How to service a mechanical watch. Part 1. AS 1900 in a Rotary watch

[@NikaBoyce]

I would like you to know that I am VERY thankful that you have taken the time over the years to make these videos. I have learned SO much and learn more each time I re-watch them. I was inexplicably drawn into tinkering with watches just a few months ago... it seems to be some sort of pandemic therapy for my poor brain. I am a high school science teacher (1st year) teaching 4 different subjects in-person so the stress levels can be huge. Im shoving most of that stress down but its still there... learning how to take down a watch, fix it, clean it, put it together... it is realllllly helping with that stress. Ok im done with my autobiography here... just know.. you are appreciated!

[@mobiusII]

Hi! I'm a fellow science teacher (8th grade) and I really related to your post. I too have recently been drawn into this hobby. I love the way that working on watches forces me to focus intently on what I am doing, with the result that all that noise in my head goes away. It's a very Zen undertaking!

[@davidh7126]

It definitely looks relaxing, I'm getting tempted to try it

[@wildernessofzinn17]

Wow...you and I must be kindred spirits. I am a college math professor teaching 5 classes, and watch tinkering is now my go-to catharsis.

[@daveh5625]

When I need to relax, from stress or chill the mind, I enjoy putting on one of these videos and leave the world behind. A nice calmness. Ahhhh.........

[@wadehampton1534]

Mark, all I can say is Thank You! This is great stuff, I'm just beginning my journey into watch repair, and I'm going to be taking your watch repair course asap. I'm looking for tools right now, and I have a small box of non working vintage mechanical watches that belonged to my grandparents and father. It's enough to keep me busy for a long time.

[@BeatPoet67]

Lolz. I started watching these repair videos about a week ago - and the current cost of the tools in my shopping basket is £280. And now I'm looking a microscopes. Help me God!

[@mrandmrswheels1142]

Great video Mark. Thanks for sharing this with us. Nice to see how much work goes into getting your watch serviced. You can see now why it takes so long and costs so much.

[@benmichalski5576]

now I can fancy myself as an emerging amateur watch movement "fixer upper "! outstanding video sir....I will watch this over again and note the parts and their names till memorized and begin with my recently purchased $2.00 Caravel mechanism. cheers!

[@jell-oputin8036]

Mind blown 🤯 a watch should cost a billion dollars ! Bravo repair guy.

[@ergoprox84]

Great video, I'm amazed by the precision in your movements! I just removed a bad clickspring from an old Tissot and as an amateur it took me 45 min to get that little sucker in place...

[@mikeryan5217]

beautiful filming, wonderful sound, extaordinary English and sooo helpful. Brilliant.

[@adammyers7148]

gay

[@scottandcoke1342]

@@sa12111 im British and agree with the gay comment

[@shiishinchiu6636]

@@adammyers7148 🤣🤣🤣

[@BAAAASJE]

I need to study all the names of the parts of a mechanical watch in English, this video has helped me a lot with that, thanks.

[@chashagin1]

What an incredible series of videos - thank you so much! I've got a watch that I absolutely love but it would cost more to repair than to replace so I've decided to take a stab at it.

[@max917]

What incredible level of detail and care.

[@JulienMPS]

Thanks to your videos I learn everyday the pieces' names of a watch. I'm 20 and if one day my dream come true and i'm leaving France to find a job in London or US, it will be a bit thanks to you, please continue your videos, it's always interesting especially when you know this AS by heart ^^ Good job! :)

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you - I wish you every success :)

[@nateblubaugh729]

I don't know if I told you before, if I did I am sorry for repetition but I am working on an AS 1187 movement and I wanted to know whether AS was what the name was before it was ETA or why it carries the ETA logo and has AS in it.

[@AndyVanHorne]

Mark, You are a very big part of why I decided to take up watch repair as a hobby. the other reason was that I collect older watches and need to be able to fix them myself without draining my bank account. My eyesight is not what it once was and my question is. Do you still us a loupe to do the main work and just video tape for our enjoyment and astonishment, or do you also use the video feed yourself to work on your watches? I am interested in setting something similar because I really like how close and clear the image is. Would you be so kind as to provide the model or camera you use?Thanks again for the inspiring videos.Andy

[@bdavis7981]

I'm starting a collection of wind-ups and came across this. I have no intention of trying any kind of repair or maintenance, I know a good guy for that, but I wanted to tell you that this is just fascinating. Long live wind-up time pieces. There's nothing better than hearing that smooth tic-tic-tic. Amazing how anyone can machine these fine pieces. I prefer them over a battery any day.

[@Amar-vi8ht]

Are you sure that watch will work ever again :D. Nice job man,that's art in assembling. Very good video

[@sreetips]

Witch brand of tiny screwdrivers are the best for this type of work? Thank you.

[@jupe_66]

Bergeon is one of the best.

[@dietznutz1]

I’m considering watch restoration I’m 15 and I’m now rethinking doing that now although I would mostly do old simple manual wind movements

[@charliekingpin8568]

Best watch video on the internet, so many thanks. :)

[@josephnemetvarga9424]

Thank you very much for sharing your skills and knowledge. A delight to watch. Thank you.

[@RJSoftware2000]

Hello. Enjoying your videos. I would like to ask if you could on occasion pan over and let us see how you set parts aside and how you keep them organized. I have seen other watch repair videos and one guy uses milk jug caps for each item and associated screws. I wonder how you do it. Thanks again for making the effort to do these videos.

[@rogers531]

As usual , you really are a great workman.. Thankyou... How do you get little brass protector over the cap Jewell. I lost 2 today..

[@high5en]

I just tried practicing with my step dads watch and I lost a bunch of little pieces. Do you guys know if Amazon sells the springy pieces and little screws for a Rolex?

[@stevstomatoe6456]

you're kiddin right? I'm scared for you right now.

[@supermasterPIK]

Now that´s a SPOILEX

[@ka9d00d3]

Don’t practice with a Rolex. Use a invicta instead because you won’t lose much.

[@jimmylevoir2195]

supermasterPIK that was one of the worst thing I've ever heard😂😂

[@skipper_mtb6644]

high5en hahaha brilliant

[@Peter-sm2rs]

I have just started to look at watch repairs as a hobby. I feel daunted by the challenge, but will keeping going. This is a great video really enjoyed it.

[@ta_morrz8133]

How’s it going Pete? Thinking about it myself

[@Peter-sm2rs]

@@ta_morrz8133 ok but it takes a lot of time.

[@ve2zzz]

Hi... Do you have a video showing how to clean / oil older non-incabloc balance staffs / jewels ??? Incabloc is so easy, but non-incabloc seems way more complicated. Thank you.

[@lyedavide]

How do you know which part goes where when you have to put it back together? Any tips for keeping track of everything? I'm know next to nothing about watch repairs but I'm thinking about taking it up as a hobby. Thanks for the video.

[@michaelkennedy320]

Amazing! How do you know where each piece goes back to?

[@dksvo1]

I am always interested in watches and it is amazing how many pieces there are. would there be a recommended beginners watch to learn on?

[@WuClear]

Get a tevise automatic from aliexpress 20 dollars shipped. Good practice.

[@WuClear]

A little late but thats what I recommend

[@AhuCJ]

ClearAlpha too late

[@medicman4444]

thankyou for posting this it has helped me figure out and confirm my suspicion of the nero lemania stopwatch fault it had i thought it might have had the balance wheel pop of its setting in the post but in fact it actually snapped the top stem off the wheel at its smallest part ... oh well not worth enough to send to be repaired unless i find someone local directly but still solved a mystery i have wondered about along time (mostly because it would still run if you had it just right angle )

[@coffeeisgood102]

The movement and work show up spectacular on my 46 inch TV screen. I am wondering if you have done away with magnifying glass pieces and watch your work the same way I do? Also, I have several Orient watches, new and used. They seem quite nice, and that is saying something since I have several Omegas, Heuer Cal 11, Enicar and other timepieces in my collection. I would love to see a repair video of an Orient if you get to work on one. I enjoy your videos. Keep them coming.

[@GDLOTKIDOG]

You are appreciated my brother! Thank you SO MUCH for the knowledge.

[@Jamarkus_Delvonte]

I love the narration to this video, very facinating to watch, While this is something I want to do to my watch, I'm also too scared to take the damn thing apart cause I'll screw something up.

[@dndjxnskdbajd4561]

Somehow I'm gonna have to do this on a Patek I bought off eBay - I have absolutely no experience fixing watches.

[@benlear7419]

I'm looking to do the same thing soon

[@prasadrao6278]

Great work and efforts taken

[@seltenfotog3115]

10:15...been there done that...ping...spring goes flying!

[@sa12111]

I was thinking the very same thing

[@volturnu]

I have an old Mirvaine with an AS 1902/03 movement that belonged to my grandpa. I still use it from time to time.

[@thestreetpharmacist2685]

Very helpful video I want to learn watch making as a hobby and this video is excellent

[@rubinsteinway]

Wondering what is your opinion on the digital electron microscopes that are on the market. Do they allow enough vertical room to use screwdrivers and tweezers under the lenses? Thanks.

[@mizizi1]

What is the recommendation timeline of service on a mechanical watch after purchase

[@Crackity_Jones.]

Often it's ten years I think. About as long as it took you to get a reply to your question 😁

[@mizizi1]

@@Crackity_Jones. 😂😂😂

[@rodsphotography1]

Great video excellent where can i get quartz movement thank you and parts for quartz watch and i am look for a meter to test quartz to check the movement if is isolating with out taking disassemble watch

[@xeroxene]

Entirely mesmerising. Thank you.

[@riyadhadez6818]

hello thank u for your valuable lesson my question is how to close the winder after i change the date?

[@Nagmbeirut]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I have a question and I hope someone would answer it. I have an old hand watch that needs manual winding but now, it does not work anymore. The man at the shop said he would fix it for £300 which is way over my budget and even more expensive than the watch itself. Is this s the normal cost? and can I change it to non-manual winding (to avoid this problem in the future)?

[@ajitkapadia8950]

Excellent.U hv not shown which solution to use to clean the dirt inside watch parts.

[@lettherebepiece7184]

Hi again very nice viewing,I had read from many forums that when a watch main springs are unwound to be cleaned many become doomed when placed back.Within a few weeks the main spring breaks have you known this over your time in watch repair.Owe this seam to be a issue with the pocket watches,I not sure weather this might of been due to the age of the spring in these pocket watch`es,what is your views on this,please

[@lyfzgood]

The mainspring being serviced in this video is not from the AS1900? This spring is a right hand wind and the AS is a left hand? I got very confused, I am currently dealing with a very low amplitude on a AS1700 and i see the similarities. Great Video, Thank you.

[@1crazytruck]

Thanks! I have a Seiko with a broken crystal. I enjoyed watching that video. All great videos!

[@andy347]

Very nice close up video work. Excellent video.

[@billlink7116]

A bazillion parts in this little watch and each one has a name - Wow

[@sass1ap]

Why are many crown wheels secured by a left hand thread? Is it to keep the screw from loosening relative to the rotational direction of the crown?

[@mikeschofield7668]

Hi there. Great videos, nice pace and truly informative. I have Rotary quartz which, now the back is off and the winder and crown removed, I can't remove the quartz mechanism and face easily because the face seems to be in the front compartment with the cracked crystal I'm trying to change! Any tips from the master how to progress? Cheers!

[@Miguelito63No1]

Hi, can you do a video on timex? I have 20, and no one shows how to service it, I'm learning from You and 3 more watch makers, all the timex I have are from the 60's and 70's, electric, automatic and hand windind, thanks, Dr. Torres

[@anderseriksson4812]

Great video, I´m looking forward to the assembly part.

[@paulhaggisman3238]

That's the bit I never get down to

[@rpman4787]

I have a 7002 Seiko auto wind only. How do I slowly unwind the mainspring, to relieve the tension safely. I'm about to tackle my 1st disassembly.

[@markcoffman494]

RP Manone release the click spring. While doing so, hold the mainspring screw with a screwdriver.

[@rpman4787]

@@markcoffman494 thank you sir. That should've been obvious to me, but I guess I got a little overwhelmed by the entire scope of the project. One step at a time I guess.

[@isabelmagnolia5070]

You've decided too split this up in several parts, punny. Cause you know taking apart a watch into several parts. XD Also I find it fascinating that someone came up with this design. How they new all those pieces would be needed to create it, the science behind this is actual magic and beautiful. Or even just the fact they knew crystal, particularly Ruby's could be used.

[@JasperJanssen]

All of this is an entire industry, innovating and copying each other in turn, over several centuries. Rubies were probably originally used in the fanciest of fancy watches, but then in the first half of the twentieth century, people started making artificial rubies. At first, not good enough for jewelry. So what are you gonna do with these....

[@isabelmagnolia5070]

@@JasperJanssen wow, thanks for taking the time to message, yer i get that the rubies would have appealed to people with money or like to those who wanted the social status, basically just your everyday marketing strategy, but it's still amazing, im pretty sure they knew from grandfather clocks how intricate you could go but old vintage watches blow my tiny mind.

[@blodwynpig1]

What fluid do you use to clean watch parts? also is the watch parts put into a ultrasonic cleaner machine?

[@blackcrownfairfilms8804]

Apologies, your first process was to "release the tension on the springs" before anything further, but I seemed to miss how to do that. Can you help, direct me to another place?

[@roccodargenio2939]

Thank you very much you have save my watch with this video !!!!

[@HarveyMushman888]

This is an absolutely excellent video and I now know I will never be able to service my old watches....lol...

[@jeff1176]

What does adjusting the balance spring F/S do for the watch? I've never seen anyone adjust that. Why would you need to?

[@plrmfaoufmg7786]

Hi, what camera do you use for filming these beautiful macro shots?

[@Gunstacks]

Hello Mark, could ou tell me if this is the same as a 1702-3 movement? In the sense that could I use this video as guide? Thank you for great videos!

[@brentnearhood8874]

Happy New Year!

[@Raedodd5]

Hi Mark, Thank you for these fine video's, it's a pleasure to see your work. After watching your video I have just managed to service a none working AS1704 movement, and now it works! But I did manage to break the left hand screw, (should have paid more attention to you video, but found some spares) any way, very pleased. The last gearbox (machine tools) I rebuilt weighed over 40 tons, I'm retired now, but still do some work on my clockwork toy trains. I am now looking to get a couple of old movements that I can practice on, but have one question (if you don't mind). You mention cleaning with lighter fluid, is this OK on the shellac (I saw in your other video)? Also I am looking to treat myself to a quality watch, perhaps Breitling (ETA), Rolex, or even Grand Seiko (spring drive). In your experience who makes the better movement, and do you have a particular favourite movement? All the best and thanks again, Ron

[@fierrosf1]

Hello Mark, on this video there seem to be a couple of endstones on the wheel train bridge, is it possible to remove them, or just have to clean the bridge without removing them?

[@kylepn5223]

The little mesh baskets you have to hold all the parts in the ultrasonic cleaner; what are they called and where can you order them online?

[@avianfish8732]

How do you specify a mainspring for replacement are they standard types or something?

[@ohger1]

Is it hard or even possible to put the main spring back in the barrel without a winder?

[@ctg9491]

Hi Mark, would like to consult you my watch balance wheel spin for 1 to 2 minutes and stop. When I touch it, it run 1 to 2 min and stop again. What could be the issue? Very much appreciate for your reply

[@douro20]

If this were my watch I was servicing I would probably put a jewel where the barrel pivot is on the dial side. Some Glashuette movements of the Soviet era even used a floating barrel supported by three jewels on the dial side, but I think that is a bit ridiculous.

[@MrBlompod]

it would be easier to strip down my brand new Harley Davidson motor and put it back together....

[@WuClear]

Yeah I have rebuilt motors and done lots of microsoldering and this is overwhelming.

[@efrainruiz8265]

You are totally correct. It's taken me 1.3 years to read books, watch videos, while buying the correct vintage and modern tools and equipment. Finally i have disassembled a vintage 1950s Wittnauer 17 jewels mechanical watch. Have cleaned it. Was able to get the balance, hairspring and mainspring to replace. I'm in the process of buying the oils and commence the process of assembly while lubricating parts. To make all this possible you must read about watch function, read about analyzing repairs or replacing parts and perform a meticulous process, well organized and planned. If not your just chopping wood with an axe. I have watched these 3 in succession videos posted by this gentleman over and over again to inscribe it in my thought process. Having understood all processes i still managed to allow a mainspring to fly over the room on my first watch which was a cheap watch. Parts flew all over the room. Didn't give up. Finally on this Wittnauer i have done so in properly manner. A lot of dedication gents....that's all i can say! Good luck!

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

I'd be depped, feller is right.

[@Kanerade]

@@efrainruiz8265 Haha.. I feel like I'm going to have a balance spring jump into my eye someday.

[@deniseengle4269]

Cheaper probably too....

[@ianmedium]

It looks like its an ETA movement from the shield near the movement number. I am writing this about 8 minutes in so forgive me if you answer this later in the video. Do you refinish dials? If so I would love to see a video of that as it seems quite a mysterious process. Thanks again for such a lovely video.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

It's an "AS" movement ;) I regret that refinishing dials is a skill I do not possess.

[@alluAA1]

I heard that there is a workshop in italy that focuses on remaking dials. dont remember the location tho. i heard this from my teacher. Awesome video. Btw have u done any videos of like finnishing the screws such as polishing or bridges? or do u focus only on repairs which u get at ur shop?

[@WatchRepairChannel]

This is who I use when I need a dial to be sorted: www.davidbill.co.uk/ Most of the videos are of actual repairs through my workshop but some are using scrap movements as demonstrations

[@raymelliotte4078]

ianmedium b

[@tilidie5272]

can i ask if you learned all this by just working on them or did you have to take some kind of schooling?

[@Miguelito63No1]

Hi, can You do a video of an Oris automatic 648 kif movement? I has being looking and looking and found nothing, Thanks a lot. BEST REGARDS

[@Miguelito63No1]

hi again, I been loocking for more than a year how to take apart to fix a timex manual wind up watch, do You have any video I can see? thanks, best regards

[@oli9532]

Wow. Very detailed!

[@mohamedajmal3817]

Hai sir im ajmal i have one doubt seiko 7s26 liver coudn't moving correct level even when I reduced the liver bridge nut slightly after the reduce moving correctly what's the issue pls let me know

[@ADVAITUNBOXING1]

Good effort to easy understanding.......

[@laszlodudas1674]

Hawe you of video of repary Seiko automatic calendar (5) ?

[@TomTom-up1kz]

Very good work 👍👍👏👏

[@pidimarx]

hi, do you repair watches fpr private people ? ive got a Primato to repair

[@Memyselfandvan]

Those hand remover levers you used in this video, are they Bergeon 30011 (7mm), 30012 (9mm), or something else? I'm looking for similar.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

They are made by Bergeon measuring 6.38mm at the blade - they could have been 6.5 or 7mm originally as I have had them since my apprenticeship and I have re-dressed them a few times I am sure. I have to say though - if I was buying new ones now, I would opt for the Horotec's. The Horotec's are very nicely finished.

[@Memyselfandvan]

Watch Repair Channel Thanks Mark, will look into Horotec, but notice that cousinsuk only stock the small ones, so need to source 7mm type somewhere.

[@Memyselfandvan]

Michael Aldridge found these, but 10mm www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HOROTEC-CLOCK-HAND-LIFTING-LEVERS-10mm-/250685884331?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_WatchAccessories_SpareParts_SM&hash=item3a5e0b07ab

[@WatchRepairChannel]

www.hswalsh.com/product/clock-hand-levers-hh43

[@Memyselfandvan]

Watch Repair Channel Thanks again Mark :)

[@Matt16v]

Yep, I won't be attempting this any time soon that's for sure!! Great video though :)

[@ellenphilpotts-troy2098]

what is the name of the clay that you use to remove the jewels?

[@armenkhlghatyan3729]

Hello! I have an old USSR Poljot 2628H mechanical hand watch, after service there was some dust inside glass and I decided to remove mechanism from case and clean by myself but when I press windstamp holder and pull off it after windstamp never goes back it freely go in and out without keeping . What to know why it happened, and my apologies for not correct terminology Thanks forward

[@yuezhang]

I'm missing ONE screw for my Cartier ballon bleu stainless steel men's. The screw for the case back lid. Do you know where I can get a replacement screw for it?.... I'm located in the u.s. the missing screw has been bugging me so badly and all watch repair shops are closed due to covid-19.

[@Janet_Airlines802]

Excellent video, very well done. Thank you

[@douro20]

My father has an old Rotary sitting in the bank. It's nicer than any of the newer ones.

[@nicholasgabriel5868]

where do you buy your tools from? what size are they? can you give me a link to a store?

[@fernandomarques93]

Beautiful work.

[@mikhailsoyuz9902]

Can pocket watch last without repairing? I mean if you use it safely always.

[@joeycarr1398]

As a beginner, how do I remember which little tiny part goes where?

[@josevaldivia3796]

Excelente video, muchas gracias por compartir tus conocimientos , saludos desde Mèxico

[@Roosyer]

Thanks for this very easy DIY!

[@desnorton8293]

Love your channel it’s very feraputic watching you and calming I subscribe to you and wanted to ask a question I want a divers type watch I don’t dive but do swim a bit .and was wondering what watch you would buy and has a good movement in it .I am a oap so I haven’t a lot Money to spend as things are tight I have managed to save just under 400 pounds it’s took me nearly two years to do I had a seiko sports which served me well but was stolen I am now wearing a 4.99 quartz watch it’s my birthday on nov 27th and would like to get one for then my regards des

[@ellenphilpotts-troy2098]

Hi I have an issue with my watch. the balance works, but a few rounds it will stop. when i put it backwards it move, but when I put it upward or incline it with gravity it will stop. what can be the issue?

[@SapereMedicus]

Where can I buy a stem for an AS 1902 calibre? I'm from Perú

[@webdesignerguy]

Hi Mark, can I ask, when you're dismantling/resembling a movement do you use a diagram or some kind of plan, or do you do it from memory? Thanks.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

For the most part, by memory. If something is different and unusual I will take plenty of digital pictures.

[@Limou551]

there are two kind of mechanics, the ordinary one, and the fine mechanic, used in watches and other things. They use the same principles of Mechanic. So, you need to be a mechanic first. Second is not only mount and dismoutnt, there are many other factors, and if your not a GOOD mechanic you will not be aware of them. Then you have to have a good eye to check things that are not running proply or not, ., not every mechnics do that, you really need a good eye and knowledgment.Its not dificult to find engineers that are really dumb, cause theya re not mechnics, neither have practise, they are just theorical people. Resume, you will not learn this in a month , or even in a whole year, you need much more time practising... and learning. Is not to disapoint you, but if you ahve a good watch dont even open it, for sure, you will not do a good work, remeber, when you open your watch you alreday shorted its life.You didnt knew that did you? You can make it as an hobby to cheap wacthes, but dont do it, if you want to have a real tunned watch, unless you wanna be an watch maker, but then you have to start from the begining. and take it seriously.- Althought videos are great, you dont start here, seeing videos. Also you need a lot of things to make a complete service right,I mean PERFECT, but your not gonna buy them to repair just two watches,,,but first you ahve to know what you have to buy, and you have to have the knowledgment to use it, and know when use it.Your not gonna fix a whole car with a dozens of tools will you? Remeber a watch have dozens of parts, if one its not right it will not work perfect For a hobby anyone coul find something easier, but if you dont care about it, the hell, you have a watch hobby and you cant put watches running perfect, or even rebuild a part? there is something missing here....

[@srinivas1264]

Hello there! I have a 21jewels Castell premier watch, can u repair....?

[@johnadams-wp2yb]

I had an old Anker diver-style watch that was running intermittently. I squirted lighter fuel (napther) into the works and let it drain/evaporate. It ran fine after that!