Rolex Restoration - World's Rustiest!

www.richardperrett.com/sea-wo... When restoring a very small, very rusty Rolex the big choice is whether to restore the damaged components or simply replace them with new ones. This tiny ladies Rolex Datejust originally came to me about eighteen months ago and at that time I opted for the 'clean up and restore' method rather than the replace method. Some folks said at the time that this would not solve the watch's problems because the damage was too great. But the point of the video was to give it a go and see if it could be done. And it nearly worked! But recently the watch came back and although the escapement was still running strongly the watch had stopped telling the time properly. So in this video I opt for the second method and I swap out the badly damaged parts for new replacements. Let' see how that goes ....
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Music: Just Stay - Aakash Gandi (KZbin Audio Library)

[@rayclark44]

Brilliant video Richard. So entertaining to watch you in action, thank you for sharing your rusty experience. Take care & stay safe sir 🇬🇧👍

[@danielmclellan7762]

FINALLY!!! An actual watchmaker, rather than a watch serviceman.

[@propetamckissack524]

The dead timepiece is fully restored and looking beautiful it’s awesome

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

I love your channel. Your smooth narration, the calm voice, and the beautiful background piano music has a calming effect after a sometimes chaotic day for me. Thank you Richard.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Kevin... Such a nice comment to receive. Thank you so much for taking the time to make it. Richard

[@KentnDebi]

Makes my Saturday mornings...even working on a brand/marque I'm not a lover of Richard. I'll enjoy watching this on my first break 😉

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

You must be the nicest watch maker in the world. No body would Warranty that watch. Especially with out replacing any parts. The world needs more people like you . Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@philspencelayh5464]

Brave to attempt to repair a rusty watch, I don't think Rolex would have touched it. Shows transparency that you would show the film and integrity that the warranty work was done. Impressed again.

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

I restore heavy rusted machine tools, these videos are fun to watch and relaxing!

[@watchdiving400]

Going off your comments in the video I'm sure a lot of people including myself would love to see a short video specifically on your cleaning process for a watch. Sure it'd be an easier video to make compared to your usual ones and I bet it'd be a big hit! 👍

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi WristwatchAid ... Good plan! In the meantime there's this ... www.richardperrett.com/watch-repair/my-watch-parts-cleaning-regime/ Hope it's helpful! Richard

[@davidmorland4046]

This is a TRULY FASCINATING video, as was your restoration of the Grand Seiko.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Thanks David. Richard

[@nickjanssens]

This video proves the notion that anything is achievable if the will is there, a great watchable video.

[@volvomann100]

Noticed the little note mentioning Wisbech. I hail from there and now reside in Wales. Just a curious coincidence that made me smile, Great work as always. Love your work,

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Well spotted Jake! Richard

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

Richard, that felt kind of Bitter Sweet. Not the sort of thing you want to find on the bench too often with the label "Warranty Repair". The viewers cannot tell if you had a donor movement or you actually went "full out" on buying new bits from Rolex. Hopefully it was a decent donor, but even that option ain't cheap in Rolex land. There probably are some lessons to be learned from all of this. Something to do with false economy etc. But on the other hand nobody could predict a slipping canon pinion showing time randomly. You win some and you lose some, that's the best stance to take. This was a very entertaining video to behold and the results very satisfying to share. Personally, I would like to have seen a final shot of this watch on a Timegrapher, just to see it calibrated and concluded. 10/10👍

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Gary... Great feedback. You mention some good points and realise I think that sometimes I do things a little differently because I am making a film, or films in this case, for folks to enjoy. In doing this I always try to protect the position of the watch owner hence the provision of warranty when this might not normally be the case for a watch presented in such a rusty condition. Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. Richard

[@joesephburgio3438]

I'm an early riser in the am and I so enjoy a nice cup of coffee and being surprised by an awesome video!!! You are a true artist with your precise work. Thanks for the priceless entertainment Richard!!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Joeseph ... very happy that I was there for you this morning! Very kind of you to take a moment to make such a nice comment! Richard

[@rodvickery9169]

A piece of neoprene on your movement holder should stop it sliding around. You can get different thicknesses and it's normally self adhesive.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Thanks Rod. That's a top tip! Richard

[@jatco84]

Fantastic Restoration to that classic. And noticing the worn wheels etc that needed replacement was key to successful job. I'm sure the new parts made a Big difference on how the watch runs..and keeps time. Excellent Vid..THank You...

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Thank you so much Thomas. The microscope is very useful in spotting damagebon some of the smaller parts for sure and yes replacing the parts that were the worst effected will have a very positive impact I think. Thank you so much for the feedback. Richard

[@jatco84]

Love your work

[@feistyhuman3579]

No good deed goes unpunished. You are a miracle worker.

[@stixs96]

just a heads up every surface that has rust hiding on it will spread the rust again. just think of the threads for the screws or between bushings. its sad that this will be a ongoing issue

[@alexdeleon7135]

Even better the second time around! Well done, Richard! Enjoy your weekend, and I hope you raised some pints after this laborious warranty job. Cheers!

[@leehazlewoodism]

The Bob Ross of watchmaking.

[@demmertp]

RIchard, some brilliant close up photography in this video. Nicely done, as always.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Paul ... I have been working on that so very pleased you notice and took the trouble to mention it! Much appreciated! Richard

[@demmertp]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker I re-watched the original video and I thought the end result was quite nice. It was surprising to me that the worst of the rust damage seemed to be restricted to the dial side. I suppose the water got inside and the watch was left face down and the rust did its work. In the original video you mentioned that even with the lose of metal, the parts seemed to be meshing nicely. I wonder if the rust continued to weaken the remaining metal in the intervening year after your original servicing.

[@HisGraceHisGlory]

I so look forward to your videos Richard, thanks for all you do in this crazy world.

[@nosiestaguiding]

Total master workmanship and a very kind heart

[@TomasWatchReviews]

You restored watch from the dead. It was just a peace of solid rust. For sure there is a risk of it rusting again. Next time sign papers that you give no warranty on it rusting again. Otherwise it is just not worth of your time bringing watches from the dead of this level that it was.. When you are too nice some people just step on you with no empathy like this client.

[@TheSchmed]

I would have said unless you replace parts, cannot have warranty.

[@Jimmiburn]

Beautiful little gem painstakingly restored back to full health amazing work sir. 👌

[@fabriziodutto7508]

Hallo Richard! You deserve every hard gained like! I've seen the restoration video of this timepiece before and appreciate how you've managed to take as much original components as possible, you're such a great watchmaker and a great person too. Non need to say that I'm always impressed with your technical skills! Ok, now I need to activate an instagram account (never realized I needed one, before hearing your words in this video)! Cheers from Italy, looking forward to see you here in the future! Thank you for sharing!

[@Aco747lyte]

Richard, your watch restoration is fantastically skilled, super-relaxing to watch. My daughters and I love all the videos we have seen of yours, and all are saved to my Playlist. Please take good care of your health and have a glorious Christmas and a very happy New Year. With love and best wishes, and *hugs* , Wendi UK 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Wendi, so pleased you have enjoyed my stuff and particularly that you have found it relaxing as that is part of my intention so it's nice to get feedback that confirms this. Thank you so much. Happy Christmas! Richard

[@DavidHalfordsLane]

Wonderful job sir.

[@tofu3802]

Thank you Richard. Another,.very intressting video. Just amazing, to watch you work.

[@kevinmangan7124]

Another spot on job, impressive work as usual.

[@markirvin2809]

I was wondering what happened to the ratchet wheel. Great vid Richard. Thanks

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hey Mark! Well spotted sir! I was bound to notice at some point too right? :) Richard

[@grahamcohen3850]

Lovely video Richard. Timing for this is perfect as my wife’s Rolex of the same type has stopped working so very handy to have a repair video to refer to. Keep them coming. I look forward to your videos a lot.

[@leestrada1]

Always great to watch your videos! I enjoy so much to listen more of what you have to say always interesting, as in the beginnings of this channel, which I follow since we were only about 50 subscribers. Cheers!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi L.E. Thank you so much! You have been stalwart in your support to be watching so long and it is Much appreciated! Richard

[@rodcarr3119]

thoroughly interesting film, thanks Richard.

[@thedom1678]

Your repair videos are mesmerizingly wonderful

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Thank you so much The Dom! Much appreciated. Richard

[@TomislavHristicmchrile]

Brilliant work Ser Richard 🥃

[@andywilliams4887]

A joy to watch you work Richard.😀

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Andy! Very pleased you enjoyed this and thank you for taking a moment to say so. Much appreciated. Richard

[@joseluisesguevaespino206]

Gracias por su trabajo

[@yebo56]

Lovely stuff. Happy to have found this channel recently. Hopefully one day you can look at my dad's '89 datejust.

[@binkyboobosh1]

TBF, these are parts that should have been replaced at the initial service, but you know that. Loose cannon pinions are a Rolex inevitable...though they seem to plod on with barely any grip... Why oil the pallet pivot? It barely moves and oil will provide drag... Always replace rusty minute wheels and winding wheels....

[@tammysharonlorettastafford3376]

Another great video from watch king Richard!I dont think I have ever seen such a small pallet fork as this except in a Seiko 4206/7!

[@ManSkirtBrew]

I'm working on this movement now and having similar fits with the movement holder. It's just slightly too big and the movement flops around inside it, driving me bananas. I keep going back to the clamp-style holder whenever I can.

[@awatchdiary]

Very good video, totally enjoyed it!

[@digginstony1]

Brilliant as always 👌

[@ChrisLee-UK]

Looks like some of the restored, originally rusted components have continued to break down and leave debris over other parts of the movement? beautiful work Richard, always a joy to watch :D

[@Sergeant_Fury]

Elegantly done.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Thanks Eugene! Good to hear from you! Richard

[@guylezius9775]

Interesting vid Richard cheers, loving the sea wolf I recently purchased from you, it’s been on my wrist since it arrived, a few people have commented on it when I’ve been in public with it on, cheers mate 👌👌

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Guy! So nice to hear from you and great to hear that you are enjoying one of my watches. Very kind if you to take the trouble to say so! Much appreciated! Richard

[@bojidarvasilev8854]

Всеки часовник заслужава такова внимание особено като този . Благодаря ти за хубавото видео 👍

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Richard lovely video 👍

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Thanks James! Richard

[@wirdy1]

Throughly enjoyable video, thanks. That wear on the spring bar is quite extreme; not sure whether that wear is internal or external & it's overkill maybe, but I always lubricate spring bar pins with a tiny dot of oil & exercise them in & out a couple of times just in case they've come dry from manufacture.

[@robhepple9206]

Hi Richard, great work keep the vids coming please. A question if I may, I always thought Rolex spare parts were extremely hard to come by unless you were an approved workshop, is that the case ?

[@billymania11]

The owner of that watch is lucky to have you on retainer.

[@nunopaulofernandes1433]

Amazing Talent !!!!

[@rafaelalbarracin9278]

Una obra maestra digna de un gran Maestro👍

[@boydsargeant7496]

Richard, super job. What was the polishing stone for the screw head? What grade is it? Do you sometimes start with sandpaper?

[@nickhelm2420]

Hi Richard just wondering how old this particular watch was when received it originally. Also I think your content is just so absorbing, thank you for sharing your "world " with us

[@brandonspencer309]

Admittedly I haven’t finished watching the full video yet, but I’m hoping to hear more on why this is a warranty job? Did you not clean the parts enough the first time, or what happened that this all needs to be done again only 1 year later?

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Brandon... I took a calculated risk that in cleaning up the parts first time this would be enough to return the watch to acceptable time keeping and operation. I was nearly correct but it transpired that my call was wrong and the watch needs new parts. My client paid and so the risk is with me for it was my call, hence it being done under warranty. Good question sir, hope this explains. Richard

[@DutchClawz]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker are the new parts also under warrenty? Or does the customer pay for tue parts and your warrenty is cleaning the movement again and installing the parts?

[@minicooper2572]

Fantastic how you save a classic Rolex , what was the most awkward watch have you serviced or repaired.?

[@joejo6273]

But I expect you made sure that you were very highly paid by the client when you repaired it first time around Mr Perrett .........Watchmaker !

[@ManSkirtBrew]

Any chance you could do a video on setting the balance end shake on this movement? Whoever serviced this before I got it completely tightened down the setting screw, and the end shake is so high that the balance staff pivots aren't even in the jewel holes.

[@lkazanov]

Question for you, what is the magnification for the view for the sliding pinons? Is this 10 X 20 X?

[@kristof9497]

Thanks.

[@FiveStringCommando]

Should’ve told him it wouldn’t have needed warranty if he’d liked/subscribed to your channel because then little elves would be servicing his watch at night. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

[@FiveStringCommando]

Also, a rubber mat would provide grip to the bottom of the holder

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Good tip! Thank you. Richard

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Haha! Good point. I should have tasked the little elves! Richard

[@danielpintos1443]

Excelente! Una pena que ya no estén los subtítulos en español, saludos!

[@andrasdejcsics6370]

Wasnt that hairspring not distorted? What does show the watch at the timegrapher after the service?

[@mikebruegger8654]

Nice skills...... Extremely heavy lubrication!

[@LTC_Tiger]

You had forgotten to install the wheel on top of the barrel before installing the barrel bridge.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Precisely correct LTC_Tiger... I forgot to replace the ratchet wheel before reinstalling the barrel bridge. Well spotted! Richard

[@Specter1065]

Incredible amount of debris, hope you cleaned it…

[@jessphuqette1716]

Do the replacement parts come from the manufacturer or can you get them from aftermarket sources? Thank you

[@TheGeezzer]

Hello Major excellent work as per usual, you've the skill of a surgeon! However, it would be nice to see you watchmaking wizards repair-restore-renovate some of the more common brands such as Seiko and Citizen. I have several but it's always Rolex, Rolex, Rolex, is this because Citizen would not be worth your time and effort? Don't get me wrong its nice to see an excellent swiss movement such as a Rolex, Breguet, Vacheron-Constantin, Breitling, Omega etc but the Seiko 7S26 or 4R36B is a far more common adornment on people's wrists!

[@mwint1982]

Did you check the main spring?

[@khalilSTOP]

Hey I just found that this is a thing ? And I absolutly love it ? Where can i learn to do this ? Is there like schools where you learn the basics ? Following you from France ^^

[@res00xua]

We will help you get a little something for this my friend!

[@p.istaker8862]

I do enjoy watching you work. However, I don't think you will like the Jackdaws quite so much if you have an open fire and they deposit around a cubic metre of twigs and crap down the chimney, when building a nest inside it.

[@ross4693]

You're both knowledgeable and entertaining. I follow you and four or five other watch makers. Do you follow anyone?

[@fulvioplatania3091]

one question: I saw from the most part of watchmakers do not put any kind of lubricant onto the palett fork pivot, but you did…why in this case? Great job as usual…

[@Supercruze]

Richard, with the isopropyl alcohol rinse, assume that is the last rinse. Do you have to be careful with this solution and the pallet fork shellac? Are you using 70% isopropyl?

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Supercruze, yes the alcohol is step 3 out of 3. www.richardperrett.com/watch-repair/my-watch-parts-cleaning-regime/ I find no issues with shellac in this regime. I use no heat in tbe cleaning and limit the heat applied to the pallet fork in the post cleaning drying. Hope this is helpful. Richard

[@samuelyarborough1227]

How much do you charge to repair wash like that

[@michaeloakes3667]

Interested to know, why do you re-install the balance wheel into the watch prior to the ultrasonic cleaner? Would it make a difference when cleaning?

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Michael ... It's very delicate and by putting back in the balance evething gets cleaned with minimum risk of damaging the balance components in the process. Hope this is helpful. Richard

[@richardadelberg8961]

The rust on mainplate wasn’t cleaned first go round?

[@res00xua]

How about a video on screw driver maintenance and choice!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Now I certainly need to make this video Stephen! I could serve it up with some other stuff that I need to sort out... For a second I had no idea what had happened when that blade dropped out! Thanks for the feedback! Richard

[@chewdoobautomotivedetailtm2883]

Corrosion rust paste and a wood chop stick. Is great for rust 🔥♥️

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Thanl you for the tip sir! I will check it out. Richard

[@bobelaviador]

Hello Richard: Humbly I really admire you expertise un horology.. Please explain this: I own an Invicta 29179 with an NH35A movement. When I go to sleep, I leave it on the table with the dial up and it slows while I sleep 6 to 8 seconds. Then during the day while I wear it, the watch speeds up the lost seconds. So ¿How to tell the real accuracy of the watch?, Becausee in a day lengh there is no error, apparenly

[@John..18]

They say there's only 2 certainties in life,,, death and taxes,,, 😂,, there's a third one imho, and that is, I could never ever, do this strip down and reassembly,, ha ha ha.. ps, always great to see the deep fat fryer in action... Your lovely videos are great for lowering my blood pressure,, so calming,, all the best my friend... John 😀🦅

[@bobhunt4402]

What does this watch measure across the face?

[@carlrees5574]

Nice job but you would be sent to the back of the class at watch school if you oiled the pallet fork pivots even with low torque oils….😂

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

Geez I always surprise to see an expensive watch have a tough life like that !! Happily you work on this rusty one and give a new accuracy life !! As always a very nice video with very good comments and explanations !! Thanks for sharing !! ✨👌

[@Watcheyes]

Are you sure the client is handling the watch correctly? Is the watch air sealed?

[@jackdaniels5679]

Уважаемый Мастер на 8 минут 07 секунде один деталь вылетел из ячейки!!!!!! Вы это заметили??? Нашли эту детал????

[@apb3251]

You could blast the plate with dry ice to remove the corrosion

[@kthwkr]

Get some tic-tac. It's like rodico only cheaper. And hold your movement holder down with that.

[@mohammadyazdari1237]

R you repairing citizen automatic? If yes where I send?

[@philandeswilliams1975]

👍🏿Most Excellent!👍🏿

[@boydsargeant7496]

Nice job Richard. I guess you didn’t pay for the new parts you fitted?

[@nalakprince6376]

I have a silicone watchmakers mat to stop things sliding around.

[@itchyfeet41]

Out of interest do you have a problem getting service and other replacement parts for Rolex? I understand they only supply them to their own service centres or are aftermarket parts available for older models?

[@mr.personal-ity]

The only avenue he has in getting replacements is via aftermarket sellers or oem components, however that is expensive and difficult. With respect to getting an actual Rolex parts account, he would be unable as the volume he works with is too small and he would need to purchase and additional 50-100k usd in tooling, perhaps more.

[@Justthemow]

I don’t seem to understand, I understand you give a warranty on your work but why would that warranty extend to parts that were previously damaged and needed replaced

[@mikebruegger8654]

Never lubricate pallet fork!

[@CrimFerret]

Given the original condition of the watch, I'd have refused to offer any warranty. I sure wouldn't be eating the cost of the parts now at the very least.

[@jprichard]

Lovely job restoring the movement. But that dial is hideous, both in condition an original appearance.