Full restoration of a 51 year old watch

Today we have Ray's beat up old 1972 watch on the bench. He has owned the watch from new, when it was given to him by his parents as a high school graduation gift. It has however stopped running and is in dire need of some tender love and care.
Join Stian for a complete restoration of this old watch as we discuss the career paths of sadists and the habits of killer cats, and we take a few detours into the joys of married life!
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Tools and resources for watchmaking as a hobby:
bit.ly/43yQRmw Watchmaking books
bit.ly/3N3rlz3 Watchmaker’s loupe
bit.ly/43vOcu4 Watchmaker tweezers
bit.ly/3Nm0lfc Moebius lubricants
bit.ly/43ITWjM Screwdrivers
bit.ly/468B8wq Case opener
bit.ly/468Bfbk Rodico
bit.ly/3J8mX0u Polywatch
bit.ly/42wAZQf Presto tools
bit.ly/3J6UND7 Bergeon tools
bit.ly/3X21iwL Horotec tools
bit.ly/3X2xiAU Chinese made watchmaking tools
bit.ly/3qFqgWk Digital microscope
bit.ly/3CkZt4f Ultrasonic cleaner
bit.ly/3qAAPtX Ultrasonic cleaning solution
bit.ly/43V9HEr Denture cleaning tablet
bit.ly/3X1rpUl Chinese “Horia style” jeweling tool
bit.ly/3P5EQR7 Demagnetizer
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[@jeff1176]

That can not be the same watch !!!! The before and after shots are amazing. Truly an artisan. That Seiko is stunningly beautiful, Stian

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks, Jeff! And yep, those are photos straight from the camera :)

[@parveenkm5484]

Llllllllllppp

[@husainshaikh8219]

@@VintageWatchServices 💋💋💋 love 💋😂😂💋💋💋😂

[@mdsalmanansary1327]

​@@VintageWatchServices ❤

[@MadhubhaiGohil-qk8ev]

​

[@gori277]

Wow, just wow!! That watch came up beautiful. That owner is going to be stunned.👏👏👏

[@UncleRay1000]

Wow, just wow. I know the owner will be proud to wear this watch and he also has a video of the transformation. His parents must be happy to know that their gift is still in use 53 years later. Very nicely done Stian.

[@VintageWatchServices]

I can imagine you know the owner will, Ray 😉

[@justinfrakes4186]

This exact model was my fathers watch my whole life. It started my interest in watches. I own it now and hope to get it restored like this one day.

[@VintageWatchServices]

😊👍

[@IMakeWatches]

Super interesting, Stian! Especially the details you've shared about the lapping machine and polishing / brushing! Thanks! 👏

[@ForestWoodworks]

Stian, I really appreciate all of my questions you've answered, even tho I haven't been able to join (yet). It says a lot about your willingness to help others be inspired to try this craft. So, thanks!

[@VintageWatchServices]

😊👍

[@troubleis5271]

Beautiful work Stian, as usual. Thanks for sharing with us and allowing us all in your workshop.

[@ronaldspencer547]

Wonderful to have a high school graduation gift renewed to wear in your 70's.

[@heinrethasangerhaus4242]

Hi Stian-what a transformation! The bracelet came out perfect. Very professional. Loved this rebuild.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

This here is exactly why I love this channel! 👏👏 Bc you do true restorations, not just a quick service or a quick cut & buff of the case or lenses but, you do proper restorations with lapping to reestablish worn facets, surface corrections on the brushed & polished surfaces and even replating when it's necessary. Absolutely Beautiful job as always, thank you for uploading! 👍👍

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@johnmichael1979]

Wow! Greatly appreciate the time you take to make such a high quality video of your fantastic work!

[@kupariusa4202]

Dude, pronounce anything anyway you want as long as you keep making these amazing videos. You are one of the reasons I have began my watchmaking journey. Mind you, I'm starting on cheap Soviet watches (because I won't feel terrible if I break a $30 clone of a Western movement) but I've learned so much from you that I feel I can do it.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks so much, that's very cool to hear :) You'll be breaking more expensive watches before you know it! 😁

[@relaxationandmeditationass8639]

How do you find your watches to work on? I have such a hard time trying to figure out what I should be spending my money on.

[@kupariusa4202]

@@relaxationandmeditationass8639 eBay, my friend. Pobeda, Roketa, Vostok et al, all use stolen designs of movements from Cartier, Rolex, ETA, IWC et al and can be bought for $50 USD at the most. Don't be afraid to wreck a Komanderskie that cost you $30 if you want to repair an IWC Movement someday.

[@magintysmaw]

Beautiful watch Stian, fantastic work. Thanks

[@jatco84]

You think it looks a lot better...?? - To say the least.. - It looks Fabulous. what a great job on the restoration of that beat up Seiko.. As usual, you've outdone yourself with the craftsmanship and finesse with your work. It's always a pleasure to watch your work and vids along with your commentary. Just a great job all around. Kudos to you Sir..!!

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks a lot, Thomas 😊

[@suryakirupakaran6350]

U

[@fromthefuture9353]

This is the exact Seiko model I have but with the white/stainless color face...Amazing job, Sir!

[@deancase8951]

Love me some Seiko magic hands! What a great restoration. Thanks.

[@destry232]

Wonderful job! Your case polishing and restoration skills really complete the professional service....👍👍

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you very much!

[@vincenttarnier9773]

Very nice to see the time and effort on a watch “for the rest of us”. At the very end of things, sentimental value is unsurpassed. Thanks again Stian

[@gopalpanja9760]

❤😅❤❤😮😊😮

[@benfoust7424]

Love the restoration of the Saaaykio, thank you for sharing!

[@triplex86]

Very enjoyable to watch you repair this. It brought back memories - a Seiko automatic with day/date was the first "proper" watch I bought for myself from my holiday earnings as a student, many years ago. I still have it in its original case and it still looks totally gorgeous.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Very nice :)

[@jameshisself9324]

Vintage Seiko or even modern mechanicals are very common, they were never expensive and they have no Swiss marketing machine to convince the public they are superior so they will never be appreciated for the marvels that they truly are. That keeps them obtainable for anyone who wants to attempt to service mechanical movements! I learned a lot training myself with the help of great YT videos such as yours. Not worrying since I had very little money in them was a nice place to relax and learn.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

Brilliant job with the alternating finishing.

[@MrLukealbanese]

Now that is real practical watch restoration for the masses. I love Seiko's. Fantastic Stian.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks, Luke :)

[@timekeep1]

Again beautiful job. Stian keep that going

[@vicrod5]

Excellent as always Stiam looking forward to your next one

[@ydnartitcomb1]

as always good work, and thank you for sharing , and including us on your journey.

[@lautrey6531]

Wow! Great finish. My Seiko was purchased in 1967 , I think, and has never failed. I only use it now on special occasions. Thanks for the great video.

[@danspencer4235]

The "character mark" on the dial becomes unnoticeable when the rest of it is so handsome!

[@ygrbooks]

Very nice work, Stian! I passed the two weeks in which you did not release any videos reading various articles by Jose Pereztroika and could not believe how rotten some vintage watch dealers are. What baffled me even more, though, is that Panerai buys very cheap movements for their watches, does not even bother to refine or decorate them in any way (not even their logo!) only to sell them at exorbitantly high prices. The funniest thing, however, is that they put up pictures of fakes of their products on their own Instagram account and even (so someone claimed) service them, because they cannot tell them apart. I am so glad you share so much of your knowledge and love all the work that you put into these videos and watches.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks a lot, Yves :) Yes, there's not money in rare watches so it's not really a surprise there are dishonest people involved... And I fully agree re Panerai, I have very little respect for that brand.

[@ryno101]

Wow. This might be one of my favorite restorations you’ve done, the end result is absolutely beautiful. The bracelet! Nicely done, Stian.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@johncollier608]

It doesn't mater how many of your videos I watch, I'm always amazed by the transformation each time. Frankly, I like the way you pronounce Seiko. Always reminds me of the Wife! 🤣🤣 Thanks for sharing, Stian. This comment will self distruct in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 🌋

[@VintageWatchServices]

😁👍

[@benkirkland5354]

We love a Seiko video from you no matter how you pronounce it! Wearing one just like this while watching.

[@OUrVileO]

Amazing job! Not the most technical, but the most satisfying video to date. :)

[@VintageWatchServices]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jerrysanchez5453]

It's so nice to see a Seiko getting the respect it deserves

[@johnhull2941]

love the banter and a fab restoration again Stian

[@red75v67]

What a job Stian. Great to see you didn't overdo it, taking too much material away. Ray must be over the moon you complete Seiko. Cheers, Howard

[@radustanciu2445]

Great to see your restaurateurs skills too! I am glad to also learn things about the man behind the voice and magic hands. I will, for sure, join the members group as soon as it gets live. …and…hope your dentist IS one of your subscribers! 🤣🤣

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂👍

[@MyRetroWatches]

I’m insanely jealous of your lapping and polishing machine. Well out of reach for us hobbyists and I could restore watch cases all day as I find it so satisfying. For Seiko I usually google image search the reference on the back , in this case 7019-#### This will give many images and you can then look for any NOS photos to give you a better idea of original finishes when the old ones are so worn off you can tell. Great video, great work. As always! I love my Seiko and I say it how you don’t 😂😂 sayko but it’s my midlands UK accent.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks Mike! This one is a 7006-7007, and I really struggled finding NOS images of this one. Thus I think I found the correct finishing but it's not easy with these ones...

[@skarsadsskarsada]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@srgnsw65]

Wonderful job as always.

[@notreallyachannel396]

Beautiful case work. Excellent video as usual and I always learn something. Will one of the subscriber levels be a stand-up channel. Needless to say- Love the humor you sprinkle in!

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you very much! 😁

[@AdrianCiubotariu]

Dear lord, what a transformation 0_0 hands down, one of the best restorations ...

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks! 😊

[@paynemaker]

Wow! Another next level restoration. Thank you for sharing the best practices of quality watchmaking.

[@VintageWatchServices]

😊👍

[@lifeboat52]

Thank you, I really appreciated the detailed demonstration of the refinishing techniques and equipment.

[@davidhendricksgolfprofessi2321]

Another wonderful example of someone who cares about his work and creates new works of art. Again I say it everytime, how do you only have 42.4 K subscribers. Others doing this type of work here do not come close to the skill and the art you showcase on every video. My day is made when a new video is posted. Pictures of watch we discussed are fourthcoming. Been crazy around. Keep it up please!!! Thanks you for what you do!

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks, David 😊

[@Bristol1]

The before and after shots kinda blew my mind. Fantastic work!

[@VintageWatchServices]

😁👍

[@Zardwark]

I've just had a full restoration done on two of those movements, both circa 1975, Why? They are great movements and yes, sentimental value 🙂 A good restoration and that blue dial is magic!

[@VintageWatchServices]

😊👍

[@mojofilter6339]

Beautiful job on the case... in this case. I know you normally don't but on stainless with a more or less modern look, then I say yes to dressing up the finish! I really like the spinning hand vise - ahhh, the opportunity to buy more tools. Thanks for showing the automatic wind mechanism. I learn so much here. In fact, well worth joining the channel. I hope that all your admirers feel the same!

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you very much!

[@extremelydave]

Wow, amazing to see what you can do with what would appear to be a hopeless case! I have a similar condition Seiko 5 automatic that I got back in 1970 and carried it around the world several times. I'd like to get it back to good (actual running) condition, but think it would be overwhelmingly costly...but and least I saw you bring an "oldie goldie" back to life!

[@zs1dfr]

That was a beautiful restoration of a beautiful watch. Thank you very much!

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks for watching!

[@zs1dfr]

I forgot to mention that Simon Winchester, is his very interesting book on precision, called "Exactly", devotes a whole chapter to the Seiko watch industry, and mentions the contrast of the assembly line of thousands of quartz watches a day, done automatically, as against the small band of fanatical watchmakers who build Grand Seikos by hand, and are totally devoted to their craft. It makes fascinating reading.

[@stutube99]

The case, bracelet and crystal looks really nice. Great job!

[@rf159a]

Another beautiful repair job!!

[@stayingsane5213]

Masterfully done Love to see you work and the comment are useful and funny at the same time Thanks for sharing

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you very much!

[@matthewmctaff2022]

Beautiful restoration Stian, stunning. I am so glad that you are such a superb watchmaker. So I don’t have to lose sleep over you ditching your singing career. M

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂

[@walmartdog1142]

Love the DEXTER reference❤😀

[@UnholiestJedi]

I love your videos and your sense of humor. More access is a great thing! I hope to be a le to buy a watch from you in the future, Stian.

[@VintageWatchServices]

You would be very welcome to :)

[@michaelsilva7085]

Great job as always. Thank you. Ray is going to be very happy.

[@allenrussell1947]

Very nice work on the case and bracelet. That's always my favorite part of a restoration.

[@tinus8513]

Great video, sweet Seiko, good job on the rebuild! Sentimental value is always high value!

[@VintageWatchServices]

It sure is!

[@boydsargeant7496]

Great transformation Stian! I’d love to know about the equipment you use for polishing and lapping, as well as your plating equipment. The case work you do really makes the difference! Thanks again.

[@jeff1176]

Stian, you and the Nekid watchmaker(Joe) are the only people I've seen that take the time to highlight the case restorations. You guys both do tremendous work. Kudos to you. Excellent video

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks so much :)

[@adamrush-fear8707]

If I could give you a thousand thumbs up, I would Stian. So nice to see you do a full restoration!!

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you very much!

[@mikeellis4345]

That is fabulous work!! Great restoration!

[@R_CA]

You did a fantastic job on this old Seiko 🤩

[@stephenellis5226]

A sympathetic restoration, well done. And, Alfred Hitchcock would be delighted with your pronunciation.

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂👍

[@timothyodonnell8591]

Beautiful restoration!

[@mickboakes7023]

An amazing revitalisation Stian. Never owned a watch since teenage years but your channel has me totally captivated. Back then Timex was the thing. What ever happened to them or were they the first throw away watches? Seem to remember replacing them quite regularly. Smiths was another brand back then. Anyway. Still catching up with your much previous videos and always looking forward to new ones. All the very best. Mick.🇬🇧

[@VintageWatchServices]

Timex were indeed the first throw away watches. They were very rugged but low quality and pretty much futile to repair. I'm actually planning a Smiths watch in the near future 😉

[@russnixon6020]

Ha! I've been married nearly fifty years AND I held the flashlight for my father when I was a boy; you can't hurt my feelings...

[@VintageWatchServices]

😁👍

[@kjelljoergensen]

Stian, my good man. I have always regarded you as one of the best watchmakers/rhabileurs (something you have proven through numerous videos that I have studied with great interrest) - this video also shows that you master the art of case polishing and finishing as well. Next challenge, please show us some screw head and steel part black polishing.

[@grahamhall2662]

Brilliant as usual Stian. How many ways can one say it. I've always said "Seeko"

[@paulovb7660]

Very Very Nice Job !!! ... Congrats !!! ... Regards from Brazil

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you very much!

[@drticzon]

Wow! What an awesome restoration.

[@ramblerandy2397]

Lovely video of a Seiko. [I've always called them say-koe]. Several years ago I took my late 1970s black/silver faced Seiko 5 Auto to a watch repairer. Without even examining it he basically said that it wasn't worth repairing. I know what he meant. He was indicating that I could buy another new Seiko 5 for cheaper. At no time did he ask me whether it was worth it to me to repair. I found his attitude rather bewildering. I took my watch away wondering what to do. I still have it and still occasionally wonder. I have another Citizen Auto from about 1980 which is still ok, but it's like I'm missing it's brother.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Yeah, that's the thing... It might not have monetary value but money isn't everything, is it

[@petergoulding2421]

I have a similar Seiko I bought new in 73 or 74 only difference crown is at 4 and date day change is by pressing in the Crown, it ran OK and I sent it for a service via Seiko Dealer and it keeps excellent time (cost £156 & they couldnt source a new crystal). From the same year I have an Omega Chronostop.

[@jamessmith6402]

Lovely video I love an old Seiko 👍

[@elund408]

The ultrasonic, the dental drill and Roosters crowing, three of my favorite sounds. I wear my 45 year old Seiko everyday, received it for my 16th birthday. Seiko bracelets from this era sucked I got tired of rebending the tabs that kept it closed so I replaced it years ago.

[@geoffquickfall]

By removing the winding system the price of the watch could be reduced. Also, the magic lever automatic system on a serviced watch resulted in the immediate starting of the watch as you mentioned. In that era, the 6138 chronographs did have a winding system. I love my Seikos! Thanks for the video Stian. Cheers, geoff in vancouver.

[@Leptospirosi]

Your pronunciation of Seiko is spot on: it always puzzles me why Anglo Saxons even bother pestering others as they dont even know how to pronounce their own mother language words!😂😂😂

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thank you for the video Stian. Another fine job. I also received a Seiko for graduation in the early eighties. Still have it but it needs a service I’m afraid.

[@bullnose01]

Will one of the membership levels include exclusive access to your musical renderings? Btw, the restored case finishing is magnificent.

[@VintageWatchServices]

😁👍

[@eborgesrey]

Those slow-mo shots of the case parts being dropped into the solution are pretty dramatic! 😂

[@VintageWatchServices]

😁

[@2112acj]

I have this watch. made the same year and month that the one you serviced. It is just 250 so units earlier. This was a great Video, thank you,

[@VintageWatchServices]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@retiredafce3373]

I’m going to join the club!

[@michaelmarshall9924]

Beautiful job done here once again. In a previous video you mentioned that you took an online correspondence course for horology. Do you have any more information on that?

[@VintageWatchServices]

Hello Michael, I did the British Horological Institute's distance learning course. You can find more info at bhi.co.uk, and I am also making a video about it shortly. Note that any distance learning needs to be coupled with practical training. Watchmaking is a practical trade, after all :)

[@speedypaul2314]

Stunning casework there. Kudos 👍

[@chasekemp4982]

To me the case work is the most interesting. Amazing job.❤

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you so much!

[@gotchagoing4905]

I just recieved my new psycho watch yesterday afternoon. It has an od green face and band, 24 jewel, and the day/date complications. All of my vintage psycho's have the day/date except one, which has the d/d but also an alarm. Yes, I love my psycho watches ;}>

[@TerminusVox]

Good cat! 🐈

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

Another very nice restoration, I like the lapping machine seem like very interesting, but I’m sure experiencing is not easy as you, skill will come with time for sure ! Final results is so fine, it’s bad that the dial as this visual default, anyway this watch looking good for many other years ! ✨👌

[@robertotorres6391]

Wow great service ! Than you 🏆

[@VintageWatchServices]

Any time!

[@kcgaidin]

Excellent work!

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@DeWittPotts]

Very nice watch! I have one that is very similar. Mine was given to me by my grandmother when I graduated high school in 1976. My watch has the same dial color and a similar case. The crown on my watch is at the 4:00 position instead of the 3:00. Also the quick-set feature on my watch is activated by pressing the crown in. One click for the date and 2 for the day. At some point I would love to have my watch serviced because it no longer runs.

[@mattburley3189]

Great video as always. May I ask what are you using in the pin vice to clean the pivots?

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks! It's a product called EVE Flex

[@Bristol1]

Thanks for asking this question, I've been wanting to know this as well. And thanks for answering, Joe! That's very helpful

[@olavl8827]

I'm not sure that Barry White ever sung Ol' Man River. It was most famously sung by Paul Robeson who, of course, also had a very deep voice. There are various recodings of him here on YT. I love how much care and effort went into giving the old Seiko a new life!

[@dangaines405]

Nice work! Good luck with your son’s career choices!

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks :)

[@JochenVogel]

Thanks again for an interesting and entertaining video, Stian. And thanks for showing Your appreciation for this mass-produced little marvel. One question: Doesn't the "magic lever" work according to the same principle IWC's famed "Pellaton" winding system uses?

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks Jochen! The magic lever uses the same principle as the Pellaton system, but is far simpler.

[@JochenVogel]

@@VintageWatchServices ...and thus probably easier to build and to service, I suppose. I find it actually quite elegant.

[@RalfyCustoms]

Hi Stian, I am actually wearing a "physco" 5 as I watch this, I have 4 that I have personally serviced, fantastic little gems in my humble opinion Hope you are keeping well, and the cat isn't bringing any larger prey into her slaughter bathroom 😂

[@VintageWatchServices]

Hi Ralfy, very cool that you've serviced your own watches! All well here and I hope with you also 💪

[@radustanciu2445]

Quick pole: Who else here is a SADIST ? I am willing to bet a Weingart plyer that I’m not the only dentist/ orthodontist who subscribed to Stian’s channel 😂.

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂👍

[@johnsrabe]

18:50 Amen re simplicity. I do art on the side and I’m always striving to come up with a simple idea nobody has done before … which is ironically much harder than coming up with a complicated concept.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Right on

[@culturevulture3382]

I enjoy your digressions and soliloquies

[@brucebarlow6604]

Wow the Norwegian Oak does it again and May I suggest that your son becomes your apprentice when he finishes his schooling you would make a great teacher of this trade. And no trouble in paradise. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks, Bruce, and I would indeed love that :)

[@velviaman3206]

A relative of mine speaks some Japanese (learner) . When I showed him Seiko text and asked him how to pronounce it he pronounced it the way you do. That is two non Japanese who pronounce it correctly.