🤑 LUXURY WATCH! 1950s Longines 9LT | Complete Restoration

[@iSijt]

Your approach to making these videos is very easy to follow as a beginner watchmaker. You make it feel so easy and understandable. I look forward to a new video!

[@WatchWithMike]

That's very nice of you to say! Thanks for watching!

[@k__c__]

This is how a great amateur watchmaker video should be made, instead of the ones trying to make it look like they have done this for years without mistakes. Thank you.

[@WatchWithMike]

Thanks! I’m always trying to learn and improve 😁

[@PaulTichenor]

My father wore this exact watch from the late 1950s till he replaced it with a new Seiko in 1996. I have since inherited both watches and wear them proudly; although I have much more fondness for the Longines and it's classic lines. What a joy it was to see it show up on this excellent video. Thank you for sharing your entire journey with yours!

[@WatchWithMike]

Hi Paul, that's amazing! I'm so glad you found my video, and I appreciate you sharing your story remembering your father!

[@michaelbell9811]

Longines made some really nice watches during this period and this is as lovely as any of them. Great job restoring it.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@michaelbell9811 Thanks Michael! It took forever but I'm really happy with the final results. 😁

[@AMAMBT]

i couldn't watch the whole video, but the time stamps made things easier to know about the great job you did. eventually there is nothing like a vintage watch . and such watches really deserve time , effort and cost of restoring. congrats for restoring that longines. a precious add to your collection for sure .

[@WatchWithMike]

@@AMAMBT Thanks for the nice words! I'm glad the index was helpful… It takes some time to do so I'm glad it is getting used. 👍🏼 I'm definitely excited to have this family watch working again, it was definitely worth the effort! 😁

[@67nearmint]

I appreciate your warts and all approach to these videos. Knowing that others have screwed similar pooches before us helps to put our own pooch screeing into a healthier perspective.😀

[@WatchWithMike]

Hi Kerry, by sharing our knowledge we are saving the pooches! 🐕‍🦺👀

[@danieldayton3064]

Wow, Mike! I am impressed with your persistence! Enjoy your family heirloom, now ready for you to pass on to your progeny! 😀

[@WatchWithMike]

@@danieldayton3064 Thanks Daniel! Nothing would make me happier than knowing that the next generation will enjoy this watch. 😁

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

Absolutely fantastic video Mike. Great storytelling, editing, and a great watch as well. Loved it! Good job not giving up on the watch. Good tweezers are a must!

[@WatchWithMike]

Hi Adam, thanks for all the kind words! Tweezers are indeed a game changer. Question for you: where can I buy the curved brass tweezers I've seen you use in your videos? They look really useful!

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

@@WatchWithMike Those are from a company called Viola Tweezers - model 7-BR. A Google search should bring it up easy enough, but if you take a look at the description of any of my videos, there is a link to a Google spreadsheet where I break down most of the tools I use and where to find them.

[@WatchWithMike]

@ Adam, you're awesome! Thanks, I'll check it out! P.S. I bought the really high end Bergeon hand oiler you recommended and I like it much better than the ones I was using. 👍🏼

[@WeekendWatchRepair]

@@WatchWithMike They are expensive for such a simple tool, but they are nicer to use. It really helps if you’re trying to get better at applying precise amounts of oil.

[@WatchWithMike]

@ Me using an oiler: Touch...nothing. Touch...nothing. Touch FLOOD!

[@Vintage_Pocket_Watch]

“The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything” Well done... Fingers crossed for next project... :)

[@WatchWithMike]

Excellent quote! 😁 I appreciate having fingers crossed for the next project… It's a 1960s Hamilton watch. Project is almost complete, except I've already cracked two different crystals trying to get them on. That reminds me, I need to order more! (It never stops, does it?)

[@yesterdayschild1418]

Great video, Mike, and a lovely-looking watch. I'm pleased for you that you managed to stick with it and finally getting it back to life, your story is just like mine. This hobby can sometimes be so frustrating, but patience and perseverance always pay off. Starting with cheaper tools and upgrading later on is also a key to success, and it's fun purchasing these quality tools as well, I hate to think how much I've spent so far but it does make the job so much easier. Never give up never surrender! 🙂

[@WatchWithMike]

@@yesterdayschild1418 I couldn't have said it better myself! 😁👍🏼

[@Watches4You]

Mike, thanks for sharing your challenges and successes with other hobbyists. It is easy to become discouraged when encountering problems, but you have demonstrated that perseverance pays off. Congrats on completing this project! 👍

[@WatchWithMike]

Thanks for your encouraging words, I really appreciate it!

[@mokumholland5640]

Nice to have you back, Mike! Happy New Year to you and your family!!

[@WatchWithMike]

Hi Tom! It's great to be back and great to hear from you! Happy NY back to you! 😄🍻

[@CHWatches]

I’ve definitely also had some frustrating watches. Some I struggle with and put up only to later after my skill has increased, I am able to repair. We all further our knowledge in different ways but huge mistakes seem to be my best teacher. I think we all hope that one day someone in our family will enjoy our pieces as well. The watch looks great, congrats!

[@WatchWithMike]

I completely agree with what you said about family enjoying them. I think I am going to borrow from your comment… When someone asks me how I learned watchmaking, I will tell them that I had a great teacher. His name is "Huge Mistakes". 😂

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

Nice Job, Its the challenges that truly teach you watchmaking. thats how ive learned the most complex repair procedures myself, You dont learn them by doing a simple coa !!!

[@WatchWithMike]

@@sonnymoorehouse1941 Hi Sonny! Exactly what you said. You learn by doing and exceeding your limits. That way you can identify and work through your limitations.

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

@@WatchWithMike Its the attitude I work under. Plus Im strange I love challenges and relish complexity. The harder it is the more I have to learn the happier I am. And clearly your much the same !!!!!! Also could be called being stubborn.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@sonnymoorehouse1941 Lol, yessss!

[@watchwhisper]

Good video we all make mistakes I’ve been doing this for over a year my videos are no we’re near as good as everyone else’s I’ve not done one for a while. I’m just a hobbyist I’m learning the hard way did a course and thought why not. I was ready to give up as my confidence was shot but I’m plucking up the courage to do a video . Thank you Mike I love your videos they make me want to do it again your a star

[@WatchWithMike]

@@watchwhisper Wow, thanks for all of the kind words! I'm glad you are staying encouraged and we can all relate to making mistakes in this hobby… my mantra when it comes to video is to record everything. At the most you might capture something that makes for a great KZbin video to share with others, and at the least you have a reference for yourself. And if you don't need the footage then you can just erase it when you run out of space. (Compared to the cost of watchmaking tools and supplies, I suppose disk space is pretty affordable, lol!) So hang in there and I look forward to seeing your videos in the future. 👍🏼😁

[@Van_Der_Lay_Industries]

Love this video and all of your videos Mike. I'm a beginning watch tinkerer and I like your real life presentation. You are an inspiration to me. I've just put my first movement back together and got it running. I dropped so many things, and like you came close to throwing it in. But I decided I had to keep going, I just love watches so much. And I have improved! I've just bought a microscope, as I decided that trying to oil a cap jewel with a loupe is impossible 🙂 Please keep making vids Mike. Best wishes from Australia

[@WatchWithMike]

I'm so glad your project was a success! It's also nice to hear you say that you know you have improved… It's a great feeling! Congrats on getting a microscope. It's a game changer, isn't it? 👍🏼😎

[@MrGrentch]

Nicely done sir! Hairsping fettling is another level. Have one of these Longines movements in a slightly earlier 14Kt case. Great watches and movements, though Longines always had quality movements. These days it's easy to forget with Swiss brands being tiered for marketing purposes, but Longines were one of the top Swiss brands for much of the 20th century. With a history of innovation and quality most other brands could only dream about. There's a reason why they won the most prizes in the 20th century Swiss chronometer trials(though oddly didn't sell many officially chronometer stamped watches).

[@WatchWithMike]

@MrGrentch, thanks! I've only recently started learning how celebrated Longines watches from the 20th century are. Despite my errors, this watch was very nice to work on because of the high-quality of parts. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for other models from the 1950s and 60s to work on in the future. 😁

[@robertjordan7323]

Thanks for posting Mike. My first watch repair attempt ended in me breaking a screw on my dad’s vintage Bulova. It’s been on the back burner for a while because I need to replace the part.

[@tveksam8347]

Watchmaking is a journey of hope and despair. You spend a lot of time on the floor. 😀

[@WatchWithMike]

Hi Robert, I completely relate. Were you able to get the broken screw out? Hopefully you will be able to easily find a replacement. Maybe it will move to the front burner again someday soon. 👍🏼

[@robertjordan7323]

@@WatchWithMike , I did get the screw out but I didn’t strip down the plate completely and the alum dissolved the broken screw and the other component left on the plate. I’m waiting and watching for a cost effective donor.

[@donschloth5785]

Fantastic! I’ve just started my journey and I’ve already broken a pivot and lost a shock spring. I expect much more! Thanks for your persistence.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@donschloth5785 And thank you for watching and sharing your casualties… So far… 😂

[@donschloth5785]

@@WatchWithMikemy casualties are mounting so no worries their!

[@angelramos-2005]

This is a fantastic journey through time and personal experience,Mike.Thank you.

[@WatchWithMike]

Thanks Angel! It took a long time but it was definitely worth it. 👍🏼😁

[@ruperthartop7202]

Well done, great job

[@WatchWithMike]

@@ruperthartop7202 Thanks Seiko Roo! 😁

[@mkahky]

Kudos!!!

[@WatchWithMike]

@@mkahky Thanks Michael! 👍🏻

[@asociacionchm7916]

Gracias Mike, desde Madrid, España. Te seguimos mi mujer, relojera autodidacta como tú, y yo. Buen trabajo!!

[@WatchWithMike]

Greetings back to you and your wife! It's awesome that you both work in the same field… I worked in the same field with my wife for 26 years. I appreciate you both following my videos!

[@asociacionchm7916]

@@WatchWithMike Gracias Mike, un fuerte abrazo, como decimos en España.

[@JesusChrist-iz7fl]

to add to your spring issue using peg wood to hold down the spring whilst removing helps, i use spudgers personally and with the mainspring you can sneeak your tweezers between the barrel lid and the spring whilst removing the lid :D hope this helps

[@WatchWithMike]

@@JesusChrist-iz7fl I love every tip that I receive! That is the beauty of the comments sections… Keep them coming!

[@JesusChrist-iz7fl]

@WatchWithMike you keep bringing videos I'll keep dropping my wisdom 😁 also never let little failures put you down it happens haha.

[@WatchWithMike]

@ Indeed! 👍🏼😎

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Not too shabby. See many similarities there for sure. Been there!

[@WatchWithMike]

Hi Mike! Thanks for weighing in. Great username, btw… What kind of machining do you do?

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

@WatchWithMike hiya Mike. Retired Toolmaker-turned-Millwright that needed another hobby like another hole in my head. Always liked watches since I was a kid. Fast forward 50 years to having my grampas old Hamilton Grade 925 pocketwatch restored. When I got the bill is when I opened up the back of the 1st pocketwatch and went down the rabbit hole of Horology and watch repair. Never looked back!

[@originalboondi]

To err is human, but screwing it up monumentally takes dedication and skill from guys like us. Nice vid, even better restoration. Nice.

[@WatchWithMike]

Thanks for the positive thoughts! Now that the project is done, I can say I really enjoyed doing it! 😂

[@samnova450]

Good job Mike on the watch. I myself just messed up the hair spring on a Seiko 5 Sports watch. I was trying to fix the beat error on it, peg wood slip and tore up the hair spring. Will mess with it later when I have a microscope.

[@WatchWithMike]

Hi Sam, whoops! I suppose it's part of the hobby, but not a part that any of us want to experience. I can't imagine working on a hairspring without a microscope. I wish you luck! 😁

[@johnruan]

Well done

[@WatchWithMike]

Thanks John! This was a very rewarding watch to complete. I appreciate you watching!

[@garryrindfuss5349]

Hi Mike, great, (and very relatable) video. I have my own Longines nightmare to tell. This one's a Longines pocket watch, dating to 1923. It's a beautiful piece, gorgeous movement, and with my two years experience in watchmaking, I've managed to mess it up, but good. It's currently not running, as while working on an issue with the keyless works, I dropped the running movement on a hardwood floor, and I believe I bent one of the balance pivots. I have replaced the balance wheel with a part from a donor movement, but it still won't run. (Did I mention that this is a family heirloom, belonging originally to my paternal grandfather, handed down to my father, and then me?) Both have since passed, but regardless, I need to get this watch running again. I am still in the 'put it away for a while, and come back to it in the future' part of the process. I'm also not above taking it, cap in hand, to a jeweler.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@garryrindfuss5349 Hi Garry, wow, thanks for sharing your story. I completely understand what you are going through. Like you said, it's relatable. I really hope that you get it running again, and I am rooting for you to do it yourself! Fingers crossed! 😁

[@ElderPinto254]

beardless mike looks good on you !!! thanks Mike !! get a nice set of bergeon winders lol hahahaha pls keep watchmaking you cant go back now buying a bergeon mainspring winder kit haha...two days ago i messed up a coil from a ETA i am still sad and mad !!

[@WatchWithMike]

Hi Elder Pinto! Yes, there is so much silent emotion when you are working on a watch and something doesn't go as expected. One of the benefits of not having a beard is that it is one less place you have to look when a part goes flying. 👀😂

[@ElderPinto254]

@@WatchWithMike

[@WatchWithMike]

@@ElderPinto254 OK, I must be old, what is that emoji? Laughing cartoon Hulk?

[@ElderPinto254]

@@WatchWithMike green laughing monster emoji...

[@WatchWithMike]

@ All I could find was really stoned dragon emoji. 🐲🐲🐲

[@alexanderkamerbeek9693]

I have a similar story with a rolex im working on, it just spits problem after problem at me to the point im way to deeply invested 🤣

[@WatchWithMike]

@@alexanderkamerbeek9693 Well said. I get it. Hang in there! 😁👍🏼

[@alexanderkamerbeek9693]

@WatchWithMike im waiting for a new palletfork now so hopefully that sorts my last issue and then from there smooth sailing with the dateworks and casing everything. Im done with it, been working on it since june i think 😂

[@WatchWithMike]

@ I'll keep my fingers crossed for your success!

[@mokumholland5640]

What an awesome job, Mike! Ik ben trots op je... ( That one you have to look up though...;)

[@WatchWithMike]

Bedankt, dat waardeer ik enorm, Tom!

[@mokumholland5640]

@@WatchWithMike good job!!! 👍

[@WatchWithMike]

@ 😁

[@AICD1999]

for UV I bought a nail drying lamp, fairly inexpensive. Just set the case with crystal or watch hands if reluming in it and run it for a few minutes.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@AICD1999 That's a great idea! I have a UV box that I got during the pandemic to sterilize things, which frankly I never used. I wonder if that would work for curing the glue, too. I will have to give it a try… Thanks for the inspiration! 👍🏼

[@JesusChrist-iz7fl]

ayy been a while ayy?

[@WatchWithMike]

@@JesusChrist-iz7fl Indeed it has! 😁

[@ruslan898]

What tweezers did you use? Might be helpful if you list the brand so others don’t buy

[@WatchWithMike]

@@ruslan898 Great comment! It's easier for me to say what brand I use now and highly recommend: Dumont.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@ruslan898 here's a link to a video that I did about tweezers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKXIY5KOeqemaNEsi=n1_r-RSLMb_xbi0r

[@coyotecarguy2076]

First

[@WatchWithMike]

@@coyotecarguy2076 Al!!! How are you buddy? 😁

[@coyotecarguy2076]

@@WatchWithMike doin good

[@WatchWithMike]

@ Glad to hear it! Apart from freezing my butt off everything is going well here, too. When will you be moving to the new house?

[@coyotecarguy2076]

@@WatchWithMike We moved in already we've been here for about a month now and we are very happy by the way I sold my car I no longer have a mustang

[@WatchWithMike]

@ wow, I can't believe you are in! Time flies. I hope you are enjoying your new community! You'll have to tell me more about selling the Mustang. I hope it went well!

[@walkertongdee]

Sorry three year long video is a tad too long to walch.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@walkertongdee Watch it in reverse and see me get younger! 😁