Restoring a Vintage Longines Watch. A Real Machine Gun

[@arnoudstigter]

""Do not open" so first thing you want to do is open it". That made me smile when you opened the main spring barrel. Very nice video and watch again!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Makes me laugh when I see this. I don't really understand because only watchmakers would normally get access to this part of the watch. Normally they know what they are doing so I don't really get it.

[@douro20]

Special molybdenum disulfide grease was used in the mainspring barrel. Nowadays Molykote DX is widely available and as such these can be serviced properly without the special factory grease.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@douro20 you are probably right. It is a shame because it is easy to maintain and not really cost effective to replace everything

[@cristianbaciu8623]

I like watches so much because it's a piece of functionality combined with the craftsmanship and skill of an art form hundreds of years old. I also love to give watches as gifts, because it symbolizes me taking a piece of my time, transforming it into money to give to someone a device that can track the passage of time for decades to come, effectively spending a small piece of my time for them to be able to track their own time for way longer. ❤

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Very nicely said

[@nicklegg61]

Bonjour, top vid,beautiful time piece. Bonjournee

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Merci

[@chadpyett6441]

Very good video never seen anyone I watch use a buffer on the crystal great result. Also enjoy these movements to a seiko too industrial looking. You're third on my list of watch channels

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you so much

[@Wiktan]

My journey started when I'd decided to resurrect my dad's watch 1 year ago. Since then I am in this hobby and I like it a lot.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Great hobby. You will not regret it

[@samuelemontesion2526]

I’m an aerospace engineer, I love mechanical things and design. I love watches because are the perfect wedding of this two things👍

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I am an engineer too and I love them for the same reason

[@khronosbest9448]

Always informative and exceptionally presented . Thank you !

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you

[@dkhorse]

I love the vintage watches since buying my 1st Swiss Bulova in 1975. The material they used and the care they took to build these watches make them a valuable and cherished treasure. Longine was always beyond my ability to afford so I was happy to buy the beautiful gold plated Bulova Senator. I appreciate the care and expertise you use to bring these vintage treasures back to life.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I worked on a vintage bulova and they are quality. Very good value for your money

[@dkhorse]

The shape was perfect to me. I appreciated the jeweler steering me away from the Longines to the Bulova so he could make the sale. Funny story (not at the time), I was in Rio De Janeiro in 1982 during the Carnival on the street alone late at night and three children (teens) stuck a gun in my ribs and took it away from me. I still laugh because I don't know which of us were more afraid. They had fear in their eyes.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@dkhorse interesting memories with your watch.

[@kieranhowe1]

The logic and order of the watch is such a relief to the chaos of day to day life.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

So true

[@ralphferrara5152]

I enjoyed watching your video. I like that you explain everything as you go. I especially like longines .I own a few vintage longines.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

They are great watches

[@jhandal311]

Absolutely love C-case watches! My father recently passed away and the best inheritance he gave me was love for watches ! I now have his collection and it is the best feeling in the world to look at my wrist and see his legacy everyday in a different representation!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Joseph

[@19tractor52]

Thanks for the beautiful video--also thank you for identifying so many of the parts!!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

You are so welcome!

[@ricellisfrost620]

That automatic sub-assembly is very different. You have sparked my interest in Longines. Very interesting 👌

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

You should look more into Longines. They are great

[@tjerkheringa937]

What a great video! I am a huge Longines fan

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you

[@Uhatrolet]

I've never owned a longines brand in my life..because I've never thought about owning one..but I think this is very antique and rare...👍👍👍👍

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

They are very nice watches. They are very good value for money

[@iftimevasile4648]

Vintage Longines are one of the best way to get an amazing and often pretty affordable watch, compared to more luxury brands.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I agree 100% with you

[@johnmonachelli5256]

gorgeous ultra chron well done Bravo

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@hervegabet]

Bravo , magnifique video

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Merci Hervé

[@scottvanornum9252]

Great video! Your instructions are great!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you

[@nanukbosselmann7549]

It's beautiful to see all these tiny parts fit perfectly together to get such a nice movement.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Yes it is. This is the beauty of mechanical watches

[@stayingsane5213]

Excellent job, thanks for sharing

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thanks

[@csachevauxsansabri2612]

Don't know if I left a comment already but hear I go. I love vintage watches because they don't make them anymore the way they did. It used to be the very best material to make the very best pieces to make in conjunction with the very best knowledge and most precise workmanship a product that can represent a brand and can make a customer very happy for a long time. That in exchange made it possible to ask for a hansom reward to compensate for everything. Today you use the cheapest material to make adequate pieces the using the very finest of knowledge make a product that is on one side cheap to produce but can be easily handed on for the hansom compensation as always because the name is still there. So when you look vintage things although maybe outdated since a long time, if you go into detail you will even today recignice the blood and sweet gone into the thing you are looking at. That is something at risk of getting lost and I would like to preserve it for future generations to see what the people of an area with basically no technology could achieve. Look at the Pyramids. The best example, but this watch I'd also one. That is why I like vintage things. I would love to be able to do what you are doing so I am at the moment watching tons and tons of videos to gather as much information as I can to then start practicing one day by my self.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Very nicely said and thank you for the nice comment. You should start with this hobby. If you have any questions don't hesitate

[@csachevauxsansabri2612]

I most serenely will but I am going to take my time as this is a big and very complex matter. I also want to have most of the tools ready before I start

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@csachevauxsansabri2612 good thinking

[@mikelescos8618]

Im an industrial engineer and watches are a beutiful example of how some ingenious people think

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

So true. I am an engineer too so I can understand that very well

[@mikelescos8618]

Im starting also restoring some watches, but i dont have lot of knowledge... How many years have you been doing this?

[@heartstarter07]

I love the workmanship of these special mechanisms

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

They are so nice

[@joseisrael5975]

I have been following your channel for a few months now and I continue to admire and love their engineering, many of whom are over 60 years old wristwatches are almost 100 years old pocket watches, how something so small became so accurate. Also knowing that all of them already have a history and that despite all those years they continue to function. I am lucky to have 4 vintage watches, 1 of which is a pocket watch from the Illinois brand that belonged to my mother's father, who he bought from a railroad engineer. Just like you, all those who dedicate themselves to this work, my most absolute respect.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Nice to have some vintage watches with history. Thanks for your support

[@pjumpslay7583]

Always into mechanical watch..the mechanisms, the complexity, the sounds of it beats, the art of every design and part always wonder me…this longines is beautiful as always..thanks for sharing this video..

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you for the nice comment

[@karma247ajm]

Great result. What a lovely watch 👍

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Many thanks Andrew!

[@tiburonski]

Wonderful service and loved your comments! I bought one of these ultra chrons!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Glad you like them!

[@nathangiguet3849]

Le mouvement est incroyable... j’adore vraiment la disposition des composants et leur finition... magnifique !

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Les mouvement Longines sont superbes

[@nathangiguet3849]

En effet, ils sont vraiment très beaux !

[@Zairn12345]

Love this movement, it’s absolutely gorgeous! The color is stunning!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

One of the most beautiful movement I work on.

[@BradyBegeman]

As someone who owns a lot of Longines watches, the Ultra-Chron is probably my favorite vintage Longines. I’m looking for a nice example to buy.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

It is a very nice watch and the movement is so great. Shame they did not crystal case back before because it is a shame to hide such a nice movement

[@BradyBegeman]

@@FrenchWatchCollector you could make one 😀

[@timishii170]

It is really worth your while to be a Patreon of this channel. Great videos and he’s very appreciative!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you so much Tim. I am really fortunate to have people like you supporting my channel. I would have never imagine that starting a KZbin channel will allow me to interact with great people like yourself. Should have a great video coming for you 😉

[@alanmckinnon6791]

That is one of the most magnificent movements I have seen, and it made a truly beautiful video. Thank you so much for doing these videos because most of us will never get to see these amazing movements, but when a channel work on them, then we can see them. A local seller I know has an UltrChron for sale, for about Euro212, now I am so tempted. I think I will have to buy it 🙂

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

You should do it. It is a nice watch. After the movement need to be maintained quite often as it is a very high beat movement

[@mikesexton630]

Another excellent servicing! Nicely done and beautiful watch 👍

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thanks for watching

[@gregcapella5941]

THANKS ,,,Great video

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nzieses]

Absolutely stunning. Such a pleasure to watch. Love the explanations of how the components work.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you

[@411sergey]

Am I alone that this movement remind me rolex. I's greate..

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

there are some similarities

[@mattspierce]

This is such a classy looking watch. Its technical implementation and athletics are fantastic

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Matt

[@mattspierce]

@@FrenchWatchCollectorThank you for showing it to the world.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@mattspierce No problem 😉

[@lucagragnaniello8070]

The ultrachron movements of Longines are impressive, beautifull reliable and 0 sec before servicing! Wow! Thanks for your videos man they are so interesting and the watches you bring are always interesring. Hope to see your channel grow and grow more, it deserve it!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Lucas

[@boujtonboul]

Such a satisfying restoration!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you👍

[@AutomotiveEvangelist]

These vintage Longines are really nice; inside and out. And prices reflect it in the marketplace. It's amazing that this one runs so well given the high beat rate, but I think that means that it's been maintained well over the years.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

It was probably maintained properly or not used too much

[@neilfrost4768]

Fantastic work mate 👍🏼 I love the look, the craftsmanship, and the simplicity of these vintage watches. Beautiful.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Glad you like it

[@SubTroppo]

I mainly learn french through listening to old podcasts of Au coeur de l'Histoire but If there is a french version of your videos I would be interested to see it.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I have a chanel in French called l'atelier du calibre. I put my videos in French every week. There is quite a delay on my French channel as I started it much later

[@SubTroppo]

@@FrenchWatchCollector Je vous en prie.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@SubTroppo 🙂

[@visio-watch]

Спасибо за обзор.

[@RomanSchatzphoto]

Really enjoying your videos. Great work, merci. Greetings from Brisbane.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Roman. Greetings from France 😉

[@RestorationAustralia]

Nicely done.👍

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you 🙏

[@deancase8951]

What is the minimum number of beats per to be considered a “high beat” movement?? Love the brass look in the motion works! Beautiful movement with a clean dial. Watched this video a couple of times now and I see something new each time. Thanks

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thanks dean. High beats are only for the watch at 36000bpm

[@josephp2712]

I love vintage old school watches I have several in my classic collection

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

They are so nice the vintage watches

[@bogusawkuznar]

Greetings from Poland Jasło.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Greetings from France 😉

[@manuel_cruz33]

Me encantan los relojes antiguos porque son muestra de la evolución mecánica de los movimientos hacia máquinas más precisas

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

Super cette Longines et que dire de la qualité des pièces ✨👌 vraiment ! J’ai travaillé une Wittnauer (sous marque de Longines ) calibre 7TN, un vieux modèle, j’avais aussi noté la qualité du mouvement malgré son âge ! Beau travail, j’adore ! 👍

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Merci Alain. C'est vraiment un super bon rapport qualité/prix les montres vintage Longines. Les calibres sont exceptionnels.

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

@@FrenchWatchCollector Absolument d’accord !!!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@alaindrolet_atlt_2019 👍

[@garyboyle695]

Lovely looking movement, puts today's movements to shame. They make have longer service intervals now but you can guarantee they'll have to replace a lot more parts.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I never worked on a modern watch so I cannot comment. What is the shame is that they did not have see through case back in the past. I found some vintage movement nicer than some modern ones which are exposed

[@DocWat280]

With a movement with a high beat rate are the parts more susceptible to wear? Would the watch need serviceing at higher intervals than other watches? I just found your channel and I'm liking it very much.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you. If you like the channel please subscribe because I will put many more videos online. High beat watches are more prone to wear this is why you don't see that many movement with such a high rate. Obviously the service is even more important on these movement and the frequency need to be shorter. If a movement is running dry the damage will be done quicker on an high beat movement.

[@DocWat280]

Thank you. I have liked and subscribed.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@DocWat280 Cheers

[@robk4029]

the mechanical watches are like a small capsule with living items😆

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Living items working in harmony 😉

[@robk4029]

@@FrenchWatchCollector the harmony called: beat error 0,1. +2/-4 s/day and amplitude 387 😄

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@robk4029 Good one

[@branix4497]

It is great to see your work on this movement! I purchased a 1969 Longines ultra chron, and had a couple of small challenges. The first one what is about the seconds hand jumping, which you solved in your video with the proper tension on the spring around minute 30 - thank you 😊. The second issue is that the manual winding off the watch is very very difficult, and I get about 14 hours of power reserve. If I wear it on the wrist, the automatic winding manages to bring the power reserve to more than 30 hours. Do you have any suggestions or advice? What could be the issue?

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

In term of power reserve it should not change. Is it difficult to wind when it is outside the case? Sometimes it can be the o-ring in the tube or the crown that cause too much friction. After it can be in the automatic system with the reversing wheel that needs to be lubricated properly

[@simkajankovic8886]

Odlican mehanizam i sat..!

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you

[@johnsaltzohuigin6660]

Did you put only one of the two jewel pieces on the balance?

[@mogomo1]

For me watch restoring, and fixing is like a poison. The more I fail,the more I learn and the more I love this hobby. I,m only a beginner ( only three years ) but love practise, and try and try and try.. and only in some cases for me, the wonderdul instant when balance wheel returns to life !!! Totally intoxicated for my insane hobby 😂😂😂

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Best hobby in the world

[@411sergey]

You should sale it after all, just to the good hand :)

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

This one will be given away to a subscriber on the 26th of December

[@bruceelliott4822]

Hi great video. Do you know who made the C-case first, Longines or Omega?

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I don't know because a lot of brands made C-shape case in the 70's. Even Patek Philippe.

[@simontempleman153]

do you sell these watches after you have repaired and serviced them? i would be interested in buying this longines..

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Hi Simon, Depending on the watch. I keep some I sell some. You can make me an offer and I will review it

[@jerome_aka_doc45]

Bonjour , belle restauration, vous les gardez pour votre collection ou bien vous les revendez ? Dommage de ne pas appliquer un petit coup de polissage au boitier aussi.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Cela depend de la montre. Je ne suis pas sûr de garder ce modèle. Le polissage fait souvent perdre de la valeur à une montre vintage car les collectionneurs préfèrent avoir une montre 100% d'origine. Après c'est les goûts de chacun

[@ptchan5]

Where can i buy that hands and dial plastic case holder?

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I buy them on cousin uk

[@gopalakrishnanramaswamy6562]

Will the stem & crown rotate along with when the watch works perfectly?

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Sorry but I don't understand your question

[@NomadicPhoton]

Are you asking if the crown and winding stem rotate like the barrel as the mainspring unwinds? That doesn’t happen. The winding stem only engages when it is pulled out to winding position. Otherwise, it is disconnected from the movement.

[@sabbath7081]

I just broke two screws off in two main plates that hold the so-called snail in place totally disgusted, got it all back to that point time graphed it was one second a day plus or minus and I snapped the second screw in that main plate I don't know if I just over tightened or I used the wrong screw the second time as well.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Can happen. Sometimes the screw can be already damaged from a previous service

[@DonAlex37]

I got the latest ultra chron . What interval of time you recommend service it ? Thank you

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

If you use it regularly I would say every 5 years as it is a high beat movement

[@DonAlex37]

@@FrenchWatchCollector it is a high beat indeed at 36.000 . I use it at a daily basis or every other day . Very accurate as well

[@tiburonski]

I just received this Longines Ultrachron, a watch I won the auction. Problem is the date does not change although I hear the snap/click at midnight. Strangely the quickset function where you turn back the hands after midnight to about 9pm and then again to midnight changes the date as it should work. How is that possible? Unfortunately the watch is a front loader and I do not like to tear the crown from the stem to get the movement out. Maybe I just leave it like it is. It’s a pitty as the seller claimed it was freshly serviced by a watchmaker.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I find the date mechanism a bit too complexe on this watch. The date is changing very suddenly which is nice but the mechanism to do this is a bit more complexe and need to be in perfect condition to have a nice date jump. Shame that if it was serviced it was not done and checked properly by the watchmaker

[@tiburonski]

@@FrenchWatchCollector would it be possible that I send you the watch und you have a look?😅

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

@@tiburonski we can talk about it privatly on Instagram if you want. You can contact me there

[@jefferyschlicht5920]

How can I contact you? I have a Longines grand prize automatic from the late 50s early 60s and it needs a new two-piece stem I cannot find one anywhere can you help me please

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

You can contact me on instagram or on my website

[@steveblake8766]

88 thumbs uP

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

Thank you Steve

[@Virtue_Signaling_Land_Whale]

Would be great if you could service the Universal Geneve cal. 66 or 67. Nobody on youtube has a video about this movement.

[@FrenchWatchCollector]

I will try to look for it