Restoring the Simplest Chronograph from Omega: The Chronostop Watch Cal 865

[@dizzydisset8563]

Love the way this Hobby Conects people all over the world. U do a Great Job!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you so much!

[@poulbroendegaard]

I love vintage watches because of the great workmanship and high quality of most 60' watches

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

True the the vintage are so special

[@grammmmmmmmm]

For me, it’s about the connection to past. I almost exclusively ware vintage watches and sometimes I can’t help but look down at my wrist and wonder what life the watch had lived before it came to me, how many times this watch had sat in this restaurant or cafe before or weather it had been to whatever new country I happen to visiting. I love that even now 50+ years after manufacture, these little watches continue to beat on, a testament to the mindset of the day and thought and craftsmanship that went into them. There are extremely few items these days that could dream to have that period of utility and do so with such style. Fantastic channel and collection- keep it up!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you so much Gram

[@richardarseneault1602]

Omega watches are always special timepieces. So nice to see this example restored so nicely.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Richard

[@adamdorney5143]

I have the while dial date version of this model. Given to me by my grandfather. It's the reason why I love watches. Thanks for sharing this one ☺️

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Adam

[@clm_watchmaking]

My favourite thing about watches is that each one has its own unique charm about it. Be it an orange seconds hand, patina on the dial, a certain look or feel on the wrist, or just the way it makes you feel when you look at it. My collection isn’t expensive, but I enjoy each and every watch I have, for different reasons. Good luck on getting to 10,000 subscribers! Thank you for the wonderful content. 🧡

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Chris. Watches are not about the value but the joy and memory they bring to people. You don't need to spend a big amount of money to have a collection you will enjoy

[@clm_watchmaking]

@@FrenchWatchCollector ❤

[@frnt2bakgturass]

Great workmanship. The movement and the dial to me is like art. Every watch has a story to tell.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thanks Mathew

[@chriscaskey8471]

I am somewhat new to watchmaking but find that I appreciate a vintage watch more so than I do a new one. Perhaps it’s because it has history, has survived all this time, and typically has an unknown story that can only imagined. Beyond that, I enjoy bringing a junk drawer non-running watch back to life. A new beginning to a new story.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

That is all the charm of vintage watches

[@zanwuji]

I just love watches and watching you repairing them. Its amazing to have something so beautiful and complex which is also a necessary tool on our wrist.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

This is why I love vintage watches

[@rossjackson3670]

Beautiful workmanship. Comments are very constructive. Thank you. The pleasure of learning to service a watch is immense. No knowledge, apart from owning a watch. Now to be able to emulate workmanship as seen in these videos is such a feeling. Not to the same standard, but to feel the same sensations and to be part of the community. Can't fault it.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you so much Ross for your nice comment

[@peruscho]

I love details and shapes, looking how it catches light on the wrist is just mesmerizing

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Petar. It is a nice one. I could not stop wearing it after finishing it

[@bobgreystoke316]

You’re as good as anyone on YT. I hope yr channel grows to reflect that.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you so much bob

[@petercampbell3828]

Best of luck on reaching 10,000. Lovely watch. The balance starting up never gets old!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Balance starting never get old

[@crbswiss]

I always liked the Chronostop. It's like an incognito chronograph.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

A real chrono undercover

[@FashioniX1]

Hi, great video, keep up your good work. I like watches for the fact, that nowadays in our digital world we can get a tiny mechanical wonder for little money at our wrists. I admire the ingenuity to design such e complex mechanism on so little space.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you

[@mony09bony]

What I love about watches (and clocks, of course) is the aiming for perfection, the constance and reliability, the relation to science and culture as well. Also the love for details, the beauty of funtion and the optical appearence of the watch. As seen in videos like yours, I like the repairability including all the knowledge that exists around watches. Some old watches may even be a time whitness. There's a lot I like about watches and clocks.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Nicely said

[@mony09bony]

@@FrenchWatchCollector Merci, monsieur!

[@deancase8951]

Love that dial! Wow. What a beauty. Interesting single pusher design, leave it to Omega.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Glad you like it!

[@robertjordan7323]

What I like about these watches, especially omega, is the attention to details

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

They are nice watches indeed

[@stuartm6710]

A sympathetic restoration to a beautiful watch. I have had three Omega's and I always wonder why Rolex gets so much attention. Omega is an older brand, has so many innovations, genuine history and the quality is superb. It is great to see them opened up and looking so good after all these years. Your presentation style and camera work is great.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I agree with you 100% for the Omega watches. After it is true that the Rolex movement are great quality but maybe a little bit less fun than some movements that you can find at Omega.

[@richardhopkinson7931]

First off, another great video! Watches to me, especially vintage, are full of style and elegance. Coming from a family of engineers, I love all things mechanical! And now watching your videos and others have taken the plunge to service a couple of my old watches and thoroughly enjoy it! The joy of bringing life to a dead watch is thrilling!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I agree 100% with you that is the best feeling in the world

[@michaelhubbert3300]

Very happy to see you working on a calibre 865. I have that same watch which I bought new in 1969 in Vietnam, along with a Omega Dynamic (cal. 601) and a manual wind Rolex (calibre 1215). I decided about a year ago that I would learn watch repair so that I could service these. I haven’t done them yet, opting to work on some American pocket watches first. Your video will really help when I get to the Choronstop. Many thanks

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

It is a good move to start with other watches. I will fix the omega then the Rolex with the omega last. It is the most complicated of the 3

[@garyz0611]

I love watches due to all the small parts working in harmony

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

😉

[@francispalmer9737]

These Omega movements look beautiful also look super quality. Another great job and excellent commentary. Cheers French.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Glad you like it!

[@narendravara5134]

I love this restoration. Nice commentary explaining the different parts of this chronograph. Beautiful watch

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you so much

[@tedblack2415]

The sheer ingenuity of the complications , movements & engineering is what fascinates me plus the ability to service and revive left for dead pieces , i take my hat off to the hobbyists that spend over a period a substantial amount on tools and equipment . Oh nice watch and nice job btw.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Ted

[@garyboyle695]

Another lovely looking movement, something that can't be said for a lot of modern movements. Your enthusiasm just shines through. I love watches because you are wearing a tiny little engine on your wrist that is 99.99% accurate yet just made of wheels and springs etc, so simple yet so amazing.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

You can wear a small engine on your wrist. This is why it is so great

[@moboei]

Simple but stunning watch

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I agree. The simplicity makes it beautiful

[@alvinpillay9995]

It's like a drug. Can't get enough of watches. If money was not an option. Great job.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I can confirm that it is a drug

[@modofatak]

That movement is art. Wow.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you

[@brucebarlow6604]

Perfect great restoration. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Bruce

[@bxstout]

I love mechanical watches for the same reason I love film cameras. In an increasingly digital world these analogue marvels still work and have a certain feel that isn’t replicated with their digital counterparts.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

This is true and if they are properly taken care of they can last 100 of years

[@adrianbirkett594]

Great video, beautiful watch!. I love watches because each has its own charm, vintage especially. Some very old watches take so much abuse over the years and they still want to work!!!. Quartz not so much but mechanical are just amazing!. Thank you. Adrian

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Adrian

[@valmonta3647]

Very nice watch, you did a great job also

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@herranderssonful]

Awesome video as usual! I have learned the watchmaking craft from the videos guys like you produce. Thanks for guiding me in to a new hobby. Keep it up!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Glad to help!

[@gamejoy-nick]

Another thoroughly enjoyable video thank you. I love those Chronostop's, maybe one day i will own one?

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

They are great watches. I think they will rise in value because they are so unique

[@moboei]

I like the way you put the dial the “wrong” but oh so right way round

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

😉

[@frodriguezpc]

Lovely watch as usual!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@nzieses]

Would love to see you work on/explain an Omega co-axial escapement. I love the history behind watch designs.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

This mechanism is on modern watches and so for I only work on vintage watches. Maybe one day I will do

[@-timetowatch1110]

Salut, si j'adore les montres et l'horlogerie en géneral, c est car cela m'a presque "sauvé la vie". Avant j etais un jeune sans diplome sans passion qui n avait pas trouvé de sens à sa vie et qui habitais en banlieue parisienne. Maintenant je vie dans la region du doubs (c est magnifique) depuis 2 ans j ai un diplome horloger et je me lève tous les matins avec le sourire donc merci merci merci l'horlogerie ❤

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Super histoire

[@-timetowatch1110]

@@FrenchWatchCollector Merci 🙏 ( j espere que mon message compte pour l'ultra chron car j ai un doute sur la video ou il fallait poster ce commentaire 😄)

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@-timetowatch1110 il compte

[@senofa]

I came here from Wristwatch Revival, which shares this same format. Namely, very well executed macro videography, covered by a very soothing and informative voice over, and impressive fine motor skills. Great video and audio quality. This guy is gonna go far imo. Keep it up!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Welcome aboard!

[@dougkrogh5829]

I just love the mechanics of things

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Same for me 😉

[@alanmckinnon6791]

Another fine video, thanks so much for posting

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Glad you enjoy it Alan

[@jamesjackson7707]

Great video ! I also live in France, and also watch your french channel ! Started watchmaking this year and i'm currently half way through a restoration of an Enicar from the 1950's. It feels amazing to discover your the passion of Watchmaking ! Keep up the good work ! :)

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you James. If you have any questions don’t hesitate

[@madr8b]

Great video and a beautiful watch. I am just a beginner at watchmaking. I feel the same as you, I really like the idea that I can repair a piece of history. Who knows, the watch you repair could have been at a place where history was made. It really does relax me when I work on watches. Well most of the time, we all have those watches that are a pain in the butt to fix. Over all though it is a peaceful hobby that I hope to be able to get better at. Thanks for the wonderful video. Can't wait for the next. :0) Dan C

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Best hobby ever

[@darcybrawataakaontariostac6835]

My top watches are Breitling ,Rolex, Omega, Patek, Jacob&Co. the last are out of my League (mined you they are out my League). My best watch is a CARAVELLE Quartz, witch the battery dies real fast. Cheers from 🇨🇦 and 🎄🎁

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you fir sharing

[@gregcapella5941]

GREAT VIDEO,,,THANKS

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Greg

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thank you for another very informative video. What I love about watches is that someone took raw material and transformed it to a precise little machine. Amazing. Love your work. The wrench you used to remove the pusher tube was not listed in the description. Could you elaborate on it? Thank you again.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

You can find more detail for the tool under this link www.cousinsuk.com/product/multi-function-fitting-removing-tools-horotec

[@johnvaluk1401]

@@FrenchWatchCollector thank you.

[@gunther8003]

Very good job. I would prefer if the case is also a little bit polished.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

This is the topic that divide a lot of people on vintage watch restoration. Some prefer to have polished cases and some prefer to keep it as original as possible. As this watch it is for me, I prefer to leave it as original as possible because this is my personal taste on vintage watches

[@nicmost3044]

Gave your vid a like. I got Breitlings, Omegas and Tag Heuers, that I want to have serviced. Would like to have a quote for the service of a Breitling Supeocean, An Omega Seamaster, And a Tag Heuer FormulaOne? Thanks French watch maker. Re...........Nic

[@davidfernandez5446]

I like your vídeos a lot but I wonder, if it just a hobby how could you film and edit so many of them?. Thanks for your work from Spain.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Hahah according to my wife I spend to much time on this passion. For sure it takes me a lot of evenings and time during the weekend but it is a passion so that is what we live for

[@BayardTardieu]

Hey you do really cool vids ! I living in Paris I wonder if you could give tips on your scouting process to find vintage watches to restore, like flee market and yard sell / price range you liking at/etc 🙏

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I mainly buy online like on ebay. Nothing very fancy

[@rekloki]

My favorite thing about watches is working on such tiny parts forces me to slow down and calm my ADHD!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

It is a good medecin

[@stephencampet]

Hi ! Very nice job, once again ! this OMEGA movement's so amazing ! I've question regarding all the problems that you can see on these watches after buy: Except the part broken at the beginning of this restoration, the main problem is always the consequence of Old oil and rust ? Do you have never seen mainly broken parts during yours différents restorations ? Thanks a lot for your video and see you soon ! (Sorry por advance for my English, it's a good excercice for me to wrote something en English when possible...😅).

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

No problem with your English 😉 Of course that I had watches with broken parts. You can find parts with a broken mainspring, setting lever spring, balance staff. Sometime you know what it is broken before you open the watch. You will see in some videos coming later that some watches come with broken parts.

[@alexxenaosas2416]

Salut, I'm glad I found your channel bro, I like chronographs also ! , I was thinking to start this as a hobby also - but man you need so much stuff :)) , and can't find a good quality kit to start - I don't want to spend more than 150 euro for start - do you know any sites that sells kid beginner kits , not those from Amazon with 20 $ - or should i buy like each tool separately - I'm sure I will change them in time - but I don't want to invest too much and then find out I don't have time for this ! , great videos , thx

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

For sur it is a hobby that cost money especially if you want to get quality tools. I would advice you to buy the tools separately. You can buy the tools second hand as well. It is a good way to save money.

[@ygrbooks]

Nice video on a nice watch. However, I do not understand the concept of this chronograph as you cannot stop it to record or measure the time that has elapsed since you started it.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Yes it is more a gadget than a real function. You can measure a short time but without stopping it

[@geraldvivaldi4920]

May i know the size of the back gasket ?

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

You can go on cousin uk website that has all the information on gasket for omega

[@cottazmatthieu1508]

Bonjour. J'ai une Omega automatic simple qui ne marche plus et une tissot pr516 gl qui marche mais a restaurer. Comment on fait pour vous contacter si intéressé ?

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Vous pouvez me contacter sur Instagram si vous l'avez

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

J'ai aussi une adresse mail dans les contacts de la chaine

[@markadlaon1717]

First comment feelz gooooood!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Mark