Electroplating Rescues a 1950s Gruen Watch - This Was One Tough Vintage Restoration!

[@Saving-Time]

So @ 47.55 I oil the top of a cap jewel. Those of you that know can go ahead and laugh now 😓 Those of you who don't, well, don't do this. You'll end up looking like a right muppet in front of a lot of people on the internet. Ask me how I know.😅Feel free to laugh, as I did when I spotted it.

[@hockeyrd99]

I laughed.. sorry.

[@juancarlospachecodiaz]

👍

[@uhtwemg4980]

O

[@baca6445]

Witam wszystkich serdecznie życzę miłego dnia Tobie oraz wszystkim którzy kochają zegarki Stary Baca Dzięki za to że Jesteś zdrowia życzę I pięknych chwil dla których warto żyć Dobrego dnia życzy Stary Baca

[@billmason2785]

We watch lovers...wear a tiny engine on our wrist

[@mikedandurand3548]

The strap making was fascinating and something not seen on any other watch repair channel that I'm aware of. I just subscribed.

[@Saving-Time]

Appreciate that thanks for the sub!

[@RockandrollNegro]

The Gruen Precision was indeed Connery's personal watch. It was his "lucky" watch that he purchased with his first substantial payday, and first starring role, for _Darby O'Gill and the Little People_ in 1959. The watch was the "nicest one he could afford," and cost him 40 quid on Bond Street. While passing the newsstand, he saw an interesting looking paperback on the rack, and bought it to read in his hotel. It was Ian Fleming's "Dr. No," which ended up being his breakout role two years later. The Bond Street Gruen is now owned by his son, Jason Connery.

[@Saving-Time]

That's very interesting I wish i'd know that for the video lol Cheers that's a fantastic bit of info much appreciated!

[@cerij4242]

It must have been a huge coincidence that the future Bond bought his Gruen from Bond Street, and a wrist shot or two in Bond movies.

[@stevezodiac575]

Fascinating bonus information - I also had to check out a trailer for the 'Darby O'Gill and the Little People' film! Thank you Sir!

[@smithwesson7765]

That's a great story. And people don't believe in coincidence...

[@RichardFarmer-ol9qj]

I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to watch the next story of the watch and interested in the story of watch manufacturers does and don't,s about the wright things to do if you sort it out by your self

[@RyeOnHam]

Would absolutely LOVE to see more strap making.

[@Saving-Time]

I'll add some to the next video. Nice channel you have. I've always been fascinated by gunsmithing. Great stuff

[@endy_fx]

I wasn't expecting the strap making, but wow. It turned out beautifully. With this, the plating and the hairspring adjustment this was a project and a half. Great stuff all round. Very much a yes on more strap making, because if this was the result with tinfoil tools, I think everyone would appreciate seeing you working with your own kit

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you, filming the process makes it a lot harder as well lol this is my excuse for being a bit crap at getting my post done in a timely manner :D

[@donnyboon2896]

I have decided that this is the best watchmaking channel. (Especially since the "Watch Repair Channel" makes so few videos. He's busy as a professional watchmaker.) May you do this happily for many years!

[@Saving-Time]

Mark is a far better watchmaker than me, so I'm glad you are enjoying my stuff. I'll be around for some time, I hope.

[@mushtak1963]

Yes please, for the strap making

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for letting me know, glad you liked it.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

@@Saving-Timedefinitely keep the strap making

[@donnyboon2896]

​@@Saving-Time- Never observed a strap being made. Agreed. Show more strap making.

[@caseyschilling7337]

My husband found your channel while searching for watch repair videos. We really enjoy your videos! You have the best sense of humor!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. All the best - David

[@morgan97475]

Wow! Glad to see someone who has the patience to do such work.

[@Saving-Time]

Well, I do have to stop every now and again; it can get frustrating. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@fvazquez64]

Love gruen watches. When I finsihed secondary school my grand father gave me one, that was 1976, and I'm still wearing it today... Thanks for the video and the memories...

[@Saving-Time]

You are most welcome. That's what I love about watches. I have my grandfather's Longines. If I could only keep one watch, it would be that one!

[@aaron2709]

Loved seeing the strap.

[@gparizek156]

The watch looks great and so does the band.😊

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks :)

[@rogers531]

Hi John Green watch famous for the veri thin pocket watch. Nice job. All Bonded together

[@Saving-Time]

Hi John, nice to see you around :) Hope you're keeping well!

[@jcreek9055]

Loved the strap! Great. Another hobby.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you and at least leather work is relatively cheap lol

[@michaeljekot9596]

Really liked the band making. Very cool.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks so much!

[@syfre9506]

interesting, first time I see a tuto on how to make a watch strap, I was wondering about trying. Thanks

[@Saving-Time]

You're welcome. Good luck, and I'm glad you found it of interest. :)

[@TheSilentsniper1973]

so nice to see how you clean all the parts and then realize that they are really miniscule parts. wonderful to watch and hear what you are doing.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you. The scale of the parts can be very intimidating when you first start out. I'm glad you liked it.

[@mullrump2]

Excellent!! More straps please.

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! Thank you for the kind words

[@lionelbonini6593]

Just wonderful!!!

[@Saving-Time]

Many thanks!

[@anjkovo2138]

Lovely & very interesting presentation. I enjoyed that👍👍

[@Saving-Time]

Many thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@caseykernaghan7833]

Simple elegant I quite enjoyed the video. 👏

[@michaelpaulos420]

Wow!!! it's a beauty NOW! You gave us everything. Including the plating and macking a luxury strap! Thank you..❤‍🩹

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you like it! And thank you for the kind words!

[@michaelmoore9176]

Great presentation and British humor. Michael Moore

[@Saving-Time]

Cheers glad you liked it

[@QMac-i6h]

Loved the band making content awsom 👍🏻Hope we see more, great watch result too, lovely

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for your kind comment. If you're interested in strap making, I started another channel recently that shows the process more in-depth which you might like: www.youtube.com/@Wasting-Time-oc7jl

[@eddiejr540]

David…well done…I really enjoy your videos…keep up the great work 👍

[@tomtom9879]

Incredible hobby!! 😊

[@Saving-Time]

It really is! Thank you

[@ashitanojoe69]

Great job and tutorial!! Congrats

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks so much!

[@amphibiousone7972]

Incredible restoration, that took much love. Impressive as always 🫡🤝

[@dantyler6907]

Best watch cleaning channel of all! Great microscope imaging...

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you so much 👍

[@m.searay4629]

Glad I found this. Nice watch and strap. 👍

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for watching! More strap making to come

[@zelphx]

As much as I was glued to the Gruen habilitation, I was over-the-moon with your watch strap! It looks very much like a baseball mitt (glove)… FANTASTIC.

[@Saving-Time]

The look I was going for was the old vintage look, so a baseball mitt fits perfectly for the look I was aiming for, so thank you. I'm glad you liked it.

[@danieljimenez5887]

Great to see a Gruen Precision on here as I am prepping to restore a Gruen Precision 25 Jewel Autowind! Microscope views are fantastic addition!

[@Saving-Time]

Good luck! Gruen autos are fantastic. Appreciate you letting me know about the microscope. I'm never sure if i'm including to much or not. Glad you liked it!

[@richardbell466]

Great watch. Gruens are so smart. Love the strap. You gotta do more. Most watchmakers cannot do straps. This is a positive point of difference. Well done 👍

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! More straps on the way. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@richardbell466]

you're welcome@@Saving-Time

[@andyoverall1951]

Never seen a strap made before, I enjoyed it, thanks. More please.

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! thanks for letting me know.

[@49txhunter]

A great video I very much enjoyed it as well as the strap making.

[@Saving-Time]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bobnelson6093]

Love the simplicity of this video. Really liked the strap-making as well.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you liked it!

[@frankbruno7122]

Such a wonderful job on this beauty. Thank you for sharing this with us. Frank in Colorado

[@Saving-Time]

Many thanks! You are most welcome. Hello from Prague!

[@OldBluzRulz]

Really enjoyed the strap-making segment! ... More please.

[@Saving-Time]

Will do!

[@FJuan50]

I thoroughly enjoyed the leather work with this. Please include more when you find it appropriate! Thank you for the video.

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! Thank you

[@deebee3901]

Magnificent. Enjoyed every minute of the video. Please do more watch straps. I'd love to have the same watch. Cheers from Australia!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words - Hello from Prague

[@davidsneddon2242]

Like the delivery and the strap making. My first ST video and won't be my last. Excellent.

[@Saving-Time]

Welcome aboard! Thank you

[@kevinkirkbride9062]

As a Gruen fan, I love the finished product! What a fantastic job. I would definitely like to see more instructional videos for the strap making and the plating! I have also been researching dial making/refinishing and am looking forward to trying that as well.

[@Saving-Time]

I made a dial from scratch in this video, if you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipKQloGanbN2pM0 I appreciate the kind words

[@dragchute1]

I have to admit that the discovery of your channel was quite by accident. Regardless, I was memorized. Wonderful production value with well timed and interesting voice overs. I haven't worn a watch in 30 years but I would make an exception for your Gruen. Merci.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you; that's very nice of you to say.

[@oak_meadow9533]

Enjoyed your expose and your strap work, thanks so very much😊!

[@Saving-Time]

You are so welcome!

[@ziodro]

Awesome! The strap is absolutely gorgeous.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you!

[@ScottinWV-bg2ij]

I'm bookmarking this one for the strap making section. Please include more!

[@Saving-Time]

Will do!

[@johnalbers4632]

Love your program, especially with the cometary. I also love the part, when you make the watch bands! Thanks

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know

[@user-vu4de9ox6c]

Parabéns pelo seu talento ❤ muito bom

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you!

[@FrenchieFrench1555]

Excellent video, thank you. I really enjoyed watching the strap making, beautiful work.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! More on the way

[@pemhoman1754]

Really like the strap making part of this video! More, yes please! 👍

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! Snake skin up next

[@chriswilson3126]

Thanks for the detailed section of making the strap as well. Really interesting.

[@Saving-Time]

No problem glad you found it interesting. Thanks for letting me know.

[@matthewmctaff2022]

Just finish the video, strap making, what a bonus. Very nice job.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know :)

[@smithwesson7765]

I have one of those in mint condition. Keeps perfect time and is nicely understated on the wrist.

[@Saving-Time]

They are really nice watches.

[@smithwesson7765]

@@Saving-Time I would rather buy a nice vintage watch than any modern stuff. Some of the "bling" wrist clocks are just too much.

[@rrcaniglia]

I am very impressed with your practical approach to this.

[@Saving-Time]

I appreciate that! Thanks for the kind words

[@spyder2383]

Funny that you explain the keyless portion. I watched a vid on a pocket watch and the guy sevicing the movement talked about the keyless mechanism while actually using the key, lol.

[@christopherm.2001]

I too watched New Yankee Workshop. Loved Norms creations, but hated his color choices. Couldn't stand the PAINTING he did with such fine wood craftsmanship. Believe it or not, YOUR the NYW of horology. Love the straps. Hand made GENUINE items! Your vids are AWESOME!!! Nicely done.

[@Saving-Time]

I own a biscuit joiner because of Norm, the least used tool in my workshop. I agree on the painting. Glad you enjoyed the straps ,the term handmade gets thrown around a bit to much these days. Thank you for the kind words.

[@campervandetectorman5695]

Great work love the strap enjoyed the complete process start to finish quality

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! Cheers! Very nice to hear

[@colincomposer]

Two thumbs up for this sir! Great job, well done!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you kindly!

[@MrFelix002]

Great work like the watch strap

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks 👍 Appreciate you letting me know

[@BenButler1]

Great strap for a great watch.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks! Glad you liked it

[@local56]

Brilliant, enjoyed every minute. The Gruen close enough is very funny, love the strap as well.

[@KRColson]

Another great job! I enjoyed watching it very much. Thank you.

[@tjdevans8542]

Please do more strap making!

[@Saving-Time]

Will do thanks for letting me know!

[@davidtebera4488]

A very good video and restoration. Adding the band creation makes it even better. Thanks for making your vidoes!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you like them! Nice of you to let me know

[@simonwood1461]

Great. Absolutely great. Loads of expertise and no BS.

[@Saving-Time]

I save the BS for when the beer comes out lol Glad you liked it. Thank you

[@dbl1db]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Thank you 🙂

[@Saving-Time]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I see you have some math content; good on you. People should know more math.

[@wozzawarren]

how amazing is this video! I enjoyed it and learned a lot! Thanks.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darenbyers4291]

I have lg box watches I don't wear, this video has given me new appreciation for the 3 early Gruen precision in that lot. Will look to see if 1 is the Bond watch.

[@lightasp]

Wow, very nice to see such good restoring work being done. What a nice team. Maybe I would have chosen some of the patina to be apparent? I loved the flipper machines too😊

[@victormelgoza5665]

The strap making process was interesting to see. I haven’t seen someone else make their strap from scratch. I subscribed just because of that alone. Great work! I hope to see more of the awesome work you do. :)

[@Saving-Time]

Hi Victor, thanks for the sub and glad to hear you're enjoying the strap making process. If you haven't already seen it you might like my other channel Wasting-Time that goes into strapmaking more in-depth. www.youtube.com/@Wasting-Time-oc7jl

[@michaelkeats1313]

A very enjoyable video. Loved the plating process and the strap making. More like this would be great. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! More on the way

[@RobertTKlaus]

Great repair, and I always enjoy watching leather work.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks 👍 Glad you liked it :)

[@sog6841]

You just got a new subscriber. I’ve seen plenty of restoration videos but no one has made a strap. Nice job.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for the sub! Glad you enjoyed it

[@robertgoidel4661]

Good job on this vintage GRUEN

[@Saving-Time]

Gruen mate it easy thanks for the kind words

[@waerokinghuang8603]

Super DIY strap and restoration , excellent enlarged and clear video

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much!

[@alexbalfour6041]

Absolutely beautiful strap

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you!

[@camperp195]

Wow,what an absolutely beautiful looking piece,the stripdown and rebuild was really fascinating!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much! I love this watch!

[@TheJiminiflix]

Such a classic look.

[@Saving-Time]

Classic sums this up nicely i think :)

[@TDIMAXDIESEL]

Superb restoration and the bracelet is beautiful ! 😊🇨🇦

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much!

[@Robin6512]

Beautiful watch. Simply beautiful.

[@Saving-Time]

It really is! Gruen where fantastic back in the day!

[@inglebybhoy3293]

That’s a great result. Beautiful. The strap is perfect for the Gruen. Thanks!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you like it!

[@paulwheble840]

Great video, particularly enjoyed the strap-making, something different. Looking forward to the next one!

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks! 👍 I'll be including more strap making for sure.

[@oilguygamer1744]

Very good and informative video. Thank you.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you

[@quieranpatricio]

Positively stunning job.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you!

[@sketchpalosotherchannel]

Aw man, I have had one of these sitting in my bench for half a decade. Now after seeing this video Imma have to go fix it lol.

[@aubreydrinkwater3236]

Very interesting, especially the strap making

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you liked it!

[@767fresh]

WOW! I'm extremely impressed with your video (first one for me) and all of the diverse operations that you covered. I loved the strap construction AND the electroplating. Please continue to send these "golden nuggets" along for our education. Thank you! 😄

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! New video just dropped on the channel do let me know what you think!

[@weezilfreak]

I picked up one almost completely like this one for $10. I bought it after watching this. Got it on Facebook marketplace. Previous owner had stretched the lugs and put on a wrong sized band. It does not say Swiss at the bottom. I am eventually going to get it restored. Does run and keeps time. Other difference is the hands are different.

[@chopin65]

Wow! You knocked it out of the park! Beautiful work. Yes. I enjoyed the leather work. Keep it up.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! Will do!

[@topgazza]

Just had to subscribe. Wonderfully articulate and described in an interesting and suitably detailed way. Excellent stuff And a truly beautiful watch

[@Saving-Time]

Welcome aboard! Thank you very much for the kind words.

[@davelowey3074]

For the barrel arbour, i use an easy lock sliding pin vice, works a treat.

[@Saving-Time]

I just ordered one! last week i was hoping it would work, so this comment makes me very happy thank you :)

[@stephenmalone1673]

Well done. I truly enjoyed the leather work.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much! I'll include more of it.

[@darrenfry4695]

I definitely would love to see you make more straps , . Thanks for sharing your awesome skill..cheers.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks, will do! looks like it will be ostrich skin up next!

[@darrenfry4695]

​@@Saving-Timeawesome. Can't wait.

[@lautrey6531]

Just wonderful. The leather work is so beautiful. By the way at 79 years old I remember when I was 15 or 14 years old watches with this style of face were the "in" thing, clean and very "modern"! Many thanks for the video.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you. This watch will always be a classic, in my opinion; it still looks fantastic 70 years later. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@tgoldfisher]

What a fun video to watch on my Saturday morning with a cup of coffee. You did a wonderful job with every aspect of the project and you are correct, the watch looks gorgeous!! Wear it in good health!!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you sir, very kind of you to say I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@ricardochaveste7367]

Greetings from St George Utah, Stunning piece Beutiful restoration my couple tea, I have several Gruen watches and I love them, I have enjoy them wearing them, especially the Gruen Curvex ,Beutiful history behind this underrated brand,in my humble opinion...until next time, also awesome leather band...looks incredible enjoy it....

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much! Gruen are very much underrated IMO love the Curvex hope to own one one day!

[@williamddamonjr7223]

beautiful work i have an old elgin pocket watch

[@Saving-Time]

Love the old elgins great timepieces. Thank you for the kind words.

[@fakenewsisthenews3542]

Great video and yes it was very interesting watching you build the watch, make the strap and cook dinner in the background all at the same time! Amazing. I can't do any of those things and you did all 3 at once!!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it, I can't leap tall building in a single bound yet but i'm trying lol Thanks for the kind words

[@roberthagedorn290]

Great work on a beautiful watch.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you kindly

[@francispalmer9737]

What an excellent job. The microscope really brings up the detail and the imperfections, scary. lol. Thank you Saving -Time.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for letting me know.