Restoration of a Hampden Railroad Grade Pocket Watch - William McKinley grade from Canton, OH

[@Trukzut1]

I only just recently discovered your channel when I fell down another rabbit hole last light! Fascinating! I really enjoy your work! Especially your pocket watch restorations! Please keep the narration, it helps explain what you're doing, and it's sorta...I don't know...calming. like thorazinene, but much more informative. Keep up the great work!

[@Black.D.D]

Hi, please don't stop narrating what you are doing step by step how to repair old pocket watches. Your work is so amazing and so gentle and I learn so much from you. You have an extremely gentle & beautiful way of using the old watchmaking art to repair old pocket watches and the tools for the repair are so expensive and you do it the old way. I hope to see many more videos and learn from you how to repair a modern automatic movement of wrist watches & this is so amazing & I am grateful & happy to learn this the old way combined with the new way of repairing a self-winding wrist watch or an automatic wrist watch. I've never repaired a pocket watch before, but I think they are beautiful, but I don't have the courage to tackle such a task. The the 21 jewels lubricating & replacing the jewels in the movement awesome & the same from the Balance stuff amd of course rhe hairspirng balance stuff was awesome too. I am learning this art from you right now. I taught myself just like you but I am still very inexperienced & new to this craft as a hobbyist. But I can repair 1 to 4 modern movements but this is how I learn to repair new ones. But your way is really very elaborate & interesting. All the best & greetings from Germany.

[@frankowot4]

Excellent video thanks, the narration is really informative, you're right up there with Marshall from Wristwatch Revival, hope you're channel grows well, keep up the great work.

[@csspinner]

I really appreciate the kind words. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@danrichter9460]

I am a little late to comment on your post but I just discovered, and subscribed to, your channel. I see that you decided to continue the narration. I think your clear descriptions are of great value to anyone watching who may not be familiar with certain watches and movements. I agree with your comment about hand winding the mainspring. Once you get beyond the standard set of winders there are a myriad of different size barrels and having winder for each would become very expensive. As long as you are careful, as you were, and do not kink the spring, the only difference between hand winding and a tool is convenience. Finally your mention of Henry Fried’s book brought back memories. My father and Henry were good friends and both belonged to the New York Horological association. Henry lived nearby and I knew him before I knew what he was. Later I got into the watch business and had many meetings and discussions with Dad and Mr. Fried. Bottom line, Henry was a very nice man and very helpful with information. Keep up the good work.

[@AmericanPocketWatch]

Being an avid collector for over 30 years, I appreciate what you are doing here. Your video was spot on and the slight humor made me smile as I have been there on hands and knees looking for parts before.. Your style of story telling, description and method of filming was absolutely spot on. You have earned a fan here and I hope the you can do some other pocket watches. Sidenote here - Being as I am located in Germany (ex Military and stayed here) and collect only American pocket watches, there are no watch makers here that touch American pocket watches therefore, I have to do 90% of my own repairs, COA and other watch related things to keep my collection up and running. In extreme cases, I am forced to mail my watches back to the states to have them dealt with.. You video showed me a few things I was not aware of, so with that, I thank you for posting this.. Please keep the pocket watch history alive.

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Glenn. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. This all started out of a similar necessity and since then I have been hooked. I call it a journey as I started out doing really basic cleanings, and ever since I purchased Henry Fried’s book, it has really opened my eyes to what is possible and accessible to the average amateur/journeyman. I’ll continue making these videos thanks to your support. Thank you for your service. - Chris

[@Enishidono]

I absolutely love your 'earlier' content, but narrating what you are doing is incredibly helpful. Thanks!

[@csspinner]

Thank you!

[@charlesross9260]

I agree.

[@ruud9767]

This is a beautiful watch, inside and outside. Thank you for narrating the video. It adds to the experience of seeing this little old clock being brought to life again.

[@csspinner]

Thank you!

[@sylversyrfer6894]

Wow!! That is some next level restoration!! I’ve never seen the balance wheel repaired before, especially with the old and unusual tool set you used to do so! Well done! And thank you!

[@csspinner]

Thanks! It was very satisfying to breathe new life into it

[@gcarlson622]

As someone who’s trying to learn as much as I can, I really did appreciate the narration in this video.

[@narathzularantheal3602]

nice restoration, your naration is definitely helpful for giving some context on the watch and what's going on in the video - definitely keep it :)

[@csspinner]

Thank you for taking the time to comment! Really appreciate it

[@ColonelJGHyde]

Great video. Narration was well communicated. Perfect! And what a beautiful Pocket Watch.

[@csspinner]

Thank you!

[@FredFlintstone1959]

So beautiful watch I like it a lot I think that watch really expensive. Greetings Fred de Langen Holland

[@kimwilliford6303]

❤ I enjoy the voice over. You explain what is going on and tell the history. It's interesting and I learn something new. I love the polished look, despite natural aging history. The point that everything is clean and in working order is important to me. Each to one's own. God bless

[@1972myc]

Subscribed! Beautiful watch. Beautiful work. I just bid on my first Elgin pocket watch from 1910, it's 18 size, 15 jewel. It says it almost wants to run with a good balance. They think it needs a cleaning. Looks like I might get it for under $50.

[@wildernessofzinn17]

Yes...I prefer narration over silence. Thank you. That's a cool watch. Nice one to restore

[@csspinner]

Thank you so much! This was a fun one and I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@williameubanks6097]

Yes your comments are very helpful and are very appreciated don’t stop it and thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@moboei]

The amount of decoration on the works is fantastic what a beautiful piece

[@lesfrost169]

Came across your videos recently and quite like your style of teaching, pointing out the good and not so good practices. I must say, I'm jealous of the tools you have acquired to further your hobby. I'm sure some are rare and lucky acquisitions. I like your commentary and parts identification during your videos. Thanks from all of us.

[@peterpocock9062]

I very much enjoyed your presentation and your narration, thankyou. As a result I have clicked "All notifications" I guess that speaks for itself!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Peter! I really appreciate that! More to come

[@beden12]

Awesome…..keep it up…very interesting and educational

[@frankthomas855]

New to your channel. Love the content so far. I have a soft spot for RR approved watches of all types. Thanks for narrating, I really like the tutorial aspect.

[@csspinner]

Thanks for visiting! More to come

[@3xfaster]

This must be an earlier RR approved model, the Micrometer adjustment for the hair spring to slow or advance the rate isn’t present 🧐 They also where adjusted for “isochronism” meaning it would operate optimally regardless of how little or how much power remained in the main spring 🤓

[@donaldkgarman296]

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE WATCHES IS A HAMPDEN SPECIAL RAILWAY 18 SIZE 21 JEWEL 5 POSITION O.F L.S. MADE IN 1897 .

[@feraltweed]

I agree with you about doing all the cap jewels. If the last time it was serviced it were oiled there could be gunk on it that the cleaning machine did not remove. Short cuts should be avoided

[@56jmack]

My Grandfather William Mckinley from N.Ireland, was a relative of the President. My uncle Billy was named after him, They lost 2 brothers in World War 1 , Robert at Gallipoli, and Robinson at Baupame on the Somme, there are still some McKinleys left, and they would be fascinated to know that these watches exist. Your restoration work is ,apart from your excellent restoration work, also restoring a small piece of history. I will definitely be on the lookout now for one of these watches. Great work as per usual, I find watching these videos very calming

[@csspinner]

What an amazing piece of history. It’s even more meaningful after learning about your family. Thanks for sharing. True American heros.

[@railnut8453]

I like the narration it’s very informative. And I love the job you do on the watches you restore. This railroad watch restoration is beautiful!! Any railroader would love to have it in his pocket!! Well done!!

[@csspinner]

Thanks!! It was very satisfying breathing new life into this timepiece

[@earlclinkenbeard7888]

I am not a watchmaker but I do enjoy your videos

[@xiaokang8692]

narration is a must for those videos. beautiful watch.

[@keithschwartz7318]

Please continue the narration. Nice job on the watch.

[@lkhicks6866]

I am a furniture/metal renovations watcher so your renovation of this watch came into my feed. I don't normally watch watch renovations. Fascinating!

[@csspinner]

Thanks for visiting!

[@ronkeim8315]

I like the narration very much. In my opinion, narration is always better than silence and written text which half the time one has to stop the video to read. Good job, thank you.

[@csspinner]

I appreciate the comment, Ron. Thank you!

[@thomashorabin7554]

what a great video keep making them really enjoyed it

[@markgardiner5150]

Please continue to narrate the videos please!

[@OldSchoolKJV]

I prefer having the narration. You do good work.

[@glennpearce7093]

Great video man ,I collect watches 😊I hv 15 so fare mainly Seiko dive watches but I’m looking to buy ay nice pocket watch.Thanks bro 😎

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Glenn! Post back here and let me know what you get

[@caesarillion]

Bingo and bullseye. I love this. More please. Thanks. Thailand Paul Pocket Watch

[@csspinner]

Thank you! More to come.

[@pointer2null]

44 seconds in and: yes please narrate, it gives context and you can add so much more when you explain what and why you are doing something (I skip video only, music or not). Also, background music will never be to everyone's taste and when mixed with commentary makes it a difficult task to mute the noise/music (depending on your view/taste) and listen to the words.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, more to come. I played around with music in some videos- in some, music plays more a central role but feedback I’ve received is it’s distracting. I’ll stick with subtle background music for a bit - Chris

[@ronammologist16]

Jusr so happens... My grandfatherhad one of these. Rail road. Inside looks very much the same. More filigree on the case, i think its silver. How can i contact you, since it is not working?

[@csspinner]

Hi Ron, thanks for the comment. Shoot me some details at [e-mail]

[@maestromecanico597]

Excellent work and a beautiful piece. And why wouldn't you narrate your work? You do a very good job.

[@csspinner]

Thank you!! More to come.

[@rickkearn7100]

Ever considered being a neurosurgeon? Thanks for another great post. One of my top five favorite YT channels of all time. Great content, production and presentation. Cheers.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Rick! I appreciate that.

[@lewissmith3616]

I really like the narration. I’m now watching one of your older videos without narration and I enjoy the music and the text but I really like it when you speak you do a great job of that explaining the given information. Thank you very much.

[@csspinner]

Thank you for taking the time to comment! More to come.

[@lkhicks6866]

Please don't stop narration. Folks can just turn down the volume if they're interested in just watching. Very interesting stuff

[@csspinner]

Thanks for the feedback! New video will be out today

[@tonyaxeman4381]

In my watch making journey`s I have found if the balance staff is broken the pivot jewels are damaged also.

[@csspinner]

True that is sometimes the case. I go into it assuming so but 50% the jewels are actually fine

[@gooboy911]

great job on restoring this really cool pocket watch. I like the narration, it is helpful and insightful. Keep them coming =)

[@csspinner]

Thank you! More to come!

[@legacywatchguy8333]

I prefer the narration also...I know I'm late to the comment section, but yeah...keep it up.

[@csspinner]

Thanks! More to come… - Chris

[@scott3708]

Love the denture cleaner trick. Your the first channel I've seen to that and wow awesome difference! Would have liked to see it on the time graph. To see if not replacing blue mainspring was worth it.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Scott! Good suggestion on the timegrapher- I actually just bought a Weishi (upgraded from the phone based timegrapher) so the next video will certainly feature it

[@jaybirdstarks7838]

I’m enjoying your videos bro a friend of mine’s gave me my own first pocket watch this year in 2023 .

[@csspinner]

It’s such a rewarding hobby. What kind is it?

[@tonyaxeman4381]

Yes continue to narrate . Whites crystal mfg. makes new glass and He is my guy for all my crystal needs. I have got warped glass from nos . So it is a crap shoot on E bay.

[@csspinner]

Thanks !! I’ll add him to my bookmarks

[@JimmysGarden]

I just found your channel, now subbed, nice video and well narrating. Thank you

[@csspinner]

Thank you!!

[@ThePopeDr]

Really great video! Where/how did you source the replacement hour hand? Oh, also are you the guy who out bid me for this one?!! 😀

[@csspinner]

Thanks!! Good old eBay for the replacement hand, but it was quite a hunt. I very well could have out bid you! Most of the watches you see are eBay finds, but some come from Invaluable.

[@marioarturoperez7055]

Excelente vídeo ni siquiera conocía ese reloj..........una pregunta: cual aplicación usa en celular para el cronotimer

[@csspinner]

¡Gracias! La aplicación se llama "Watch Tuner Timegrapher" para iPhone.

[@davesnothere688]

Stick with the narration, much more interesting and informative. Looks great!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Dave! The next one will be out on Friday. Hope you enjoy it

[@hectorcortez3888]

Nice work, anyway it didn't look rite that u work on automatics and waring a smart watch, just saying 😮

[@csspinner]

It’s my “daily driver” 😂

[@michaelvitetta7231]

Absolutely keep narrating! I have dropped other channel when they are stent.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Michael! More to come

[@JamesMPogue]

You keep me interested with your detailed narrative. Keep up the good work. James .

[@jraybye]

As a new viewer and subscriber, I enjoyed your commentary very much.

[@csspinner]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. More to come!

[@rowejon]

Love the narration.

[@judithsmoot6365]

Yes please continue narrating these videos!👵🏻❤️

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Judith! I appreciate the comment. - Chris

[@robertlassiter907]

I vote for narration.

[@curingabettoni4310]

Sabio arquiteto parabens, (Brasil)

[@csspinner]

Muito obrigado!

[@thiggy1249]

Please keep up the narration. I appreciate the educational experience.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Stanley!!

[@alexkastano96]

I don't understand how i missed your channel ?!!!

[@csspinner]

Thanks for finding me, Alex! - Chris

[@amosmaghini6242]

very informative video really appreciated. I have a question for you : where can I find the top and bottom balance wheel jewels 0.14 and 0.16 hole diameter ? thanks , I'm looking forward for you answer.

[@HooverLux]

I like your narration because you don’t yabber through 100% of the video and you have a nice ASMR voice with natural neutral accent with nice tone and range. Lovely background soothing music and generally soothing voice.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! That is very kind of you to say. Thanks for visiting

[@fveggerby]

Narration.

[@glennpearce7093]

Oh please keep doing your videos so so interesting 🧐

[@csspinner]

More to come :)

[@WristwatchMedic1953]

Great video. I like your voice over. Thanks

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Darryll!

[@istrum4u]

Nice job, I really enjoyed the narration..

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Mike! - Chris

[@jatco84]

Great video and narration of your restoration to this fabulou movement. Excellent workmanship on that staff replacement. I have a 12S Hampden from my grandfather that is a my watchmaker. Hopefully the staffs I found on the Bay work. And as someone mention a comparison to Marshall, that too is pretty right on. Really enjoyed your vid. Kudos. Thanks...

[@neilkloppenborg8399]

Excellent video! All of yours are great

[@csspinner]

Thank you very much!

[@robertlassiter907]

Well done!

[@tuffymartinez]

Thank You Chris... I am slowly getting through your videos. Need to watch when I have the time to focus. Your voice over is extremally important. Several decades ago, I walked into a watch supply/repair shop on Market Street San Francisco 3 floors up in a very old spooky elevator. The owner Larry was very nice and patient with all of my silly naive questions. He brought out pocket watch movements filled in a shoe box. Very high-end movements 21 Jewels which at the time I had zero knowledge of. I asked Larry what happened to all of these pocket watches? He told me that when the price of gold went up the cases were scrapped, and this is all that remained. Larry saw my interest and gave me a dozen movements. I have always thought of the waste of such beautiful craftsmanship. Oh well, time marches on.... TM

[@samharper4289]

Beautiful work as always! Just wondering, what brand of screwdrivers do you use?

[@csspinner]

Thank you! I use a kit by “wrist and style”. You can get them on Amazon and they’re not as solid as bergeon or other name brands but they’ve never done me wrong. I’ve had to dress and sharpen them from time to time but you need to do that for any screw driver

[@samharper4289]

@csspinner , awesome. Thank you for the info and again, amazing work brother!

[@jakekaywell5972]

I'm here simply because of the Soviet association. You see, the tooling for the Hampden Watch Factory was sold to the USSR immediately following the Great Depression. Once in the USSR, the production of Hampden Type 1, 2, 3, and 4 movements was overseen by Gostrest Tochmech. "The State Trust for Precision Mechanics" in English, some of my family worked there as the first Soviet watchmaking concern. Its interesting to see where we came from in such detail, so excellent video. If you could get a hold of one of these Gostrest Tochmech watches, or even one of the later Molnijas, I think you'd be rather impressed by it for another video.

[@csspinner]

Thank you for sharing! What an amazing piece of history. I’ve also had the pleasure of working on some Soviet era wrist watches. Great craftsmanship there as well

[@jakekaywell5972]

@@csspinner Yes, it was tough work. My great-great uncle Victor wrote in his journal that everything was piecemeal at first. Whatever fit and would work, be it Hampden or old Tsarist stock, would be cased and sent out. For new production movements, the manufacture of balances was a problem to the point they often needed to be remade three times before they were acceptable. Still, we overcame these challenges and birthed a grand and noble enterprise indeed. Thanks for responding and have a good one! I'll be sure to stick around, especially if a Soviet watch appears on this channel.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Nicely done. Keep em coming. I dunno...I'm in between-I like to polish some of the wristwatches if they're not too old. But pocketwatches...I've never polished a one. Something about patina and what it would tell me where it's been if it could, ya know? Meh I'm old.

[@csspinner]

Thank you ! For the basic nickel alloy cases, I tend to polish them. I’ve done a few older English ones that were sterling silver where I left them alone. I feel they age so beautifully

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

@@csspinner I'm going to have to try one.

[@charlestanner6232]

Yes, please keep narrating. I enjoy learning.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Charles! More to come

[@durchwelday]

Mine gussl The new watch is great! I've praised its realism many times. I really recommend checking out their selection.

[@blc6464]

Please dont change a thing. If it was'nt for you I would'nt know the difference between a third wheel or a cart wheel. Im getting an education listening to you.Thank you!

[@oculusangelicus8978]

What a stunning watch, I want one like this so badly that I can almost taste it. It is really hard to find a movement that has at least 21 jewels from the current market, by this I mean a newly made watch, a early 20th century piece is way outside my budget range unless it is in really bad shape. most new watches has 17 jewels and I don't have the faith in the materials they use to make them than the ones that were made in the late 1800s to early 1900s. they simply don't make them like they used to. Deliberate adulteration of materials is rampant in today's economic landscape with the intent to make the consumer return again and again. I Love the face of this watch, with the beautiful calligraphic numbers on a porcelain white background. As far as the polished look is concerned, to me it is better for the item to look as pristine as it did when it was brand new, so a beautifully polished sterling silver case is what I love. Knowing the History of the watch and that it saw years of used as a conductor's timepiece is more than enough for me. Silver is meant to be polished to a mirror finish, no other metal can match it's incredible color. Gold has it's place but I prefer Silver for it's pure color and mirror-like qualities.

[@davidpiper5507]

late response, but I just found your channel...yes please keep narrating! 8-)

[@davechandler6884]

Narration is good, explanations of the proceedures are part of the experiance for the watcher, nice video by the way 👍

[@nunyabusiness2294]

Narration is a huge bonus. Good job.

[@csspinner]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.! Appreciate the feedback

[@darylwaggoner9821]

Cool

[@shobud7561]

You are very talented and well skilled.

[@csspinner]

Thank you!!!

[@jimwatson1219]

Great video, I'm super impressed! What would you estimate the value of that watch is now, that you've restored it? Thanks.

[@alicejonus]

Your videos are brilliant

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Alice!! I appreciate your comment

[@YooProjects]

Great video dear man. Thanks 🙏

[@csspinner]

Thank you!!! I love your channel. The steam engine was awesome.

[@romleyhardy5691]

A combination of both would be awesome. Some narration and some no narration.

[@W84Mee..]

I love the narration, it helps to better understand the inner works and the restoration process.

[@gregwalz1790]

Thanks!

[@csspinner]

Thank you so much!!

[@johnconnor555]

Oh yes,I really like your content, the way you did the job and the story...awesome !!!👍👍❤❤👌👌⌚🪛⚙

[@csspinner]

Thanks, John !! I appreciate that

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

The narration added quite a bit of information and made the video even more interesting. Gorgeous pocket watch. Also very impressive work on the balance. Thanks as always.

[@csspinner]

Thanks for the kind words. -Chris

[@markbecker8661]

You make it look so easy, sign of a true professional. Your narration is superb and relaxing.

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Mark! I really appreciate that.

[@johnvictoria644]

As always excellent work. Rev. John

[@seayak]

Love the narration and the part labels in the video, thanks!!

[@jason-hm6no]

I enjoy the commertary

[@csspinner]

Thanks, jason!! I appreciate it

[@wp8786]

Hey brother, I just got into the watching repairing part of this hobby. I am a "collector' per say, and I just got into the internal parts of the watch. I must say that the narrative with knowledgeable content is very helpful and its well received.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! Best of luck- it’s a very rewarding hobby and feels good to service your own watches.

[@stevenspinner2940]

The narrative adds a helpful and interesting dimension to your videos. It is very helpful in understanding your restoration process. Keep up the great work. These videos are very interesting and informative.

[@csspinner]

Thanks!

[@horstb29]

Beautiful thank you for sharing.

[@The1951skylark]

Excellent video....

[@csspinner]

Thank you!