Gruen Pink Gold Vintage Pocket Watch Restoration

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

It's entertaining to go back to the older videos after watching the most recent. The new tools you acquired is interesting. Have you thought of a quick video of all the tools and machines you have plus what else you think you might need??? It might be fun!

[@copperdragon9286]

It is so interest to watch these years old videos and compare your equipment from then to your latest tools.

[@Freddy2TakeOff]

Well, 4y is not really _old_ , but I know, how it's meant. :)

[@darrelldethrow736]

dude you are very god at step by step explaining .i apreciate your patience , ive learned alot today watching you .thank you very much

[@kstutz81]

This reminds me of a pocket watch I bought my daughter at a pawn shop when she was knee high. Very neat to see the inside of one. It’s incredible the level of precision they had so many years ago. It truly increases your level of appreciation for all that goes into making these complex creations tick.

[@robinosborne266]

I love watching your videos because it takes me back to my childhood when I used to sit mesmerised watching my late father (who was a watchmaker) working. He was of an age when watchmakers were not appreciated for the level of skill that they possessed and whilst he was head watchmaker at a prestigious Rolex main agency his wages were pretty poor. He used to subsidise his income by servicing and repairing watches at home and he used to charge UK £1.50p to service a Rolex!!!! As an aside my father always told me that the best and most underrated watches he worked on were Jaeger LeCoultre and Zenith (he especially loved the ElPrimero movement - Brave man working on one of those. I remember him complaining if ever one of his tools became magnetised because he always said that any magnetised screws etc could seriously affect the running of the watch. Makes sense really I suppose. Thanks for the videos and please keep them coming.

[@highspeedgaz]

Watching this Guy explaining to me how each component works , breaking it down step by step, its inspiring to me .

[@bigwu100]

Its a dying trade. Thats in demand. Nice fun hobby. Absalute butt load of trashed time pieces that need fixed and obscure tools ,hard to find parts. Great fun

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

@@bigwu100 A similar trend is happening with analog cameras too. All of the skills those craftsmen have honed through years of experience are being lost because none of the younger generations want to enter those fields. There is hope though as Marshal is leading us into a love for mechanical timepieces! He is a watchmaking evangelist! A group in Finland called Camera Rescue has started a campaign to repair as many old cameras as they can, and started a school to train camera repair technicians. I would love to do that!

[@AndreCFW]

Been watching your videos for a while now, and decided to check out the old videos, and it is amazing to see how the quality of work and skill have developed from the 1st videos and to date!! Amazing work as always! Keep up the great work!! 👍

[@electronicengineer]

I just would like to comment that you must be a total pleasure to speak with. Your laid-back style of narration, as you rebuild these watches, always jumps out at me. It's as if I could listen to you speak for hours on end and come away soothed and relaxed. I know this has nothing to do with your meticulous work, however I thought you should know. Fred

[@G1NZOU]

That movement looks so pretty, I'm thinking of getting into watchmaking as a hobby and I like the advice to start with pocket watches as a practice considering they're larger and often mechanically simpler while also being very pleasing to look at.

[@daleburrell6273]

...your best bet is to start out by practicing on a watch that you don't mind ruining- because you are very likely gonna break and/or lose parts while you are learning.

[@daleburrell6273]

...the vintage Gruen pocket watches are my favorite- they are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. This particular Gruen pocket watch is actually PLAIN compared to a lot of OTHER Gruen pocket watches I have seen.

[@butre.]

they're often well decorated, but my recommendation would be to hop on taobao and buy a couple Tianjin ST36 movements for $20 each. they're unitas/ETA 6497/6498 clones that are reasonably well finished compared to most modern watches and finished nicer than damn near any other shock set pocket watch movement. plus, regular watch cases are readily available for them. they also rather unfortunately (but fun for us) need servicing straight from the factory, as they come stock without being oiled or adjusted. personally I find the finishing to just be fluff, the real beauty is in the dance, not the dress, and 6497s and their clones once serviced do one hell of a dance.

[@hsnopesium]

that's gorgeous. You're voice and cadence are perfect for quiet background noise while working

[@russcorbett3923]

I just wanted to say thank you , from one learner/beginer to another !!! I learn so much from watching your videos ,,,, Thank You !!!

[@brentkolar3075]

What is your procedure and solutions for cleaning with Ultrasonic cleaner? I am just getting into this hobby and that is how I plan to start.

[@witzed1]

A couple questions, what organizational system do you use to know which screws go where? And how do you know how much torque to use? Great channel BTW.

[@daleburrell6273]

...with a little practice, you easily can tell the difference- and the screws are only "finger tight".

[@merccat67]

Taking apart my first pocket watch currently. Diving in I agree with what dale said, I quickly was able to see… oh this is a bridge screw, etc... Also, I feel like my little tray similar to what is used in the video is helping me. It has little dividers which allowed me to keep all of the screws and components grouped together with the corresponding bridge or mech.

[@joblessalex]

@@daleburrell6273 I'd say probably even less than finger tight. More like snug and a 8th to 4th of a turn. You can probably strip the threads for these with just your fingers lol

[@kk6199]

Try to read a book

[@moehoward01]

@@kk6199 Wow. Very helpful.

[@kyproset]

I have been very lucky. For 1500 euros, I bought everything from a Piaget trained watchmaker about to retire. They are all Bergeon and in new condition as he had a second full set for back-up. He even gave me a parts cleaner like yours, only it spins in one direction and a demagnetiser. What he didn't give me though is the set of spring winders and a timegrapher. The rest I have. He is going to be giving me lessons for free. Now I'm in the middle of assembling a pocket watch, one of the watches that were also thrown in for practising. His kids showed no interest in the profession and he wants to pass his knowledge down.

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

THAT IS AWESOME!!! I hope you do well and stick with it!

[@juanmartinezmunoz9972]

Amazing hobby and excellent description even for foreign people like me. I wonder how in 1800s and 1900s they managed to build this amazing min machines, also I love the way you are restoring these watches. Many thanks for these videos.

[@mickeybarrass3625]

Just started watching these. I'm not even going to begin trying to repair a watch, as it's much more fun watching you. I must say I find it fascinating to watch the patience (of a saint) you have to repair them. I can imagine if things go slightly ary, the language off camera might well be quite coarse. They'd hear me swearing in the next County if I lost a spring or screw. Thank you for sharing.

[@joebutterman3084]

Watching you put a watch back together and seeing if it will run, is the best suspense story going.

[@stuartmiller1549]

this video is a pleasure to watch he works in very clean conditions highly competent very descriptive and the filming is awesome a pleasure watch thank you so much

[@remjoleea5560]

You have shown me a lot of really beautiful watches but this one takes the cake. I absolutely love the color and design of it

[@daleburrell6273]

...this particular Gruen watch is actually PLAIN compared to a lot of OTHER Gruen watches I have seen-(!)

[@austincalleja8628]

Very nice watch and you have done a great job! I like the way you hold the oilers in rodico!! Keeps them clean and you can switch between oils without contamination. Never thought about it. Thank you.

[@look4truth480]

In your opinion are stopwatches a collectable?

[@ldavis1315]

Your dialogue is so informative and entertaining I enjoy your show. When I was a teenager I wanted a pocket watch. back then pocket watches were oy $1.50 each.

[@glenh4971]

Marshall-what I like about this service is that the watch is bigger than a normal wrist watch. I can see what you are doing much easier. I have watched about 20 of these assembly and reassembly video's and the process is starting to come together in my mind. This pocket watch is similar to many very basic watch movements I have seen worked on. And, I could see what you were doing!!! Thanx.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Awesome :)

[@corryvisser6679]

Yipee it works, really like it when the power comes on and the shout out you give...

[@SquillyMon]

I don't know why, but i am always totally mesmerized by these videos. I cannot look away, and I don't get bored.

[@GodfatherAdventures]

Learned a lot. Thanks for taking the time to explain stuff. Not so in-depth that one would loose interest. Perfect

[@panther105]

Your narration just makes your videos. Can't sit still watching someone just take something apart and put it back together with no explanation. Learned so much from you in such a short time and accidentally stumbling onto one of your videos has piqued my interest in trying this amazing sport, I mean hobby.

[@AlaMukuVacationRenta]

I have one of these Gruen veri-thin watches. It has 17 jewels. It stopped working many years ago. It has been in the family for a long time and I hesitate to get rid of it. I was able to relieve the pressure on the mainspring which was stuck but it still didn't work. I don't fee competent to take it apart. Could you recommend someone I could send it to in order to get it cleaned and repaired or is it worth the cost? Would you repair it for me?

[@geirwickstrm9162]

I'm really into these videos and I might just take up this hobby. I really like the idea of taking something old and sometimes broken and making it work again.

[@jesusyeshuaelelyonelshadai6295]

It's weird I've seen other watch channels but marshal is more professional in the way he handles everything super precise and clean others are sloppy and quick(real watch makers)... Great job Marshal👍👍👍

[@FlushingStatic]

Why does the movement say Gruen watch? Is it authentic or did they put a random movement?

[@carlorobazza7569]

I love your videos. I'm starting into tinkering with pocket watches. I see you use 9010 oil plus a thicker oil and a grease. Which thicker oil and grease did you use? Thanks!

[@mikeobie1]

Oh my god, I love the design and kitsch of that de-magnetizer! That is awesome!!

[@MetaPrometheus]

That's a beautiful movement! I love the way the bridges almost look like a whirlpool!

[@-dystopic-]

These videos are just perfect for winding down before bed time. Thanks for all the quality content mate!

[@bobitnyre8988]

Your teaching is wonderful. Thank you. I have an Ingersoll pocket watch that has two lugs soldered on as if it is/was a trench watch. Maybe it is. It's missing the round back but it does not appear to be missing any of the insides. Even the hairspring is present and does not appear to have any problems. I'm trying to find a back. I measured the distance across the back lips (the lips that the back would click onto) on the watch body with a micrometer. It measures 1.348. Can you tell me where I can get a back of this size. The watch does not work but I'm going to try to get it going. Your optimism is infectious. Many thanks, Bob

[@floydloonie4880]

I'm a new subscriber, andI I very much enjoy watching you restore old watches... You have a real talent for showing your viewers what you are doing as you proceed through your projects!! Watching you repair the movements of various pieces is somehow relaxing fr me...THANK YOU!!

[@ShaggyJustin]

I came here after seeing a recommendation to this channel from Adam Savage's Tested Channel. I am SO Glad I did. This is just what I was looking for.

[@torsui]

i think this is my favorite watch i've seen you restore on this channel because of how beautifully the bridges are laid out -- the curves swirling in around the balance wheel are so elegant! question: do you ever sell the watches you repair for the channel? if so i'd love to know more about this one if you still have it. :)

[@bassplayersayer]

Does the color of the gold give an indication of the date of manufacture?

[@Hanserfaust]

You know what, this channel is a great complement to the Watch Repair Channel. While I really respect and like mr. Lovick, seeing, and hearing your point of view of things as an (very good!) apprentice is very inspiring. Gives me hope, can I do this? Cheers!

[@SuperLemonAdam]

It made me think the same thing! Mark's channel is also awesome, but Marshall talks more (I mean it's voice over right, but still) while working. I like that. I like that he's explaining each little motion/action. Definitely inspired me to get into watch tinkering!

[@daleburrell6273]

...well, you can TRY-(!) I'd suggest that you start by practicing on a watch that you don't mind ruining- because I can practically guarantee that you are gonna lose and/or break parts while you are learning.

[@DegradationDomain_stuff]

What do you do with the watches you have restored? Do you collect them or sell them?

[@kswaminathan5439]

Fantastic video! A thorough professional job. A thing of beauty is a joy for ever,

[@plumsink]

Hi I am thinking about learning watch repair. Could you tell me why you use the rubber fingerlets during reassembly? I know the oils and moisture of the skin are bad for watch movements, but I would think that the fingerlets would quickly get enough of that on them to render them pointless. Or is it to prevent fingerprints?

[@plumsink]

Oops my bad, you answered that question

[@charleythebad]

The Bob Ross of wristwatches. Great channel!

[@MrRobbyvent]

I'm in love with this "pinky" too!

[@hyperbius760]

A Gruen wristwatch was the first watch worn by the main character in a James Bond movie (Sean Connery in Dr. No).

[@daleburrell6273]

...the Gruen Curvex is a real iconic wristwatch.

[@oldnick4707]

My Dad gave me a very simple Gruen non-automatic watch for my 8th grade graduation. 😊 It isn't very high-dollar but much nicer than my timex quartz! Lol This was my first mechanical watch and I still have it.

[@johnlove4183]

Great videos. 2 Questions: 1. how do you make sure your putting back the correct screws, 2. do you lubricate the disk on the barrel bridge or is it not a wearing surface. Thanks.

[@WristwatchRevival]

If I'm not sure about a screw I can go back and look at the recording to double check. You lubricate the barrel top inside where it touches that disk.

[@briansquibb999]

What a gorgeous watch. Thank you for yet another enjoyable video!

[@tphvictims5101]

PRE watch cleaning machine 👍🏻 you’ve come a long way 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Excellent Video

[@Leartech81]

Did you have the time check machine when you did this? I was hoping to see how well it was running.

[@clarklindquist8137]

You inspired me me to get a couple of edc pocket watches. I have a beautiful one that was my great grandfather's, it's a solid gold, chronograph, it even has an alarm and hourly chime. Made in the 1850s. I'll get pictures next time I'm at my deposit box. But I do want a couple that I can weather every day, as I can't wear a wrist watch at work. I'd love a digital one, because it is going to get banged alot, but something charming about the analog watches....

[@luukdeboer1974]

This video actually shows some great microscopic footage, including some explanatory comments, that I haven't seen in Marshall's other videos. These were very helpful to understand the working principles of mechanical movements. For instance the function of the escape wheel and the pallet fork, in conjunction with the train of wheels and the barrel was very well explained. There was great close up footage of a working balance and pallet fork on the escape wheel. After seeing many videos and reading on the internet I figured that out myself. But this video was particularly helpful to understand that. Marshall's explanatory style and imagery would make for a great dedicated video on the working principles of mechanical movements. I've seen a few other videos on that, that I didn't really like because they're still skipping details, where the explanation is too fast or where close up details are missing.

[@roamingdigger1367]

Love all your videos. I see here you don’t have the watch cleaning machine yet. Can you let me know what your 3 step process was in the ultrasonic cleaner? I’m just getting started and am having a tough time finding a proper process using an ultrasonic. Thanks for all your great vids.

[@wich1]

Yes, Marshall, please tell us about this 3 step process

[@johnlastname2397]

I've had an interest in pocket watches since a former boss brought several antique pocket watches from europe. I'll never be able to afford such but I would like to own a good one. what do you do with some of your restorations

[@jonabitstream]

How did it do on the machine that measures accuracy?

[@bigwu100]

Still acquiring tools and movements running and scrap.and 10 pocket watches that run well.nothing terribly expensive but its a cool hobby. Love your commentary. I have a swiss pocket watch that is a good running watch yet has an issue with the winding and setting.so I guess the keyless works are stripping out. But I've acquired a donner watch. That's why I'm here.

[@davidlarlick2927]

I am in need of a new mainspring for this watch I purchased a non-runner at auction. Please let me know a link to purchase. PS. I am a new hobbyist and not familiar how to find parts.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

What would you recommend in a pocket watch? Do the Swiss make the best movements? How about a Quartz movement?

[@daleburrell6273]

...a quartz movement is a completely different proposition-

[@hhl31636]

I have a Gruen that my Mother bought me when I started High School back in 1960. I wore it every day for over 20 years without taking it off except to change bands when they wore out. Is there any way I could talk you into trying to get running again? I would be forever grateful as I am now 75 years old and would love to wear it for a little while and remember all the good times. Thanks so much. Hulon.

[@INSIDEHARDWARE]

I was getting ready to suggest in the comments of other videos that you make a video like this one. Was pausing and searching through some of yours where I know you mention them by name. YT suggested this one. Glad it did

[@BarnOwl61]

Thanks for the video. What an amazing piece of watch art. Job well done I think!

[@anthonyesquivel5863]

were you able to figure out what that flat bit of steel was for? seems like a spring, similar to some that allow you to depress the screw and take out the winding stem. was there anything on the other side of it that made sense?

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

Yes, we want to know!

[@bustermv]

Raising my hand in approval Mr. kid. Impressive every tick of the way...

[@mopac88]

I Love this so much, I wish I had the skills to do it. Great Job!

[@WristwatchRevival]

You should try to learn it, I have only been doing this a few years!

[@LichtFer]

And the money to buy the tools, and a proper place to work... Watching this videos is more rewarding than watching series.

[@bigwu100]

Your video work is excellent. As well as your screw driver handling. Top notch.

[@niedermeyerllaneza]

Although I had doubts about buying a replica watch, gussl dispelled my doubts. The watch has an authentic look and feel.

[@Janet_Airlines802]

That’s a small mainspring right? Is it the correct spring?

[@thewarehouse5621]

Where did you start learning on repairing watches? Any online classes you recommend?

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

He often talks about the YTer Mark Lovick at Watch Repair Channel. He started there and even took his courses.

[@The1993mustanglx]

I just bought an identical non running movement on ebay for $12. I'm going to attempt to repair it. I believe being able to follow along for my first movement will be a great start. I also found some stl files for printing watch making tools. I think I'll be able to try the hobby with purposely made tools very economically before I invest in quality tools.

[@IAMCornholieO]

these watches are so beautiful when your finished with them and the gears and polished gold/brass parts are gorgeous and it makes me wonder why the watchmakers would cover the inner workings. I mean I realize they keep it sealed to keep dirt out of them and to protect the delicate parts but why not use glass so the parts can be seen. they put alot of effort into making the inner workings look good but then cover it up.

[@AliceLee-rj2ew]

So relaxing to watch. The "before the watch cleaning machine video". I'm surprised that you don't have a net over your bench for the "flyers".

[@paulschumacker9901]

Another amazing video! For magnetized tools, here’s a simple trick. Take an ordinary magnet - swipe the FACE of the magnet with the tool - and presto! It’s magnitized. Now, swipe the EDGE of the magnet with the tool and presto! It’s demagnetized.

[@leoi3031]

Hitting it against a table works too. shakes off the electrons

[@MrTchou]

@@leoi3031 won’t work, you mistake magnetism for electrostatic charge. Hitting it will discharge the static electricity, it won’t do anything for magnetization.

[@jhrsmail]

I have a nonworking k code seiko sport 5 . Moisture was getting into face , so I took it apart and some loose parts fell out. Is it worth restoring? It's not from Japan but korea? Thx James

[@WristwatchRevival]

If you love it

[@fayrbrant2315]

That is a very beautiful watch indeed I am mesmerized the entire video! Thanks for sharing this Marshall

[@stevewilliams5428]

Good work. The mainspring looked a little short to me, it didn't fill the barrel enough.. Does the watch run for 36 hours?

[@simmo5071]

Mesmerized by your steady and patient hands then I realized I sat thru several of your videos with steady and patient butt. Lovely watch my eyesight and lack of coordination left hand (stroke issues) eliminate me from trying to repair an old tissot watch.

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

Anyway you can use your mouth or special tools/jigs to aid yourself? I'll bet you are clever enough still to figure something out! Hope you are still enjoying life and finding satisfaction with things you love doing.

[@peterwynnychuk5085]

I love that pink gold colour really nice look for a watch.

[@darrenmay2010]

You have so much talent mate! I can't stop "watching" your video's, keep up the good work.

[@paullambert7840]

That really is a beautiful watch. I love the aesthetics of it as well.

[@NICKNAME-ph5gz]

what do you think of this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKiTY3dtgdaafaM

[@paullambert7840]

@@NICKNAME-ph5gz Lovely, classic design. I love that font too. Wish I knew now about it.

[@NICKNAME-ph5gz]

@@paullambert7840 Thanks，I don't have more information about my watch.I think mine is common at first sight, but unforgettable for me. because I like golden hands and numbers.many expensive watches only use black and white as the main theme color . the youtube's watch is far more exiquisitely made than mine, i extremely love the pink gold dial plate. the movement‘s style looks similar to what in my watch, but surely it has had careful finishing machining.

[@Aphrodite-fh3vk]

How do your tools get magnetised?

[@KillerBebe]

Did you ever find out the purpose of the little bar piece or is it just a dunsel?

[@we73]

That´s so cool. Dietrich Gruen (German Name Dietrich Grün) is one of my ancestors. We still own the house where he was born, which is in Osthofen, and we still have many original recordings from that time in our family album. Very interesting to see that our family's history lives on in this form to this day :-) Warm greetings from Osthofen, Rheinhessen in Germany

[@theboz19]

Wow! What a gorgeous piece.

[@jackwhitetron]

Hello. Do you have a video that shows your 3 step ultrasonic cleaner process?

[@MostlyIC]

Marshall, you mentioned screw size in this vid, as in something like "these bridge screws are large by watch standards", which reminds me of my question, if the screws are different sizes how do you know or remember which screws go into which parts of the watch, as it seems they all just get thrown together in the watch parts cleaning machine ?

[@judithyoungquist8409]

Beautiful watch face, stunning piece 🎉

[@umgawa12]

Your camera work, lightings, narration are all Emmy/Oscar worthy. I find that watching one of these, even the same one, puts me in a such relaxedd state of mind. If I watch one an hour or so before nightime I dont have to take sleep aids anymore. Interesting... BTW, I see the word "unadjusted" stamped left of the serial #. Is the factory telling the owner to set it themself? Thanks, Marshall.

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

I too wonder what "unadjusted" really means in this case.

[@FernandoelChachi]

Excuse me. I've got a gold pocket watch (a big one) from my grandfather that was executed by the communists here in Spain in our civil war. I've never seen it running and my father had it storaged for years and later I did the same. It must be from the 30's years. I would like to see it working. What do you recommend me to do with it?

[@grantbuford5870]

I wear a pocket watch every chance I get so I love these. Thank you

[@Sergeant_Fury]

Did you test this watch to see how much it gains or loses?

[@mike44njdevils1]

Hello. I stumbled across your channel. I'm just getting into watchmaking and your videos are very helpful. Nice presentation. No one answered your question about that little spring that was hanging out on its own. I was thinking it was a hack, but it doesn't come close to the escapement. That being said, you have inspired me to pick up some pocket watches to work on, try to get my confidence up. Thank you

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

YES! What was the little bar/spring for? Do other watches have that too? Thanks for asking my question.

[@hawk5543]

I bought 2 pocket watches to work on for the first time to break in to watch repair. When I got them the were so small. I went back to the listing and notice it said "VINTAGE 2 PCS ELGIN SIZE 0 POCKET WATCH MOVEMENT & DIAL1909". Well I guess I will keep them for future use and look for another one.lol Love your videos.

[@Aphrodite-fh3vk]

Can you replace the staff of a pallet fork if it breaks?

[@jimpickard3850]

I actually own a Gruen VeriThin wristwatch that looks very similar to this one, and I wear it every day. Absolutely love it.

[@ksmanning]

How do you know if the back is snap-on or screw-on?

[@SarahYees789]

This is the prettiest watch I have seen in your videos so far. I saw a lot of the new videos, but this one is gorgeous. Is there any chance to get one of those ? I live in German and can't find it on the market here, besides from one that is not running. I am looking forward to more if your videos and I'm glad I still have some to go threw.

[@richardhamilton8087]

I like the way you explain that oiling too much will work against you etc.Thanks.Very imformative Video .

[@johnlastname2397]

now that you have cleaned and reassembled how do you adjust the timing?

[@daleburrell6273]

...he has a watch timer.

[@richiewalsh4123]

Do you work on other people's watches?