Restoration of a 1970's Seiko Navigator watch

[@WatchRepairChannel]

In this video we restore a 1970's Seiko Navigator Timer GMT watch with a 6117B hacking movement. This watch was in very poor shape and needed to be fully stripped to pieces, cleaned, polished, lubricated, calibrated and re-assembled. What a beautiful watch this is - it's an oldie, but it really is a goldie!!!

[@lucashartey3244]

I cant seem to get on your website any way of contacting you i have a fair few watches id love to see restored on here that i own and would like to ask about costs etc.

[@yuliayen3548]

Dear Mark, your video is very inspiring, can you make ricoh watch (calibre 61) watch repair video ?, i have that watch but it didn't run perfectly. Thank you.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

I am sorry, I no longer take on private work. I do not live in the UK anymore

[@BadDadio]

Watch Repair Channel I am in the same boat as the first commenter. It’d be awesome to have a video showing the restoration of my watch. Do you recommend anyone? I live in California and have been searching for someone qualified to restore and service a few Omegas. There are a lot of qualified people but on the other hand, there’s a lot more unqualified people too....

[@aviyrosenbaum]

@@WatchRepairChannel do you still repair watches? can you ship internationally?

[@warpo007]

Thank you. This has filled me with all the confidence i need to finish building that IKEA bookshelf..

[@philipdarnall787]

LOL!

[@randyporter3491]

warpo007 😂🤣 Made my night with this ! LOL!

[@Pete-z6e]

warpo007 ,how did it go?

[@cormackeenan8175]

I’m with you brother LOL

[@dozer1642]

I assembled an office chair once. It was pretty tricky, kinda like this.

[@MrJadiin]

Pfffft, amateur. I put together an Ikea cabinet.

[@Rocketman88002]

@Dozier 1642, never read the instructions! Lol I so get it.

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

I've absolutely no doubt, with my skill, I could take that watch apart.

[@fooficst]

I laughed, but vodka does that.

[@JD-mt1rt]

I tied my shoes by myself today

[@ticdelarue]

I have this watch in my attic. My Uncle bought this watch around 1971 - 1972 and gave it to me when I was 14yo in 1975 when he came home on leave during the Vietnam War. It wasn't running very well when he pasted it down so it ended in a pencil pouch I kept misc stuff a kid keeps. I will have to go in the attic and find that pencil pouch and get the watch serviced. Thanks for the video and the sparked memories.

[@nandom3]

Craftsman like yourself are a rarity these days! Thanks for your dedication and work on these nice complicated machines we all love!! Thanks

[@arkajyotijha906]

It's honestly therapeutic, looking at your disassembly/assembly/service videos

[@JxH]

Yep. It's like AMSR on steroids.

[@otto16121970]

Arkajyoti Jha Yes and with this kind of music it took me almost to an high level of hypnosis :-)

[@sgnt9337]

I totally agree.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you :)

[@thor_]

I actually prefer no music, but with the sound of the tools working.

[@Bertie6965]

I have this watch for personal everyday use. Made in 1973 it came as a bag of bits, the bezel was almost impossible to find but purchased one in the end to complete the watch. It’s definitely a good looking work horse.

[@frankryder393]

I have an identical watch 6117 6410 with stainless link strap which I purchased new in the late '60s whenn I was travelling. After about 15 years I had an accident in which I broke the crystal bent the hands and gouged the face. It was a real mess. I had it repaired by the national agent who returned it looking just like new for a most reasonable cost. I continued to use it till it was overtaken by digital, an H023-00b0 which I find more complicated to use than I wish, and it does not have the great appearance of the older model Thanks for a great video , held my attention right to the end.

[@JamesVincex]

Now I would have thought that a channel about watch service would be boring as hell even to most watch enthusiasts. But the way you've done it is a very therapeutic and interesting way. Many watch channels (especially those dealing with the internals) have long droning videos with a narrator who is hard to listen to on account of their thick accent or monotonal voice. That is no the case with this channel. Elegantly composed videos, with a nice easy on the ear narrative that could keep even my difficult to focus attention for at least half an hour.

[@adrianvalbuena8158]

Some years ago I used to play with a box full of old mechanical watches that my father gave me. Then I was completely self-learning, sometimes braked things, sometimes I got them working even adjusted!. I'm so pleased to have access to this professional working images so well esplained. Really appreciate it.

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

It's just wonderful to watch a skilled craftsman working on watches. You get to appreciate the skill that went into designing a mechanical watch and the assembly/repair skills too. Thanks for sharing.

[@Gabriel-Abdala]

I am new to this Channel, so I'm watching old video and let me tell you its very impressive, the studio looks like a operating theater.

[@DK640OBrianYT]

Impressive work and craftmanship. You can't help thinking of the many generations of watchmakers throughout history. Their skills and all....right back to the Antikythera-mechanism 2000 years ago. It has been a thrill to watch (no pun intended). Highly satisfactory and the background music is also a delight. Cheers from Denmark, Scandinavia

[@fernandorodrigues1939]

I am not an watch maker or repair kind of person, I just love mechanical watches and these videos are amazing, can't stop watching!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

I'm the same with many subjects on youtube lol

[@mike-yn3mn]

Seiko's are the Toyota's of the watch world! They'll take a beating but with a little love and care they can be brought back to life! Great video!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Mike

[@dvamateur]

Seiko's are great. I like the Astron from 1970, or so.

[@avatarjo1]

I now know why my Seiko 150 metres divers watch from the 70s was so expensive, look at all the parts. Mine still runs perfectly. I am also amazed at your skill. Incredible

[@robertlugo3388]

I have this same watch. It's one of my more prized possessions. Keeps great time, and looks fantastic. I like to use it when I travel.

[@randyporter3491]

NOW I understand the cost of watch service. 500 parts, screws, springs, good eyes and patience (neither of which I have), as well as a good memory as to what goes where. I would be selling a bag full of parts on eBay. Fascinating video !

[@danmidkiff5416]

Watches are so intricate! The machining of the tiny parts and the precision is so fascinating to watch. Thanx!

[@johncantrell614]

It amazes me that you can take that completely apart and get it back together again! 👏🏻

[@daveashworth5859]

thank you mark i have always loved watching repair watch channels but yours makes me so relaxed after a long working week thanks mark.

[@eldonfoster2576]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Certainly a different world.

[@dustyroads834]

Wow. I would have been in over my head right after I unscrewed the back cover. My hats off to you sir.

[@sdcoinshooter]

Dusty, I don’t think I could have gotten that far!

[@pecatoribus64]

Disassembling it seems so easy. Putting it together will definitely be challenging!!

[@sharkamov]

One of the very first purchases from K.Hattori, and _yes,_ it's a beauty. Respect for your exquisite videos! (Watchowners: Always keep your timekeeper clean . . . )

[@rogersmith5371]

I came across your channel by accident. I've watched a few of your videos. I'm not a watch collector but I've always had an interest in watches and clocks. I know nothing about the "trade" of watch making and repair sadly I suspect it is a dying trade except for the "high end" expensive watches. All of that said I admire your work and skill. I'm sure it requires a steady hand, a good eye and a great deal of skill to remember where all the parts go once you've taken the watch apart. I realise that is part of your training nevertheless there are a lot of small, intricate pieces to be put back properly for the watch to work. Well done!

[@dennisc.1189]

It's always nice seeing craftsmen at work. The background music is nice and the smoothness of your videos is very relaxing. So thanks for sharing.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks :)

[@williamwingo4740]

As a USAF navigator in 1970, I had the earlier model navigator timer with the external bezel. Don't even remember what happened to it. Ebay has a beautiful restored version for about $1,800. They also have several of this model, looking pretty banged-up, in the $500-$800 range. Fortunately, I found a customer return Seiko Kinetic GMT on Amazon for about $125, half the price of a new one: not the same, but it'll have to do for now.

[@meetthebadger]

Replacing a Diashock spring with just one hand! Now that is really showing off!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

LOL, if I am to be honest, it was due to the big camera lens in front of me. Normally I am less reckless and I don't recommend it :)

[@brad4908]

Listening to this is like therapy. I’ve had yoga vinyasa that are less calming :)

[@williamrizzo1285]

Thank you for another great disassembly and reassembly video. I enjoy these very much. I don't know why but it seems like this is the biggest balance wheel I've ever seen in the wash. Thank you again.

[@rumblef1sh]

I'm not especially into watches but can honestly say I so thoroughly enjoyed this video. Lovely, caring craftsmanship and really engaging overall :)

[@michbostn]

Amazing workmanship and patience and knowledge

[@yournway]

Mark, let me confirm the choice of music was bang on. Not intrusive and relaxing, not that your videos are boring but background music eases it even more. Great watch by the way and an excellent job as usual. Cheers.

[@ianmedium]

I agree! So many get it wrong but this is just right and compliments rather than takes away from the video.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you guys - cannot please everybody, but I do put a lot of thought into it.

[@AlanHearnshaw]

@@WatchRepairChannel I appreciate it! I’m one of those who think that the music is completely unnecessary, but this is at least is not obtrusive. I remember watching your early videos which had no music at all. They were wonderful. Soporific, calming.

[@rpfree]

Music was just fine, thanks for the zen session.

[@dereksmithabroad]

Watch repair and restoration is fascinating and a hobby I hope to start later in life, but the intricacies are almost intimidating! Very wonderful video... Thank you!

[@firstrubu]

Thank You for another great video. This Seiko Navigator is one of the few watches I regret I ever sold. Great to see one in and out and ready for another lifecycle. I’d love to see a video of how you restore a Seiko 6138 or 6139 chronograph movement. That is something I’d love to see and have explained how it works. Most Swiss pre-automatic Chrono’s have their chronoparts on top of the movement. So it is easy to observe how everything works. But with these Seiko’s the chronoparts are hidden in the belly. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@oktayevluce]

Real watch master! Pleasure to watch your repairs, also good conversation.

[@richardbreisch8049]

Therapeutic! Yes. Wonderful workmanship!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you Richard

[@skeets6060]

You Sir are my new hero, I sent my Seiko Dive watch back to Seiko for repair, and the cost was almost as much as a new watch. And the watch still leaks water,,not much good for a dive watch

[@Andrew-J316]

Enjoyable video! Appreciate the full teardown and involved restoration process! You sir have finesse!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you for the encouragement Andy

[@affanyahya7091]

Fantastic video! I have been watching your videos for four years. I have seen most of them. Which has taught me how to fix what 's like Seiko, Swiss Movements.And for that I am very thankful to you. Your videos, help me to fix watches like a Russian made Swiss made and many Japanese made. Though I didn't know anything about them previously.

[@MartinHubbard1]

You have incredible skill, i just love viewing your videos. Thank you.

[@DiecastShowCustoms]

WOW! About time KZbin suggested a cool video.

[@Jojocab2ph0901]

sir I'm watching your video about how to repair and solve the problem.just like me too.i work service center seiko in saudi arabia for more than 10 years so. the old watch is better than the new model now it work and accurate time.keep it up

[@lukethegardenman3747]

I just don't understand how you put that back together, fantastic job!!

[@ronen124]

watching with awe the whole procedure, very nice

[@vidpro4422]

Amazing, it's like watching someone paint a painting, I can see it done, but just can't fathom how it's done.

[@NapierNimbus]

Fascinating to watch. Deeply relaxing. Lovely choice of music.

[@luisvilleza2687]

Nice video step by step disassembly and assembly of watch

[@AstonColey]

Brilliant Mark as always and I've learnt a thing or two. Broaching the jewels never seen it done and the difference was compelling. Cheers

[@watchclog2979]

Amazing transformation! Does make me realise I need get some watches serviced as did not realise it can damage the movement.

[@coffeeisgood102]

Congrats. Really nice watch. I see some similarities to the 6139 movement in one of my watches. Real workhorse movement.

[@broderp]

I'm 5 minutes in. If thus were me disassembling the watch, I can GUARANTEE that when I put it back together I would have slew of extra parts that I would have no clue where they went. Amazing precision work. I'm in trance and have to watch..

[@philoconnor3716]

Mark what a great video. Very relaxing and informative. Backgound instrumental music sets a great classic atmosphere. I learn a lot each time I watch these. Your course is great also and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about watchmaking. Thanks heaps Mark. Phil O from Sydney Australia.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thank you Phil

[@feodosio1578]

Very facinating video to watch, nice work!

[@georgehughes2183]

Hello Mark, Yet another gem, after you waved your wand, excellent work

[@charlie-obrien]

Mark I want to congratulate you on 100k subscribers. I know I'm late to the party, but I wanted to add my best wishes for continued success in with everyone else! And might I say it is a very well deserved achievement, you continue to present interesting and useful reviews demonstrations and lessons to us watch lovers.

[@greatlakescruiser5720]

That chapter (GMT) ring is amazingly well preserved. Thanks for another excellent video!

[@julioreyes2950]

I have learned so much from you about watch and watch repair. You the man !!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

That's awesome. Thanks :)

[@Gruuvin1]

It's a cool thing to see: taking the heart out of the body and laying on a table, and it's still beating.

[@YU5CF-sv2cq]

OMG. This is more complicated even human surgery 👍. Man you are genius👍👍👍 P.S. who put unlike????????.

[@spidiq8]

Another fantastic, well shot, edited and nicely narrated video. Lovely looking watch. Thanks for uploading.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Ah... thanks - I appreciate that :)

[@thegrassyknoll7792]

Thanks Mark, now i know why there are amplitude issues in some vintage watches no matter what i do, 🙂👍🏻

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Its keeping amazing time regardless though. Great watch. :) cheers

[@thegrassyknoll7792]

Its now the next watch im looking for ! How about a nice little game,on the watch repair channel, with this timepiece as first prize 😉😃👍🏻🎉

[@ronaldspencer547]

Well done. Ready for another 50 years of use.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Indeed! Thanks ronald

[@herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513]

I think this is something I will start doing.. I have a few older seikos I bought very cheaply to learn on... It's just a matter of sourcing the tools...

[@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv]

Love these old seikos

[@mustafagunes5740]

I am proud of myself again that I subscribed to your channel. That was a great video.

[@jsking306]

When I was a kid, any time I got an old watch I would take it apart. Not having proper tools, or knowing what I was doing, I was fascinated by the intricate workings of the watch. Just came across your channel by chance and have subscribed looking forward to your future videos.

[@phazonclash]

That's a gorgeous watch

[@ShlomoLevi]

when I lived in Beer Sheva, older people were sure that there are two types of watches: SEIKO and simple)))) what I like about these models is that you open an omega that is 20+ years old and full of dirt, and Seiko after 50 years looks white clean

[@charlescumming8605]

I bought the exact same watch in Okinawa in 1969 and I still have it. I wore it for the next 3 years while sailing on ships around the world. I beat it up a bit, and had it fixed once. Now I am wondering if I should have it restored like this video.

[@DiegoASanchez]

man, im so glad this channel is in my feed.

[@antoniodemoraes3937]

It calm me down and relaxed , very good therapy, thanks

[@nicholasdavies8795]

A surgeon putting new life into an " old timer " ..... brilliant skill !

[@vferdman]

I absolutely love this channel and your work! You are a master at what you do and it is a joy to watch you do what you do!

[@talldave1000]

Good thing it was sealed up nice and tight or it may have been quite ugly when you opened it up. Looks pretty good to me... Great job once again.

[@CrimFerret]

Another great video. I had occasion to do my own minor bit of watch repair in the form of replacing the battery in my old quartz Seiko dive watch (7548-700H). It was my first decent watch from my late teens. I watched videos on it which let me know the possible pitfalls such as the battery hold down clip putting the screws holding it under considerably tension. I had no issue getting the proper replacement battery and ordered a kit which included a usable if cheap case back wrench and some other tools and springbars and such. Had no issues and it's happily ticking away the seconds again. The o-ring seal was in ok shape, but I need to track down where to get the proper replacement at some point. I'm never going to dive with it so it's fine to wear now. People complain about the second hand not hitting the minute markers or the bezel not lining up on some low end Seiko watches, but this one is dead on. I guess it actually has some collectors value being the orange dial version and it's still on the original strap. That doesn't matter as I'll never sell it. The funny part is it's far more in style now than when I originally picked it out.

[@OverTheTop77]

I have exact same watch in great working condition.

[@Kraken1000]

Great looking watch. The works didn't look too bad to a layman compared to others you've shown us.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Quite a bit of wear but shockingly good performance none the less, it really is a great watch for sure. Thanks for the comment.

[@qlan-9386]

Very nice looking, i recently finished fixing an eta 2783 from ebay thanks to your 2824 video

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thats awesome - thanks for the comment :)

[@NiteGambler]

Incredible skill and patience in being a watch maker/ repairer. We have come a long way since the hour glass. Just saying.

[@Blummineck]

Good job and a great watch, pleased you've given it a new life.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks.

[@mgojich]

I love this watch. Big fan of Seiko.

[@MrSteve2714740]

This is the first time I’ve seen a video of this nature and has given me whole new respect of the work that goes into servicing and repairing quality time pieces. I myself have a Brietling cronomat and need it servicing. If this is what’s required to do the job properly then my God no wonder they charge what they do. Sir you are something else. Massive respect to you and your amazing talent. P.S. Fancy servicing a Brietling Cronomat? Respect. Steve. .

[@bangy55]

Thanks for another great video, Mark, and another revelation for a newbie/student of yours. Pivot Broaches! Just ordered a set and can't wait to fix a couple of stubborn old Seiko 6309s.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

My pleasure.

[@jim2950]

I have Omega from the 1940’s. that still work and look good!

[@dirk4926]

That really is a cool looking watch

[@72polara]

Very relaxing and educational to watch you work. Great work as always.

[@bigalexg]

The finished product is so beautiful!

[@leereyno]

Smoothing broach. You're like felix the cat with your bag of tricks, pulling out a tool I've never heard of to fix a problem like magic.

[@davidrosenblum2178]

Mesmerizing! Thank you for sharing this!

[@tomaswolsink7620]

Woow that's just mezmorising didn't knew there were so many parts in a watch, and the machining is top notch incredible very relaxing to watch :)

[@estebanortegatippins7849]

Yet another great service video, hooked till the end

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Cheers :)

[@MrJdubbya36]

I would have broken 5 pieces and lost 10 screws before I got it halfway apart. Oh, and it would never work again. Great work.

[@sdcoinshooter]

Jdubbya308 W - Sir, you are an expert compared to what I would have done.

[@Mike_Sierra_2711]

First time seeing a video from you and I already know I'll binge watch those...

[@abdelfatahoubaha9016]

really amazing job best wishes this video should be used in meditation

[@chtylinski]

What a fantastic video Mark! The more I watch your videos, the more i believe the watchmakers most important tool is a small plastic bag :D

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Ha ha. They are very useful. Cheers

[@MrAlfredoferreira]

absolutely fascinating your work. congratulations.

[@gilessteve]

Thanks for another fascinating video. I would love to see you do a video where you tear down and compare two vintage watch movements from different price points, say a 1970's Rolex Air King and a Seiko 5, pointing out differences in complexity, fit and finish, accuracy, etc. Is it all just down to branding, or is there a considerable quality difference? Cheers.