This Hamilton Railway Pocket Watch Gets an Incredible Repair!

[@zerolatitude2923]

And, I just finished a 992B service with your step by step. Pretty dam proud of myself at the moment. :-) Much appreciated. Happy 2024 to all.

[@zerolatitude2923]

Thank you for the addition of notes on the screen with oils, parts and such. Really helps!

[@rickkearn7100]

This format, where you now narrate, CS, allows the viewer to "watch the action" instead of reading script and enhances the viewer experience, IMHO. Another great experience here, watching this fine work being performed by you! Cheers.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Rick! I’m glad you enjoy the new format. - Chris

[@macmac8249]

Narration is good but for goodness sakes KILL the crappy piano recital. Is your workshop in an elevator stuck between floors? The video however is terrific.

[@tonypalermo156]

You are a true professional and this video is EXCELLENTY taken, to show a full service of a railroad pocket watch done the right way! Thank you for sharing this informative video. I watch it 3 times.

[@vickiefowler1429]

Today I learned -- that if I watch a few thousand more of these videos, I might know how to take one apart and put it back together! I've always loved Waltham watches, but I think I'm gaining an appreciation for Hamilton timepieces as well!

[@TJ-wp4yz]

This is the exact model I am trying to find. I will send it to you when I find one. Thank you for the commentary regarding sizes and double vs single roller. I'm sure I am not the only one new to this hobby that watches your excellent videos.

[@geneard639]

I have a 992B, its a year older than I am. My dad had a few, he worked for GM&O and Illinois Central Gulf on the business side of things. When my dad said "Be home by 9am" you could bet he would be standing on the stoop with that watch out... and yeah you could not argue about what time it was.

[@dalegamble1173]

Another fantastic video. It's amazing how many people have never heard of the Ball watch company.

[@LouisPhung999]

I owned 3 of those models. One of them was made specially for the US Army during WW2. They are the best pocket watches to own. Highly recommend the 992b as a starter for first time watch collectors.

[@genghiskhan7041]

Wow, that's a pretty one. It looks like it's been well taken care of, except for not ticking.

[@ronmccarty7537]

I was so impressed by your video and explanations throughout that I just had to subscribe

[@joedoc3185]

Vielen Dank für die Mühe die Sie sich machen, den Interessierten Menschen zu zeigen, wie schön diese Taschenuhren wieder laufen können. Thank you for the effort you make to show the interested people how beautiful these pocket watches can run again.

[@ruud9767]

It's a fantastic watch. It's really nice that it works again, and with such precision too. Thanks for giving us a long look of the inside this beautiful work of art.

[@csspinner]

Thanks for the comments. More to come! New video out Friday. - Chris

[@robertcapek2425]

992B is a pinnacle of pocket watch era. And the look at the timegrapher is a sight for sore eyes by itself 🙂

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you for this very beautiful video! Looks like a brand new watch to me - incredibly beautiful and precise for its age.

[@csspinner]

Thank you for watching, and for leaving this comment!

[@keithschwartz7318]

Another great video. Besides the content, I enjoy the background music. A pleasant voice also adds to the relaxing nature of the

[@repairwatch-wx9bg]

کارتون واقعا عالیه خیلی خوشم آمد رقاصک رو واقعا خیلی حرفه ای درست کردید👏👏👏

[@williamsmith7914]

nice job with the balance staff repair!!

[@jakelevi739]

Amazing job not only in making a great watch come back to life; but, also in teaching and entertaining others in a meditative way. Thank you for sharing your artistry.

[@lourencolino2129]

Olá eu amo relógio mecânica mas no meu país e difícil porque os relojoeiros abandonaram os relógio mecânica os relógios antigos estão todos em mal Estado de conservação até o ômega do meu finado meus irmãos perderam mas parabéns por esse cuidado de restaurar relógio vintage .

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

Nice restoration. Impressive change of the balance staff. Thanks for the terrific video.

[@csspinner]

Thank you!!

[@samnova450]

Enjoyed the show, looking forward to to getting some cheap pocket watches myself. Feel most of the money spent on the special tools to service watches.

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

What a beautiful movement. Thanks for taking us inside of it.

[@jatco84]

Wow..what a gorgeous watch..and a superb restoration of that piece. Love the dial and its 'minute' indices and that accuracy for such an old watch is fabulous. Thanks for that journey..Kudos!

[@michaelpthompson]

Love these old railroad watches! And I echo the kudos on the narration. Never liked the ASMR so popular these days. Your approach is helpful and informative.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Michael! More to come. - Chris

[@girdl3]

Excellent video, was able to complete a service, apart from the main spring.. there i chickened out, but the rest is neat.

[@WatchWithMike]

Nicely done! I love the close-ups. The balance wheel on the poising tool was so precise it looked like slow motion. 😮

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Mike!!

[@송기익-x4d]

​.

[@armandofrancin3518]

Sr. Spinner una reparación de maestro, un reloj precioso. Y un vídeo espectacular felicidades, estoy aprendiendo mucho con usted, muchas gracias por compartir su sabiduría. Un saludo desde España.

[@herherje]

Looking at your work one could think that´s pretty easy to change a balance pivot... ¡¡Wonderful repair and wonderful images!!. Thank you...

[@csspinner]

Thanks. I appreciate you leaving the comment! - Chris

[@amme30]

Beautiful watch, stunning restoration with very calming videography.

[@csspinner]

Thank you!

[@quartzauto]

Awesome work! Very beautiful movement indeed.

[@MyRetroWatches]

The way you handle balance staffs is masterful! I really have to try to do this job on some of my watches. Yes mainspring winders… I moan about them constantly online and on my channel. I’ve scrapped more springs with them than I ever have hand winding . Superb video, great pace and angles.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Michael!! - Chris

[@chuckbowie5833]

Beautiful work as always

[@larrykelly2838]

Just now watched this video, really enjoyed it.

[@skybpak4242]

Gorgeous! And that timegraph....wow. My grandfather was a collector of pocket watches. His collection hangs in a breakfront cabinet in the old house. I"ve always enjoyed looking at the watches, but have never dreamed of them running. You are inspiring me to look into what it would take to have them brought to life.

[@emj1123]

My friend, thanks for your artworks and thanks for keeping the history alive.

[@sylversyrfer6894]

You did an amazing job!! Really appreciate too your comments and observations (e.g. why beginners are better off starting with size 16 movements vs 18s).

[@csspinner]

Awesome! Glad you found it helpful.

[@PMELKUS]

I must agree with you about the mainspring winder but when you get into small watches with very small barrels say less than 12mm it's a pain in the you know what to try to wind a mainspring by hand and if got fat fingers like mine it's really bad.

[@csspinner]

Oh yea, I restored a couple ladies watches and they were a bear to get back in the barrels by hand. The winders are worth the hassle for those.

[@gregallen4893]

I wish company's took more pride in there craftsmanship as watch companies did in the past.

[@kthwkr]

Brian Eno - Music For Airports would make a nice background.

[@winstonlanda7731]

Awww shit, pocket watch restoration. This is my favorite channel for pocket watches. Thanks for giving new life to these historical relics! 🧐

[@csspinner]

I really appreciate that, Winston!! Thanks for watching - Chris

[@winstonlanda7731]

@@csspinner Much love all the way from Los Angeles brotha!

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

Geez love this beautiful movement, impressive quality !! And the timegrapher reading after service is perfect, thank you for sharing this one, I really appreciate it ! ✨👌

[@csspinner]

Glad you liked it, Alain! Thanks again for visiting- Chris

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad to see you here too Alain

[@JDRichard]

Great job my friend. I think I learn few tricks on video processing. I need to have shorter scenes not have a continuous run. Hello my videos is always been kind of a chat while I was doing the work as opposed to a professional presentation of how to do this. You seem to get more hits on your videos if you do professional presentation.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, JD. It takes longer to produce, but I'm always experimenting with the pacing. The Ball is the longest video so far, and the one that will come after it will be nearly 30 minutes. I don't edit away the mistakes though! I keep any time I miss a step or forgot a part and own up to it when it happens. It's all part of the fun of learning and the bloopers add to the entertainment I think.

[@JDRichard]

@@csspinner My longest video is 2 1/2 hours which captures the whole process I went through to repair a watch. I should perhaps spend more time processing the video to make them look a bit more professional, but in the past really didn’t have the time.

[@Bristol1]

Nice work! That's a gorgeous movement and pocketwatch.

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Bristol! Your comment means a lot to me.

[@barefoofDr]

I have a Hamilton 992 that keeps perfect time, love it. What causes the balance stem to break? As with this watch. Thanks for the video.

[@csspinner]

The pivots are extremely small and delicate. Simply dropping the watch onto the floor can cause them to break. Also, carelessly pressing on the edge of the wheel with a fingertip can do the same.

[@rowejon]

Great.

[@ronmccarty7537]

Excellent explanations! Very enjoyable!

[@michael4382]

Excellent knowledge and skill. I guess I won't be able to do that with my Swiss Army knife...

[@JDRichard]

Great video Chris. We should still consider doing a blog

[@art1muz13]

I AM SUBSCRIBED TO OVER 300 CHANNELS. I USUALLY BREEZE THROUGH THEM. BECAUSE YOU MAKE THIS LOOK SO EZ, I USUALLY WATCH ALL THE WAY THROUGH. IF BY CHANCE ONE DAY YOU HAVE AN ''ITCH'' TO PASS AN OLDIE WATCH ALONG, SEND ME IT MY WAY. AS MOM SAID, ''I'LL NEVER KNOW UNLESS I ASK''. GREAT CONTENT SIR.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Artemus!!!! I really appreciate it. - Chris

[@marcduncan4727]

My smart TV found ur channel. This was followed by the Fume restoration. Grabbed my phone to subscribe and like. Marshal's channel got me started 18 mo ago to collect mech watches and start a tool kit. Have 2 Elgin , 18s & 16s. Found a good watch maker to service my 3 mystery dial wristwatches. My mom sent over a drawer full of unused watches. My skill level at uncasing quartz and cleaning contacts to bring-2-life.

[@peterbroderson6080]

I bought a non working one for my collection and consider the movements as "art"!

[@ROK3085]

Could you also make a video for the Hamilton 990? I believe the fish scale damaskeening patterns applied to Hamilton's early railroad watches are the finest among all high-end watches of that era. Personally, I prefer my Hamilton 990 over the 16-size Waltham Maximus!

[@georgejamison3782]

Gorgeous watch! You do meticulous work sir!

[@csspinner]

Thanks, George! I appreciate that. - Chris

[@ManSkirtBrew]

320 degrees of amplitude! I guess that's what you get with that super beefy mainspring. Also the finish on the train of wheels is really gorgeous.

[@stevev7402]

Great video. I have one Hamilton RR watch but I don’t have the patience or steady hands for that kind of intricate work

[@hendlers7071]

What a great service - Thanks a lot !

[@DirkWilhelmi]

Great work !

[@ericashmusic8889]

Yes indeed, very quiet background music & very little dialogue, it is ideal for mental absorption,- Grreat stuff !!. Thank you once again for another great video. Regards.

[@brianc0019]

Beautiful

[@johnhansen4550]

lovely!

[@kimwilliford6303]

❤ just a beautiful watch. ❤

[@jimmooter]

I love to watch this kind of work, no pun intended. I'm a little too old and little patience to try this myself, but it's a beautiful art. Thank you for the entertainment

[@csspinner]

Thanks, James . I really appreciate that! More to come. - Chris

[@tetraultdavid1911]

I loved your video! Perhaps the most informative watch repair video I’ve seen 😊.

[@frankthomas855]

Good stuff, very enjoyable and informative!

[@MichaelB-qx1eh]

Hi Chris, do you have a preferred solution for taming the amplitude on these? The movements are so well built that they always seem to be totally out of control knocking/rebanking when cleaned and assembled with modern lubricants. Getting weaker mainsprings isn't really feasible so I wondered if you ever resort to skipping the 941 or using heavier oil on the balance or escape. I just assembled one that has ludicrous amplitude after conventional oiling.

[@csspinner]

I’ve had good success with shaving off amplitude by applying some oil to the pallet pivots, skipping the 941 like you said, etc. HP-1300 can be used in the train wheel pivots as a last resort

[@MichaelB-qx1eh]

@@csspinner Thank you!

[@globuchesregalos5428]

I have a similar one but with the cracked dial, I don't know if it is a factory finish or a problem with the paint, I have seen several of the same ones. I hope you can help me. Thank you so much

[@colinvoss8484]

RR watches are always lever set never stem set .

[@philipblick8887]

Wonderful video thank you for sharing your expertise congratulations from Aotearoa New Zealand 👏

[@chadpyett6441]

Nice watch great job

[@danielodonnell8998]

awesome one

[@tom56486]

Hi If it's not too much trouble could you tell me what kind of camera and lens you use to film all the shots thanks

[@csspinner]

@@tom56486 lumix g85 with an Olympus ED 60mm F2.8 lens

[@stevenspinner2940]

Excellent educational video. Great job 👍

[@csspinner]

Thank you

[@troykelly9353]

Interested in doing a 1911-1912 Hamilton 992 S/N 882899? It is in a rolled gold Star Case with an interesting pattern. The movement works, but very low amplitude and stops after a while. Probably just needs a cleaning. It has a mark etched from someone being in it "R4-22-466" which I'm hoping means someone serviced it in 1922 or so.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Nice work. Both the vid and the resto. Yep, mainspring winders can be a study in patience for sure.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Mike

[@hampdentime]

Nice job and a good video to watch. I would only suggest that you use a piece of peg wood to hold back the click. If you happen to slip it will not leave a mark on the plate. Don't ask how I learned!. I also test the balance prior to hairspring install. Actually I put the balance in place without the roller table or jewel. A light touch with a very fine brush and watch the wheel. Just a quick test for how the staff is running in the jewels. FYI Thanks again.

[@csspinner]

Thanks so much for the comments. Solid tip on the peg wood. I also recently got a pair of brass tweezers for that reason. Good tips on incrementally testing the balance. It helps rule out any possible root causes later on

[@hampdentime]

@@csspinner If you want to have some fun. Once the bridges and wheels are installed and after the BW checks out then put it back together with out the hair spring. If the train is free you will see what my friend said was "half time". He has now passed but he was an excellent watch guy and a Dueber Hampden expert. I sure learned a lot from him. The BW will rotate and release from the fork then come back around and kick again. No hair spring. That might be a cool video for others to see. What it tells you is that the train is free and it is a kick to watch. Regards

[@csspinner]

@@hampdentime hah indeed I have seen that and it’s quite entertaining to watch. It also is a good test of the shellacing job on that impulse jewel!

[@bigboy9706]

Very beautiful watch

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Michael! - Chris

[@papshumidor]

I have a railway special, circa 1944, In need of repair, it was unfortunately thrown against a wall by an angry jealous sibling, as I inherited the watch and he didn't. My question? Would you be interested in repairing it and putting it on your KZbin channel, I need to have it repaired as its sentimental.

[@e.scottdaugherty8291]

Beautiful job.

[@csspinner]

Thank you, sir!

[@Sandman783]

I’m a beginner in repairing old pocket watches and was wondering how do you align the hair spring with the pins of the regulator?

[@csspinner]

For hairspring studs that are “keyed” the hairspring should self align into the regulator. You shouldn’t need to manually align it or something is misshaped with the terminal curve. Some studs are round, which makes it interesting. You need to twist the stud in the hole till the curve lines up in the regulator pins

[@Sandman783]

Thank you for the helpful information!

[@Michael.Chapman]

What is your opinion on what I’ve heard re the Hamilton 992B: apparently, to be original, if the blued screw near the click is flat, other screws should be domed-and vice-versa? I own a ca.1951 nickel cased 992B and a rolled gold example from ca.1960. What do people think of the earlier 992B with enamelled porcelain dial versus the melamine dial watches from the later periods?

[@cplmark29]

I found a hamilton and a elgin pocket watch in my late uncles garbage when he was moving. I asked him why are you throwing these away? cause they are broking he said. I still have them and someday will get them fixed

[@andoletube]

Your videos are amazingly clear in terms of explanations, camera work and onscreen labels. One of the best around. You deserve many more subscribers. I just subbed your channel and will recommend it to others. Great job!

[@csspinner]

Thank you! I really appreciate that. - Chris

[@frankwurth5375]

I enjoy watching your videos. I will be watching to see what your auction fares. I used to collect some pocket watches, but they have gotten too pricey to repair as I cannot begin to do that myself. ( unsteady hands and less than stellar vision) The local jewlers only send them off to some outside source. Do you repair for others? If so, details. I have a few Illinois Watches that need a bit of attention. One, Bunn special 21 jewel, runs but , seems the hand gears sometime get out of mesh if I carry it around. Was promised to be fresh serviced when I bought it some years back but never was right. At first I thought the hands were not fully seated as they would sometimes strike each other, reset them and it's a bit better but not right so I just leave it in the box mostly. The other is a 17 jewel ( Steward special ) The crystal is missing and I think there is a roller jewel missing? As the escapement wont actuate. I see your G mail contact on the home page.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Frank. I do occasionally take on customer jobs. Let’s get in touch over email.

[@gorgenetzel5319]

Genius sir!!!

[@scottthorning3963]

The craftsmanship is incredible, I just had an Elgin 1897 watch serviced, its not near as nice as that one...

[@csspinner]

Hamiltons we’re built to last

[@patriot_III_tinman]

Don't you wish you could go back in time to visit the factory floor? I wonder if there are any photographs

[@globuchesregalos5428]

Hello how are you? I know this will be a very silly question for you, but how do you wind most American pocket watches? I've just seen videos that wind them back and forward, and others only in one direction. I hope you can help me

[@csspinner]

Pocket watches are wound in one direction- by turning the crown clockwise. The hands can be set by turning the crown in either direction once it’s in setting mode

[@manecobeirao]

Good ! very good ! ( Brazil )

[@csspinner]

Thank you! More to come. New video out Friday. - Chris

[@geoffbeers8380]

Where are you setting all the parts? Keeping track of them?

[@csspinner]

They’re laid out in order of disassembly with their respective screws on a compartmentalized solder mat. Photographed in place, then cleaned and returned to positions (based on photos). If reassembly is typically in reverse order, makes it easy to keep track of

[@geoffbeers8380]

@@csspinner Love that you do this. I live in Lancaster, so I really love the work you do on the Hamiltons.

[@caseback1]

I was wondering why you oiled the pallet fork pivot endstones. Usually these pivots are kept " dry"?

[@csspinner]

Great question and in most cases I do leave them dry on pocket watches (and always dry on wrist watches). However, the fact that this one had end stones seemed like an invitation to do so

[@dougthatcher3521]

Love your work, love your commentary, but really dislike the bedtime music!

[@csspinner]

I was going for a relaxing vibe. Would you prefer no music at all? Honestly it’s the hardest part of the process

[@sheheryarfakhar1550]

Amazing

[@csspinner]

Thank you!

[@bjrn5492]

Beautiful movment 😎🇧🇻💯💯

[@csspinner]

Thank you!

[@BruceWSims]

Please provide some info on the interesting tweezers you are using. I assume they are anti-magnetic and stainless styell, yes? Thoughts?

[@csspinner]

Hi Bruce, yes they’re stainless steel and non-magnetic. I have had this set from Amazon since I started the hobby. I really should upgrade to some nice Dumonts, but these happen to serve me just fine. www.amazon.com/Vastar-Tweezers-Precision-Anti-static-Non-magnetic/dp/B07K126S4K

[@adudeontheinternet8658]

I'm disassembling my own 992b. The watch does not wind. I have the hair spring assembly off and it looks find. I cannot unwind the wheel train, it is frozen. Any suggestions on how to proceed so I don't have a sudden release?

[@csspinner]

If you twisted the stem a bit , do you see movement of the ratchet wheel and click?

[@adudeontheinternet8658]

@@csspinner thanks. I figured it out after watching your video again. The watch is fully disassembled now.

[@curingabettoni4310]

Além de um bom relojoeiro é um arquiteto . graciez( brézil).

[@AmericanPocketWatch]

@csspinner Well, you did it this time.. I really enjoyed this one. Your whole filming technique and repair has come along very nicely. Love the 992b and have several of these along with some 992E. If I may add, the dial is known as a melamine dial and sadly, although thought to be superior to the enamel dials of the day, over time, the thermoplastic shrinks and expands continually until the surface develops fractures marring the dial. Hence the cracks. Still, your dial looks better than some others I have seen. All in all, a great video. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks for sharing. APW

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Glenn! I really appreciate the comment. I did not know much about these types of dials compared to enameled dials, so thanks for that explanation. Take care. - Chris

[@AmericanPocketWatch]

@@csspinner HI Chris. I have not forgotten what we wrote about. I am looking for something here that might make for a fun yet challenging deal. I hope you know what I mean. As for the video, loved it. 20 minutes to relax and watch one of the few things that really makes me relax..

[@stephenmayock3776]

Why didn’t you disassemble the crown wheel?

[@csspinner]

Good evening, Stephen. If I recall, the screw was on really tight and I did not want to risk shearing it off. I did verify with others the correct direction of the threading.

[@akitsu1923]

nice vid.

[@csspinner]

Thank you so much for the super thanks!! I really appreciate that. - Chris