Rolex after Plane Crash - Restoration of a wrecked Rolex Milgauss 116400GV

This Rolex was destroyed in a plane crash in 2013. Flight 214 operated by Asiana Airlines struck a seawall at San Francisco Airport and crashed on the runway. The watch and its owner were thrown across the plane upon impact. The watch was destroyed and the owner never boarded a plane again.
The owner kept the watch in a glass case on his desk, as a reminder of how lucky he was. In 2023, 10 years after the accident, he sent the watch to me for restoration. In most cases I turn down requests of this type. Restoring watches is my hobby and not my job. But this time I couldn't resist.
This Rolex Milgauss is powered by the Rolex 3131 Caliber. The special feature of this watch is its resistance to electromagnetic fields. Thanks to the Farraday cage that shields the movement, the watch can withstand electromagnetic fields of up to 1000 Gauss. The watch was worn by scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva.
The name "Milgauss" is derived from the French mille, which means one-thousand, and gauss, the unit of a magnetic field.
The Case and Bracelet is covered in deep scratches, the glass is broken, and the movement doesn´t work at all. I couldn't remove all the scratches without leaving any residue; I would have had to remove too much material. But this way the watch can still tell its story and still be worn in good condition.
I hope you liked this restoration, if so, like, comment and subscribe ;)
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[@amgengroup5352]

Who cares what the haters say, the Milgauss is a cool watch. Glad to see this one brought back to life!

[@ahmedahmm7545]

I don’t know if you’d call me a hater or not, lol, but the only reason I dislike the Milgauss is that crooked seconds hand, for me personally it detracts from the symmetry of the watch. Don’t get me wrong it’s a sweet looking watch, just not for me. I used to be a collector, but I liquidated my collection to venture into real estate. In January, I acquired homes in Malibu for $34 million, and the returns on investment far exceed what I earned as a collector.

[@amgengroup5352]

he second hand is what makes it cool, since it has magnetic resistance. Otherwise it just looks like any other watch ;) but hey, that’s what’s cool about this stupid hobby - there’s something for everyone! How did you grow your portfolio to $34m, I'm impressed, I have a lump sum in the bank, the rates are not impressive so I'm moving it, whats your cash flow like?

[@ahmedahmm7545]

I have a financial advisor (trader) she grows my liquid assets and I reinvest the weekly payouts back into real estate and long-term ETFs.

[@amgengroup5352]

Great move, please can you share her with me, or maybe her name so I could search for her online, thanks

[@ahmedahmm7545]

Cathy Jemar Carlone look her up.

[@DeadlyDigger]

Can’t get my head around not only the design and engineering that went into making the watch but the level of skill demonstrated in the repair process. 👍👍👍

[@Svensken8R]

Amen to that brother.. I also watch this and I don't quite understand On how you/one come up with something like this, it's small and works just like clockwork' no joke intended

[@danisolomon3327]

​@@Svensken8R❤❤😂❤😂❤😂❤é

[@leechjim8023]

Incredible how he remembers EXACTLY how everything goes!! 😮

[@officialpoof]

That was an amazing video, and the opening had me truly captivated by the story. Great job friend!

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Thanks mate 😊

[@laebdangrs4274]

​ Greetings, my dear friend, the professor... Yes, yes, I say it to you very seriously. You are a great professor of watches. 😘😍💪🏿 How much I loved you and your interesting video about bringing manual watches back to life again... 🤲🏾 I will pray and pray to the Lord for guidance, success, and continued success. 😘😘😘 Wow, your most beautiful videos and clips are more than enjoyable I love you, I love you, I love you ❤️❤️❤️

[@bolgerguide]

A testimony to Rolex quality. Able to survive a plane crash with minimal damage.

[@donkykon2094]

why would anyone hand their modern rolex to a non rolex service centre is beyond me. just to save a couple of bucks?

[@officialpoof]

@donkykon2094 I'd say that Red Dead Restorations skills show why he's more than capable to repair this watch.

[@MrHardhatharry]

I really appreciate the care, love and professionalism you use to restore this beautiful survivor of a tragic event. Oyster steel bracelet for sure!

[@johnsanabria3279]

I would choose rolex steel bracelet over a silicone rubber strap--much more classier!

[@camptube7621]

Agreed. I got one for my Submariner. Took it off after a day. Just didn’t look right.

[@nerdly44]

When someone trusts you with a priceless artifact of their life's story, you can rest assured that you do good work.

[@bazza945]

A pleasure to see a craftsman, working with the right tools and the remarkable result of the labour. Kudos.

[@LordDraconical]

Watching this with my Milgauss on my wrist completely sobered by how my ticking companion is simultaneously more fragile and more durable than myself all at the same time. Awesome video.

[@LeMarsouin9]

You're so fortunate to have this watch. I will probably never have that chance..

[@sbultitude-paull303]

You and me both 👍🏼 Shame we never get to see the cool design on the Faraday cage, but it's definitely given me even more respect for the watch.

[@user-vy4dk7zn6h]

Once again I realize how great Rolex is.Almost no movements of this era had engravings on the base. I also want to praise the repair techniques. Good Skill！！

[@egorboroda1099]

О какой эпохе идёт речь? Какие года производства?

[@user-vy4dk7zn6h]

@@egorboroda1099　For example Audemars Piguet(4401). images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58bb0536893fc04255997b40/1576222128944-Y41YV1BLXHBN9GP5IBR3/AP_4401_CHRONO_123-Edit.jpg I am afraid that the watch business is changing to a brand business.

[@kevins4229]

You are an F'ing genius when it comes to watch restoration! Hands down the BEST I have seen on KZbin! You blow my mind!

[@masudaharris6435]

I'm glad the owner survived! I wouldn't board a plane ever again either after that. I was surprised there was no major damage inside the watch.

[@spavliskojr]

Never realized how cool the inside of a milgauss is. They are very unique! What a story behind this watch!

[@cloane85]

I'm so glad that this channel exists. Absolute treasure watching.

[@Mal_uim]

Incredible restoration and story behind this time piece, such a tragedy.

[@tomasbobo7214]

Best watch restoration channel on youtube.. please post more 👍🏼

[@SteveeCee]

Rolex original steel strap - every time! I own a 1960 Tudor Sub in Rolex case with original Rolex strap. Looks great, works fine too.

[@johnnyh293]

Totally amazed! Again. The tools alone reminds me of the doll fixer in toy story. And the quality of your video is just pure art.

[@yambo59]

The restoration is nothing short of magnificent. The story of this watch is one for the books, thankfully the owner survived though the watch was rendered nearly destroyed, thankfully not vice-versa - a very very lucky man that day.

[@user-lg9td1mh4m]

I wouldn’t say the the watch was nearly destroyed

[@ekimandersom4478]

Only the glass was broken

[@blt981]

Wow, I was there on that day on site as a PO . I remember well. Life changing . Lots of smoke. Mass confusion. remember a women passenger trying to get off and away from the aircraft was accidently killed by a responding Airport Fire-Engine. I’m hypnotized by your story and work FROM THE ASHES OF THE FIRE ..A LIFE MEMORY OF SADNESS IS SLIGHTLY LIFTED UP . YOUR DETAILED TEDIOUS LOVING HANDS BRINGS SOME CLOSURE. I would be honored if you serviced my Pepsi Rolex my sons gave me…YOU ARE BLESSED WITH A GIFT VERY FEW HAVE. Your equipment reflects on your professional craft and in my eyes an Artist. I hope you pass on your teaching to young people so your work and ethic is passed on to another Generation.

[@joewalsh1054]

The only thing I think is weird is that they are having you clean up the scratches, especially after they kept it as a reminder for 10 years. I would want to keep it like it was after the crash... but that's just me

[@DavidPerez-nk4gc]

You work showed you understood the gravity of it all. Nothing but honor and respect. 👊🏽

[@jatco84]

What a fantastic job on resurrecting this piece back to life. The 'Phoenix' is alive once again..as is the fortunate owner. What a horrible accident. Condolences to those effected.

[@Vedat4747-ru5yl]

Türkiye de sizin gibi saat ustası bulmak mümkün değil tam bir sanatçısınız videolarınız hayran bırakıyor👑👏👏👏

[@DohosanV]

I wish you could like a video multiple times. Best wristwatch restorations on KZbin.

[@Roddy1965]

Great video and great work. Strictly speaking that is not a Faraday Cage, because those only work for electric fields, not magnetic fields.

[@nuhuh9893]

Great job on the restoration! I love that there are a couple of small dings still on the watch, they are hard to spot but they keep the story of the watch alive. Marks of the passage of time and the memories they evoke are more valuable to me than the price of the watch.

[@brandonn161]

Does this watch really have a lot of haters? Why? It's such a beautiful timepiece

[@kayvonraphael5131]

Have always wanted to see the movement and servicing of a Milgauss, thank you!

[@robertjennings5357]

The detail that goes into this, is incredible! I thought pulling an iPhone apart was challenging! The knowledge itself, let alone the tools required. Absolutely incredible on many levels

[@MrJeepCanada]

I love the second's hand made to look like a lightning bolt Zeus ❤

[@rascaljester6097]

I'm watching your videos in Korea, too! Fixing an old watch is essentially no different to turning back time.

[@costantinoproietti7578]

This video clearly shows why quality watches are so expensive. Every detail is illustrated with extreme precision. Bravissimo.

[@AdelAlKooheji]

Amazing work man! I am happy that you got yourself new Elma gadgets and a brand new modern era time machine which seems to be eco friendly replacing the medieval one which had to be kept in an isolated room 😂 Last but not least, I am sorry for the plane crash and for all lives lost, may they rest in peace.

[@Mike-rm1vw]

Bracelet, definitely, because you did an excellent job on it… 👍👍👍

[@baska-]

Beautiful watch, 0 s/day, just amazing.

[@loveobd628]

Wahnsinn, welche Geschichte hinter dieser Uhr steckt. Auch das Ergebnis deiner guten Arbeit ist wahnsinn 👍🏻 Perfekter Ganglauf, starke Amplitude, 0.0 Abfallfehler und äußerlich einfach auch wie aus der Fabrik. Vielleicht deine beste gefilmte Uhr bis jetzt. Obwohl ich das ja auch nicht zum ersten Mal schreibe 😅 Achja, es hat dein Hinweis gefehlt, dass du wirklich nicht von Elma gesponsert wirst 😂

[@RedDeadRestoration]

😅 Vielen Dank 😊

[@csspinner]

Fantastic filming and excellent restoration as always. Top notch. I really enjoyed this one.

[@kenc2257]

What a neat story. Absolutely lovely restoration (super job in getting the matte and polished surfaces just perfect).

[@geoffr.2326]

Beautifully done! Always amazed at the original design intricacy and beauty of the Rolex but then you add in the skill of the watchmaker/restorer and it is truly a work of art.

[@SAYACALONJENAZAH]

Video yang selalu saya tunggu

[@user-hu6mw4ez3v]

The master has the deepest respect.

[@rockinthefirebird]

Once again, another great video. Seeing the customer reaction on this one would be priceless!

[@9mmluger180]

Always the Oyster Bracelet, maybe the Jubilee, but not the rubber thing

[@AntonioMartinez-tt7ud]

As always, a great video, a great restoration and a great history about this clock!!!. Thank you for sharing this amazing videos. 👍👍👍

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@habib5262]

Everything about this video was so clean

[@fulvioplatania3091]

beautyful job as usual Maestro…it is a pleasure see how way you work keeping safe from any damage ALWAYS every parts

[@paulsagbakken2996]

Best watch restoration channel!!

[@anthonybrau7399]

Amazing work on the refurbishing of that beautiful watch.

[@davidzimmerly7354]

I dont think i have the patience for this type of work but I'm glad someone does, amazing to observe and very peaceful to watch

[@flyingcod14]

Could watch these videos all day, a work of art.

[@osgap]

Maravilloso video, que gran historia y mucho mejor trabajo. Mis felicitaciones!!

[@Giuseppe_De_Bellis]

Liked the "1.21 GW" of power needed!!❤ BTTF

[@PA2OLD]

Beautiful result! I prefer the steel bracelet.

[@Rosakru]

I wanted this watch for many years and never did get one. After seeing the faraday case protecting the movement (which I was never aware of), I want it even more now. What an amazing timepiece. I love it!!

[@briangray966]

Its addictive watching a master at work WONDERFUL

[@smooky84]

Both are nice on the watch but personally i prefer Rolex steel 👍🏼

[@kevjaffray]

Great back story for the watch and a fantastic rebuild/repair. Enough minor imperfections left for the owner to know it's his watch. And, steel evertime for me with a Milgauss.

[@Carbangalorean]

Metal strap looked better 👍🏻

[@yifanfeionsitemanager9220]

The Elma group must be really supportive! Great Resto!

[@HarryJoiner]

serious artistry 🍻

[@PieterBreda]

That is the best looking Rolex I've seen.

[@RedDeadRestoration]

I think the same 😊

[@laowai2000]

Not kidding.

[@DESCENDINGDR]

I like the rubber strap!!!! I'll look into this brand. Thank you!

[@kunzilla]

I've said it before but I'll say it again. The man's not only an artist, he's practically a magician lol. As for the straps, I personally prefer the metal strap.

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Thanks 😊

[@fj7509]

The force experienced in that plane crash was immense. The fact it was enough to shatter the sapphire crystal and STILL work after a service without needing to overhaul the movement speaks volumes on how well Rolex makes their watches.

[@Ex.zed.]

Get off the D

[@jh-gv6ug]

You Sir, are a real artist. it is amazing to see your cool and steady hands. I am a MD and appreciate to see that you do not make unnecessary movements. The endresult is stunning!

[@chafikusa]

This is a beautiful piece of art. The colors combination is just top.

[@Sum_Ting_Wong]

I could watch these all day. Amazing work.

[@chuckfinley3542]

Excellent job on the repair and good video production value too. Since I began videoing my own watch repairs & restorations (not online) I find that every screw goes in perfectly, a spring never flies away, every balance wheel placement takes one attempt, and the watch runs flawlessly. 😊

[@italianjob-vx6hp]

Lovely work.

[@thomasgibson4619]

Fantastic restoration and totally awesome editing, this video is a work of genius.

[@Miguel_ON65]

No other word in my mind but PERFECT! Congratulations for you and the survivor too.

[@alanmcewen6111]

Watched a lot of your videos, first time I have seen a broken bearing, is it common.?

[@jozsefizsak]

An interesting and attractive watch. It must have been terrifying to go through that crash. After a decade, it seems right to let the past fade away.

[@prophetableforprophet]

My favorite high end watch model. Cool restoration.

[@whip-its_dad4239]

What a great story of this beautiful instrument . I could never afford a watch like that but just seeing how you brought it back was truly a showing of your experience and skill . Thank you for allowing me in your world .

[@user-gn9hr9bc5d]

Не в часах счастье уважаемый.Главное здоровье родных и близких😉.Всего самого наилучшего.

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Translate please . Thank you .@@user-gn9hr9bc5d

[@user-pg8fy5zd6b]

To be fair, apart from the crystal being smashed this was basically a regular watch service. The worst damage sustained by the watch was when the hammer smashed the crystal out from the bezel. Glad the owner survived the crash obviously and love these videos in general. Production value and editing in this guys videos are always particularly good.

[@da___man]

You forgot the broken jewel. That was actually the hardest part of the service of the movement itself. However, the restoration of the case and the bracelet is where the real magic occurs.

[@pgsahlman]

Beautiful work on that splendid Rolex. Love your videos!!!

[@pm1104]

What an amazing story…and an excellent restoration! ❤

[@jim7082]

You just might be the absolute best on here!

[@Gold_Stadt]

Phenomenal story 😳 and a fantastic result. i like the look on the bracelet better. 👍

[@user-hf4fz9lk9t]

조용이 그리고 세밀하고 정밀하게 작업 하는 모습이 감탄스럽네여~ ㅎㅎ

[@mwade6982]

Wow 👏👏👏. That looks amazing now. The owner has to keep that watch for the rest of his days. What a survival story 👌

[@axelvargas7404]

Nice job!!! Rolex Steel!! 🫶🏻

[@anglenghong]

Makes me want to send my Milgauss in 😅 👏🏻

[@cast1450]

Wie immer, super! Nur die Pause bis zum nächsten Video ist immer zu lang.😊

[@RedDeadRestoration]

Danke, ich versuch mich zu beeilen 😉

[@dac9500]

The person that sent you this watch certainly did pick the right guy for the restoration. Wow!! I'm a new subscriber.

[@Uhatrolet]

like a luxurious show..always interesting👍👍👍greetings from Indonesia

[@ramakrishnasirisipalli5627]

I don't have any words to comment after seeing this video you are simply superb man...

[@lucashipkins]

9:16 how to say you FINALLY got that Elma sponsorship, without saying you got that Elma sponsorship!

[@RedDeadRestoration]

😅

[@bmw128racer]

Another fabulous restoration. And some really cool tools to get the job done. 👍

[@fredcrayon]

Congrats on your Time Machine upgrade!

[@jrand2631]

What a great restauration, and what a horrifying yet fascinating story behind it. 👍

[@michaelkeats1313]

Fascinating video but a very tragic story. Amazing restoration watch looks fabulous. Better on the steel bracelet.

[@user-on5ff7by4z]

Высший пилотаж!!!!!!!!! Слов нет, одни эмоции 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@WiskeyWatchsGames]

The legend returns! Thanks for another great video!!!

[@martinf9626]

Good job sir . I would like to see the customer's reaction when he goes to see his watch again.

[@tempus1573]

Un gran trabajo como siempre.

[@opaizc]

Beautiful JOB¡¡¡¡¡ Thank you for share the video 👍 You are a master, Greetings from Guatemala

[@georgiosdedes]

Amazing work, top quailty and what a story

[@reverendtfg6802]

*It is called a 'mu-metal shield', not a Faraday cage. A Faraday cage shields against electromagnetic fields, a mu-metal inner case shields against magnetic fields.* 🔬🤓👍