L&R Mastermatic Watch Cleaning Machine

Marshall got a watch cleaning machine! He takes you through getting it set up and how it works, as well as a demo of actually using it. If you've ever wondered what it was like to get one of these, it's time to find out!
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CAMERAS AND AUDIO:
Main Camera, Sony A7III: amzn.to/2Dk3Q4K
Secondary Camera, Sony RXVI: amzn.to/2Dlrwpx
Main Macro Lens, Sigma 70mm f/2.8: amzn.to/3lD4Wdb
Camlink 4k Video Converter: amzn.to/3hTiiQf
Rode USB Microphone: amzn.to/2EQphLb
Audio Recorder, ZOOM H6: amzn.to/31R11BQ
Small Sirui Tripod: amzn.to/2YVgeQl
Sirui Tripod Head for Overhad Camera: amzn.to/2QNoNZ8
COMPUTER STUFF:
Apple Macbook Pro: amzn.to/2EFPKvr
Synology NAS: amzn.to/3bpVTaY
Seagate HDDs for NAS: amzn.to/3hQ5hqt
Samsung Portable Drive: amzn.to/34UdhTT
WATCHMAKING TOOLS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON:
Bergeon Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/34URcok
Dumont Tweezer #3: amzn.to/2YX4Hjl
Bergeon Springbar Tool: amzn.to/3jF8pX1
Bergeon Case Opening Ball: amzn.to/34VLbYg
Bergeon Presto Hand Removal Tool: amzn.to/3bfHtdo
Bergeon Movement Holder: amzn.to/3hQsY29
Horotec Hand Setting Tools: amzn.to/2Gdye1K
Rodico: amzn.to/32K0PDG
Bergeon Blower: amzn.to/34RgVxX
Bergeon Case Opening Knife: amzn.to/34VHr9e
Bergeon Quick Service Kit: amzn.to/2QHnScC

[@Glassed_in_Nature]

Could you show us the 3 step process you used before you got the machine?

[@xorbodude]

Yes. I was thinking to make my own of these but primitive technology style ala string bow drill

[@rangersmith4652]

One of the best things about adopting a hobby is the fun of acquiring the tools, supplies, and accessories that facilitate enjoying the hobby and advancing in the skills the hobby fosters. Congratulations on this acquisition.

[@David-sw3on]

I totally agree with you! Just before Covid, I got into electronics as a hobby and I may have gone a little overboard with the toys! lol- like the much needed soldering station, and a digital microscope video screen to name a couple...I love it!💞👍😉🇨🇦

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

Love the aged Krinkle finish. The old machines are built like a brick wall, just plain old tough.

[@WristwatchRevival]

They really are!

[@johnluke072000]

Lol L&r manufacturing company. Loving this channel Marshall, thanks for shouting this out! Really cool to see you talking about something you're passionate about. Keep them coming!

[@darrencady4261]

A nice machine. I have a British Brenray watch cleaning machine in very good condition. It doesn't rotate both ways like the L&R (Left and Right) but it does clean watch parts very well. I use L&R Extra Fine Watch Cleaning Solution and No 3 Watch Rinse for oustanding results. Thanks for a great video.

[@Watchmaker_Gereon-Schloesser]

I prefer watch cleaning machines ONLY turning in one direction. Keep in mind, all the parts moving each time the direction is changing...

[@darrencady4261]

@@Watchmaker_Gereon-Schloesser Trouble is with rotating machines is the loss of very small parts. I lost a balance stud screw, never to found again and have absolutely no idea where it could gone. Somewhere lurks a screw so very small one could lose it under a finger nail and not even know it was there! So now I tighten any small screw and run the machine slowly. But I was very lucky as I managed to find an incomplete movement for sale and replaced this fugitive part. Such is the life of the watch repairer.

[@rbruce63]

What a nice addition to your collection of tools!

[@marioduran2743]

I appreciate all the videos and information you give. I was wondering what solution i can use for my ultrasonic cleaner for all the watch parts

[@jwvandegronden]

cool channel! Love the behind the scenes, showing the full impact of what your work/hobby is all about, the rationale behind certain decisions, how they match up with your overall work ethic, emotional commitment and how you manage to for instance square that with your day to day responsibilities if it is not (yet) fully taking over your regular job. A few things I want to share with you, just my observations of my internal dialogue when watching your videos: ~Your tone, the way you address your audience, is absolutely spot on! I really feel engaged and welcomed along and acknowledged as part of the moment. I'm in it! ~You have a great voice, and again like so many other youtubers that tickle me, there always is a hint of irony, or the humor in the moment that rings through and it is genuinely yours. Love that. ~you share actual usable information about your process, or the work flow/process and why you do it the way you do it, which makes it more than just a distraction and actually something you want to tune into when interested in watch making from an apprentice or contemporary level. And that feels very generous. Thank you so much for that! ~it seems so effortless, and uncontrived, it seems like it all just flows naturally. If you script your episodes, I couldn't tell. Oh and already subscribed to your channel after watching my first video of your channel!

[@jimmykao3355]

Hi Marshall, loved this video! For you or anyone else that has this machine, do the watch parts come out cleaner than with an ultrasonic? Like you, I also use an ultrasonic, and yes, can be very time consuming. I'm about to buy one of the L+R, but just want to know what to expect in terms of its cleaning ability. Thank you and keep the awesome videos coming!

[@Rafaelmtelles]

seem this video now, after watching almost all the recent videos on the channel, you do things so different now. From Brazil.

[@pamdemonia]

So glad to see the lift-up bowl kitchenaid in the background, just like mine!

[@kevyt21]

Hey Marshall, I really appreciate these videos and I've started to take up watchmaking literally because of you! Could you please tell me how you were using the ultrasonic cleaner to clean movement parts before you got this awesome machine? I can't seem to find anything out there about how to properly clean movement parts with an ultrasonic cleaner. Cheers from Canada.

[@brianwohlleben3182]

Just received a Zenith and I had no idea about those bottom baffles. I might have to try that.

[@delgadokd]

Do the other parts in the big chamber ever damage the hair spring?

[@Randgalf]

I'm inclined to get into watch repairs just to have a reason to get one of these machines.

[@denniswalsh8476]

I have an ultrasonic cleaner with heat, (not for watch servicing). It was reasonably priced and works well for my needs BUT it has a small heater that takes forever to heat the fluid from room temperature. The heater works okay to maintain the temperature though. I used to TRY to remembering to turn on the heat well before I needed to use it, or just stupidly, wait. Now I just heat the fluid on the stove in an old pan in two minutes. Also, I was floored by the price of solvent for the cleaner. I found that $ 2/gallon windshield washer fluid works fine for most of my projects and no $ pain to replace it frequently.

[@wildernessofzinn17]

That is a clever idea. Windershield washer fluid!. Thanks. I will try that. That expensive cleaner used for mainsprings and the like is basically hexane. That's why it evaporates so fast. Hexane runs around $50/gallon on Amazon as opposed to the crazy markup for One Dip. Not to mention some of these Moebius oils and greases cost ~$20,000 per quart. No, that's not a scam!.

[@jayyydee9045]

Just a little bit of advise that I can give you. They make little plastic white baskets that are specifically made for the smaller parts. The basket has 4 small separate compartments. You can put the pallet and smaller screws in that basket and then secure the basket with a small binder clip. We were taught that in school so that you dont lose the smaller parts. Since the machine spins, smaller parts can get stuck in the mesh of the basket. I have used this method for years, some vintage ladies watches have very tiny screws and they can get lost.

[@jayyydee9045]

This is it www.jewelerssupplies.com/basket-nylon-for-small-parts-420.600.html

[@WristwatchRevival]

Thank you! I'm using some small bergeon screw together mesh holders now for the really small stuff, but I'll keep this in mind :)

[@tesseract2365]

Just got one of these but an even earlier model if you can believe it. Not sure if I have the forward and backward agitation on mine though. I'm finally following my dream of being a watchbreaker.

[@AliceLee-rj2ew]

Cool, always wanted to see.

[@giovannibalsamo4753]

Good work my friend 💪

[@watchjewelryauction6519]

I like that watch machine.

[@Dman04321]

What solution are you using? Unfortunately I only have ultrasonic soap and I think it’s not strong enough of a detergent to get all the gunk off

[@f.herumusu8341]

I have no idea of repairing watches and love your videos, because they are so relaxing and satisfying to watch! But whenever you show your watch cleaning machine I always think "Isn't Marshall doing all the work? The machine turns a cage and heats a cup, and that's it. But your filling the cage, assemble it, fill the glasses with different liquids, put the cage in the first liquid, turn the machine on, watch the time, turn the machine off, move the cage to the next liquid, lock the cage holder again, ..."

[@miguelvillalobos4559]

Saludos tengo una maquina igual .l&r mastermatic y me ha dado servicio. Por muchos años. Y hasta la fecha no me ha dado ningún problema. Son máquinas excelentes made in usa

[@miguelvillalobos4559]

Excelent

[@chriskenins469]

Hi, Before this machine, what steps & solutions did you use in an ultrasonic cleaner. As I am trying to figure out how to clean my parts before I spend a huge amount on a machine like yours. Thanks Chris

[@MrVasiapavlov]

Hi. Great video. Is it possible that pivots of the wheels get stuck in the mash and crack while the basket is spinning? The spinning speed is quite high.

[@popeyewatch]

Thanks for sharing! As I understand, the Master-matic model is able to cycle between forward and reverse directions automatically, every second or so, while the Master model does it with a toggle switch, manually. Since I'm not good in electronics, I wonder what kind of component does that automatic cycling. Does anyone knows?

[@Lalaland.001]

Most probably a simple reverse alternating relay. Never seen one from the inside but that's probably how they did that...

[@a1nelson]

@@Lalaland.001 Yeah, that’d be my guess as well - something simple and robust. The _only_ thing that would call that into question at all would be the truly ingenious mechanisms that vintage machines often utilized - reversing ball lead screws being just one example. (At _first_ glance, that was my guess, but later, it’s clear that the motor itself reverses). In the video, he refers to “electronics”, but that may be referring to anything more or less electrical. Almost certainly doesn’t contain an H-bridge or any of that transistor rubbish (and there’s no space for tubes). One unintended upside: Because frequently switching relays experience wear (pitting, welding, etc.), it ups the chances of us finding units like this that are “broken”, but very easily repaired.

[@Lalaland.001]

@@a1nelson Often the simplest solution is the most probable being used, though your reversing ball lead screws are a good example of something innovative. Thank you for your reply, always nice to see people around the interwebs giving those extra nuggets of information...Have a wonderful day...

[@Every_Day_Adventure]

how come you didn't run the pallet fork in the cleaner?

[@David-sw3on]

Hey Great Video! I have seen these on EBay and unless you get lucky, I disagree on getting a deal.🤔 I've seen your exact machine sold for over $750 $900 $1200 many times! And broken ones will sell at least $250- And then shipping is definitely over a $100. BUT! If anyone's looking for one? I literally just bought 2 of these on HiBids auction in my area- 1 for $20 & another for $30-I highly recommend it- I just picked them up & I was lucky that they both worked. Keep up your Awesome Vids!👍😉🇨🇦

[@illinigrad]

Can you buy replacement baskets?

[@cherylmostowski9466]

I have a L & R Console Vintage Cleaning machine and two Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners that go with it. My Dad's things and I am trying to sell them ... it turns on and vibrates so I assume it works. But wondering how you knew it was okay and worked before you bought it. Don't want to sell it if it doesn't work! But I am assuming it does.I think I have all the parts too. Thx for any input.

[@SuperRowbear]

the motors in them can be rebuilt so even if yours isn't working, don't trash it someone will buy it

[@bmw128racer]

I would think the final rinse solution would be 99% isopropyl alcohol, since it displaces any water and evaporates without leaving any residue.

[@brianwohlleben3182]

Some people do. I was told by a watchmaker that it has the potential of softening the adhesive on the pallet forks of modern watches. So I guess you could but keep you time short?

[@embracethesuck1041]

If heated, that sounds quite dangerous.

[@arronguevara1460]

Does anyone know if the larger pocket watch basket will fit on the same basket holder as the smaller basket? I was thinking that perhaps the larger basket could engage with the nubs which are on the outside ring of the basket holder used in this video.

[@MauriceandDonnie]

L&R made two sizes of baskets = #1 and #2 The #1 smaller one fits inside the motor flange and the larger one called a clock basket fits on the outer part of the same motor flange.

[@jeff1176]

Marshall what kind of metal did you make the baffles out of? Aluminum? Or a thin steel?

[@WristwatchRevival]

Thin steel

[@jeff1176]

@@WristwatchRevival awesome thats what I was thinking but wasn't sure. Thank you. I made some that ended up being to tall and the basket didn't fit. I have trim them down.

[@maxx_thor]

need this but in 220Volt version

[@grifter1964]

I just got one of these but it didn't have a manual. Do you know where I might be able to get a manual from? Thanks

[@markbusby3254]

I am looking for one of those to fix and restore.

[@pev_]

I have watched many of your videos now where you use this machine, but I still did not get what makes it so that when the basket is down in the solution it spins on both directions cyclically, but when the basket is up to spin the solution off, it only spins in one direction. Is it just a setting on the knob or does it have a sensor for how high the basket is?

[@EnjoyPA]

There's a tab on the output shaft that engages a toggle switch to reverse the phase of the A/C motor each time it gets to that point from either direction. It only engages when the basket is fully lowered.

[@EnjoyPA]

It's kind of like one of those "useless box" toys that only exists to switch itself off again when you flip the switch to turn it on, but then it turns itself on again, rinse and repeat.

[@paulmarks7185]

What loop do you use?

[@jjcj6463]

Hi Marshall, I'm using an automatic translator, sorry. I am making a watch washing machine in which I will use Elma 1:9. My question is whether it should rotate at such a speed as to foam or more slowly. Thank you.

[@vinylvortexvideos5935]

no one going to ask for a wrist watch check? the watch on his wrist is absolutely amazing. any ideas?

[@rexfranklin]

I found the L&R Mastermatic in the 1963 BestFitt 111/111A Encyclopedia of Watch Material for $119.00. That would have been the average weekly wage for a watchmaker in 1963.

[@josailtonsilva3794]

Hello, I liked the machine friend would like your help, i'm in Brazil and here we use a solution to wash watches based on acetone, ammonia and acid. so, for the final cleaning, we use benzine (hexane), but benzene causes cancer, I saw in videos from several watchmakers from other countries, that the solution used for cleaning in all processes is different from ours, so I would like to know what they are, the names of the chemicals used and how to prepare them, you understand. I hope I can help I appreciate your attention thank you Josa Silva

[@jmfrank7034]

Hi Marshall or anyone that wants to answer this. I also found the exact same unit. But did you ever find the Manual? Its most likely going to need oiling/maintenance.

[@jw11432]

The biggest question I have about this machine is how the auto-reverse function works. I know it's not using sophisticated logic boards with controllers and motor drivers, so how does the mechanism work? Is that something that makes itself evident when looking at the machine, or do you happen to know how it works?

[@Watchmaker_Gereon-Schloesser]

I'm assuming a "simple" RELAY. Probably the kind like a car blinker turning lights relay. With a Ni-chrome heater wire that is "moving" (heat - on-off) a Bi-metal relay arm.

[@jw11432]

@@Watchmaker_Gereon-Schloesser I considered that, I built my own 3-relay circuit (two 5-pin relays, one relay with remote functionality for trigger) for my double-swing driveway gate. But I noticed the basket comes to a pretty smooth stop, not a sudden stop like a relay alone would do. Perhaps a relay circuit in conjunction with a spring mechanism to absorb the momentum before it reverses direction? That's the only thing I can come up with.

[@joemaniaci]

Some of the screws I've seen in your videos look like they're small enough to fall through the mesh on these baskets. Is that ever something to consider?

[@WristwatchRevival]

They are actually small enough to fit through the larger mesh basket but not the little ones I put all the parts in.

[@nickwaters2802]

What equipment do you use to record video? I'm sure many of us would be really interested in learning about your setup

[@crystalsheep1434]

Interesting

[@paulcosta941]

Nice machine, Modern one's cost a pretty penny. I've been using a "Little Giant" similar type machine with square jars, unfortunately it needs to be re-wired as the original power cord is frayed and may be potentially hazardous, it's one of the things that we have to deal with as low budget hobbyists I guess. I might look around for a vintage automatic type one that cycles through all jars automatically and with a timer, they're a little more pricey but still within the budget of most if you can find one in good shape.

[@simondoutre6225]

@Benedict Guillermo does anyone actually fall for this shit? People are fukn dumb

[@Dman04321]

Do you need to add baffles to the square jars? I don’t have any in mine and I’m worried it’s not cleaning the parts well

[@tortron]

I'm seeing a battery drill and some mason jars in my future

[@razkki]

Hey, how often should you replace the fluids?

[@WristwatchRevival]

Usually it's measured in how many watches you've put through, and I think about every 50 or so is recommended? I do it more often just because a lot of time would pass before I got to 50.

[@MauriceandDonnie]

The cleaning solutions cost a fortune =about $50 a gallon. Make it last longer by making a funnel system with a glass jar and run it thru a coffee filter. Also use/make a stainless steel baffle for the bottom of the cleaning jar, make a s/s clip to adhere a super magnet to it. After you clean the solution, just add some new to it each time.

[@thandle]

Most of the machines at eBay look like they were salvaged from the sewer.i am very jealous of your machine.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Yeah it took me a while to find it and I had to go pretty hard to get it but it was worth it

[@Midlanflyguy]

My L&R was trashed (cosmetically) when I got it, but a bead-blaster and refinish with Cerakote made it look (somewhat) brand new again. If you can do basic wiring, you can replace all the old wiring for next to nothing as well.

[@nunyabizness199]

I almost got one just like that at an auction a month ago...

[@perryperron6916]

I love this video. Let my wife watch just to show her how normal it is to use the kitchen counter for my watch hobby. Great, now she what's a new mixer like yours. Love your videos.

[@BobbyJ2002]

Are parts still available for these machines?

[@Midlanflyguy]

Virtually zero parts are available.

[@georgegonzalez-rivas3787]

So why is this better than an ultrasonic cleaner?

[@a1nelson]

My question too. The ultrasonic seems much less aggressive toward the parts and, in my experience with other uses, they work fantastic. Maybe the switching of the three chemicals is the main issue, and the cleaning machine is better, for some people, simply because it has multiple containers built into its basic design. I’ll have to admit that switching detergents and solvents - even in my quality, commercial, ultrasonic cleaner - can be a bit tedious and error prone (e.g., spilling liquid all over the bench), at times. Plus, it’s hard to recover 100% of the chemicals when changing them back and forth. Still, I’d appreciate WR’s take on the subject.

[@dadtype2339]

Thumbs up from me, but it seems like it's 5 mins for each cycle, 15 min there then 5 or so min in the dryer maybe 10 now it a total of 20-25 min doesn't seem too fast. Just wondering how much time was spent on the other method of cleaning. Don't get me wrong, not being negative here, a serious question as I'm just getting into this hobby, thanks for reading and have a great day.

[@spazz99ful]

I have a ELMA Record, and i got it for about $ 200.

[@roryvonbrutt7302]

👏👏‼️®™️

[@dangermartin69]

You could have used cookie cutters for baffles.

[@thebrizzell]

Don't understand how this doesn't bend up everything

[@WristwatchRevival]

The parts are in tiny baskets and also in liquid so they don't get jammed up against each other too much.

[@wildernessofzinn17]

I realize no one will read this belated thread, but I am going to pontificate anyway. Like many others, I have noticed these devices are in hot demand...yet no one makes them today except for one company in India who sells them on Etsy for $600-700. Once received, the plug-in needs to be changed out for the American-style electrical outlet. Regardless, they _do_ get good reviews. I am dang surprised the Chinese aren't making something...cheap or otherwise, they make everything else. At least, I have not seen them. Working or not, being relegated to paying upwards of $700-800 for 70-year-old old used L&M machines on eBay is a little ridiculous. Something I noticed that is similar is a Kitchenaid mixer. If you could fit a watch cleaning basket onto a Kitchenaid, it would be pretty close, albeit, you would have to change the wash-rinse bowls instead of moving it to the next separate container. Soda fountain machines are also similar. I thought about trying to fit a watch parts-cleaning basket to my Kitchenaid and see how it goes. By dang, enough of this!. There are piles of watch hobbyist out there who need these machines at a price that won't drive them to the poorhouse, and someone needs to get on it.

[@Deedeedee137]

Why 2 identical rinsing stages

[@MauriceandDonnie]

The L&R Tempo 355 and 400 both have three rinse jars. Some people have a spare jar (or two) on the side for the older 3-jar machines. The last rinse jar should always be clear or the hairspring coils will stick together. I use two Tempo 400 machines, one as a pre-clean; this way only clean movements go into the second machine. This way you just transfer the old solution to the pre-clean machine when adding new to the second one.

[@RogerCollectz]

Pretty cool Marshall! I can’t wait till I’m at your level in this hobby!! Going to take forever though being disabled and getting a very very small income ☹️

[@corymatthews1061]

But when will this LR watch cleaning machine be available on channel fireball???? ;)

[@blipblip88]

I don't expect a reply. Isn't it interesting that a very specific machine like this had to have been designed, and likely reviewed by collogues, and then shoved over to the marketing department to be advertised, and posted in journals...and so forth. I love the idea of how modern manufactured products like this were conceptualized and woven into the plotline of other modern manufacturing to make for easy living in the modern, civilized world. But mostly I think about all the lives involved in this process-the designers, the laborers, engineers, secretaries, skilled machinists, CEOs the wives, husbands, and children of all them. Sorry-that was a major diversion. Nice vid, and thanks!

[@4godandcountry663]

Used alcohol for your last rinse.

[@brianpercival1829]

Checked EBay, $2000 - $5000 ?? This is professional watch maker apparatus. Can't afford this when it it a hobby.

[@tedkolterman]

mason jars

[@georges8348]

Manufacturers like to hide dates or date codes in serial numbers. So I suspect your machine was made in 1961. The only pair of numbers that makes any sense.

[@lobuenoylomalo.9477]

Who want to do tgat in this times 20 th century. Its million s of watches... you can buy one better if you breack it

[@johndrippert3289]

Some of us just like using our brains and hands to fix things that do not work properly. The level of satisfaction gained by doing this is quite high. Yes, it is cheaper to just buy another watch if all you want is a time piece. With clock apps on smart phones you really do not NEED a watch for keeping time and it can be more of a fashion statement than a tool. I just like taking something beautiful and making it work again so it can be passed on to someone else who appreciates it like I do.

[@MauriceandDonnie]

That was sure well said! Using the same logic, why should an artist waste their time painting a picture when there are already too many in existence now?@@johndrippert3289

[@dantyler6907]

Option #2... Timex Ironman, from Walmart. $27, runs for years on its replaceable battery. Measurably more accurate than mechanical dinosaurs. -more accurate -cheaper -easier And, time for McDonalds...

[@jw11432]

Yes, even a $10 quartz watch from Walmart will be more accurate than even the finest mechanical watch. But people don't get into mechanical watches as a reliable time-keeping piece. It's pretty much for the sake of the appreciation of the precision and scale of engineering that goes into these things, or even for the sake of history (if you're into the vintage watches, which I certainly am). They're just cool and are simply appreciated. Timex is trash though. I have a Casio G-Shock GWM500A-1. It is solar powered and atomic clock synchronized. I never have to worry with batteries or setting the time, as it is always perfect.