Electroplating Rescues a 1950s Gruen Watch - This Was One Tough Vintage Restoration!

[@Saving-Time]

So @ 47.55 I oil the top of a cap jewel. Those of you that know can go ahead and laugh now 😓 Those of you who don't, well, don't do this. You'll end up looking like a right muppet in front of a lot of people on the internet. Ask me how I know.😅Feel free to laugh, as I did when I spotted it.

[@hockeyrd99]

I laughed.. sorry.

[@juancarlospachecodiaz]

👍

[@uhtwemg4980]

O

[@baca6445]

Witam wszystkich serdecznie życzę miłego dnia Tobie oraz wszystkim którzy kochają zegarki Stary Baca Dzięki za to że Jesteś zdrowia życzę I pięknych chwil dla których warto żyć Dobrego dnia życzy Stary Baca

[@billmason2785]

We watch lovers...wear a tiny engine on our wrist

[@mikedandurand3548]

The strap making was fascinating and something not seen on any other watch repair channel that I'm aware of. I just subscribed.

[@Saving-Time]

Appreciate that thanks for the sub!

[@RyeOnHam]

Would absolutely LOVE to see more strap making.

[@Saving-Time]

I'll add some to the next video. Nice channel you have. I've always been fascinated by gunsmithing. Great stuff

[@endy_fx]

I wasn't expecting the strap making, but wow. It turned out beautifully. With this, the plating and the hairspring adjustment this was a project and a half. Great stuff all round. Very much a yes on more strap making, because if this was the result with tinfoil tools, I think everyone would appreciate seeing you working with your own kit

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you, filming the process makes it a lot harder as well lol this is my excuse for being a bit crap at getting my post done in a timely manner :D

[@donnyboon2896]

I have decided that this is the best watchmaking channel. (Especially since the "Watch Repair Channel" makes so few videos. He's busy as a professional watchmaker.) May you do this happily for many years!

[@Saving-Time]

Mark is a far better watchmaker than me, so I'm glad you are enjoying my stuff. I'll be around for some time, I hope.

[@caseyschilling7337]

My husband found your channel while searching for watch repair videos. We really enjoy your videos! You have the best sense of humor!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. All the best - David

[@RockandrollNegro]

The Gruen Precision was indeed Connery's personal watch. It was his "lucky" watch that he purchased with his first substantial payday, and first starring role, for _Darby O'Gill and the Little People_ in 1959. The watch was the "nicest one he could afford," and cost him 40 quid on Bond Street. While passing the newsstand, he saw an interesting looking paperback on the rack, and bought it to read in his hotel. It was Ian Fleming's "Dr. No," which ended up being his breakout role two years later. The Bond Street Gruen is now owned by his son, Jason Connery.

[@Saving-Time]

That's very interesting I wish i'd know that for the video lol Cheers that's a fantastic bit of info much appreciated!

[@cerij4242]

It must have been a huge coincidence that the future Bond bought his Gruen from Bond Street, and a wrist shot or two in Bond movies.

[@stevezodiac575]

Fascinating bonus information - I also had to check out a trailer for the 'Darby O'Gill and the Little People' film! Thank you Sir!

[@timmytwodogs]

That's a great story. And people don't believe in coincidence...

[@RichardFarmer-ol9qj]

I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to watch the next story of the watch and interested in the story of watch manufacturers does and don't,s about the wright things to do if you sort it out by your self

[@rogers531]

Hi John Green watch famous for the veri thin pocket watch. Nice job. All Bonded together

[@Saving-Time]

Hi John, nice to see you around :) Hope you're keeping well!

[@fvazquez64]

Love gruen watches. When I finsihed secondary school my grand father gave me one, that was 1976, and I'm still wearing it today... Thanks for the video and the memories...

[@Saving-Time]

You are most welcome. That's what I love about watches. I have my grandfather's Longines. If I could only keep one watch, it would be that one!

[@michaelpaulos420]

Wow!!! it's a beauty NOW! You gave us everything. Including the plating and macking a luxury strap! Thank you..❤‍🩹

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you like it! And thank you for the kind words!

[@morgan97475]

Wow! Glad to see someone who has the patience to do such work.

[@Saving-Time]

Well, I do have to stop every now and again; it can get frustrating. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@danieljimenez5887]

Great to see a Gruen Precision on here as I am prepping to restore a Gruen Precision 25 Jewel Autowind! Microscope views are fantastic addition!

[@Saving-Time]

Good luck! Gruen autos are fantastic. Appreciate you letting me know about the microscope. I'm never sure if i'm including to much or not. Glad you liked it!

[@jacktoddy9783]

Please make more videos like this one - It was a real treat to watch someone use talent gained through experience and talk common sense. As for getting your wife to do the sewing I think you made the right decision - respect people for their skills. My wife likes gardening and I like being slumped over the sofa watching footy on TV - It works out fine. I make sure that while she is outside humping stuff that I keep her plied with her 'Cuppa Saki' favourite drink served with the right number of ice cubes placed in the pattern she prefers, each cube standing upright and not just tossed into the glass. If people could only respect different cultures and get on and produce something, then many of the world's troubles would be solved rather than idle hands holding no purpose. Excellent video - Thank you for making it. BTW, I used to wear a round silver case Omega Chronometer on a thin black leather strap - it was the type worn by Sean Connery in the movie - Thunderball. There is photo from the movie on-line with him stepping out of the shower wrapped in a white towel wearing the watch. The 40mm diameter dail/case against a dark blue suit and crisp white shirt cuff holds a subtle style that never fades.

[@richardbell466]

Great watch. Gruens are so smart. Love the strap. You gotta do more. Most watchmakers cannot do straps. This is a positive point of difference. Well done 👍

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! More straps on the way. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@richardbell466]

you're welcome@@Saving-Time

[@mushtak1963]

Yes please, for the strap making

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for letting me know, glad you liked it.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

@@Saving-Timedefinitely keep the strap making

[@donnyboon2896]

​@@Saving-Time- Never observed a strap being made. Agreed. Show more strap making.

[@FJuan50]

I thoroughly enjoyed the leather work with this. Please include more when you find it appropriate! Thank you for the video.

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! Thank you

[@andyoverall1951]

Never seen a strap made before, I enjoyed it, thanks. More please.

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! thanks for letting me know.

[@zelphx]

As much as I was glued to the Gruen habilitation, I was over-the-moon with your watch strap! It looks very much like a baseball mitt (glove)… FANTASTIC.

[@Saving-Time]

The look I was going for was the old vintage look, so a baseball mitt fits perfectly for the look I was aiming for, so thank you. I'm glad you liked it.

[@dantyler6907]

Best watch cleaning channel of all! Great microscope imaging...

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you so much 👍

[@bobnelson6093]

Love the simplicity of this video. Really liked the strap-making as well.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you liked it!

[@OldBluzRulz]

Really enjoyed the strap-making segment! ... More please.

[@Saving-Time]

Will do!

[@davidsneddon2242]

Like the delivery and the strap making. My first ST video and won't be my last. Excellent.

[@Saving-Time]

Welcome aboard! Thank you

[@TheSilentsniper1973]

so nice to see how you clean all the parts and then realize that they are really miniscule parts. wonderful to watch and hear what you are doing.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you. The scale of the parts can be very intimidating when you first start out. I'm glad you liked it.

[@ScottinWV-bg2ij]

I'm bookmarking this one for the strap making section. Please include more!

[@Saving-Time]

Will do!

[@rrcaniglia]

I am very impressed with your practical approach to this.

[@Saving-Time]

I appreciate that! Thanks for the kind words

[@tomtom9879]

Incredible hobby!! 😊

[@Saving-Time]

It really is! Thank you

[@waerokinghuang8603]

Super DIY strap and restoration , excellent enlarged and clear video

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much!

[@matthewmctaff2022]

Just finish the video, strap making, what a bonus. Very nice job.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know :)

[@FrenchieFrench1555]

Excellent video, thank you. I really enjoyed watching the strap making, beautiful work.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! More on the way

[@chriswilson3126]

Thanks for the detailed section of making the strap as well. Really interesting.

[@Saving-Time]

No problem glad you found it interesting. Thanks for letting me know.

[@QMac-i6h]

Loved the band making content awsom 👍🏻Hope we see more, great watch result too, lovely

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for your kind comment. If you're interested in strap making, I started another channel recently that shows the process more in-depth which you might like: www.youtube.com/@Wasting-Time-oc7jl

[@jcreek9055]

Loved the strap! Great. Another hobby.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you and at least leather work is relatively cheap lol

[@michaeljekot9596]

Really liked the band making. Very cool.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks so much!

[@michaelmoore9176]

Great presentation and British humor. Michael Moore

[@Saving-Time]

Cheers glad you liked it

[@davidtebera4488]

A very good video and restoration. Adding the band creation makes it even better. Thanks for making your vidoes!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you like them! Nice of you to let me know

[@simonwood1461]

Great. Absolutely great. Loads of expertise and no BS.

[@Saving-Time]

I save the BS for when the beer comes out lol Glad you liked it. Thank you

[@lautrey6531]

Just wonderful. The leather work is so beautiful. By the way at 79 years old I remember when I was 15 or 14 years old watches with this style of face were the "in" thing, clean and very "modern"! Many thanks for the video.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you. This watch will always be a classic, in my opinion; it still looks fantastic 70 years later. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ziodro]

Awesome! The strap is absolutely gorgeous.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you!

[@dbl1db]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Thank you 🙂

[@Saving-Time]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I see you have some math content; good on you. People should know more math.

[@local56]

Brilliant, enjoyed every minute. The Gruen close enough is very funny, love the strap as well.

[@colincomposer]

Two thumbs up for this sir! Great job, well done!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you kindly!

[@RobertTKlaus]

Great repair, and I always enjoy watching leather work.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks 👍 Glad you liked it :)

[@chopin65]

Wow! You knocked it out of the park! Beautiful work. Yes. I enjoyed the leather work. Keep it up.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! Will do!

[@caseykernaghan7833]

Simple elegant I quite enjoyed the video. 👏

[@frankbruno7122]

Such a wonderful job on this beauty. Thank you for sharing this with us. Frank in Colorado

[@Saving-Time]

Many thanks! You are most welcome. Hello from Prague!

[@gparizek156]

The watch looks great and so does the band.😊

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks :)

[@darrenfry4695]

I definitely would love to see you make more straps , . Thanks for sharing your awesome skill..cheers.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks, will do! looks like it will be ostrich skin up next!

[@darrenfry4695]

​@@Saving-Timeawesome. Can't wait.

[@pemhoman1754]

Really like the strap making part of this video! More, yes please! 👍

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! Snake skin up next

[@amphibiousone7972]

Incredible restoration, that took much love. Impressive as always 🫡🤝

[@topgazza]

Just had to subscribe. Wonderfully articulate and described in an interesting and suitably detailed way. Excellent stuff And a truly beautiful watch

[@Saving-Time]

Welcome aboard! Thank you very much for the kind words.

[@Robin6512]

Beautiful watch. Simply beautiful.

[@Saving-Time]

It really is! Gruen where fantastic back in the day!

[@inglebybhoy3293]

That’s a great result. Beautiful. The strap is perfect for the Gruen. Thanks!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you like it!

[@paulwheble840]

Great video, particularly enjoyed the strap-making, something different. Looking forward to the next one!

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks! 👍 I'll be including more strap making for sure.

[@syfre9506]

interesting, first time I see a tuto on how to make a watch strap, I was wondering about trying. Thanks

[@Saving-Time]

You're welcome. Good luck, and I'm glad you found it of interest. :)

[@dragchute1]

I have to admit that the discovery of your channel was quite by accident. Regardless, I was memorized. Wonderful production value with well timed and interesting voice overs. I haven't worn a watch in 30 years but I would make an exception for your Gruen. Merci.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you; that's very nice of you to say.

[@eddiejr540]

David…well done…I really enjoy your videos…keep up the great work 👍

[@m.searay4629]

Glad I found this. Nice watch and strap. 👍

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for watching! More strap making to come

[@deebee3901]

Magnificent. Enjoyed every minute of the video. Please do more watch straps. I'd love to have the same watch. Cheers from Australia!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words - Hello from Prague

[@kevinkirkbride9062]

As a Gruen fan, I love the finished product! What a fantastic job. I would definitely like to see more instructional videos for the strap making and the plating! I have also been researching dial making/refinishing and am looking forward to trying that as well.

[@Saving-Time]

I made a dial from scratch in this video, if you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipKQloGanbN2pM0 I appreciate the kind words

[@jport74]

I inherited a Gruen Precision from my father, it was his high school graduation present from my grandparents. It's a model before the 510, around 1956 with caliber 435 in a 32.5mm case and white gold plated with a black dial. I married it to a black calf strap with gold stitching similar to the one you made. I love the look of my Gruen and it keeps great time.

[@Saving-Time]

Gruen made great watches, and they are such a nice thing to have from your father, especially as they came originally from your grandparents. A black strap on a black dial is always going to look good. IMO, this is a great choice. I have my black Prim on black snake skin; it's not for everyone, but I think it looks fantastic.

[@ashitanojoe69]

Great job and tutorial!! Congrats

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks so much!

[@camperp195]

Wow,what an absolutely beautiful looking piece,the stripdown and rebuild was really fascinating!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much! I love this watch!

[@christopherm.2001]

I too watched New Yankee Workshop. Loved Norms creations, but hated his color choices. Couldn't stand the PAINTING he did with such fine wood craftsmanship. Believe it or not, YOUR the NYW of horology. Love the straps. Hand made GENUINE items! Your vids are AWESOME!!! Nicely done.

[@Saving-Time]

I own a biscuit joiner because of Norm, the least used tool in my workshop. I agree on the painting. Glad you enjoyed the straps ,the term handmade gets thrown around a bit to much these days. Thank you for the kind words.

[@mullrump2]

Excellent!! More straps please.

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! Thank you for the kind words

[@johnalbers4632]

Love your program, especially with the cometary. I also love the part, when you make the watch bands! Thanks

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know

[@JustinHeat1961]

Loved the story telling and the attention to detail on disassembly and assembly. The microscope really adds to the visual effect of the repairs. Spot on!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Cheers

[@tgoldfisher]

What a fun video to watch on my Saturday morning with a cup of coffee. You did a wonderful job with every aspect of the project and you are correct, the watch looks gorgeous!! Wear it in good health!!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you sir, very kind of you to say I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@campervandetectorman5695]

Great work love the strap enjoyed the complete process start to finish quality

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! Cheers! Very nice to hear

[@oak_meadow9533]

Enjoyed your expose and your strap work, thanks so very much😊!

[@Saving-Time]

You are so welcome!

[@johnpinner1]

Love your workmanship watch and strap are perfect

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you nice of you to say!

[@michaelkeats1313]

A very enjoyable video. Loved the plating process and the strap making. More like this would be great. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! More on the way

[@RalonsoF1]

"... because, you know, it's a Gruen Precision, it's not a Gruen Close enough..!" 🤣🤣👍👍 so funny and an amazing work! I'm impressed! Thank you very much for this video!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the kind words

[@dbaider9467]

You did an excellent job sanding and polishing the case and keeping all the edges and the tiny step-bevel around the bezel. Tricky work.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you appreciate the kind words

[@carlubambi5541]

Great strap making and fantastic repair .My dad was a big watch guy .He was a tile setter and went through many watches over his life time .Many were destroyed because his hands were always in water .he had a gruen and a zenith and a Bulova automatic .I have the zenith left but does not work .Water got in to the crown .just keep it for memory

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you; your dad had great taste in watches. The Zenith you have would be repairable; vintage Zenith parts are not hard to find. If water got in, it probably wouldn't be a cheap repair, but it is possible. Just food for thought: I still put on my grandfather's watch from time to time, and that makes me happy every time I do. Thanks for the kind words.

[@anjkovo2138]

Lovely & very interesting presentation. I enjoyed that👍👍

[@Saving-Time]

Many thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@francispalmer9737]

What an excellent job. The microscope really brings up the detail and the imperfections, scary. lol. Thank you Saving -Time.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for letting me know.

[@aaron2709]

Loved seeing the strap.

[@fakenewsisthenews3542]

Great video and yes it was very interesting watching you build the watch, make the strap and cook dinner in the background all at the same time! Amazing. I can't do any of those things and you did all 3 at once!!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it, I can't leap tall building in a single bound yet but i'm trying lol Thanks for the kind words

[@darenbyers4291]

I have lg box watches I don't wear, this video has given me new appreciation for the 3 early Gruen precision in that lot. Will look to see if 1 is the Bond watch.

[@767fresh]

WOW! I'm extremely impressed with your video (first one for me) and all of the diverse operations that you covered. I loved the strap construction AND the electroplating. Please continue to send these "golden nuggets" along for our education. Thank you! 😄

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! New video just dropped on the channel do let me know what you think!

[@RobertBlane-lw6kn]

Absolutely riveting video. Very interesting and informative. Top marks across the board. Thanks so much.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers

[@menw7470]

Paradigm shift with this video, loved the watch strap making.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! I just acquired a Waltham, the same one you did some months ago! I look forward to getting that done. I hope your own endeavours are going well.

[@menw7470]

I am hoping top get the Waltham back together soon. Presently I have been doing a lot of repair on quartz watches for a local charity so not much time for my own projects. Have you had a go at making your own nickel plate solution? Apparently its quite easy to do.@@Saving-Time

[@Saving-Time]

I have and copper as well it is quite easy to do. I'm lucky enough to have a shop right round the corner that sells the stuff for tiny amount of money. I did make my own before that though!

[@gajackso]

Loved the strap making!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you for letting me know. More to come in the next video.

[@robertjordan7323]

Very nice watch. Very similar to my dad's precision Gruen I restored a few months ago. Love that strap you made! Thanks for posting.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks I saw the video you made on it; good stuff! Always happy to see a fellow enthusiast Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.

[@TDIMAXDIESEL]

Superb restoration and the bracelet is beautiful ! 😊🇨🇦

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much!

[@Trevorpartington-yc6ri]

love the watch and a real insite into strap making . Nice video.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for watching! Nice of you to let me know.

[@spyder2383]

Funny that you explain the keyless portion. I watched a vid on a pocket watch and the guy sevicing the movement talked about the keyless mechanism while actually using the key, lol.

[@49txhunter]

A great video I very much enjoyed it as well as the strap making.

[@Saving-Time]

Awesome, thank you!

[@timmytwodogs]

I have one of those in mint condition. Keeps perfect time and is nicely understated on the wrist.

[@Saving-Time]

They are really nice watches.

[@timmytwodogs]

@@Saving-Time I would rather buy a nice vintage watch than any modern stuff. Some of the "bling" wrist clocks are just too much.

[@KRColson]

Another great job! I enjoyed watching it very much. Thank you.

[@Veesaki]

Have one ! Bought it from The Sharper Image in 1988 , amazing new old stock , this is the watch Gregory Peck wore in the Guns of Navarone , thanks for sharing your repair ! 👏

[@Saving-Time]

Awesome it's a great watch I did not know about the Gregory Peck connection, thank you. I like it even more now

[@bjw4859]

This is the 1st of your videos I have seen, I was like ok at the start, till you started making the watch strap from scratch, I subscribed on the spot, that level of professional skill & devotion was mesmerising, please do more of that, even if your wife helped you lol, I'd be lost without mine, here's to happy marriages, cheers.

[@Saving-Time]

Will do! You know what they say, happy wife, happy life :D Thanks for the kind words.

[@Yeastherder]

Never seen a strap made. Please do more.

[@Saving-Time]

Will do, glad you enjoyed it.

[@weezilfreak]

I picked up one almost completely like this one for $10. I bought it after watching this. Got it on Facebook marketplace. Previous owner had stretched the lugs and put on a wrong sized band. It does not say Swiss at the bottom. I am eventually going to get it restored. Does run and keeps time. Other difference is the hands are different.

[@robertpeluse3586]

This was quite a value-packed video. You do it all. Thank you for sharing. All amazing info for the learners

[@Saving-Time]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christoskokkolis5110]

Fantastic video, loved the strap-making part!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know.

[@johnbarrington2526]

Watchmakers and those who repair them are geniuses imo. I just couldn’t

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you that's very kind of you to say.

[@user-vu4de9ox6c]

Parabéns pelo seu talento ❤ muito bom

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you!

[@ypaulbrown]

marvelous photography......thank you so much, cheers from the US, Florida, Paul

[@Saving-Time]

Many thanks! Greetings form Prague

[@MG-1020]

i was lucky enough to grab this same watch at a thrift store advertised as old watch may need battery lol it runs great but now i can really touch her up thanks to your video thank you and cheers.