Looks BAD? Just Wait, It Gets WORSE... E. Howard Pocket Watch Repair

[@joellanier]

I'm Joel that gets name dropped at the very end. That's my grandfather's watch. I contacted a few guys about the restoration before settling on Chris. As you can see, I chose the right man for the job. Chris did a phenomenal job restoring it and I'm not sure there are many guys out there that could have navigated all the surprises lurking beneath the dial. Thanks again for resurrecting a family heirloom.

[@csspinner]

It was a pleasure restoring this one, Joel. Thanks for trusting me with it. - Chris

[@itsnishantk]

@@csspinner this was indeed a joy to watch and learn the engineering behind the mechanical watch I am avid watcher of wristwatchrevival but techniques and information shared here is next level. Chris you are a champ 🙏🏻

[@foxbatmotorsports]

I'm Natasha Romanoff, I've had three watches repaired by Chris and I hope to send him another one after the first of the year. Here's a link to one of those repairs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6uQhYKsrJJjftUsi=iB1MCwKmrY5kMJ0e

[@motor2of7]

Excellent work. What a thrill it must be to actually watch your watch be so competently repaired.

[@hdrklc1270]

Pppp

[@WatchmakerErik]

These early American pocket watches are just stunning.

[@danytoob]

Hello CS ... XLNT video. You're obviously a very skilled "artician" (made up word...lol). I also have a Howard Series 5 that I restored probably 10+ years ago, Howards are one of my favorites. It was made a little later than this one you worked on (serial #1110627), with upper jewels pressed into the bridges (they're huge! I think nicknamed "owl eye" if memory serves me). I just pulled out of the box (been at least 5-6 years), started up on the 7th wind, so I now have puffed out my chest ...😂. Anyway, great camera work to boot so you've got an large set of skills. Keep up the excellent episodes, the community needs your input!

[@winstonlanda7731]

Maybe I'm desensitized to watch servicing videos because this was by far one of the most fascinating watch services/restorations I've ever seen. The amount of tools you have at your disposal along with the specific nature of each is both incredible and ridiculous. I sat here and watched this entire thing and could not look away. You're easily one of the watchmaker GOATs of KZbin. I love how your video had none of your personality and is just straight up POCKETWATCH. This belongs on PBS or some shit. Absolutely spectacular luxurious result, thank you for sharing that with us. Man, I love the internet. I love pocket watches. I love horology. You're a madman.

[@JDRichard]

Chris, JD here. I watch this video through and through and you do such an excellent job with the narrative on your watch restoration. One gentleman said you should be on PBS, and I do agree. I am curious what camera you use to get those wonderful close-ups. I don’t think I would have the patience for the narrative as I would keep dropping in jokes, because that’s part of my chatting in personality on my channel. Again for such a short period of time with watch repair you’re doing an exceptional job.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, JD! The wider shots are take on the iPhone. For the majority of the video, I use a Lumix G85 shooting in 4K with a macro lens. The really close shots are recorded on the microscope

[@DC-id2ih]

This was wonderful to watch (no pun intended!). Pocket watches are such beautiful pieces of engineering ....and it's fantastic to witness one being restored with such care/expertise. Thanks for taking us on the journey...cheers!

[@charleslayton9463]

What a beautiful watch! What an astonishing bit of over-the-top craft-ship on your part. First time I've ever seen someone make a tiny screw! Thanks so much for saving this gem!

[@sledge80ci]

Thank you many times over for this informative and well produced video.

[@verncommet1798]

Something magical and soothing with the ticking of these master pieces, I love to listen to them

[@breakaway2181]

You've got some amazing tools Chris. Great channel, I'm learning a lot so cheers bro x

[@alexvonborstel4763]

I am speechless. Now I know why my Hamilton pocket watch cost a high amount of money to clean and inspect. Thank you for being one of the few who still have the knowledge to do this type of work.

[@ForestWoodworks]

I'm watching this again to see if I can figure out how to let down the mainspring of an Elgin 5994540 with safety pinion, but there's so much variation I'll keep looking. I've only scratched the surface of watchmaking in general, PWs in particular With that, watching the cleaning machine loading gave me a thought: Would you consider doing a wrist check in your videos, Chris? For fun? Id be interested in seeing that for sure! Thanks so much!

[@cawalker1143]

The tone and pace of your commentary makes for enjoyable listening. Very refreshing. Good work!

[@deanbrown4083]

Found your videos a while back and have been binge watching since. Each video is a pleasant informative experience. Thank you and keep up the good work. New subscriber.

[@oneofbillions691]

I'm not a watchmaker but I love watching timepiece repair videos-go figure. Also being a tool nerd, the tools shown here had me drooling. Wonderful experience seeing you work with precision tools, patience and knowledge and the end product was beautiful. Timepieces are a great example of mankind's ingenuity and accomplishments.

[@Vinlaell]

I like wrist watch revival but you definitely deserve a lot of subs as well you are going deep my man you are going really deep doing stuff that he definitely would not do

[@csspinner]

I appreciate that a lot. I respect Marshall and all he’s done- so just being compared to him means a lot to me

[@lachendehond]

Amazing, thank you. I aspire to learn about restoring pocket watches, and this was very helpful.

[@mlsproject]

I enjoyed this video. Great work and thank you for sharing the techniques you use when you need to make these sort of repairs.

[@patobryan8613]

Bravo Howard, bravo! It's such a pleasure to watch a skilled artisan at work. Thank you. And I appreciate all the extra time it takes to set up cameras, edit film and overdub. I follow several watchmakers and they all do a good job making videos, but this video tops them all. I always wondered how balance wheels with screws were balanced. And now I know. And making and blueing your own screws? Dude, that's over the top. You've got ALL the tools! Looking forward to your next video. Thanks again!

[@valengreymoon5623]

That looks to be a railroad dial. First time seeing a jeweled ratchet wheel too.

[@marka.schlueter9918]

Great video. I like watching pocket watch restoration. The parts are larger and easier to see and learn from. This is a beautiful watch.

[@zerolatitude2923]

Chris, I had an epiphany while watching this. I do bushing jobs on clocks and watching you realized that the jewel work is the same thing, just different tools and materials. Now I am not intimidated to dive in to re-jeweling. I have enjoyed all of your shows and learned a lot.

[@alien6551]

Amazing work

[@MadMotorDoc]

I was mesmerized by the attention to detail and the naming of the individual pieces, your no bully approach to stubborn movements tells the patients & skills you've achieved . Watched every second, Well Done.

[@dberghold]

Bravo on your production quality and thoroughness. I am in the trade too... been doing the same for 30+ years and I applaud your ability to portray your/my life at the bench... almost every day. I will say, and this is not to be overtly critical, throw away that staff removing tool! If you gently turn the rivet of the staff off, without digging into the balance, it will save you great heartache. You obviously have a good handle on the lathe! This should not be too difficult. Forget what Henry Fried offers about staff removal... yet I believe most everything else he offers. Just lean into the staff with a pointed graver until you are the depth of the rivet and then tap out the staff in your staking set. You should be left with a little "washer" of rivet and no damage to the balance. Let me know if you want me to send you a small stash of old balance wheels to practice on. I have a bunch! Lastly, I'm pretty sure this Howard should have had a whiplash regulator... I know, tough to find. I have a few that are lacking too. All in all, you and I think are of the same cloth! Keep up the good work and don't hesitate to reach out to me. [e-mail] Always happy to help a fellow craftsman!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Dave!! I have since been turning the hubs off the staffs on the lathe. Takes all but a few minutes. I’ve found the hole in the balance arm remains “tighter” than when I jam out the rivet.

[@amandagelien9612]

Nice job at returning a classic pocket watch from the scrap pile and learn a new trick😃

[@seayak]

Here is a master at work, not only in watch restoration, but in filming and narrating the process. What cool tools he has, never mind the training and technique to used them as intended. Mesmerizing and educational!

[@kimwilliford6303]

❤ I love pocket watches. This one is beautiful and it cleaned up very well.

[@LtDan-fy7lc]

11:54 Really liked this shot. I have watched several of your videos now and the close-ups are really nice but I had been having a little trouble staring at my wristwatch and envisioning the size of all the little gears and stuff, but that shot really put it into perspective for me just how small all these parts are. Really am in awe of your knowledge and skill. Plus I am in love with all the old tools you showcase.

[@maestromecanico597]

Absolutely wonderful. I appreciate your technique of repair as well as presentation. But above all else is the transformation of what some may see as a "basket case" into the thing of beauty as it was meant to be. Bravo.

[@jclark2752]

I really dig the interior finishing decisions on this one! As usual, you would never know from the outside!

[@fpostolache]

👍you're clearly a pro: I would have forget a part or at least a screw. Good video !

[@brendaowens2466]

That was a beautiful watch. Inside and out.

[@vijaysuralkar2]

I am from India, your work in repairing watches is very efficient, you do a very good job, thank you brother.

[@larrystephens7437]

Fascinating video. Thanks for sharing...

[@michaelpthompson]

Fascinating, as always!

[@GermanWatchmakingChannel]

I find your approach and your tools absolutely impressive. I have watched a lot of content, created my own watch restoration videos and I am stunned by the amount of work that has to go into yours! I can really appreciate that you earned the knowledge to use all kinds of different tools, how special and niche they may be. Every video is extremely informative and on point. My deepest respect.

[@AdamSmith-du1qr]

Wow Chris making a replacement screw and reaming out the jewel holes for the modified jewels that's micro mechanical engineering at it's finest, lovely work and a great restoration!👍

[@hockeyrd99]

Great job as always! A little tip for any newbies to the craft... I noticed the black is out of most of the lettering (there's still a little in the "19 Jewels"). That's probably because a previous service left the parts in an ultra-sound too long (or used a wrong cleaning solution). Your type of cleaning machine won't do that to parts. I always make sure to be very careful cleaning plates with black or gold painted words. Sometimes I'll carefully clean those few plates with a soft tooth brush and cleaning solution.

[@Enishidono]

15:53 daayyum! Look at the guns on you! 💪

[@MyRetroWatches]

I would say you have mastered watch repair now Chris. Your next level is to start hobbing your own wheels! Really enjoyed this video. I’m left in awe and you’re inspiring me to push myself more.

[@MeKnownAsI]

Absolutely beautifully filmed and told as a story. The editing and shots were just wonderful. Thank you for taking us on this restoration journey with you.

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

I really appreciate this video because it’s a technical one, It’s will be another nice reference for a future repair ! This watch is absolutely a piece of art and the final repair and look is really perfect ! As always thanks for sharing you got all my respect as a watchmaker !! ✨👌 Best regards !! 😊

[@UmbyWatch]

Great Restoration !

[@alexandrerojkov9429]

Great stuff, polishing this watch? To be or not to be 🙂

[@cudamank]

Very cool you were able to restore it. Amazed at all the specialty tools. If you don't already. Be cool to have a tool collection video.

[@brucebarlow6604]

Chris you would be the premier pocket watch repair man. Always a good show when screw making and the use of the angry beaver claw. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@fvazquez64]

Thanks so much, I enjoy watching your projects and this is by far one of the best restorations/repairs that I've seen on the whole YT....

[@stevev7402]

I say it in every comment but Chris is a true artist. It’s such a dying skill. Thank you for keeping it alive for people like Joel with family heirlooms or watch collectors like me wanting to preserve these pieces of American timekeeping history

[@simonlunt353]

They is something about a pocket watch that I like very much I have one myself which belonged to my grandfather then my dad and now myself I treasure it so much but it’s not working I must get it fixed I think I would still like to use it 😊the ticking is so nice to hear

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you so much for sharing this brilliant video on the perfect restoration of a wonderful watch: 👍👌👏! I loved every minute of it and am in awe of your expertise and handling of the 1'000 tools that you have.

[@IMakeWatches]

Great video, Chris! I love how simple the Seitz measurement at 12:55 was! I can't believe that I have actually struggled trying to figure out how to measure jewel depth with my Seitz tool! 😂😂😂 That's one of the things about watchmaking: it sometimes seems super difficult just because it's so tiny and precise, but if you just ignore those constraints a lot if it is actually quite simple!

[@IMakeWatches]

The part that I didn't get was to measure it with a lower stump than you'll be using to push out the jewel, or be prepared to actually note which stump and pusher you used and the setting on the micrometer so you can adjust the micrometer to allow more travel to punch the jewel out, and then use your notes to get back to that exact same measurement set-up when it comes time to push it back in.

[@josearleicristoroza689]

Faz tempo que não vejo alguém consertar essas máquinas c/ perfeição. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@someguy-k2h]

So glad I found your channel. Your light touch and ability to fabricate many of your own replacement parts is very impressive. Your shop is nearly self sufficient. I appreciate your attention to detail and trouble shooting process. Do you normally not use epilame on the pallet stones or lubricate all the escape wheel teeth? Just trying to understand your technique.

[@csspinner]

I haven’t yet seen a measurable benefit in using epilate yet, but I can be convinced. I don’t have any strong reason not to use it other than I’ve had good success without it. I lubricate both stones with a generous droplet, which eventually would evenly distribute among the teeth. Any more than that and I feel the oil could begin wicking away from the faces and up the sides of the stones… which I suppose is what epilame may help resist :)

[@jpwillm5252]

Bravo !

[@TJ-wp4yz]

As someone that has lived a long life thanks to the tools I used. In this video I seen more of your available tools of the watchmaker trade. I am amazed by this, but I can understand how they help you apply your skills. A very good job on the Howard, but those of us that follow you would expect nothing less. Good Job Chris. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@lestercoons3962]

I am impressed! This was a fascinating video! I am a master machinist by trade (retired for many years). Some of your tools are familiar to me, however miniature! I look forward to watching more of your videos! Thank you.

[@AnalogDave]

Wow, I aspire to your level of watch making. I would love to be able to make my own screws and do all the fabrication work you show on your channel. Those enamel dials are amazing even after all this time. Thanks for sharing

[@zahariastoianovici8590]

Absolutely amazing skill , so educational and informative theee videos. Thank you for sharing your videos

[@KeithCobby]

Props 👏

[@skybpak4242]

Thank you for your videos. Excellent work as always. I appreciated this one for the education on safety barrels. First one I've seen worked on. I also appreciate your attention to detail and aesthetics. Shaving the bottom of the balance pins vs a corner seems the right way to do the work on a watch that someone took pride in engraving with that gorgeous geometric design on the plate. I also enjoyed seeing some new tools. The jewel setting broach was cool. It is always fun to see the angry beaver. 😂

[@arttujmoi_5937]

A very beautiful watch. I enjoyed filming and editing the video. Nice to see the setting and screwing of each screw in the bridge from one angle. This video is the most satisfying watchmaking video I have ever seen.

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Fantastic video! Excellent job! I've been thoroughly enjoying your channel, and it, along with a few others, inspired me to start recording and sharing some of my own projects. I'm envious of your lathe and hope to have one of my own someday! Your work on both the timepieces and video quality is truly commendable. Thank you for consistently producing such comprehensive content. As someone who decided to take the KZbin plunge this year, I now understand the amount of time and effort it takes to create these videos. Tinkerers like myself truly value it!

[@csspinner]

Thank you so much for that. Super thanks! I really appreciate the support.

[@markbecker8661]

Impressive array of tools from the past. I'm always fascinated by watch movement, especially pocket watches.

[@DanniiMReyes]

As im watching you im really amazed in your tools where did get all your tool, AMAZING

[@csspinner]

Most of my vintage tools I got on eBay and NAWCC forums

[@wildernessofzinn17]

This is one great and extensive fix-up. Wow, CJ. A buddy of mine just gave me an old South Bend he found in his grandfather's barn ages ago. The balance pivots are both broken as are top and bottom balance hole jewels are cracked. It must have taken quite a wallop. Other than that, all looks well. I have put on staffs, but have yet to tackle plate jewels. I'm antsy. Thanks for the videos

[@semperfidelis8386]

cool tools

[@rowejon]

Splendid! I used to have a silver, 1901, key wound Waltham but it was stolen. Do you put watch papers in your repairs?

[@csspinner]

That’s a great idea

[@PocketWatchTime]

Another AMAZING job 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@EvelcyclopS]

What a beautiful base plate

[@xtr1092]

you got some steady hands

[@hughbryant1326]

What an interesting watch. I found this fascinating.

[@radarhec]

Wow !

[@larrydemaar409]

That is a beautiful watch. Nice work in restoring it, especially the jewel replacement and making that screw. So nice to hear that you are going to use the lathe to cut out the rivet, congratulations. Well done on the poising! Do you use a demagnetizer? Magnetism can be a problem sometimes.

[@csspinner]

I do have a demagnetizer handy and regularly demag the movement before getting started

[@marionchase-kleeves8311]

No not you but another youtube watch repair program. I replied and learned my lesson.

[@foxbatmotorsports]

I need a watch like that.

[@michaelkeats1313]

Very enjoyable video with some great techniques and tools. Your workshop is amazing.

[@WatchWithMike]

Nicely done! I don't know which I was paying more attention to… The watch or the vintage tools. 😁

[@rbrtschmdt]

10000 subscribers. Congratulations

[@eugenioanido1289]

Eres un crack, pero tienes un equipo de herramientas de primera. Excelente el resultado.

[@fofodrakulafofoBaudry]

No words ! i am scotche in your video. Magnifique ! Respect

[@carlrees5574]

Fair play Chris you do a fantastic job with these pocket watches. I find them a total faff and avoid at all costs. However I have a Waldon display back pocket watch which im rebuilding but run into some issues. I would like to pick your brains at some point if possible.

[@jordandrahota7989]

Definitely folllowing. My patience and tools seem to need constant adding to lol but with videos like yours I think I can actually be able to do this (maybe). Thank you very much. Impressive work

[@49txhunter]

A very beautiful movement and you did a great job.

[@sjiang1417]

It’s really a great video and you seem to have all the tools there! Very nice to see that the watchmaking techniques are preserved as well as the antique timepieces! I recently acquired two Elgin pocket watches dated back to the 1900s and through your videos I’m able to understand them much better. Thanks a lot and looking forward to your next video.

[@antonio_zuk]

Esto no es una reparación, esto es artesanía pura, saludos.

[@mikaelhedqvist3876]

You Americans have a fine history of making cool cars, good guns and watches.

[@davidgierke7582]

Nice job! One problem: The balancing of the "balance wheel". A simple balance of the wheel that is rotating counterclockwise or clockwise isn't sufficient. As was learned in aircraft propeller balancing, the vertical mis-balance must be dealt with first. After that, a simple horizontal balance will put the wheel into a true balance. Sniff at this as you might, but it is probably the difference between an accurate time piece and one that simply isn't.

[@568843daw]

Interesting restoration. Thank you.

[@mikebruegger8654]

Great job and awesome tools you have! Good oiling quantities, quite refreshing to see.

[@da___man]

Great job Chris. You’ve inspired me to revisit my large collection of Elgin pocket watches (i.e. my collection of broken balance staffs/jewels. I’m curious but did you find a decent source for balance staffs and jewels other than using donor movements from eBay, hence the large collection?

[@csspinner]

eBay sellers carry new-old-stock balance staffs, thereby eliminating the need to roll the dice on donors

[@tonyaxeman4381]

Nice to have the tools and knowledge . So was it Howard or Dennisson who can up with the interchange of parts ?

[@mrpetit2]

Wow what a beautiful movement. I love the styling of the bridges, and it's beautifully decorated. Edges of the parts are also really smooth. Too bad previous watchmakers weren't as careful. Lots of little scratches. And that dial turned out beautiful. A miracle that it didn't crack or chip over the years without crystal. Are the main plate and bridges made out of brass and then nickel plated or is it some kind of stainless alloy? Because it's quite an early movement to be nickel plated I think? Although the train of wheels is definately electroplated.

[@tk_customwoodworks]

Thanks for this Chris. I always learn something watching your stuff. Great video sir.

[@mikelescos8618]

Increíble... No words... Awesome restoration!

[@sarmatskif6660]

Субтитри,хоч і не завжди зрозумілі,але сама подача відео- неймовірно цікава.

[@jordandrahota7989]

very new to this, wonderful video where do you get the shaving tools for the timing screws?

[@csspinner]

@@jordandrahota7989 got mine off ebay

[@fieldie]

How much is this repaired and restored watch worth now? I want to own a watch like this, it's so beautiful outside and inside!

[@csspinner]

Depends on the gold content, but I would guess shy of $1000 considering it’s keeping railroad time and a high grade

[@AmericanPocketWatch]

@csspinner Another piece of great American history saved. So happy that you got this one up and running. I have 2 Howards here (both caseless) that are non runners, but being where I am located, it is impossible to get them running. Thanks for posting such a detailed video. As usual, awesome work.

[@foxbatmotorsports]

I just bought another Romanoff, don't know if it runs or anything about it, I'll send it your way once it arrives after the first of the year.