head on sir!

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thank you for the video Just love a beautiful wind indicator and or power reserve watch. My favorite complications. S

[@csspinner]

Thank you for the comment!

[@jeanmaillet4229]

Bonjour et félicitations pour la qualité de vos vidéos. Beau travail. une petite remarque constructive: N exposé pas la roue d échappement et la roue de seconde à une casse involontaire suite à un geste malheureux.. Au démontage comme au remontage... Par exemple remonté le pont de suite, dès la mise en place de ces rouages. Sincères salutations et bonne continuation.

[@waldevv]

I genuinely thought it has some kind of clever wind indicator as in air movement, for some reason I didn't immediately realize it was indicating the power reserve like on many watches. It's fun when different words are written the exact same way 😅

[@deanbrown4083]

Love my BW Raymond! Unfortunately it does not have rhe up down feature. Enjoyed the video. Thank you

[@stevefeeney6156]

Excellent explanation of each step. Well done 👍

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Steve! Glad you enjoyed it- Chris

[@Cleveland.Ironman]

You are definitely an artist par excellence in your restorations! Thank you for posting these magnificent videos.

[@julianbizdoaca1546]

I'm fascinated by how you people can make it happen. You are artisans

[@dougabrahamsen2952]

Another superlative service and repair! F.Y.I. ALL railroad grade watches are lever set! It was only one of several requirements to meet the specifications.

[@rowejon]

Lovely work.

[@redbxstr]

Excellent presentation video. Well done.

[@csspinner]

Thanks for the comment! Much appreciated.

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

you use your staking set to remove the balance jewels !!!! I do the same thing !!!! it just makes sense. Love your video !!!!

[@csspinner]

Got to love the satisfying sound when they come out ;)

[@stayingsane5213]

Masterfully and Expertly done Thanks for sharing

[@csspinner]

Thank you!

[@tjerkheringa937]

What an insanely beautiful movement (and dial)

[@delbertmitchell4640]

Beautiful Job nice to watch you work

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Delbert!!! Appreciate the comment. More to come. - Chris

[@bahoonies]

There is something so pleasant, peaceful and zen-like about watching the restoration of a timepiece that I come away feeling amazed and refreshed at the same time. Watching this video was time very well spent. I've subscribed.

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Damien! I’m glad you enjoyed it. - Chris

[@johnwhite6899]

🙋‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Hi a brilliant video of pocket watch service and repair. But how on earth did you remove the broken screw from the body of the watch making a new one was amazing.

[@jimmykao3355]

Maybe alum? Just guessing.

[@csspinner]

Thanks! For the screw I actually drilled a small hole in it with a carbide bit. Then I was able to use a pick to loosen and remove the rest. It was too awkward to film

[@maestromecanico597]

Wow. Seen a lot of watch overhauls but this is next level. Thank you. Surprised to see a piece with an up/down indicator with "only" 19 jewels. I still want it.

[@csspinner]

Thank you, sir! I really appreciate that

[@jantepas7511]

What an effort, and what a result. Great tutorial and craftsman you are. Thanks

[@csspinner]

Thank you!!

[@WatchWithMike]

That came out awesome. Great video!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Mike!!

[@WhiteDragon689]

Cool job. I recently was able to put together an elgin model 5 grade 288 from 2 donor movements. lost a click and center wheel but got replacements. The hardest part was to figure out the way to adjust the case so it would set and wind properly. I learned how to set the top plate using small pieces of rodico to hold the wheels in place until they set, then take them out. Not so bad as it took about 20 mins. I also replaced the crystal and figured out how to do it.

[@csspinner]

Thanks for sharing! It’s really satisfying when you it all together and see it run. A fresh crystal always makes a positive difference

[@AmericanPocketWatch]

Hey Chris. Just had to jump on, have a look and in the end have to say I am so impressed with what you are doing. I wish and hope that the next Gen of people not only watch this but see an interest in saving American Pocket Watch history as you do. Thank you for showing us all what a talented watch maker you are, and the processes that go into restoring these old pieces of American history. For those who read this and don't know me, I am located in Germany, and am trying as hard as I can to save as many American pocket watches as possible which seems harder and harder to do month by month. What Chris does here is a dying art form, and thanks to him and others like him, saving this for the next generation of watch collectors. Thanks Chris.

[@csspinner]

Thank you!! I am always blown away by what engineers of the turn of the century were able to accomplish, and beautifully at that. Pocket watches are prime examples of where art and engineering collide.

[@dalepatten5612]

Excellent! I'm just doing this as a hobby, but I've encountered everything in this video, but sadly either didn't have the skills or the tools and knowledge to fix them. I'll say this is the first time I've ever seen anyone true a balance. It was always mentioned but I've never seen anyone do it, so I never really knew how. I'm still learning how to straighten hair springs. Have gotten a few functional but still not where it should be. Never seen a jcot tool setup and explained. See them for sale all the time but am never sure what to do with them... until now. Working on replacing jewels. Have too many watches needing broken ones replaced. Very helpful video!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Dale! I really appreciate the comment! Hairspring repair is probably the most dicey. There’s no special tool to make it easier. Just making a mangled hairspring functional again is impressive, even if it’s not quite perfect. Because in doing so the watch has avoided being thrown in the parts bin. - Chris

[@rustythecat2163]

Yes, enjoyed and learned something for sure. Since it’s 1:05 AM good night to all !

[@alanpreston3111]

Chris , just finished watching this little piece of genius in the UK at 2-45 am!! Will now drift off to sleep and dream about waking inside that beautiful movement.. keep up the good work 👍🏻. Amazing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻😎

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Alan! Good evening to you - Chris

[@55ATA3]

Great video, I enjoyed seeing how you worked through each issue.

[@stanleyfriedlein]

Thanks for informative work.

[@csspinner]

Thank you for the super thanks!

[@io_metre]

Excellent job. And a very meditational video. Thank you 👍🏻

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

You have some mad skills brother! Excellent video!

[@RomanSchatzphoto]

Top job. Love that funky pallet fork.

[@csspinner]

Isn’t it wild? I don’t know if those “antennae” facing the escape wheel serve any function aside from looking really cool

[@precertvideo]

​@@csspinner They "balance" the lever, known as counterpoise, the best Swiss watches used to have it. Great video.

[@larrykelly2838]

Beautiful watch

[@foxbatmotorsports]

Wicked! Seems you get a lot of railroad grade watches.

[@csspinner]

I’m lucky I get to work on such wonderful timepieces

[@hellothere312]

thank you for this video. your inspirational

[@henryszubielski8601]

Just subscribed to your channel Chris. I viewed a couple of your other video's. Great content. And, it looks like you can do it all with the tool collection you have. Thanks for sharing!

[@Ritopher]

What a magnificent restoration. Are the jeweled bushings location specific? Are the pivots different sizes? I work on Torsion Clocks. The pivots and holes graduate in size from the Anchor and Escape wheel up to the mainspring. I’m so pleased you were able to extract the decapitated screw AND make a new one!! Bravo 👏 I found your videos and and I subscribed. I like your work, attention to detail, and dry humor!! I appreciate the added touch of you describing the process and sharing your experience. Brilliantly done.

[@csspinner]

Thanks for the comment! Yes, typically the pivots and jeweled bushings increase in size from the balance, pallet, escape wheel and so on. For a fully jeweled watch like this, the balance pivots are teeny tiny- approx 0.11mm. I believe the pallet pivots were 0.12mm.

[@Ritopher]

@@csspinner It occurred to me as I watched you pop them out then push them back in and secure them with screws that they are likely specific to their location in the movement. Beautiful job.

[@angeldelarosa1483]

You are so graceful and I appreciate your great teaching ability. How I would love to do such work, I can only imagine how hard it was to find all the tools needed to do work.

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Angel. That’s very kind of you to say! Glad you enjoyed it

[@user-uj6fp3ei1f]

nice to see a true craftsman at work. thank you for sharing this.

[@JDRichard]

You’re a very brave man to bend the balance while it is in the trueing caliper: you could end up, snapping the pivot.

[@csspinner]

Seems scary, but I actually learned from somewhere (may have been Henry Fried’s book) that since the caliper grips the shoulders of the staff there is no load placed on the delicate pivots themselves. That being said, there’s the real chance I could disrupt the rivet at the wheel seat but that is easily remedied

[@JLMiller410]

Cool video. Though, I wish you would have included how you removed the broken screw part.

[@csspinner]

Thanks. I’m kind of kicking myself I didn’t spend the time to film if, but honestly I was in a mood at that part of the job. I basically drilled it out with a carbide PCB bit and rethreaded with a corresponding tap

[@thehighorologist]

Beautiful footages. Really enjoy your work.

[@csspinner]

Thank you!!

[@ASWCo09]

Amazing restoration, I just got a similar BW Raymond in for my personal collection, grade 240 with a jewelled motor barrel!

[@csspinner]

It must be gorgeous. Don’t see too many with jeweled motor barrels

[@ASWCo09]

@@csspinner Truly a stunner!

[@johngonzalez3634]

this is really amazing! this gives me a bit of hope as a beginner watchmaker that got a pocket watch to repair, i learn a lot from your videos, thank you!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, John! Glad you enjoy the videos. More to come. - Chris

[@bobspencer8919]

Chris your video, watch repair and Machinist skills are above Professionalism, I started watch repair approximately 7 months ago. It's apparent I'm still in the fetus stage. Definitely one of the best instructional videos. Thanks Bob

[@frankwurth5375]

Glad to see another repair. BTW I was the one to purchase your 992B from last video. Still runs good, looses a few minutes a month tho, not bad. After finances get caught up will still get in touch on other one for service. Thanks, Frank

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Frank!

[@bennievee]

Wow you are brilliant , great to see a professional at work

[@csspinner]

I appreciate that! I’m just a self-taught amateur though :)

[@bennievee]

Well it does not look as if you are an amateur , and well done teaching yourself -- making tiny screws , realing hairsprings- and resizing pivots are very special skills impresive@@csspinner

[@stevenstewart3414]

This project again showed your incredible skill and attention to every detail. I have a question: What is the purpose of the extensions that looked like antennae on the pallet fork? I've never seen them before.

[@csspinner]

Thanks! On the pallet, I’m not sure. They’re an interesting design element though

[@gpraceman]

Very nice restoration. Hadn't seen a pocket watch with the reserve indicator before. I got into this hobby not long ago and my father-in-law handed me a beautiful 1937 Elgin Grade 315 that belonged to his father. Unfortunately, it has a broken balance staff pivot. So, I have been absorbing some Elgin pocket watch restoration videos, like yours, to find some key things to be looking for. So far, it seems that the only issue with the watch is the balance and need for a new mainspring. But, I am going to go back through and inspect the parts more closely.

[@csspinner]

Let me know how it turns out. With a staking set and the right accessories, replacing a staff is pretty straightforward despite seeming intimidating at first.

[@gpraceman]

@@csspinner Unfortunately, I don't yet have a staking set. I've already plunked out a lot of cash getting going in this hobby. lol So, that will have to wait a bit. I'm looking for a donor movement manufactured close enough to this one so hopefully there will not be a compatibility issue.

[@user-lf4zt1pu7h]

Stumbled upon your channel after watching many others. Great camera work and great voiceover. Would have loved to see how you got that broken screw out of that hole.

[@jonsvenavena2901]

Great job !!!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Jon!!

[@jimmykao3355]

Awesome video. Loved seeing the Jacot tool at work.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Jimmy!

[@dsb1763]

So how big of a drink did you want when you discovered the broken screw? I would have gave a big "AUGH" and needed 3 margaritas. ha ha ha Very enjoyable video and awe inspiring work.

[@csspinner]

Hah you have no idea how many hours I spent troubleshooting the assembly BEFORE realizing it was due to the missing screw. By that point I breathed a sigh of relief having finally found the root cause. Then I had to step away for a day or two to collect myself.

[@wyorattler_rawdogs]

That was fantastic!! I love watching your videos! Repair/restoration I will never be able to do this but watching you take the time to explain and highlight makes them that much more enjoyable!! Keep them coming and I will watch! :)

[@csspinner]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy them. More to come

[@wyorattler_rawdogs]

@@csspinner 👏

[@timdiver53]

Awesome job.Please keep the peaceful music.

[@csspinner]

Thanks! I’m glad you like the music. I get mixed opinions about it.

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

Appreciate your skill, passion and joy for this subject.

[@demmertp]

Definitely impressed with your hairspring "surgery." The pivot correction was a delicate operation. Nice work on that sheared off screw. Overall a super restoration.

[@MichaelB-qx1eh]

I'm amazed you are able to work on a hairspring with what look like soft metal dollar store tweezers

[@csspinner]

Those are fairly soft tweezers, but they do the job. The hairspring is very delicate so it didn’t matter. I do have a nice set of dumonts I just upgraded to but they won’t appear till a couple videos from now

[@WristwatchMedic1953]

Great job. Impressive

[@csspinner]

Thank you

[@tonyaxeman4381]

Be careful do not crack the jewels . Nice to have all the right tools .

[@dewaynehowse231]

Elgin and Waltham were the Rolex of the 19th century. The decorations are eye candy.

[@dongalloway6888]

Hey Chris... Stumbled on your page last week when I found a video of you restoring another older Elgin... Absolutely love watching your work... I have just enough guts to change batteries, and that's about all I'm willing to try... Give me a boat, tractor, truck... and I can get it done, but at age... 66... terrible health... terrible eyesight... and a really shaky right hand tells me nope on watches... With this said, I would love for you to restore my 1913 Elgin... It's in pretty good condition... definitely needs a new crystal... and I'm not sure what else, as it won't wind or run... Let me know if this is something you would be interested in doing, and how to get ahold of you... Thanks... Don Galloway... Keep up the great work!!!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Don! I do occasionally take jobs on the side, but I’ve got a backlog. If you want send me an email at [e-mail] with some details and pictures of your Elgin. Thanks, Chris

[@saisamayseva8712]

Extremely good work.Thanks

[@giorgiogrlj]

Great work. Thank's man.

[@csspinner]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@brucebarlow6604]

Great work Chris and keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@csspinner]

Thanks for the comment, Bruce! - Chris

[@onenessapproach]

Absolutely amazing! I am just getting started in this as a hobby and have very basic knowledge and tools. I have a long way to go. I looks like I will never get bored at it. Do you have any beginner advice instructions videos.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! I recommend following “watch repair tutorials”. He gives a lot of practical advice for beginners

[@onenessapproach]

@@csspinner thank you so much!

[@tommyherbert3931]

My first time watching and I enjoyed what I saw. You are very knowledgeable about watch repair. Must have taken a few years to learn all about it. I've thought about-face doing this. Did you have to be schooled on this. Would like to hear from you.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Tommy. I am self-taught as this is a hobby of mine. I appreciate the comment. - Chris

[@samharper4289]

Well, I'm very impressed by your work! Wish I had your skill! And I need more tools and instruction on how to use some of them! Lol! Been working on clocks and watches for quite a number of years now, but more the amateur here! How did you extract the sheared off screw? Just wondering. My hats off to you! 😉

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Sam! - Chris

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous video of your wonderful work on a beautiful watch with the watch-loving community. Is it true that this movement does not have any springs apart from the one for the balance?

[@csspinner]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! There are several springs. Balance hairspring, mainspring (power source), then the little ones: click spring, keyless works lever spring, yoke spring, etc

[@daviduher6219]

It would have been great to see the broken screw removal and the entire screw making process.

[@csspinner]

I’m kind of kicking myself I didn’t spend the time to film it, but honestly I was in a mood at that part of the job. I basically drilled it out with a carbide PCB bit and rethreaded with a corresponding tap

[@trebushett2079]

He needs a little more practice at machining, so the reason why.

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

Another very nice repair, pocket watch look simple but there’s a lot of technicality that is important to know, that’s what I learn each time I work on a watch, experience will comme over the years and perseverance !! By the way congratulations for the quality image, comments and explanations on this video, it’s very interesting. Final product is perfect Chris ! Best regard from Canada !!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Alain! I really appreciate the comment

[@runrin_]

what a gorgeous watch. great work!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@samnova450]

Enjoyed that very much, amazed how you fixed the spring and screw item. Have any suggestions on books for a beginner?

[@csspinner]

Thank you! I recommend books by Henry Fried and George Daniels

[@hampdentime]

What a nice watch to work on. Your video skills are great. I have a Hampden Special Railway that has some of the same issues. Where do you source jewels? Did you reuse the settings? Interesting that the jewel screws on the balance cock were blued and all the others were polished? I have been told that the 19J actually were preferred by RR. Maybe the cost was less than the 21 or 23's? You are doing really nice work. Thanks for the video

[@csspinner]

Thanks- I try to source jewels in settings as a first preference. Hampden, Elgin, Hamilton, etc tend to develop settings to the same specs across their respective grades of similar quality. If I can’t find a drop in jewel with setting, I’ll try to find the right jewel and use the rubbing tools to insert the new jewel into the existing setting. If none are available, I’ll harvest a jewel with the right pivot hole size and produce my own setting on the lathe to match the OD of the replacement jewel. To answer your question, jewels are source from either donors or Borel’s site

[@anilhettiarachchi3090]

magnificent work love from sri lanka

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Anil! - Chris from South Carolina

[@anilhettiarachchi3090]

@@csspinner love your channel

[@jasonmiller1271]

Amazing work