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

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First of a three part series showing, in detail, my method of servicing a mechanical watch movement. The movement I am servicing is an AS 1900 in a Rotary branded watch.
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[@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.........

[@jell-oputin8036]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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...

[@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.

[@prasadrao6278]

Great work and efforts taken

[@max917]

What incredible level of detail and care.

[@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 🤣🤣🤣

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@josephnemetvarga9424]

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

[@seltenfotog3115]

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

[@sa12111]

I was thinking the very same thing

[@charliekingpin8568]

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

[@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.

[@GDLOTKIDOG]

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

[@xeroxene]

Entirely mesmerising. Thank you.

[@Amar-vi8ht]

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

[@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

[@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 )

[@HarveyMushman888]

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

[@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....

[@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.

[@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.

[@thestreetpharmacist2685]

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

[@1crazytruck]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@oli9532]

Wow. Very detailed!

[@roccodargenio2939]

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

[@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!

[@anderseriksson4812]

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

[@paulhaggisman3238]

That's the bit I never get down to

[@andy347]

Very nice close up video work. Excellent video.

[@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

[@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.

[@billlink7116]

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

[@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.

[@Matt16v]

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

[@Roosyer]

Thanks for this very easy DIY!

[@Janet_Airlines802]

Excellent video, very well done. Thank you

[@sreetips]

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

[@scorpiojn66]

Bergeon is one of the best.

[@douro20]

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

[@jackielay6134]

Man how do you remember when you back to place together

[@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.

[@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

[@ajitkapadia8950]

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

[@fernandomarques93]

Beautiful work.

[@garlandtube3]

Fantastic, great presentation thank you

[@ADVAITUNBOXING1]

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

[@davidlbreaker]

great presentation. very helpful

[@josevaldivia3796]

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

[@brentnearhood8874]

Happy New Year!

[@alejandropalomo5306]

Muchas gracias por compartir sus conocimientos

[@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..

[@michaelkennedy320]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@TomTom-up1kz]

Very good work 👍👍👏👏

[@bryans2790]

Great tear down. Now a scratch and drop test please

[@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.

[@cicco1838]

Wow bro it's amazing thank you so much for video...

[@thanwh]

this a very good video click. to learn repairs skills

[@alonzoautrey9022]

Awesome tutorial, got fixed my Officina del Tempo!! Thank you!!

[@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.

[@ohger1]

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

[@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

[@Andybiotics]

No wonder my local watchmaker wants to charge me NZ$235 to service a vintage manual wind watch (that only cost me $50)...

[@MrBlompod]

Ive been quoted 600 to a 1000 dollars to service a watch.... AUD.....

[@sa12111]

The economics of servicing a watch vs buying a new one is at first baffling, but if you consider economies of scale, making a new watch takes many fewer man-hours. Is that term politically correct, or should I use perhaps person-hours? I pulled this vdo up because my watch runs intermittently, but after watching this I think a watch repair guy is my best option. Not only do I lack the proper tools, my fat Neanderthal fingers could not possibly accomplish such delicate work. Holy crap, I can barely use my texting function on my phone

[@raulgalindo1526]

Good morning!!…please do a video for a Citizen 8010A…thanks. And best regarás Your friend from Mexico

[@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.

[@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?

[@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. 😂😂😂

[@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

[@mel2401]

It would be useful if you could explain methods you use to categorize parts when they are removed so that you know what goes back where?

[@avianfish8732]

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

[@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!

[@lunam7249]

OMG!! thanks for this vid!

[@riyadhadez6818]

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

[@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

[@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)?

[@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

[@joeycarr1398]

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

[@nigeve01]

Great video, thanks for posting...

[@huohization]

I found a mechanical victorinox watch that doesn't run. Physically it seems to be ok on the outside but no idea about the insides. Took it to a shop and asked about servicing it and was told it's at least 160e and that's just for the service, if anything is broken and so on of course it's going to be more. After doing some googling I found out the watch was sold at 600-700 euros when it was new. I'm a bit torn what to do, it wouldn't be so bad to pay the servicing if that was it, the 160e, but who knows what's broken. Then again, if I do get it going it could be a watch for a lifetime if I serviced it after that every few years. I really like the way it looks too, so that's a bit of good luck for me. The watch is #25044 if anyone into victorinox watches is wondering.

[@mohammedameenkp229]

Can u tell me how to put click right into place

[@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.

[@pidimarx]

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

[@AG-lt9bx]

Superb

[@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?

[@ayoblake875]

how do you remember which screws go where?

[@dr.merlinv.4551]

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

[@howdepressing2495]

Can it be possible to mod this and make the date quick set?

[@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.

[@laszlodudas1674]

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

[@mitchbmx]

now my Daytona's on the floor in 100 pieces and probably never getting back together thx a lot

[@caducoloco]

Thank you very much!

[@srinivas1264]

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

[@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?