GOLIATH Sized Devastation: Quarter Repeater with NO Spare Parts

This Mappin & Webb goliath quarter repeater was non-functional in every way - it could not wind, could not set the time, could not run and could not repeat the time. There were several broken and missing parts, none of which I could buy replacements for (including a wheel with missing teeth!). I didn't know it when starting out, but this eventually became THE most complex and challenging restoration I’ve completed to date.
#restoration
#watchrepair
#pocketwatch
#repeaters
Contact info: [e-mail]
Many of my tools I use are affordable. If you're interested in getting started with watch repair and would like to use what I use, I've included some links below. I earn a small commission from Amazon if purchases are made using these links.
Useful Texts:
Watch Repairer's Manual: amzn.to/3knrwdG
Watchmaker's Lathe: amzn.to/3D02WGb
Tools:
Micrometer: amzn.to/3vPPuUy
Micrometer Stand: amzn.to/3vPPuUy
Microscope: amzn.to/3ZrQ3Pn
Movement Holder (pocket watches): amzn.to/3H9JBUv
Movement Holder (wrist watches): amzn.to/3JeG2iv
Ceramic Tipped Tweezers: amzn.to/3QP1qMH
Finger cots: amzn.to/3CXbXzJ
Micrometer: amzn.to/3QNGN3C and Stand: amzn.to/3iIyF86
Rodico: amzn.to/3kr5RBb
Tweezers: amzn.to/3GNFEVi
10X Loupe: amzn.to/3iLfome
Levers: amzn.to/3XB4RZG
Demagnetizer: amzn.to/3ZINUhS
Screwdrivers (Bergeon): amzn.to/3RTvGHp
Screwdrivers (cheaper option): amzn.to/3Xr7gqo
Cleaning:
Mesh Baskets: amzn.to/3ITqikE
Ultrasonic: amzn.to/3wcO7wg
Mason Jars: amzn.to/3WkUfgB
Cleaning Solution: amzn.to/3XwQ16I
Rinsing Solution: amzn.to/3wdgAlA
Cleaning Brushes: amzn.to/3QPnSp8
Lubrication:
Oilers: amzn.to/3Xi8LXR
DX Grease: amzn.to/3ZO0kVU
Moebius 941: amzn.to/3Hf6g2X
Moebius 9010: amzn.to/3CVGM7Y
Moebius D5: amzn.to/3ITqikE
Moebius 9104 (HP-1300): amzn.to/3SjrxNe
Buffing and Polishing:
PolyWatch: amzn.to/3XlVTja
Polishing Compound: amzn.to/3QQ1r33
Bench Buffer Polisher: amzn.to/3OlcW2E
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:06 Disassembly and Analysis
13:03 Hairspring Repair
14:31 Burnishing Pivots
17:31 Wheel Arbor Repair
20:07 Corrosion Mitigation
21:14 Cleaning
23:02 Begin Reassembly
27:03 Making New Screws
30:00 Reassembly Continues
33:30 Balance Installation
33:04 Repeater Assembly
45:14 Making New Teeth
54:10 Restoring the Hands
55:28 Stem Modifications and Polishing
57:03 Finishing Up

[@johnvictoria644]

Excellent job as always and wonderful video. Thank you for the work. If you are up for another repeater challenge. Let me know. This new one would only be a clean / service. It’s a beauty that escaped Austria before the Second World War. All the way from Argentina. You do amazing work with ease.

[@concernedcitizen1395]

you're not just a hobbyist you're a miracle worker

[@kjtilka]

I love watching repairs of old pocket watches, I have a collection of 25 watches

[@Thrillrider10]

The fact that you managed to remake the minute wheel teeth without an indexing plate is probably the most impressive part of this video, imo. Fantastic work, as always.

[@loch1957]

That brass tool rounded the teeth off was a piece of art. Great job

[@csspinner]

Thank you! It was my favorite part of this job

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

I can't get enough of the rounding tool. It's incredible to watch an antique tool being used to perform this epic repair. I don't think I've ever seen a watch restoration that featured this tool. Great work Chris. 💪🏻

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Jimmy!!

[@tempus_fugit7366]

I am an amateur watchmaker myself and I have always hesitated tackling extra complicated mechanisms or much older hand made watches where no 2 parts ever fit from one to another, I.E. Verge Fusee watches. I have never delved deeply enough into the hobby to feel motivated to invest in the very expensive specialty tools required to perform the necessary fabrication and repairs. Your work is stellar and your presentation during the video is informative and entertaining. You have a loyal follower of your channel.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! It truly is a rabbit hole in terms of the tooling needed. Anything is repairable, assuming one has the tools to make the new part, which is usually the case and necessity for time pieces this old. Sometimes it’s hard to justify the investment required.

[@tempus_fugit7366]

@@csspinner you are correct! That's why I'm grateful for American pocket watch makers for championing standardization between models. All parts from the same model are completely interchangeable with each other. Perhaps someday I will invest more into my tools because I'm really fascinated by Fusee watches and would love to dive into them. You may have seen this, but this gentleman fell the furthest down that tool rabbit hole. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2jcdGWrZtSVeposi=54JgqHGhqt11UWeJ

[@WristwatchMedic1953]

You did a great job on the watch. I've seen them on ebay. I had never seen inside one. Looked complicated. Great job on the tooth replacement. Thanks for the video

[@tiger_bread4]

it was so satisfying listening to the deep rich sound of the gongs

[@RedJeanetteRedlover]

I agree! I totally didn't expect it to sound like that!

[@American_Jeeper]

Chris, you sell yourself short...you have a natural talent that just can't be bought, and it is incredibly enjoyable to watch you work your magic, in order to bring these broken timepieces back to life. I would love to have you restore my 1912 Elgin B.W. Raymond Grade 372 one day, because I know it would be in the best hands possible.

[@RedJeanetteRedlover]

This was, by far, the most interesting watch repair video I've ever seen! I never even considered that a wheel with broken teeth could be fixed like you did it! It turned out extremely nice! Also, I didn't expect the 'gongs' to sound so much like an actual big gong! Very cool timepiece! Thanks for sharing this expertly executed repair!

[@csspinner]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad I was able to get it running again. fixing that wheel was my favorite part of the job . Have a great weekend! - Chris

[@Foxpest]

Yes I stayed very second of the video. What a treat to watch a master at work. Your understanding and use of vintage tools added a new dimension to this session. I am in awe and thank you for this opportunity to see 'watch making' in its real form.

[@kjtilka]

The skill set for repairing watches is high. I respect the trade.

[@dsell993]

"Stuck with you til the end"? Are you kidding, I was riveted! This was such an unusual piece that trust me, is not crossing my own bench anytime soon. So to see all its complications, and the repair techniques and special tools, was a treat. I had to laugh at the size of the thing, and how typical watchmaker tools don't "measure up" (sorry). Amazing work!

[@csspinner]

Thank you so much for the nice comment!. I really appreciate it. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@irnbird1]

That wheel tooth indexing machine is an absolute work of art. Such amazing thought went into making it. Thanks for showing it in action,

[@kerrymangum4166]

I have always enjoyed old watches and clocks. The worst part of my love is that I don't have the money to get what I would love to have. I am a Maintenance Manager of at a box manufacturing plant and at time I have to make the parts that have been damaged. Like you, I don't have all of the nice equipment to do the repairs and I am forced to use hand tools and a few pneumatic hand held cutters or sanders. I have always gotten a lot of enjoyment when I succeed and bring the equipment back online.

[@paullewis5045]

The whole video was super! Your tool kit with the old and new combined is an elegant mix of machine eye candy. Restoring the missing teeth was really smart and artfully pulled off. Way to go and no fast forward here. I am sure a great feeling to get that repeater back in service.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment. Repairing that minute wheel and using the topping tool was my favorite part of the job

[@fergusof]

Love how you made the broken gear functional.

[@tomcat561]

All the way to the end with total awe and enjoyment!

[@robertjesse1022]

I made it to the end, and this is the best watchmaking video I've seen

[@gotchagoing4905]

WOW, that was some ride. I can't really say if anything in particular stood out to me because, that whole project was so complex. Your skills are to be commended, and recommended to say the least. Just superlative workmanship all the way around, and restoring that gear was the cherry on top, imho. I'm still shaking my head at what you accomplished. WOW !!!!!

[@delphinrider9580]

I followed this succesful teeth-and watch repair with great interest. My late dad, being a retired tool-and die-maker was asked by his friend, a watchmaker at end-eighty's to repair such a messing wheel for a standing clock. His procedure had a lot of simularities with yours, just all new teeth were filed by hand. Everybody became happy too with that clock alive again! Great to see your careful working with all those splendid tools. Many happy moments for you!

[@BryanO92]

Wow. You have outdone yourself. I simply can't relate to the patience needed to do a project like this. I also need to say what an incredible piece of engineering that clock is. To think that someone sat down and figured out how to make a clock chime the quarter hours using specifically shaped pieces of metal simply melts my brain.

[@csspinner]

It’s incredible what movement designers were able to achieve without the help of computers or the modern modeling tools we have today

[@peremoyanoclaramunt1104]

I am a beginner amateur. For me it’s an amazing job. The reparation of the sprocket has been the best part of the restoration, without detracting everything else. Congratulations! Thnaks for your videos, I’m learning a lot from them 👏🏻

[@csspinner]

I really appreciate the comment! The wheel repair was my favorite part of the job- and I’m always learning, too. Definitely there are things I’d do differently next time

[@jclark2752]

I really dug how the jewels of this movement were a variety of different colors. It’s the little things…

[@andrzej3511]

Incredible job! Straight beyond my imagination of what is possible... And what is not. Seeing the broken teeth, I thought to myself: if this guy doesn't get a new cog to replace it, it's all gone! Because I couldn't imagine that something like this could be fixed!!!! A miracle: it works, plays the chimes and adjusted to perfect accuracy! It's definitely a miracle!!!

[@davidtebera4488]

I stuck with it. Very nice work. What I liked oddly enough is seeing where the buffer is located and the bike in the background. I appreciate seeing actual repairs to gears and making parts. So many of the watchmaker vids just show them ordering parts.

[@woifmachatch2101]

A memorable restoration, I will not forget in any hurry 😊

[@frankowot4]

An excellent definition of the word infinite - the number of tools a watchmaker may collect in a lifetime. Love the video thanks, excellent work.

[@dalesmith7250]

Definitely stayed to the end!

[@sleeplessengineer1450]

9:36 I love that tiny dragon

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

Excellent work !

[@Turitea]

Thank you, I really enjoyed your craftsmanship! I have a Goliath railway watch which I bought about 50 years ago. Must be due for a service😊

[@robertallen3229]

I have two of them that I also got in England. One I got for parts. The display the watch sets in are very rare and more valuable than the watches. The dealer I bought the watches from wouldn’t even sell one to me. Thanks for the video.

[@marka.schlueter9918]

When you started cutting into that gear to repair it, I thought "it's toast...it will be messed up". Well, shut my mouth. You did a fantastic job. Super impressed and your skill is amazing. Patient and determined. I am enjoying your channel. Personally, I am a modder, simply assembling watches with cases and movements etc with decent tools and a modicum of talent. What you do is off the charts.

[@tomma7820]

Usually you are impressive, here you are even more!!! Well Well well done

[@livinonlimiter]

Loved every minute of it all the way through!

[@jcreek9055]

I don't understand why there are not half a million views on your videos. Don't call yourself an amateur. Well - Very advanced amateur maybe. I took the Lovick course and fell off when I ran up against the price of tools. I'm amazed by your collection of historic equipment and the ability you continue to display in their use. Keep it up!

[@brucebarlow6604]

The amputation comment was priceless you pulled it off great. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

I’m completely flabbergasted of this video ! What an engineer one an it’s made at time that machinery doesn’t exist and I supposed that a lot of parts made by hand ! As one of my friends told me…. You’re my hero…after the Beatle 😂😂😂😂😂. What a nice and technical job I’m impressed in the entire video. Thank you for sharing this piece of horological art ! Best regards ! Alain

[@csspinner]

Thank you! Always great to see your comments here

[@ryno101]

Beautifully done! The longer form was great, I was fascinated all the way through!

[@thegoodlookinorange1986]

Holy cow that had a lot of pieces to it. That gotta be more than a 27 jewel movement. 👍❤️🤙

[@giorgiomazzoni429]

Two words only: Admiration and Congratulations !

[@pascalhue7543]

One word: wow! What extraordinary work, for a timepiece that is just as extraordinary. I appreciated that you showed all the work carried out, including the tests related to putting the repeater mechanism back in place, or the omissions of oiling on certain cogs. I loved seeing the cog tooth milling tool and how it worked. A truly great moment, exciting and moving: thank you! 😍

[@DPW55]

The micro shots are fantastic,😂🎉

[@todds2248]

Wow, just wow! Not only did I make it to the end, I'm going to go back and watch most of it again!!

[@chaosdojo463]

I was fascinated by the tool used to repair the teeth on the wheel. I am new to watch repair, just started in the last month. Every video teaches me something new.

[@austin73]

As a hobbiest watchmaker, not quite up to your level, I really enjoy your videos. They are very informative and I not only enjoy seeing you put your skills to work, but also enjoy the research you clearly do when tackling something new. I am also very jealous of that lovely topping tool!

[@hughbryant1326]

You carried out a task that I feel, would be daunting for any watch maker. You classify yourself as an amateurs but I really admire the way you methodically worked through from beginning to end. Making the broken wheel was my high point of your achievement and yes I watched from beginning to end. Thank you. From Somerset UK 😊

[@csspinner]

Thank you so much for the comment!! Glad you enjoyed it. - Chris

[@PMELKUS]

As a Watchmaker myself everything about this watch fascination me. I guess you didn't need to use a loop much since it's so big. Great job to be sure.

[@Kingstersreejit]

Yess i stayed till the end... You are a Professional AND PRO

[@blister762]

The Topping Tool is beautiful. I gasped when i saw it. Functionality and art rarely seen in tools today. Now you just need to practice making wheels of all sizes. And if it was me id be enjoying every attempt.

[@MrFelix002]

A master watch maker, great job it’s so soothing to watch

[@bigliftm]

if you lived close to me i would almost begged you to sell this piece in restored condition. i love it!

[@nolantaylor1760]

An absolutely beautiful Time Piece. Well done on an interesting restoration. I watched to the end. ( Hobby Horologist during the 1970's)

[@Crotch_Goblin1]

EPIC craftmanship and video!

[@csspinner]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@kevinbrianburke]

Loved it!! Creating the new parts and the Governor system were my favorites!! Awesome!!

[@keithschwartz7318]

I stuck it out till the end! Even my wife joined in. She was most impressed by the striking. Nice work, have a good weekend.

[@ditzydoo4378]

Beautifully done. Now all that remains is to attach a large gold fob chain, attach same to a red waistcoat, put said waistcoat over a White rabbit suit and Bobs your uncle you find yourself later for a very important date at tea with Alice, the marsh hare and the mad hatter. ^~^

[@csspinner]

😂

[@GearHeadGeeks]

That was one of the most interesting watch restorations I have seen. Very nice gear repair. I love the fact that you cherish your tools. I too am a tool fanatic, albeit tools to work on motorcycles.

[@lohikarhu734]

I have noted that you have a typical set of tools for the amateur watchmaker.... NOT! Beautiful tools, beautifully set up, beautifully filmed, artfully used. Respekt!

[@G-regular503]

This has to be one of the most complicated rebuilds I've seen so far. Really cool!!! It will always blow my mind how much work and tiny machining goes in to these beautiful pieces!! Strong work!!

[@thomasgabriel2213]

What an amazing video! You have great skills and an lot of patience. The repair of the wheel was worth the entire video! And I like the longer videos. I also appreciate the great narration and you sharing your mistakes. Keep up the good work, the videos are very enjoyable!

[@mrpetit2]

Wow this video was super mesmerizing, and that hour went by very quickly. If it was 2 hours I also would've watched it. It was fascinating to see how the hour/15min repeater worked. I now have a good idea of it's basic construction. For repairing the teeth on the minute wheel I expected you to use either a laser welder or a tig microspot welder, but those are expensive specialized machines. I didnt expect filing the teeth by hand would've worked. That is some skill👍 That brass toothsmoothing machine is beautiful. A very nice video.

[@csspinner]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for the comment

[@martinhead3731]

I enjoyed your journey through this restoration very much. Thank you!

[@mgp00a]

Great Job 1st time i've seen a quarter repeater this large. You explained everything so well, so didn't notice the length of time of the video.

[@norbertocostaful]

Awesome job. The work on fixing the teeth was great to watch and impressive

[@kathleenwhite9741]

I find all of your videos interesting, entertaining and educational. Your channel is one of my favorites and always watch to the end. Thank you for all the effort and love you put into this craft and for bringing us along for the adventures! 👍💕

[@csspinner]

Thanks so much for the comment!! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend- Chris

[@stephenvale2624]

Beautiful watch. First time i have ever seen the inside of a goliath watch. Very interesting! Your skill repairing it is superb 👏

[@skybpak4242]

Brilliant. I am really enjoying your videos, and especially the ones where you take on new challenges. I love the pace and production of your videos and appreciate that some, like this one, are a longer format to tell the whole story. Fastest 58 minutes and 47 seconds one can spend. Thank you.

[@mccaine1]

Truly impressive work on that wheel repair!

[@jdmccorful]

Beautifulllllllllllllllll ! I would of loved to hear it tick. Always enjoy, thanks for your time and talents. Oh, I chuckle to myself when you call yourself a "hobbyist".

[@csspinner]

Thanks! Always great to see your comments here, John

[@blc6464]

Nice to watch that repair on the wheel as well as the rest.Thanks for sharing!

[@rickkearn7100]

Another bonus of these fine videos by CSS is the narration. I "watched" to the very end. Astoundingly good job all around sir! Cheers.

[@tuffymartinez]

Thank You Chris.... I find your videos fascinating. I watch, re-watch and try to imagine myself doing what you do. Just in my imagination as I would hate to be the one to damage any of my small collection of pocket watches. YES Chris I admit it. I am an armchair watch repairer. ... TM

[@stevenstewart3414]

This video was wonderful;! I love how you choose challenging and unusual projects such as this Quarter Repeater and the fusee with the conical chain-drive. I was amazed by your repair of the wheel with sheared teeth. I view many watch servicing and repair videos and yours are among the very best!

[@dukethiago1]

One of the best repair vídeos I ever watch, absolutely amazing work. Your skills are unbelievable.

[@blwh]

Wonderful video! The commentary makes this restoration video top notch, I really appreciate your efforts

[@Yornick]

I like puzzles as much as the next guy, but this whole project looked like pure *black magic* to me. You, sir, are a master and/or a warlock for sure. :D

[@BradfordGuy]

Facinating video! I love small, intricate, mechanical things. The way watches and clocks work, along with the obvious next- level engineering behind them, is just a wonder to me. Thanks for the video. It was not too long for me. 😊 Oh... and the tools and machinery you use for the repair are beautiful!

[@StephenMooreOfficial]

13:45 always inspect your jewels for bugs, fellas. 😂

[@johnfox4691]

Watched to the end. Learned something about slotting files. Thanks.

[@markehuss]

Nice restoration. I liked that you got away with the 'hillbilly' eyeing up the tooth placement. ;)

[@MichaelB-qx1eh]

Astonished at your repair of the minute wheel.

[@DC-id2ih]

Awesome! I have no skills for this kind of work (basically born with 2 left thumbs 😉) - but I've always been fascinated by the fine/meticulous engineering that goes into both classic and modern watches...so getting to see an expert bring one of these timepieces back to life is always a pleasure! The whole video was excellent - but I think my favorite parts were watching the restored balance wheel immediately start up when dropped into place, the entire segment demonstrating how the repeater mechanism worked and how you adjusted its sound, that wonderful rounding-tool whose overall design/look was like a work of art in its own right, and finally - of course - the end where we get to see the watch fully working once again and making those beautiful chimes. This was so very well done...thanks for sharing the journey with everyone...cheers!

[@vincenttarnier9773]

Chris this is really awesome ! You push the hobby to another level. Can’t wait for your next endeavor 👍

[@slammermx]

Repairing those teeth was next level.

[@davechandler6884]

Great repair, nice little timepiece, I was waiting for a remake of the bent up gear wheel, the repair worked well. If a video has enough interest it will never be too long!, looking forward to the next one. 🙂

[@DanaTheInsane]

Watched it all. I couldn't believe the restored gear! Also noticed your classic Accutron!

[@nalakprince6376]

Well, what can I say? That was a pretty damned good video of a really interesting watch being worked on by an amateur??! You certaly have some well grounded engineering skills and a developing collection of beautiful tools. To say I was impressed is to understate the emotion of enjoyment I had watching you at work. Thank you! 👍👍😃

[@kostaskritsilas2681]

I did stay to the end. The watch, outside of the case, sort of reminds me of the White Rabbit's (of Alice and Wonderland fame) pocket watch, with its out-sized dimensions. Brilliant repair job on the whole watch, and in particular the cutting of the new teeth on the second wheel. The creation of the screws was almost as amazing.

[@csspinner]

Excellent reference to Alice in wonderland! glad you enjoyed it

[@duckyakauffetjurswe4533]

Thank you for this video, I really enjoy your way to present your hobby, perhaps we will get a video where you present all the tools you have

[@rondickson1491]

What a marvelous watch/clock. Another fantastic restoration. I enjoy all your videos. Best wishes.

[@ManSkirtBrew]

"Violent Release of Power" sounds like a metal album

[@csspinner]

🤘 😂

[@cassandre4431]

Très très beau travail de restauration, de ce mouvement à répétition antique et pratiquement mort. Un savoir faire d'une excellence digne d'un Horloger de haut niveau.... Magnifiques outils d'une autre époque qui, lorsqu'ils sont utilisés comme vous l'avez montré, rendent la forme adéquate pour la renaissance d'une roue, d'un rouage, comment dit on ? Un grand merci à vous,à vos mains et à votre cerveau Monsieur pour ce que vous m'avez donné à voir... 🙏

[@user-vr9gb3vp1z]

Superbe travail merveilleuses explications merci de préserver ce patrimoine, qui émerveille autant sur les mécanismes des horloges que sur les outils pour les réparer.

[@gioc4596]

Wow what a time piece, supersized pocket watch, the Goliath naming you gave it definitely fits it. Love the chimes on the watch, I think that part is my favorite from this time piece. I have only seen 2 hand watches that have this similar feature /complication. Very cool. Super job on the hour wheel reconstruction, you make it look so easy. Thanks for the video!

[@enpetitsmorceaux]

Incredible! 😮 I’m in awe. Congratulations on this spectacular restoration!

[@enpetitsmorceaux]

The topping tool… my god

[@ruud9767]

It needed as lot of work but the result is there! This is a gorgeous looking timepiece with lovely sounding chimes. Thanks for the video!

[@WatchWithMike]

Wow, Chris, this was a master class! That watch was a marvel from the moment you lifted it out of its protective box. Fantastic explanation of the topping tool, and great action footage throughout. Very informative, not to mention inspiring! 😁

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Mike! Always great to see your comments here

[@WatchWithMike]

@@csspinner Wow, great viewership on this video! I'm late to the party because I wanted a block of time that I could watch it in its entirety. There is so much good stuff in your videos that I don't want to skip past. 👍🏼

[@larrykelly2838]

Wonderful restoration, gear repair was awesome.