Restoration of destroyed 1982 Rolex Submariner Ref.16800 by Nicholas Hacko, Watchmaker

Arriving with a smashed crystal and missing bezel, in non working order and with glass particles and dust covering the dial and hands, this 1982 Rolex Submariner was a challenge.
Nicholas Hacko specialises in repair and restoration of vintage Rolex watches. Proudly independent, NH is a third generation Master Watchmaker, and not authorised or trained by Rolex.
clockmaker.com.au/
www.nicholasha...
/ nicholashackowatch

[@MasterWatchmaker]

New restoration video just uploaded: vintage Breitling chronograph: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHWWi6iKpZ2DmaM ---thank you for watching!

[@leorelo0511]

Good night!! Could you let me know what product you used for the display? the liquid that went through to make it clean and shiny. Thanks!!!

[@pablodamott4456]

Das

[@TheJase72]

I inherited My Fathers Issued Rolex Oyster, He was a combat diver (special forces) unfortunately subsequently, its worse for wear similar to the one you fixed, I would really like to get it in working condition again, would Rolex be capable of such a fix or would I have to approach a watchmaker of your skill? thanks in advance.

[@jameshenderson7224]

His ability to fix and replace the parts in the correct order is amazing. But as I watch him I think about the person that designed it originally. To even have the design on paper is unbelievable but then to make all the parts and have them fitted and work. I love it.

[@josedurbano2730]

The only jewel that admits the wrist of a gentleman. Great job and beautiful watch

[@jonathansmith283]

DR. HACKO - thank you very much for allowing us to watch you work. ~ JDS/CT

[@jigecoudon7531]

Yeah, I know it's your job (and passion) so of course you know how to do it (probably even with your eyes closed) but it's still very impressing to see you work and make such a flawless job ! Thank you for the video!

[@manoelaugusto7524]

it's a therapy to watch your work with this background music

[@andrewconrad1355]

As a tool and die maker I find these videos so soothing

[@peternic1]

I do love watching a master craftsman at work. Brilliant!!

[@papafrank7094]

This is the first watch restoration that almost had me nodding off. So peaceful but also well assembled. Well done watchwork and video production.

[@brettfmitsch]

Nick - what a great piece of restoration, and might I say your skill is second to none. Thank goodness you're servicing my watches!

[@brettfmitsch]

Cuban Surfer - he’s based in Sydney. Check out his web site for details.

[@brettfmitsch]

Mr_ E54 - no, this isn’t my watch.

[@deathbyautopsy8660]

Amazing. The cam turning the fast set date is mesmerising. Nice to see you didn’t polish the memories away too. Nice job.

[@AlonNahary]

The parts of the movement looks very high quality. After 38 years. Makes me want to buy a Rolex. You are an artist.

[@greggagnon6173]

My new favorite watch repair channel. Great music and no narration. I like the subtitles explaining what was happening or why a particular part was replaced.

[@FranCormackCoaching]

What an amazing video. I now have a greater appreciation of the work you artisans do.

[@spanishjo4282]

I award you the best Rolex watch repairer! I loved to repair watch. Self taught watch repairer Jo

[@patring620]

I like that the watch looked like it had been worn quite a bit in a work environment. A beautiful watch with a lot of character showing, and there's nothing wrong with that. I envy the owner. Thanks for the advanced notice of this restoration, Mr. Hacko. I really enjoyed the video. Nice job.

[@grovesy333]

I totally agree and second what you said 😁

[@mihutvlad1311]

I think it's hard to find a person like this who really does his job very well.

[@frm8963]

In my country，you can find a lot.

[@micheleserkez5787]

I would love to learn this trade. Wonderful soothing gratification!

[@alvinng5219]

@@frm8963 Where are you from?

[@frm8963]

@@alvinng5219 china

[@leorelo0511]

@@frm8963 Could you tell the blue liquid he used on the dial?

[@davidwoo8920]

award for best music for a restoration video :)

[@dennisc.1189]

A Rolex, that looked it's wors, to looking its best. Great job, it's beautiful!

[@joshuacall4356]

Just spectacular! Well done. I have a 168000. Makes me appreciate owning it so much more after seeing this.

[@mechanicalmisadventures]

Very soothing to watch (no pun intended) soothing music and therputic workmanship, love it!

[@karlosmitz3027]

That is amazing work Nick. Master Craftsman at work...

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Man, I need someone like you around for my Breitling Chronomat. Amazing work, watch looks fantastic.

[@jerryc.3593]

Wow 😳 All I can say is wow .These are hands of a surgeon .Your videos are inspiring .Thank you again for another fine video !

[@Dunkaroos248]

I’d really enjoy seeing a little more of the reworking of the case and brackets on these watches.

[@petemonceau5057]

Bringing a machine like that back to life must be very satisfying 👍👍👍

[@MasterWatchmaker]

Rolex DAYTONA restoration video just uploaded: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHjCh3qknruSabc Thank you for watching!

[@maxwagon1132]

Nice work Nick. Thanks for sharing.

[@DrBrown88]

Love the music! I'm a big jazz guy and I really enjoyed this.

[@simonassouline45]

Amazing, Master Watchmaker! No waitlists!

[@HITHEREFELLOWHUMAN]

This is actually quite a valuable watch nice to see that the watch is so well worn instead of being hidden in a safe

[@MetalTrabant]

A watch is not 'well-worn' if it looks like that, it's beaten up... I handle even my crap $10 Chinese watches with more care than that.

[@jims4539]

Thanks for preparing and posting this video.

[@joejones3]

If watched on 2x speed, the jazz band playing in the background becomes the cantina band from Star Wars. But excellent work

[@Tunkkis]

The band playing in the Mos Eisley cantina is called Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes, and the genre of music they play is called "jizz".

[@VladislavFlagrans]

I can watch these videos forever

[@gregwebb1107]

Wow, great job! Love to watch a Master Watchmaker in action.

[@dennistafeltennis1190]

You make it look so easy Master.

[@pcdubya]

Wow, this is amazing, and the music was perfect. Reverse threads I see at 10:30 on the crown. I have about a 1978 just like that I bought cheap way back, haven't worn it in years. I knocked the bezel off years ago and had it replaced and now see he must not have put that piece in at 15:17 in that makes it click/stop as it just smoothly turns. Beautiful work you do !

[@gplayer01]

Definitely the work of a master! Great video

[@_Austin__]

i have a 1959 milgauss 6541 in rough shape, replacement bezel, refinished dial. it has seen better days for sure

[@bullmoosepiper7732]

Beautiful work, Mr. Hacko. Beautiful. I must say, in my opinion, the 16800, 168000, and the 16610 might just be the most beautiful era of black dial/stainless steel Subs that Rolex has ever produced. The sleek lines, sweeping curves and muscular stance of these series of Submariners are absolutely breathtaking. It would seem the market agrees because the price on these Subs are getting ridiculous.

[@jarradmann3357]

Greatly enjoyed watching this restoration.

[@nicholasolifant9538]

Wow your work is brilliant lost for words actually 😮🤙🤙I've never seen work like this before really, that's why I guess the channel is called master watchmaker

[@gregbrindley1581]

All I can say is that I was riveted to this vid. Awesome work, thanks for sharing it.

[@Sele81]

We all love restoration videos for sure.

[@CrimFerret]

Nice job. This shows that the movements in these are finished for function, but certainly not for appearance. With the other nicks and scratches, this looks like an every day watch for the owner which I very much appreciate. Somebody buying a tough watch and wearing it a lot precisely because it will handle that.

[@ridhwaantarajia4802]

What precision and master 'watchmakership.' There's alot to be learnt from your method of this restoration. Thanks for having this shared Nic. Regards Ridhwaan

[@brookekeith5613]

Well done a true craftsman and great to watch,

[@jennarivera7901]

Fantastic video. Very relaxing to watch and the end result was a joy to behold. Well done sir!

[@Vroosk]

The before looks like Hammond's Rolex after his crash, heartbreaking. You did an amazing job!

[@icerich11]

Such a beautiful and master work!! Such a beautiful time piece...

[@lomate1963]

Very entertaining to watch and great music 👍🏻

[@tommyrott1962]

Love the camera work, and your choice of music works well. Thank you

[@Dankwheelie]

Amazing work

[@HENGHENG-dr7oo]

Yooo didn't expect to see you here lmao

[@tayshaunkelly9495]

@@HENGHENG-dr7oo same 😂i was like “that photo looks real familiar “

[@andresmacho888]

@@tayshaunkelly9495 bruh same I noticed the profile pic as well😂😂

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Not a Rolex fan but I admire the fact that they have steel backs and the movement is better finished than a lot of visible ones.

[@CallOfTheWild33]

The exquisite Jazz 🎺 music only makes me desire having a dinner in a fancy restaurant, while watching the time on my Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Nahhhh, I'm just happy with my Orient Bambino 😂

[@philipslighting8240]

the problem with rolex everyone asumes they are fake.

[@CallOfTheWild33]

@@philipslighting8240 That's for sure Rolex is one of the most replicated brands

[@BryanDelMonte]

Given how banged up it looked - the insides are remarkably clean...

[@bradcummins3268]

Another magnificent restoration thanks for sharing

[@MohammedKhaled-ju7gy]

Movement and dial is immaculate

[@dessertman1181]

I just can’t get over how they remember where all the parts go when you reassemble the watch

[@PaulBd78]

For some reason, I do like the look of a Rolex sub/GMT without bezel (like the one of Brando in Apocalyspe Now)

[@Mike1614b]

excellent job- looks brand new.

[@nickjanssens]

A great watch the watch was pretty good as well, the owner must have been very pleased indeed.

[@fpsSwiftG31]

amazing work. that teeeeeny tiny scratch on the dial kills my soul though 😭

[@heltmurings7247]

piece of history

[@TheAnvil1971]

What a tremendous craftsmanship on this beautiful watch! Who could dislike this video? Greetings from an Omega fan in Germany.

[@VivaIsraele]

TheAnvil1971 ?

[@kennethconnors5316]

enjoyed your editing and music "spot on"

[@andyibbitson5342]

Great work Nik

[@trevornormile6924]

Fantastic work, and great job on the video, always enjoy watching

[@alancrossley4461]

Now I can understand and appreciate why the service of my Datejust cost me €650:00 ~ six years ago! Great skills.

[@nejikanbonsai]

magnifique travail de rénovation. 👍

[@العزاويعلي-ظ1ف]

beautiful work, best regards from Baghdad-Iraq.

[@elisestrauven2330]

@Master Watchmaker - may I ask what is the blue fluid you clean the dial with?

[@leorelo0511]

I also asked because the display is as new and clean

[@MrAndywalker1979]

Incredible work as always!

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Fantastic work , looks exactly like my Rolex ..and I need a new crystal 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@simonwu6758]

So impressed to see your magic! Thanks for sharing

[@365drills]

I wonder what happened to that watch to get it into that bad state? A great sympathetic restoration. Casing not overpolished.

[@algernonwolfwhistle6351]

Very nice restoration.

[@АндрейСавин-к5ж]

I have worked as a watchmaker for many years. Now I'm retired, I watch your videos with great pleasure. Signed. One question: - with what solution do you wash the glossy dials? If it `s not a secret)

[@fangel14]

Also interested to know.

[@Masso1973]

Works great for an old beast, nice work

[@regisesteves]

congratulations. master's work. greetings from Brazil.

[@1eddwood]

Absolutely superb work

[@RabBailie]

Beautiful watch and a fantastic job

[@m3tek44]

Each time I watch your video i get complete satisfaction!!! During ~17 mins. video I do wonder what if you miss one screw..... :-) Thank you for sharing!

[@user-mg9he3qj3n]

Always nice to see these lovely watches get a new lease of life,well done 🚒👍

[@smr32061]

Beautiful work!

[@uncleroig6377]

How he remembers where every screw goes in the sequence to put it back together? Mind-blowing!

[@abdulmsiddiqui4344]

Recorded video

[@kana5s627]

รอโอลิมปิค กทม. ครับ 😍🙏 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hImlmqWVqr-mqKc

[@rr40v8]

That was truly fascinating to behold, thank you for doing this video.

[@kana5s627]

รอโอลิมปิค กทม. ครับ 😍🙏 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hImlmqWVqr-mqKc

[@1SaG]

As others in the comments, I'm also wondering just how the watch suffered this much damage. The dirt and scuff-marks I can understand, but the cracked crystal and missing bezel are pretty hardcore, even for a nearly 40-year-old tool-watch. Judging from the extremely grimy and beat-up exterior, I wouldn't have expected the movement to look this good. Guess those ancient gaskets were still doing their job... :) If it had been mine, I probably would've asked for a bit of case-polishing - without removing all of the patina, of course.

[@MasterWatchmaker]

I agree with that.

[@Haituk1]

I have a 1945 Omega needing a good bit of repairs. Case lug missing, the glass stolen and probably the winding key also stolen and replaced with some other key. Can you please help?

[@MasterWatchmaker]

@@Haituk1 send a few photos to [e-mail] and ill let you know if i can help you

[@NerdlyCNC]

Impressive. Im going to buy a Rolex one day. I promised myself I would after my dad died.

[@danielmeier8321]

i love the repairability of mechanical watches! feels like you buy something you can keep running forever

[@marianodiaz461]

Great video !

[@joshuacall4356]

Amazing invention and amazing skills! Well done.

[@richardwells4370]

Great video ,I was enthralled how such an abused and broken watch could be restored ,great skill. I’ve got an early 90’s sea dweller, hopefully I’ll never sell it, before that I had a submariner non date , one of my biggest regrets was selling it, , I love my Rolex 😎

[@tobywan12]

What an amazing talent you have. Beautiful restoration work. My favourite watch of all time. I would give anything to own one of these. I would love to know how much a restoration like this would cost inc parts and labour? Keep the videos coming they are great

[@stomartalar]

Thanks for sharing ur work. Amazing restoration for a classic watch. What is the blue solution you use to clean the dial?

[@johnspedart4101]

I wasnt even watching im a rap kinda guy and I'm just vibing to the jazz music

[@fabriziodutto7508]

Great restoration!

[@mehrant.7432]

That's an amazing work.

[@stefanoferucci4647]

Complimenti, gran bel lavoro di restauro...ottimo.

[@3819Andrzej]

Zawsze podziwiam fachową, dokładną, pewną i solidną pracę. Szkoda, że jesteś tak daleko. Mam do renowacji stary(?) 70 letni damski zegarek Rado. Mimo to jest bardzo dokładny. Boję się oddać go do konserwacji.

[@HmdJms]

Wow! Fantastic job

[@andyh2215]

Hey Nick. Wonderful restoration. I have a question for you and that is after restoration and when you are reassembling how do you ensure there is no dust inside the case? This is something that I cannot get my head around. Thanks

[@simonbailey2151]

They use a little puffer thingy to get rid of any dust.

[@SC-lo5ez]

Dear Watch Master, at 1:48 may I suggest to clean the dial (by blowing and/or using a very light brush) before removing the hands ? Otherwise I suspect you cannot avoid scratches on the dial around the hands axis. Correct me badly if I am wrong as a master should do to his apprentice ;)

[@MasterWatchmaker]

You are spot on.