Destroyed Vintage Elgin A-11 Military Watch Full Restoration

Marshall dives into the deep end of the restoration pool and maybe gets in above his head... He buys a totally wrecked Elgin A-11 vintage watch on eBay as a donor watch for another project, but then makes the questionable decision to fully restore it!
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[@Rich18013]

I’ve been a machinist for almost 40 years now. It truly amazes me how they made those tiny parts on manual machines.

[@SneakySolidSnake]

have you ever heard of the Antikythera mechanism? i think a machinist would really appreciate the 2000+ year old design.

[@salvesenm]

Yea that thing is crazy @@SneakySolidSnake

[@dhyde9207]

What's even more amazing is that people were making parts like these in the mid 1800's. Screws the size of a gnat. How did they do that?

[@Ferrari255GTO]

​@@dhyde9207 L O T S of patience and time probably

[@callenjohnson81]

I mean seriously..my thoughts exactly

[@nick2496]

That restored plating on the case looks fantastic. Changing out the dial was also definitely the right choice. There's a level of damage that gives something a distressed look, and then there's a level of damage that makes you distressed by looking at it.

[@R.Daneel]

Distressed vs. distressing? ;-)

[@hodwooker5584]

That’s right, at some point patina becomes ugly and dysfunctional!

[@john-paulsilke893]

I’m sure it would have continued decaying and gummed up the works or at least obscured the crystal with debris.

[@daleburrell6273]

@@john-paulsilke893 ...THAT'S THE TRUTH-!!!

[@dtulip1]

You're absolutely right :)

[@kelefgaming2795]

It is insane how you can remember where all those tiny parts goes, you have my respect, man.

[@shogun2215]

I think he mentioned before that he re-watches the footage of him filming the dismantling so he knows where everything goes. But I imagine it's also experience too.

[@fredashay]

The first time I watched (pun intended) one of his videos, I cringed when he just set the screws and parts down randomly on his green board. But then I saw he seems to have a photographic memory where everything came from and how to put it back. As an aside, I have no interest in watches and I hate having extra clutter hanging off my body as I'm walking around, but I happened to watch one of his videos and got hooked... His skill is amazing, and all those crazy tools he uses is insane!

[@tonycassidy4112]

​@@fredashayso impressive, i love this channel 😊

[@ajaylahane2916]

It was fantastic to experience this renovation process....👌👌👌

[@draggy76]

It's amazing how fast he can ruin something too. Poor watch didn't deserve this abuse and torture.

[@lHawkel]

I love that the destroyed watches you're restoring are actually real destroyed watches, and not one of those ridiculously overdone, purposefully damaged watches that are completely and unreasonable destroyed.

[@Phil-Sands]

I've watched a lot of watch/clock repairs on KZbin, but yours are the only ones I have watched where I can follow why you do what you do as you explain everything so superbly.

[@danleehill]

He is the BEST

[@daleburrell6273]

@@danleehill ...AND HE'S PRETTY GOOD TOO-(!)

[@williamjohnmackay8471]

Well said and I agree 👍

[@louiswarmoth7354]

As a youth (50’s-60’s) I lived very close to an AF base and there was a watch repair shop on base that was a franchise of the A&AF Exchange Service (PX or BX) . The watchmaker/ repairman always had a few of these same military watches on hand that were used but reconditioned /repaired and he sold them pretty cheap. Consequently, that’s what many of us “townys “ wore as our first watches. Brings back memories to see you restore one. Enjoyed the video.

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

Great you could tell us this bit of history, and you witnessed it!

[@stibba4286]

thanks for the story

[@WilliamHostman]

Elmendorf AFB had a watch repair into the early 80's.

[@jwandhistools]

My jaw 'bout hit the floor when you showed how small those screws are. I'd like the see the machine that made those screws, or even the machine that made the machine that made those screws. This is fascinating stuff. Well done, man. I don't think I blinked twice here.

[@11bravo18]

@Jeff's Big Guitars I'm assuming you build solid body electrics. Can you imagine the rosettes Marshall could inlay on accoustic top plates and fretboards with his manual dexterity and eye/hand coordination if he decided to change "hobbies"? 😁 The guy is amazing. And no ego.

[@SpookyMcGhee]

Machinist here. I make screws for my job, usually on a turret lathe from the 40s. Typically tiny stuff like this was historically mass produced on a type of lathe called a screw machine. It's like a turret lathe but it's a but more complicated and is mechanically (mostly sort of) automated. Those machines churned these tiny bits out by the thousands back in the day. Nowadays CNC swiss lathes are the way to go for tiny parts. Hope it helps :)

[@imbadatthisgame1681]

@@SpookyMcGhee they can also be hand tuned on a watchmaker’s lathe or wit a regular style manual lathe some vids on yt of them being made on a small sherline lathe Edit the threads are cut with a die typically on smaller machines

[@J.C...]

There's a channel on yt that makes watch parts. I just saw it a few days ago.

[@J.C...]

​​@@11bravo18Yea I bet he'd be really good at inlays and stuff. I'd love to even build guitars myself, like @jwandhistools Or watches lol.

[@TAG77]

I never thought the military grade watches I bought in basic would be worth something until now. When mine took a dump on me, I dumped it. Now that I know I’ll definitely pick one up to collect. I love your restores & so does my son. Thank you for showing us how much fun your hobby is. ❤🤘🏻

[@alexdeleon7135]

There is no question that the readable dial is the best choice. There is nothing cool about a dial that resembles a Jackson Pollock painting. The end result is something to be proud of. Well done!

[@ben_clifford]

Definitely agree

[@Killsnapz]

absolutely! Originality is great but not at the cost of functionality. An original POS is just a POS. If the dial is unreadable then it can not function as a watch. Nothing wrong with redoing the plate either or putting on a donor dial and hands. As long as when you go to sell it you list it as such. The parts are all original A-11 parts so I see no loss in its value and you brought an otherwise destroyed A-11 back to life and it can be enjoyed by a collector.

[@kchastain3]

On the other hand a NATO strap with some kind of green element that matched the verdigris in the wrecked dial would look amazing as well.

[@irvonline6552]

Agreed, plus let’s get to the bottom line on this…when all’s said and done, as said in the video it was “mass produced” for the military at the time and the replacement dial was an original from what looks like the exact same model. It will be the same vintage for want of a better word. It’s not like to be ludicrous a Rolex dial was stuck on it. Good call

[@tmspica]

I couldn't disagree more and you actually made my point for me by saying "a dial that resembles a Jackson Pollock painting". The old dial would is more unique and a great conversation starter. In my opinion, if you're wearing a watch in this day and age, you A) already know how to read it based off the hand positions and B) are wearing it as a statement. Just goes to show you we all have our own preferences!

[@robertmayer7678]

I find the restoration of the Elgin watches the most interesting. Having grown up in Elgin, Illinois during the 50's & 60'S when life revolved around the watch factory. It was a sad day in 1966 when the watch factory was torn down. People told stories that as they removed the floor boards there were thousands of gears etc. that had fallen down the cracks still left there.

[@delvinking5151]

Wow... thats where they come from?

[@lechking941]

DAM, so hudrids of defective watch parts. or lost parts in the floor boards

[@robertmayer7678]

@@lechking941 - They weren't defective, if a watchmaker dropped a gear or some other small part, it was more effective to just grab another and keep going.

[@lechking941]

@@robertmayer7678 hm well forgive the oversight, still wonder how many parts there was that was still good for replacements just left to rust and stuff.

[@cdd4248]

What was it about the 60s through the 80s that we tore everything down? Now, the factory would be seen as a historical building; townhouses; market etc- anyway, interesting story. What a sad day for Elgin.

[@clodoaldomarques401]

I still can't get enough of you using the black rubber ball

[@benny4162]

I fell asleep and this video ended up playing last night. I woke up, woke my laptop up and saw the finished watch on screen. It's beautiful! Now to watch how you did it!

[@margeryk000]

Never thought I'd spend 45 minutes of my Saturday watching a watch repair video, but it is somehow fascinating to see the progression. Plus, your voice over is spot on. Thanks for sharing your talent and enthusiasm with us. Keep up the great work. ATB : )

[@OutsideLands77]

Plus one on the voice over. I know its after the fact, but it sounds live; the surprise, the will it or won't it, and satisfaction all feel genuine.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Thank you for coming along!

[@vf19blue]

Ditto, was almost bedtime for me after a long aggro filled week, but time flew by watching this, what a fantastic outcome. I love watching mechanical things come back to life. Subbed!

[@ruffleao]

same here nice job wow .

[@youdidist]

me too 😊

[@jonnyphenomenon]

I love how you approach these projects with the attitude of "I don't really know how to do this, but we are going to give it a shot". Every project is a learning experience. Keep it up!

[@snarlingrabiddog5150]

I'm addicted to watching these videos. Why did the second hand stop at 45 after 46:45. It runs before, then stops as he puts on the band, then works again? He's really good at making watches have a second chance in life.

[@Looey]

Me too lol

[@SarcastHandleNotAvailable]

when that crystal shattered I jumped in my chair and thought - NOW IT'S PERSONAL! :D everyone should do a project of this sort at least once in their life, doesn't have to be a watch, but something that requires time, dedication, effort, thinking, not giving up, trying, patience, attention to detail.. it's therapeutic really and it teaches you what many people lack today - a smallest bit of patience and an understanding that it's worth the effort to work on something cause you can't get eveyrhing at once, for free. and you feel a sense of acomplishment after doing a good job, pride.. of course you're gonna me miserable all the time if you do everything halfassed, just to do it, and then feel nothing but a waste of time for getting a halfassed result. watch repair is a perfect example of learning all those things and in the same time continuing a great tradition of the craft. this would be my perfect hobby but unfortunately I don't have the money for it so I watch the whole videos and feel as if I'd done the repair. fortunately for me, you do it as meticulously as I like so I'm always happy about how the pieces turn out!

[@SneakySolidSnake]

when the crystal shattered i thought of this youtube video from back in the day. /watch?v=pnsizkVjGm8

[@retro440]

The phrases "repairing a wristwatch" and "designing a cold fusion reactor" have never been in my vocabulary! What you do is amazing!

[@VixenIt]

Sir, my therapist retired, and now I no longer need a new one. 🙃 Seriously though, thank you for this channel! And this is my favorite restoration so far ❤❤❤❤

[@emerald7810]

WW2 nerd here. If you ever want to update the watch to be a bit closer to period-accurate, use an olive drab canvas strap. There might be replicas available out there for reenactors. Great job by the way! This is the first time I've ever seen a watch get taken apart and repaired like this.

[@NickG-is1nd]

The strap was my least favourite part but at least that can be swapped easily

[@antonburger01]

What makes this chanel so captivating isn't just the fact that watches are inherently facinating (which I have now discovered they are), but this watchmaker's absolute pro videography and narration. This guys is not just an excellent watchmaker, but an excellent videographer and video maker. These are some of the very best quality videos on KZbin, in my humble opinion.

[@rayks]

Hi, I have never been interested in watches, restoration, a little, came across your channel and I'm hooked! Alot of restoration videos on youtube I'm not entirely convinced about, and no narration or talking. You give a step by step account, and know your history. So happy to see someone do such an amazing job!!!! Keep it up

[@Jason-iz6ob]

Yeah some of them on KZbin are total scams. This clearly isn’t.

[@giggilboy4837]

He is good to watch and gives off a sense of honesty in is videos very informative .

[@waynes517]

Absolutely no idea how I ended up here, but never have I watched a video for almost an hour long so intently. New dial was absolutely the right choice. You were so delighted after the successful nickel plating - and no doubt so were all of your viewers. An amazing job.

[@robynsjp]

Thanks for keeping these history mementoes alive. I hope someone will proudly wear it regularly and think of those who wore it in wartime.

[@Surge1045]

These videos are incredible! He literally got me started on this journey of hobby watchmaking. I constantly go back a re-watch some of the videos as my knowledge increases. It's like watching a movie a second, third, ec. time - you pick up so much more. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos!

[@paulsilberman3787]

Had the pleasure of wearing this model that was in my father's collection. Turns out it belonged to his brother who was a navigator in the USAAF in WWII. I gave it back to him In honor of his service. Great watch and a greater generation of men and women who served. Thanks for sharing.

[@55metalmonkey]

The black on the parts is generally a carbon film which is left over from when the iron oxide was dissolved. You normally only get the darker black film on high carbon steel/ tool steel, mild steel will show up more grey. You can remove it with a fine brass wire wheel on a rotary tool but you'd probably want to jig up the part on a pin tool holder so it doesn't fly across the room.

[@jimthesoundman8641]

If you leave the carbon film on there, does it act as a rust preventative, the way cold bluing does on a gun?

[@55metalmonkey]

@@jimthesoundman8641 No not really. The film will wear away where the contact area is and leave bare metal, in a well taken care of watch that's generally not a problem but in harsher environments the carbon will absorb and hold moisture causing premature rusting in the long term. It would be best to remove it but for that tiny amount on the stem it probably wont cause an issue unless the carbon flakes off and contaminates the oil in the jewels.

[@ssvis2]

I've used brass brushes during restorations for that purpose. You have to be gentle to not scratch things up too much.

[@martinskanal]

The black color is AFAIK (EDIT: which apparently isn't far enough.. see posts below for correct&accurate information) not really carbon, though it is true the color will be a more solid black on pure steel (not mixed up with too much of other metals (like chromium, molybden etc.) with high carbon content. I force the process on some my very reactive high carbon content kitchen knives to make them more resistant to 'regular rust' (Fe2O3 = hematite) which will eventually eat into the steel. This rust is what was found in the watch. The black colored film is actually technically also a 'rust' or corrosion where the iron oxidize (bond with oxygen), however the molecules that form have one more oxygen atom (Fe3O4 (or FeO x Fe2O3) and this is called magnetite. Magnetite, unlike hematite, forms a 'skin' that prevents oxygen from further reaction with the iron. The prosess of blueing guns is similarly - through chemicals - forcing a layer of Fe3O4 on the steel to prevent further corrosion. (EDIT#2: while the black layer on my knives indeed is magnetite, the black film on the screws in this video is not!!)

[@55metalmonkey]

@@martinskanal According to Evaporusts FAQ page and several forums its carbon

[@manjosurgery]

Seeing the before and after. All I cam say is OMG! You simplify a very complex process. Breaking it down. Telling us how the gears and levers work. Your videos is such a joy to watch.

[@nathancarver7179]

Watchmakers/repairers will never not amaze me. You work on such a tiny scale, and every miniscule movement is done carefully and deliberately, not to mention remembering how everything goes together. Keep up the good work, this was a real beauty to see restored.

[@SpaceManRD]

I love finding a restoration channel with commentary, which is the whole appeal of this sort of stuff; learning the history behind a piece, what's being done, the restorer's insight, etc.

[@krisaaron5771]

Considering the moisture damage, it's possible this watch was worn in the field during WWII and may have seen actual combat! Definitely a piece of history and deserving of all the care you've given it. I wish it could speak -- think of the adventures this watch may have been through.

[@MissingNo0001]

i wonder who would've worn it

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Anything is possible, but inventing combat stories is ridiculous. We have no way of knowing the history of this watch.

[@randalldunning5738]

It would have taken forensic analysis of the rust to determine if it was exposed to salt water, humidity in a jungle or simply fell into the sink while the owner was shaving. Agree with commenter that speculation is probably pointless.

[@AnEvolvingApe]

I can tell from the numbers on the back that this belonged to the same soldier unit as my great grandpappy. They were all captured by the Japanese and spent several months as POWs hiding their precious A11s up their asses to keep American watch technology out of the hands of the enemy. Even though they were liberated they were all mentally scarred by the experience and some retained the habit of "hiding" their watches.

[@krisaaron5771]

@@chuckschillingvideos "possible" [ pos-uh-buhl ] that may or can be, exist, happen, be done, be used, etc.: a disease with no possible cure. that may be true or may be the case, as something concerning which one has no knowledge to the contrary: it's possible this watch was worn in the field during WWII

[@djsm1960]

What a result! A testament to Marshall's incredible skill, patience and love of watches...

[@shelbyhiromi]

Woah. Looking at it fully restored actually brought tears to my eyes thinking of who must've worn this watch all the people who relied on this particular design through war. Never thought i'd cry at watch that isnt even mine.

[@jagerwayz5721]

I really enjoy your narration. You don't have an annoying voice, or a poor vocabulary.

[@danmidkiff5416]

I agree! Very calm voice, except when he gets excited. And, he's not condescending.

[@badonebadone4778]

He is the best. Love you marshall

[@martgryfny]

exactly!

[@mohamedjaleel1229]

Above all he knows his stuff. Amazing!

[@nicknakpaddyman]

He has a history of narration and podcasts. Thanks Marshall. Years of listening to you for MTG.

[@1Klus]

Use the crystal lift "and just gently"...crash the whole thing..😂😂😂 That part was like poetry. The dial choice is perfect! That's surely one of the edgiest choice for a restoration I have watched here. Wasn't quite sure it would work out in the end, but when that balance wheel started playing along, such a eureka second there... Satisfying.

[@brianreilly6523]

Just caught this project on YT. What a great job you did! Patiently applying force when necessary but treating each delicate piece carefully. The do-it-yourself electroplating was interesting and impressive and the results were spectacular. Definitely a piece of history.

[@lovedeluxe2154]

I'm working my way back through your videos when I do quilling and painting and I've been so startled by how you've improved some things when I watch these older ones: your newer plating setup, how you've now got a new camera and rearranged your workspace, some of the newer tools you've added to your set. Your videos are wonderful and this is a good video! But it's also really amazing how much you've improved in the 2.5 years since this one in the techniques you use and new tools you've implemented. Going from watching your newest video to watching this one really does show how outstanding your work is in presenting what you do. Just incredible to see! ^_^

[@wendyglasgow6394]

Dial choice absolutely correct. I would call this the “Lasurus “ watch, it was definitely dead and now it lives 👏

[@jerrygrimes8813]

These videos are addictive! I can't believe an hour long video goes by so quickly, and I almost can't turn it off! Thanks for doing these, and your skills are most admirable.

[@williamwchiang]

I am completely blown away by your restoration of that Elgin government-issue watch used by the G.I.'s during WWII. When you used the long-nose pliers to remove the frozen stem and it broke off, my heart stopped. After the crystal shattered and turned it into bits of debris all over you bench, I thought that surely you will drop the project. But your entusiasm for the art kept you to move on and eventually - and miraculouly - put the watch into a spanking new shape that appeared to be an impossible task at first. My hat off to you!! I am now watching your videos one by one and am begining to feel that I can take on the hobby of watch resoration and follow your footsteps. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@luiserat3528]

I know this is from 7 months ago, but I really enjoyed it. I’m new to being a timekeeping enthusiast, so this was a super fun video to pick up and journey through. Tons of history behind watches like that and it’s nice to see them out back into wearable condition again.

[@ikeman5774]

I have watched several watch restorations and I must say, your restorations are the most entertaining and informative that I have watched, besting them all. I love the way you narrate the restoration and the camera visuals on your work is outstanding. I'm fascinated with your work. Makes me wish I got into Horology years ago. I love swiss wristwatches.

[@daleburrell6273]

...YOU BETCHER LIFESAVERS-!!!

[@daleburrell6273]

...WELL, IF YA LOVE SWISS WATCHES SO MUCH- THEN WHY DON'T YA MARRY ONE OF THEM?!!

[@boy--kisser]

@@daleburrell6273 dam wish i could marry a rolex they're so resistant as watches and so beautiful too

[@daleburrell6273]

@@boy--kisser ...WELL, YOU CAN HAVE MULTIPLE ROLEX WATCHES AT THE SAME TIME- WITHOUT BEING A BIGAMIST-(!)

[@boy--kisser]

@@daleburrell6273 dude chill, stop screaming this is a chilled comment section

[@DaliwolfBacon]

I am going back to watch some of your older videos, and this project was absolutely delightful to watch. Thank you! It turned out amazing! ❤

[@sunilmalik9488]

I am delighted to see some of your videos. When I was young (I am 60 now) watch making used to be my father's hobby which I picked. I have done many restorations but it was lot more fun to repair damaged watches, like replacing broken Ballance staff, recondition slipping canon pinion etc. Back in New Delhi there is dedicated watch spare parts market and also junk yards where you could find real old stuff. I miss those days as now I am in Singapore and have no scope for restoration etc. I wish I can resume my hobby but seems there is no market in Singapore. I loved your videos. Sunil Malik

[@Digital-Dan]

I very much appreciate the after-the-fact voice-overs. I think that is always the more professional and glitch-free way to go. Looking forward to chronometer watches, tourbillons, minute sounders, etc., as your skills improve.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Thanks, chronographs up next!

[@dajdools8834]

This watch is a piece of relevant history, and you absolutely gave it the honor it deserved. Awesome job on an awesome watch!!!

[@terapode]

Fantastic. I have two wristwatches, one belonged to my grandfather and the other was a gift from my father when I graduated in college.

[@G-regular503]

The reaction when that crystal shattered... priceless. Another great coffee pairing!! Thank you!!!

[@johnhoney7903]

Well done, by the way, the movement serial number shows that it was made in 1944 in a run of 15,000. I´ve had a couple of A-11 watches, an Elgin and a Waltham, now I have the US Navy version, the Elgin 2103 and a rare USMC Hamilton 39102 with the 18 jewel movement. Keep up the good work!

[@paulschumacker9901]

Marshall- Many thanks for another amazing journey through the trials and tribulations of watch restorations. Those of us who are comfortable with the routine servicing where everything goes as it should will especially appreciate the real-life cases where the gremlins come out to wreck your day. Your videos showing problem diagnosis when the serviced watch doesn’t function as planned are an inspiration to those who sometimes struggle with vintage watches. For example, the movement that goes back together perfectly but stops when rotated into a particular position... So many thanks for inspiring us! Please keep doing these. And please think about a tutorial on how to coax the hairspring back between the regulator pins after re-attaching the balance!

[@Kiwi0Six]

This was fun to follow you through. I was almost as excited as you as I watched it come to life. I started rebuilding Clocks when I found some old wooden works clocks in my grandfather’s attic. I then dabbled in playing with watches. I’m so glad I found this channel as it is rekindled my interest. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your enthusiasm!

[@dleland71]

It's not just a 'watch', it's a piece of history. Just imagine the service member who owned it, set it, and used it to wage conflict in the pursuit of freedom! It chokes me up... Being a Vietnam era vet I am honored to watch you restore this watch. And yes, I like the more readable dial, but keep the old one too. Thanks for the restoration video.

[@r8dj]

turned out awesome! mad props for salvaging a piece of history overlooked by most...as a veteran, I can say there are many of us who truly appreciate this and would be proud to have a functioning relic like this our wrist.... although I probably would only wear something like this for special events....esp. after seeing what goes into restoring it...it's just too pretty now, that first scuff would be a heartbreaker. You def made the right choice on the dial too....while that battle-scarred one does give that element of cool, not at the cost of function....had the rust not affected the legibility, maybe a dif story. I will need to go through my coffee can graveyard of dead watches now. I have a few pocket watches that belonged to my great grandfather. Ofc, none of them work and one requires a key that is missing if I think. He raced horses in the early 1900's and one of them looks like a chronograph for keeping times. He was also friends with Frank James, who was a race starter. Back then there were only wires instead of starting gates. They both cleaned up bringing in a 100-1 shot named Broomstick.

[@jimbo1531]

I really like this channel a lot, and I know nothing about watches (well, more than I did before) - it's not just about watches, it's a genuinely great channel.

[@MarkADavisAZ]

Catching up on all your old videos. This is by far my most favorite watch you've done. So sharp.

[@mddah01]

This is so much better than bingeing on Netflix - I could watch your work for hours! I find it very reassuring, in our disposable world, to know that there are still people out there with your skills. Now, if I could just find my father's WW2 military watch....

[@MrFelix002]

Almost lost but saved by a thread, good to see that theirs someone out there that doesn’t give up and keeps on trudging along, wonderful stuff with a beautiful finish in the end

[@badlilcarboy1]

I found you Channel about an hour ago and have been binge watching it since. I was looking for videos on restoring my great grandfather's Elgin Pocket Watch, that I got from my grandfather after his passing

[@ChipsPlace1952]

Marshall, I just viewed your video on this restoration from a year ago. So I hope you see this comment. It is great to see some the challenges you go thru as well as photograph them. It shows that even yourself, have issues with such projects. Peaks and valleys shall we say. It shows that it is not always easy. It is good that viewers see this. Congrats on such a great job.

[@chasekemp4982]

I’ve always wanted to pickup an A-11 but finding anyone I could trust to put the effort into it is tough to find. I really hope you will be taking on some work when I do. Excellent work.

[@icyhot9783]

Definitely the dial from the donor watch. There's no point it the dial, if one can't read it. Also, it wouldn't match the rest of the watch condition. Marshal, the more I watch you videos, the more I'm convinced it's a hobby for me. Thanks for creating such a cool channel. I love reworking and reusing stuff and good to see these old gems not going into the trash!

[@MrKevin486]

I am pretty new to watches, and I've recently been on a watch buying binge. My interest in all things watches grows more ravenous every day and this channel is quickly becoming not just my new favorite channel, but also a great start to really learning how watches operate and function. Keep up the great work!

[@chrisvandermerwe7111]

My favorite segments are when we are viewing through the microscope. So interesting to watch. Thanks Marshall for all the thoughtful work and words.

[@sinjon]

Absolutely a good call using the far less damaged dial. The original would’ve been cool if it was easier to read, but in this case(haha) it was too far gone

[@bpage13]

There is something to be said about a channel that has 0 conflict in the chat. I believe it says you are creating high quality, informative content and it is very enjoyable to come across that.

[@justinburleson]

This is why i love this channel. Where else can you find someone willing to do wacky things like restore a watch on a watch restoration channel?

[@gregleingang9409]

I concur with you dial choice. With old anything (motorcycles, cars, watches etc.) at some point interesting patina crosses the line into non-functional. And I also find if you restore some finishes (like your case here) and then leave other bits non restored and just cleaned up, those non restored bits look really bad. So I think you nailed the approach considering how far gone the whole thing was. And as long as you keep the original dial with the watch you retain the history. Love your work.

[@danielduncan6370]

I love that you break down everything you’re doing and walk us through the process

[@keithgilstrap7406]

Thank you for restoring that piece of history. You asked about the old face / donor face and I personally would have put the original back in place but I am still amazed with the donor in place - the original face should go with the time piece when it goes to its new home Thank you again!

[@MrJoeinz]

You are a true craftsman and have graduated from hobbyist to professional level ! Bravo ! Add in your pleasant and interesting demeanor . . . it make for a very pleasant experience, all-around ! Thank you !

[@tonyhunt8059]

Thank you, Marshall - I have always appreciated artisans such as yourself, and in years gone by had a regular association with a semi-retired horologist, who blew me away with his attention to detail - just like you do! Your obvious delight when a restoration goes so well (as in the case of this Elgin) makes me realise that small tasks matter.

[@richardherbst488]

This was the watch my father flew with in the Navy during WW2. He was also issued a stopwatch for navigation, I think Hamilton. As to restoring this and retaining the cosmetic damage, the results speak for themselves, you aren't restoring a 60 million year old fossil. I would wear this daily (if I could find one). The plating job was superb.

[@raywatts7689]

Love your channel. I find your restoration videos so relaxing and entertaining. Maybe because as a child I remember my father pulling appart tiny ladies watches and fixing them on the kitchen table. I often found myself using my young eyes to find tiny screws or springs that occasionally escaped to the floor. Love your work, best wishes to you and thank you.

[@BC-ev4hl]

I mean this as the highest compliment. You're the Bob Ross of watch restoration and repair. So calm and peaceful and enjoyable content. I love watching your videos Sir.

[@hahmed1970]

Beautiful restoration! Was so happy to see you had a donor because it looks absolutely amazing now. In the case where you didn't have a donor, I would've suggested getting an art restoration expert having a go at it. They could probably match the materials and/or paint according to the time the watch was made. Love your videos by the way!

[@occhamite]

When you have a part that is rusted fast, like the winding stem was, you might try putting some "penetrating oil" on it, the type in a spray can, that foams up, then tapping repeatedly on the part (to work the oil even further the mechanism), waiting a while, and retrying, to check for any free-up of the part. Repeated applications and waits may be helpful, but on parts as small as those in a watch, penetrating oil should dissolve-in and break-up the rust, and run you less risk of doing further damage in the disassembly. Penetrating oil will not create the black deposit on the surface of treated parts that you get with Evapo-rust.

[@masterk5372]

No worrys this guy knows what’s doing :)

[@occhamite]

@@masterk5372 ????? If only you did.

[@A2Z1Two3]

@@masterk5372 Normally I would agree with you , but not in this case. A bit more patience , some penetrating fluid , and some kind of controllable vibrating device would most likely ( given time) have allowed the winder to be removed without breaking .

[@occhamite]

@@masterk5372 This "guy" hearted the post, didn't he! Making a suggestion isn't suggesting the guy doesn't know what he is doing. I'll bet he'd be the first to tell you he doesn't know everything there is to know.

[@henryszubielski8601]

Wow! That did come out looking fantastic. Thanks for saving a piece of history. The watch and for the serviceman that wore it.

[@dylanmeyer6614]

I was unsure about which dial was best. However, once you put it all together the replacement dial looks superb within the complete restoration. There is still lots of character in the replacement dial, hands and watch body. Superb. Absolutely blown away by your passion and dedication, especially with the laborious plating process!

[@NiaJustNia]

I think maybe if you sold it as a collection piece, you could include the old dial and spring in a little box with it, so the person could have the originals in case they want them, without it having a negative impact on functionality.

[@jessphuqette1716]

Thanks for sharing your learning curve as far as the plating. You stepped out of your comfort zone and produced, as usual, a beautifully restored historical time piece. Bravo.

[@justin81981]

I sincerely want to buy one of your restorations! Just found this channel, and I've always had an affinity for watches. Awesome work, and great channel. Thank you!

[@user-ng2qx4xd1b]

i dont know why but your videos relax me. thank you

[@2000bhoy]

Congratulations Marshall! You made the correct decision regarding the dials. The original was beyond saving. Well done on the electro plating, a new string to your bow! It is very endearing that you are unsure of your obvious skills. Your adventure is our adventure........... Big respect from Scotland!

[@williamwilson2270]

You did a great job of restoring this old watch. Most hobbies watch repairers would have chucked it, but between replating and using as few spares from a parts piece you created a remarkable rebuild. Excellent!

[@Jenswsmjens]

The level of satisfaction is throught the roof imo. i LOVE restorations like these. Great job!

[@gaekinc]

it's not only how we enjoyed the show, but full of knowledge how to use any tools and reason why we did that. incredible work mate!

[@uweroddinger393]

Chapeau! Your videos are my yoga! Watching them calmes me down, where I should be.

[@sportsracer5]

Such a great job on this one, well done. And honestly, for me, that new acrylic crystal is what really sets this thing off. The gentle warmth makes this watch feel both new and old at the same time. Long live acrylic.

[@willyw9379]

I must admit also enjoy the content of restoration channels working on everyday items like knives, lamps, toasters, coffee grinders etc. Still, I thoroughly love your efforts to go that extra mile and keep the original components, and the scale and size you're working on are incredible! Keep up the excellent work, good sir.

[@barbaramundy5039]

What a wonderful challenge you gave yourself. When I watched you open it up, I thought that it was done for. It looked like a lost cause, but you made an incredible job of resurrecting it. Awesome to watch and appreciate the work you do. 😍

[@azoriusmage]

Quality of Marshall's work at everything he does is so good.

[@MVO884]

Great restoration. The fact someone was wearing that watch in a war, and looked every day on that watch. Thanks for that thought and restore that watch because behind that watch is a real story with a family .I hope someday I can wear such a watch.

[@canuckdad76]

Watching your revivals is relaxing and I really enjoy them. Made me want to find out more about an old pocket watch my dad had. Need to get it restored cause it's missing the minute hand and crystal but it's from the 1900s.

[@arewethereyet.130]

Marshall, Always mesmerized watching you work! Especially when a watch comes back to life! To answer your question; yes, the new face looks much better! Having taken the time to strip, re-nickel with new crystal, the cleaner face matches the overall appearance and yet still retaining the originality as the face was removed from a donor watch of the same era. Well done sir

[@user-pt4fp7pi6q]

Excellent work. Start to finish.

[@PhillipHammond]

Great video! My grandpa on my dad's side didn't serve in the military during WWII, but like so many civilians of his time, he worked in war materials. Specifically, he worked for Elgin. Not sure how much watch work he did, but I know they also helped make aircraft dial components as well. Thanks again!

[@lumgs2009]

This was way cool! Great work! I love to see your excitement when you put back the balance and the watch starts working. It's much like a heart when it starts beating again on its own after a transplant ❤️

[@leftofright]

The better looking dial, considering the effort to redo the metal work. Thanks again for a cool restoration.

[@benurwin4374]

Your video really game me something today that I needed. Thank you. Your positivity and passion for your hobby was very uplifting. I’d love to track down one of these types of watches when there’s some cash to spare.

[@SuperScottCrawford]

It's easy to take for granted that every time we see a new camera angle, unless you have multi-cameras, you had to set that shot up. That takes time and no doubt messes with your work. Here we are just enjoying it, thinking "I should try creating vids.". Little do we know.

[@flowerpower7389]

I agree the newer dial. It's a fantastic restoration and still keeps its character. Love your channel and your explanations. Keep up the amazing work.

[@eisbaerbel]

What a great restoration, or should I say repair or makeover, on this lovely watch. It is great to see such awesome craftmanship. I love vintage watches but would never dare to dip so deep inside. Please keep up your good and passionate work on those disbanded tiny little creatures... Love it !