Restoration of a Rusty Omega Seamaster Professional watch - Severe Water Damage

[@Sestorema]

Wonderful restoration for a wonderful watch. But a diver professional watch like this one, isn't protected from water? I think It was a really expensive job😬

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

I'm glad you and several other viewers brought this up! The watch should have a water resistance of 300m (30 bar) but something went wrong. Probably an issue with the helium release valve gasket as it had deteriorated into black goo. I didn't address this in the video, but you can actually see the remains of the gasket on the screw removed around 8:00.

[@OscarRPalma]

​@@ChronoWorkRestorations so it will happen again?

[@אלכסס-ח5ג]

This watch is atleast 20 years old maybe the crown was left open, who knows.There can be many reasons why it happened. ​@@OscarRPalma

[@kresimirpleic]

If the gaskets break down and don't get replaced over the years, it won't matter that it's a dive watch - the water will leak into the case anyway. The best watches for underwater activities are cheap Casios. Most dive watches are used as fashion statements rather than tools. And every complicated tool needs maintenance.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@kresimirpleicI know, I used my £50 Casio on the boat today and the Seamaster gets used for going to the pub - you are correct sir.

[@johncain7949]

I purchased my Seamaster new in 1973. On a vacation to Acapulco I noticed misting in the dial after a swim in the ocean. By the time I got back to Canada the dial was black! I sent it back to Omega but they refused to honour's the warranty as it had expired one month earlier. They said the seals and O rings needed to be replaced yearly. The store I purchased it from said I should write to Omega's head office. They agreed to take $300 off of the repair bill. It was still expensive but I still wear the watch daily. It has not touched water since. Kind of defeats the purpose of a driver's watch! Wonderful job on the restoration!

[@lehtjug]

This is how professionals are working and restoring watches. These are very enjoyable videos. Excellent job.

[@fsastolfi]

Cannot even imagine the cost of such a spectacular restoration like that... 😮

[@Emilmarch]

My amateur guess is not less than US$2.5K, actually that'll be fairly cheap. Even if you buy a used watch with cal. 1120, it'll be around US$2K min. + labour for restoration and everything.

[@bowlingmatt]

@@Emilmarch a 2552.80 in good running condition can be had for less than $1400.

[@barryturner1152]

Ive just had my seamaster chronograph diver serviced and it was £745.00 if this gives you a rough idea i would think this would be around the £1500 mark

[@kennaude6078]

There is NO way you're human. That level of attention to detail. That level of fine motor skills to place those tiny parts so perfectly. Love the video. I have an Omega Seamaster I inherited from a relative. I would love this level of restoration on it.

[@Commonwealth96]

Restoration? practically a rebuild! Good work sir.

[@mwade6982]

The more vids like these I watch the more fascinated I am by mechanical watches.

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

That's why mechanical watches will always stick around.

[@colmdunne1690]

Fabulous videos. Like watching flames in an open fire hearth or fish swimming in an aquarium - I could watch your videos endlessly. Bringing an old mechanical watch back to life is so engrossing and fulfilling. Keep the videos coming.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you so much! I'm working on the next one.

[@roberthodges5272]

I have the same watch, same vintage. Owned and wore it for 27 years. Just had it serviced in fact. Loved this video.

[@KurzawaJakub]

Usually the watch is either destroyed by water or just heavily used. This one is both. You did a fantastic job with bringing it back to be useful again.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you!

[@enestulgen]

One of the most enjoyable 25 mins of my life!

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@raylang339]

FFS man, get a life.

[@StevenLaMarca]

As the owner of a couple of Seamasters I too was stunned at the level of damage and HOW it occurred. Outstanding work. I'm curious if the cost of the replacement parts was not too awful so as to make it worth saving. I don't think I've seen a watch in worse shape restored so brilliantly. Outstanding job.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you! Yeah, the starting point wasn't pretty. I paid €350 for a complete 1109 donor movement and 300 for the hands and dial. Considering the massive amount of work it wasn't wise from a purely financial point of view. But the satisfaction and experience of bringing this back to life made it absolutely worth it!

[@777jrg]

Plus the possibility of making this great video which will pay off many more watches! Fantastic work ​@@ChronoWorkRestorations

[@carlosxu2433]

It's cost lots of work😮

[@marcinjedrzejczyk1044]

What a grate time I had when watching this craftsmanship restoration. That was very expensive lesson for owner. Well done.

[@jasonbourne3090]

Сердце замерло от результата . Какие красивые часы 😊

[@boydovens4180]

This is what you would describe as a " Lasarus " watch , definitely brought back to life .

[@danielday7033]

It was therapeutic to witness the restoration. Well done

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you for watching!

[@gerardlanglois8716]

Excellent restoration! Was fascinated the whole time watching. Would really love a little more of the back story including how many hours it actually took and what parts ultimately needed replacement. It would be really surprising that you were able to rehab the hair spring/Balance

[@tzutziin]

I just can't understand how the water got so deep into the watch nor the degree of corrosion inside of it. It's a total shame not to see all the rhodium plated surfaces on the movement but despite of nothing it´s still being an awesome restoration. Hats off to the master watchmaker.

[@nismo8319]

That is one of the most incredible restorations I have ever seen.

[@lucaswalker2538]

A mesmerizing video. An extraordinary restoration. The result is a masterpiece.

[@neilbenitez5986]

I don't know witch skills or studies has this man, but is absolutly fantastic his job, i enjoy a lot this video one of the best i ever seen, thanks.

[@ПсиХушка-э6ч]

Это лучшая реставрация часов,которую я когда либо видел👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@pas0003]

Watching this while wearing my SMP300m and it's looking worried 😅 Amazing restoration!! Thank you for sharing!

[@TheRolexdronechannel-z8l]

You are a Master of watch repairing. Fantastic work.

[@seayavietnam]

I'm a bit late to your channel, but now I'm hooked! Bro, this was an expensive watch at $1k however you know what you're doing and did a fantastic job. I have a few Omegas which I absolutely adore. It's easy to forget to check before swimming/diving if the crowns are fully screwed in. I'd love to know where you are for a couple of restorations.... 😊❤

[@jprichard]

Fantastic! You really know what you are doing. It's hard to believe that you brought this disaster of a watch back to life. I'm especially impressed by the level of detail that you put into the bracelet restoration, of all things. Thank you for sharing!

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@davidcooke8825]

Wow! What an incredible challenge and transformation!

[@glennhaley7404]

Mesmerising, hypnotic, just love the sound! The best watch restoration channel bar none.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Wow, thank you!

[@samtansleyphotography]

stunning restoration!! would have been so cool if you could have used the old date wheel imo tho

[@ashishpatil3507]

you are an amazing, have a great skill. you are total factory that you have your own production, Quality Control, R&D. Speechless on your PRECISION Work. i would say its RARE & You are RARE love to see your work ❤

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you! 🙏

[@batalhaodeguardas163]

This was not a restoration... this was a resurrection! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@nickjanssens]

25 years ago my wife bought me a Seamaster as an anniversary pressy, I took it into a Spanish swimming pool (as you do) I noticed a very faint misting inside the face, on my return from sunny Spain I immediately had it checked, the verdict yes it was a very faint trace of water, they said I hadn’t tightened the winder properly. Since that experience I have kept my watch away from water.

[@mc3001]

Truley amazing. Incredible expertise and fantastic camera work and editing. Really enjoyed watching you work.

[@danielmegahey7571]

Awesome to watch. Very skill full. Hands of a surgeon 👌

[@Peoppell]

If it was me and I saw the inside state of that watch I would have had a heart attack. Well beyond what I would have been able to do to restore it….WELL DONE for spending the TIME and great effort getting it back to life …it still never ceases to please me when I see a previous DOA watch come back from a deep coma. You are very dedicated and skilled…hats off to you, sir.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you so much!

[@thewatchaficionado]

Great restoration! I’ve done many that have had water damage from not replacing gaskets.

[@tylerdurden47]

Amazing Work. Last Month i received my Omega Seamaster Professionell from the Revision from Omega. The Watch looks Completley new

[@southbrit]

What amazing and skilled work. The final imperfections in the restored piece make it all the more beautiful - Wabi-sabi personified. Truly stunning video, thank you.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you so much!

[@KelvieCarlile-cf8em]

My favorite Omega and wonderful job, bravo!!!

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@JamesMPogue]

Amazing result, an absolutely beautiful restoration.

[@Sam-pn5nh]

Wow that's a real restoration

[@turbofan67]

While I have the utmost respect for craftsmen such as yourself, and I love Seamasters. I can't help but wonder if it's worth the money and time to do this. All those genuine parts from Omega can't be cheap. I can't help but wonder if a whole new movement wouldn't be more economical. Still a great vid to show how it's done.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Well, you're right. The restoration made no sense from a strictly financial point of view. I did find a new Omega 1109 movement for spares which made it a bit more economical but wanted to keep as many original parts as possible. Thanks for watching, I'm glad you liked the video!

[@hockeyrd99]

Nice job. Whenever I polish up an Omega bracelet like that model, instead of doing the thin lines with the tape like you did at 12:38, I just do one row at a time. I put the tape (full width) on both sides of the row of links I don't want to polish. Buff one row at a time then move the tape to the next row. Goes faster.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

That's a great idea! Thanks for the tip!

[@leeprior-rr2jb]

Wow if my seamaster needs servicing ill send it to you outstanding work well done sir.

[@juanpindonga405]

Just the strap locking system got more pieces than my old Suzuky. Amazing skill!

[@AhhMishMoneypenny]

Mesmerising. Great job, no background music…nice. I’ve had a few of these Seamasters, great watches.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Glad you enjoyed it! They are great watches indeed.

[@justdriving2112]

so envious. i wish i had half your skill in repairing watches, i would love to get a omega speedy. great video

[@ThomasMoore.1]

Incredible work restoring this beautiful timepiece

[@nickjanssens]

Like many viewers I am a longstanding owner of the watch and was a tad disappointed that water had had such a devastating impact on the movement. That watch had had hard life, a fantastic restoration.

[@АЛЕКСЕЙ-с4у]

Потрясающая работа🎉!!! Восторг🎉

[@NeilJ-fy2gx]

OMG you are not only a phenomenal watch repair master, but, your video is sooo engaging, love it.

[@epicv7dayz824]

Wow just wow! I love your vids on these restorations. Gives me pause to admire the craft of watch making. Thank you so very much much. Cheers

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@senzodupinnotch103]

It is insane how expensive it is for a broken down piece of metal covered in sludge. Good thing you know how to fix it!

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

True! Thank you for watching!

[@redhunterandgatherer2367]

Fascinating...What a transformation...I want to be a watchmaker now... Not a motor mechanic...🙂

[@aurelmarton5269]

It's been my dream watch since my childhood. I can not imagine the things what thise poor piece of art went through 😢

[@kurtadams7398]

Wow!Fantastic work-such professional workmanship. The owner needs to take better care of his watch though. Cheers from Louisville,Kentucky!!

[@joseluisbravoortiz2038]

beautiful restoration!!, congrats from Chile!!!, I have one of this seamaster since 2010

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you very much! Congrats to you, it's a great watch!

[@ScratchyBaws]

Awesome job but what i or we watchers appreciate is the fact you let the viewers know what you paid for the watch and also in the comments how much you paid for the new parts. That's something a lot of these watch chanel resto's don't share which is a shame. 🎩🎩 of to you sir.

[@bryanyankulov3162]

Of all the watch rescue videos I've seen this is 100% the worst damaged one I've seen restored. Well Done. WELL DONE INDEED. 😊

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@binkyboobosh1]

I had one almost the same brought in by a client. It was the bigger version and quartz. I managed to dry out the movement and dial and hands. The stem and setting were both rusty. A strip down and wash out for the movement in the ultrasonics and a change of stem off the bay, and setting complete from a donor movement I had lying about and it fired up, no problem. The owner couldn't believe that it could be saved. People unscrew the crown to set the hands and date and forget get to tighten it back up. What it's taught me is that dive watches should all be quartz if you plan to dive with them. If you just want to look like a diver, then anything goes. If you actually want to dive, a Casio or Seiko does the job, just fine and dandy.

[@matthewfriend6672]

Beautiful work sir!!a job well done!! My heart broke when I first saw this Omega in this sad shape, beings I have this same watch! But very happy with the outcome of quality you have provided! I hope the owner of this time piece is as happy as I was watching the fantastic skill of your hands, making right again!😜😃bravo!!

[@nikc1313]

Bet the seller couldn't believe their luck when you gave them a grand for it! That thing should have been given away. Great work to bring it back from the dead.

[@MrCaptainChallenge]

I cannot believe someone would pay $1000EUR for that…

[@markg7963]

I would never have thought to ask that for a watch I would have thrown away. I’ve been livin wrong😵‍💫

[@paulohenriqueguedesdearauj9499]

Grande Mestre um trabalho digno de um.grande, profissional do ama a sua profissão.

[@stevemyers2092]

amazing restoration - artisan elite.

[@jesuajavierruizmacias3538]

Wow increíble restauración! Son unos profesionales!

[@TheDudeSon49]

Awesome job, crazy that you had AR coating and coloring for the bezel laying around, didn't expect that

[@davidaugustinho664]

Beautiful restoration, mad skills, you sir are an artist!!!

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@private481]

Insane restoration! Extremely impressive, I've never seen a movement this ruined get restored. Your channel will grow super fast with great content like this.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@briantimberlake3114]

What an amazing transformation!

[@SaltBhj]

I gotta say I was way more impressed by your work on the bezel and bracelet than the movement 😂

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Appreciate the feedback, thank you! I'm not entirely happy with how the movement turned out either.

[@kylebarns]

You did an amazing job sir! Gorgeous watch. Hope you wear it.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you! I will wear it!

[@jeranemo5504]

Awesome working bringing that time piece to life. Amazing! Great watch 😄

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Nice work and video edit. Not normally a fan of these silent type of videos as I can’t learn from them but you did a good job on this .

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you so much! I really enjoy your videos and have learned a lot from them!

[@danielmegahey7571]

I like just watching, no music or voiceover

[@MrLouislaf]

Amazing. Real craftsmanship.

[@darrenfry4695]

Wow that needed a lot of work, at first i thought it would be best in the nearest bin , but with skill you turned that lump of rust into a gorgeous swiss watch.lol cheers

[@felipetavares0]

Lindo trabalho dando vida novamente a um ícone!

[@felipetavares0]

abraços do BR.

[@peterhallock9486]

Thoroughly enjoyable, thanks so much, congrats on the steady hand and great eyesight 🥰

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@samnathan2709]

Amazing job. I’d have been tempted to keep the original dial and hands because I think they look cool weathered but that’s me

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

That's actually a very interesting idea! They would look very cool in a refinished case.

[@antonioferreira2996]

amazing restoration... really amazing... but I think you over paed for the watch, one part of me is very pleased because you save this one, but all costs add and seems to be the price of a good one in the first place.

[@PhilBot4OOO]

Water and time are a scarily destructive combination when left alone together

[@alirza6420]

Harika!!! Elinize sağlık, ustalık bambaşka bir seviye...👌👏

[@VladimirPrsic]

Fantastic job you have done!!! Really enjoyed watching! 👍

[@mohitchoprraa1687]

Wow...the best restoration video i have watched. Awesome. Seamaster is my fav. Watch....u did a splendid job...

[@frankschroth4038]

Excellent craftsmanship!!! ❤❤

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Saved from the scrap man. But curious of the final cost. Brilliant restoration/rebuild. Liked and subscribed. John. Oh I also own a seamaster, I wear it every day and love it, it's a perfect time machine.

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you! The final cost was around $1,700. Not exactly profitable, but that wasn't the goal with this project. Seamasters are great, glad you're enjoying yours! Thanks again for watching!

[@chx2348]

This is beyoooonnddd amazing man 😍 The financial element of this watch is negligible as it ought to be very proudly kept as an outstanding trophy imo. Great great work man. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@wristwatch-trader7237]

These are fun videos, glad people are doing them as they are very educational. Note - no one is doing this in the real world. They are going to throw in a new 2892, as it's just not cost-effective to replace that many parts, and now you're risking some kind of problem with the main plate jewels, etc. after all that work. Better off with new movement (transfer Omega oscillating weight and barrel bridge with serial #), but that would make for a much less fun video so keep 'em coming!

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Good point! A restoration like this would not happen in a context where cost-effectiveness is prioritized. I do have some in similar condition coming up where throwing in a new movement is not an option due to their price and rarity, should be interesting!

[@Makeit101]

A lot of work to make it look that great from the outside, but couldn"t a little more rust removal detail on the watch plate have been accomplished in order to pretty much eliminate any signs of previous water incursion, like, maybe, a soak in Eva[porust along with some appropriate abrasive? And of course, Everypne wants to know how much you spent on additional parts and materials, along with a time estimate of the total project. And a bigThanks for providing the initial purchase information. I think that providing this type of additional "insider" information is really interesting to know, and would set you apart, in a good way, from other deep repair watch channels while really improving your viewership. Nice work!

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your suggestions! It would have been great to get the main plate looking a bit nicer. However to make it better the part would need to be replated. I actually did soak the main plate in Evaporust as the final step before ultrasonic cleaning. There shouldn't be any rust left, but some of the rhodium plating is lost and the brass in varying condition is showing through. I like your suggestion of revealing the time and cost of the total project, maybe I'll add that info in the upcoming projects!

[@wqsnsr8]

You paid way too much for this watch, this should not be more than 500 in this condition but you definitely did an amazing job cleaning it up

[@dviii42069]

This should have been free!

[@onthemaper]

Who you

[@jefft137]

It was an investment in amazing content for his KZbin channel.

[@thewiseoldman]

What a fantastic restoration.

[@MrSandjero]

What a plesant video to watch - amazing job - made with care and skill

[@qisyaizzia5045]

Stunning watch indeed...007❤❤❤

[@theurbancamper5410]

Wow: great job. I have this very watch and enjoy wearing it very much. Thanks for posting!

[@mikebruegger8654]

Hopefully the parts were less than a new ETA movement where you could switch main plates for serial number. Nice result, hope you got a good deal on it..... 😊

[@robcornish8840]

Super talent, great job! I’d be curious to know the man hours it takes for this. Very enjoyable watch.

[@afifbenhamida6968]

Bravo! Un plaisir à regarder! Fantastic restoration, wonderful job!!! Thank’s.

[@tcphoto]

You are an artist, beautiful work.

[@Ashoz85]

this is literally mesmerising to watch!

[@LuisGuerra-tj6qd]

What a great video I enjoyed watching you fixing the watch

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@camarocarl7130]

Very nice work, better get a water pressure test or the same thing might happen again!

[@ChronoWorkRestorations]

Good point! The watch would still need to be pressure tested before going anywhere near water.