Unbelievable Transformation... Extreme Restoration of Citizen Divers Watch

I bought this Citizen Divers Watch on eBay for Euro 44 as a defective watch. The seller said only magic could bring it back to life. Challenge accepted!😊
The watch itself is equipped with a caliber Citizen 8200 movement. Some parts like bezel insert, crystal can be ordered.
The watch was extremely dirty and rusty. I had to clean all parts many times. Previous polishing had destroyed the edges of the bezel and case. I used a lapping machine to cut new edges.
This project took several months to finish. It was a true challenge, in particular restoring the heavily damaged and rusty case.
If you like the video, please let me know, then I will do similar ones in the future. Thank you!
Hope you enjoy the video 😊
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:05 Function test
01:23 Open case
01:38 Disassembling the movement
06:26 Removing bezel
08:38 Cleaning
09:11 Restoring the hands
13:45 Restoring the bezel
15:02 Lapping bezel and case
17:18 Polishing bezel and case
18:31 Reassembling the movement
26:42 Assembling the bezel
28:02 Press the crystal back
29:04 Press the bezel back
29:57 Cleaning the dial
30:36 Put hands back
32:30 New strap
33:02 Timegrapher test
33:19 Show off
The tools used are listed below. Kindly note that the links are affiliate links, that means that I will earn a small commission if you purchase an item through the link. This helps me make more videos like this one!
Tools:
Microscope (gifted by Linkmicroscope): amzn.to/3ClPjQV
Movement holder: amzn.to/3MDGndl
Rubber Ball: amzn.to/39PUmhH
Watch Case Cushion: amzn.to/3LFl7lT
Dial protecting sheets: amzn.to/3wyZZJV
Rodico Dry Cleaner: amzn.to/38AJTqc
Watch Spring Bar Tool: amzn.to/3LJMF9U
Dial protector: amzn.to/3DgXazX
Bergeon crystal remover: amzn.to/3NYZhys
Barrel closer: amzn.to/3O8m7Ut
Bench mat: amzn.to/3MFb2He
Case back opener: amzn.to/3NX908a
Case back opener RLX: amzn.to/3pvUif2
Bergeon cleaning stick: amzn.to/44qW4No
Watch Repair Tool: amzn.to/3sPo90y
Bergeon screwdriver: amzn.to/3K54GSj
Watch parts box: amzn.to/3CWusE3
Bracelet tool: amzn.to/3XBdwws
Oil cups: amzn.to/3rbZzZK
Oilers: amzn.to/3wMd55o
Automatic oiler: amzn.to/3NYZhys
Oil:
Mobius 9010: amzn.to/46ACTCw
Mobius 941: amzn.to/3NWn9l9
Mobius 9415: amzn.to/3pBJoo7
Mobius HP 500: amzn.to/3pAGQXu
Mobius HP 1300: amzn.to/438URcy
Mobius D-5: amzn.to/3pyktSo
Grease:
Mobius 9504: amzn.to/44y25YN
Mobius 8200: amzn.to/3CW6ysf
Mobius 8300: amzn.to/449MkHI
Silicone:
Bergeon 2588: amzn.to/3XCN1qj
Seiko TSF-451: amzn.to/3XQSxWN
Gasket: amzn.to/46vr68H
Camera:
Fujifilm X-T3: amzn.to/3wCffpk
Fujifilm X-T4: amzn.to/3yVLQYS
Lense:
Fujinon XF80mm Macro:
amzn.to/3wEWXUx
#citizen #diver #restoration #watchmaking

[@bettersteps]

Fantastic job! And, this says something regarding the build quality of Citizen.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much. The build quickly is rock solid

[@OscarOSullivan]

These were even used by Italian Navy divers for over a decade

[@sdavifcom]

I think I just saw the best magic trick ever. Very nice job. Thank you.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Wow, thanks ☺️

[@ganck1147]

I had this particular citizen many moons ago. A very reliable & accurate watch. Fantastic job in the restoration of this watch.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@thelonemodder630]

Absolutely stunning! Amazing how you brought it back to life and keeping it's patina intact. Love your work!!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@valmonta3647]

That was a magic restoration, thank you

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@Mike-rm1vw]

Spectacular restoration…. Good job 👍👍👍

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you very much!

[@dougwilliams8602]

My best watch was a Bulova Accutron that I purchased in 1970. It stopped working after twenty years. I’m impressed with your ability to work with such minut watch pieces .

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Bulova Accutron is a legend

[@patrickhannon8126]

Looks great. That vintage faded dial alongside the fresh bezel and relumed hands. Quality 👍

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Couldn't agree more!

[@mountainhobo]

A lume shot at the end would have been cool.

[@mikev3245]

Great job! I was waiting for a lume shot to see the new lume.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@m.h.8150]

i recently made two Pro Masters with the same date / day settings (but I had problems with one of them) ..... now I will redo the watch ;-) .... thank you

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Good luck and thank you for watching 😊

[@andrewmurton8379]

Superb job, from rusty wreck to quality timepiece.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you for watching ☺️

[@AndyinMokum]

A wonderful video. Your restoration is gorgeous. The watch now looks like it's cherished. I've just purchased a working Pepsi bevel version of this watch. They're not expensive on the secondhand market. However the awesome Miyota Cal. 8200 movement and great build quality, still makes them very desirable dive watches. These timepieces are really tough. Your video has really impressed me, thank you.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Many thanks! I appreciate it. Have a great day ☺️

[@elchoya8432]

just beautiful,a lot of care sure went into the making of these watches.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@jonharry6293]

Unbelievable such skill. The Citizen brand is built like a tank.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much for kind words ☺️

[@adamthain3587]

Superb job. Such a relaxing view! I really appreciate your skill and workmanship. Well done

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words ☺️

[@BradyBegeman]

This has everything in it! What a great restoration.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

I appreciate your kind words. Thank you so much ☺️

[@Lucifer_Satanas]

One of the best restoration videos I've ever seen. Awesome work man 👌

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Wow, thank you so much for kind words ☺️

[@colbyjunior1898]

It was Restauration 😅 funny typo, but no biggie LOL

[@MagicWatchmaking]

I mixed up languages 🤣 That is the german word! Thank you for watching ☺️

[@TeslaTales59]

Nice work- and nice Citizen

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you for watching ☺️

[@ivanrodgonza]

Very nice job. It’s quite relaxing watch how you work precisely

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you very much!

[@da20eclipse]

Awesome! So satisfying to watch you work. You are a true master of watch restoration. Excellent content!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you very much☺️

[@josemanuelmartin942]

Pure Magic. Simply fantastic.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️ Have a nice day

[@valentinmagureanu5221]

ÎN TOTDEAUNA MI-AU PLĂCUT CEASURILE MECANICE! O SPUN CU SINCERITATEA!🙂👍

[@user-fu3kg5us3o]

Потрясающе, работа сложнее, чем у ювелира: помимо реставрации ещё и наладить механизм нужно. Классно😊👍

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊

[@padavonadbest6206]

Gran trabajo, pensé que también pondrías un dial nuevo pero al mantener el antiguo le agregas un valor histórico al reloj !!! Felicitaciones 👏 👏 👏

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank for watching ☺️ Have a nice day

[@christopheleloire4572]

C'est un magnifique travail. Bravo

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much for watching ☺️

[@elmerganzan9131]

Its amazing talent done by watchmaker expert, perhaps more people can learned this and thanks to your fantastic job sir.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you very much ☺️

[@johnpereztwo6059]

Nothing but pure magic 😊

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@bjw4859]

Very soothing to watch.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank for watching ☺️

[@docswatchbox8321]

Beautiful. It is my dream to learn to do this, if not professionally...then recreationally. Excellent work!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

You can do it!… just continue trying. Thanks for watching

[@user-te4bz2ji8t]

You’re definitely not deterred by a challenge, great job.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Not at all ☺️ Thank you for watching. Cheers

[@jupp9999]

Superb Job sir..I just can't say enough of a wonderful job you did! You are truly magic ;-)

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Wow, thank you!

[@kamelthorn]

Stunning and therapeutic to watch

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@taxissch.4204]

I like a lot citizen promaster watches and you made an awesome job. Seeing all these parts being disassembling it is so fascinating

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊 Cheers

[@taxissch.4204]

@@MagicWatchmaking Thank you. I will find a citizen defective and try to make it as good as possible

[@mrma281]

Great restoration.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Many thanks!

[@NZotyoka81]

It has came out beautifully.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much ☺️ Cheers

[@collarsncolours]

Great restoration! Though I felt like the faded insert gave it character

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you for watching ☺️ Have a great day

[@neilcharles2520]

I still have the exact watch,but the first Solar model i bought 25 years ago,in excellent condition..

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Very beautiful watch indeed. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a wonderful day!

[@WH250398]

Never seen this watch before. Looks a lot like a Seiko.

[@cheetahlip]

Awesome job, really enjoyed the vid. Because the dial was so weathered I think I would have left the bezel the old way…..or replaced the dial….either way, great work!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thanks for watching! I still have the old bezel insert and still looking for dial replacement 😊

[@ericdouglas9804]

Spectacular results. Could you please tell me the RPM of the lapping machine? Thanks so much

[@MagicWatchmaking]

1150 rpm. Thank you for watching 😊

[@ericdouglas9804]

@@MagicWatchmaking thanks so much and I will keep watching

[@lulul]

the old beel insert would have looked great on it at the end.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

I still have the old bezel insert and can exchange it. Easy task 😊 thank you for watching

[@albertoscaramuzza7630]

Beautiful 👍

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊

[@saisamayseva8712]

Good job!!!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you! cheers ☺️

[@DecemberNames]

Thank you for another great video brother

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Awesome... my pleasure... thank you for watching ☺️

[@jayammons3834]

I replaced a quartz movement in a very similar model citizen, I really like this watch, yours was a challenge and you did some amazing work!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@randallhill7979]

I just subscribed, Outstanding work on this citizen watch. 👍

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@JogieGlenMait16]

Amazing. Good move reusing the original dial.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️ some viewers hate it… but I find it is an understatement 😊

[@B-leafer]

Gorgeous

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@johnwinton2209]

Love to see the customers face.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

It looks amazing 🤩 just another watch Have a nice day

[@sf017s4]

Brilliant! I would buy that watch! Love it!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you for watching ☺️

[@aflatminor]

WOW! What a transformation!! I think I have this model too in poor condition with water ingress damage to the dial and a broken winding staff, It does run but can't be set at the correct time!! 😂

[@MagicWatchmaking]

It seems to be that this watches made to last forever. Thank you for watching ☺️

[@MegaGman61]

Your skill is incredible!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊

[@michaelkeats1313]

Nice work. Watch looks great. 👍

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@miguelpereira9939]

I don't know why, but I get glued to your videos! What a underfull work! Congratulations to your work, and to your KZbin channel! Quick question, a job like this takes how many working hours total?

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Wow... thank you for kind words ☺️ In total 4-5 days including filming and preparing the footage for upload.

[@jairgoncalvesgomes9874]

Belo trabalho e profissionalismo puri puri show de bola 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇧🇷🇧🇷💯✌️

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊

[@honestguy7764]

Random brazilian congratulations message

[@panosvrionis8548]

🧐🧐 excellent 😊😊😊😊👍👍👍 Very detailed

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊

[@carrestore]

Beautiful Watch

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊 cheers

[@emilin69]

Amazing fantastic!!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@upup329]

Hi, great job, well done. Cheers

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@santiagovillavicencio8073]

Great work man! you inspire me...

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Happy to hear that!

[@robalexander7348]

That;s a wonderful restoration, do take care of it 👍

[@MagicWatchmaking]

That's the plan! Thank you for watching ☺️

[@IlyaMasalsky]

bezel mark and 12 o'clock do not match the rest is very cool!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you for watching. Have a great day ☺️

[@user-gj2nj6bv7m]

عمل رائع ومهارة عالية good 👍 jop

[@MagicWatchmaking]

شكرا الك ضياء ☺️

[@RestorationAustralia]

Super.👍

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@Nuh_Karaaslan]

Amazing

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you for watching

[@sameeralazawee7524]

Very good

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@madade27]

Really Very nice indeed, I'd rather have that, than a brand new one I think.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Good choice ☺️

[@paisa666]

this videos are just mesmerizing... wanted to ask, given the intricacies of the movement with the tiny bits, why a couple of the gears are made of some kind of plastic? why not steel like the rest of them

[@MagicWatchmaking]

I assume it's because of cost saving...

[@FannieLaGreca]

Very nice

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊

[@nezabytes]

I think the dial should have been restored as well but nonetheless my jaw dropped at the job done here!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you for watching ☺️

[@neilbotha3527]

Excellent thank you

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thanks ☺️

[@ViccoGallo]

beautiful job; btw: I have the same watch, but mine is still doing well....

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank for watching ☺️

[@suhaimimi2117]

Oh my God wow 👍👍

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊

[@suhaimimi2117]

🙏🙏🙏🙏😊

[@Vincenzo_79]

Bravo ottimo lavoro!!!!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@jasonklow3355]

Fantastic video. I actually have 5 of this exact same watch bought together in an ebay lot and all in about the same condition this one arrived to you in. I haven't fully restored any but I have cleaned up and got running a couple of them. Please tell me, where did you find a replacement bezel ring? Thanks!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Bezel insert I bought on ebay

[@dandiehm8414]

I like everything except the band choice. Well Done!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you for watching ☺️

[@ricardochaveste7367]

Fantastic looks amazing Bro,Bravo 👏 my couple tea I'm from 75ś so this almost 48 years old woah incredible watch ⌚️ any of your pieces are for sale, will until next one right.! Great content and beautiful restoration....greetings from St George Utah ✌️..

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you for kind words bro ☺️ non of the watches is for sale. Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@littlejackalo5326]

"cup of tea"

[@HotaruIto]

Sehr gute Arbeit, danke dass Sie sie wieder ins Leben zurück brachten. 会社を代表して、よろしくお願いします！🙏

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Sehr lieb, Dankeschön ☺️

[@larsjungnell1969]

Helt underbart ❤️

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you Lars

[@sheila9358]

MOre divers!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

… that will be soon very boring ☺️

[@darrenfry4695]

Loved this video, what movement was this? Whatever it was it held up ok to time..

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Citizen 8200 movement build like a tank and last forever.

[@darrenfry4695]

@@MagicWatchmaking thank you for the reply, your work is real soothing I must watch more .cheers.

[@markpunu5279]

Wow! Awesome job. How much does a restoration normally cost? For example a 1979 omega seamaster that has some scratches and light rust and still works.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much for watching ☺️ about the cost the best way is to ask a watchmaker near to you and in your country.

[@gusreyes5447]

Nice job! Though, i would've changed the dial...that's just me I guess.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

No dial replacement available. I keep my eyes open. One day I find one. Thank for watching

[@mytuberforyou]

Nice looking resto! Did he forget the case clamps? It looks like there are screw holes for them.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

The plastic movement holder holds the movement tight in place. No clamp's needed. Thank you for watching ☺️

[@1942rambo]

Wow!

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@simonsallen]

I do like the video. I would prefer a commentary rather than the occasional text explanation. Any chance of you doing that? I adds so much more.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

I think about it because a lot of wishes are there asking for voiceover… stay tune… maybe in near future. Thank you for watching 😊

[@mauriziomauro922]

It was certainly worth buying the new watch... But why wasn't the dial replaced?

[@MagicWatchmaking]

I wasn’t able to find a replacement dial. They are very rare. If you have one than please contact. Thank you for watching ☺️

[@evanmurphy2165]

A great restoration. I just wish I could find someone to restore my old Citizen Diver's watch just like this one. Do you have any tips on how to restore the threads on the case for the crown?

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you. Easy task... any watchmaker can do this. Ask your local watchmaker

[@valentinmagureanu5221]

CEASUL E FABRICAT ÎN JAPONIA!🙂👍

[@kroon275]

Great work sir 👌 Love that Nato, you got a link to it 🤞

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@cesarmatiasbalderrama3658]

Espetacular

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you 😊 cheers

[@insanetankeryanker5107]

Incredible job! I have a similar watch from 1986 I believe that I would love to wear again, this video makes me think that it would be possible to restore it 🙏

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Go for it! Very nice watch

[@erlendbarclay3364]

Fantastic video! Do you accept commissions? I have a tired Citizen divers and I'm struggling to get the glass replaced - a few deep scratches

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you so much for watching ☺️ I don’t offer any customer related services.

[@user-fz9yc4uc7r]

Реставрацию часов не специалисту смотреть долго и скучно, за исключением как стекло и корпус полируют, так что сразу перематываю на результат. А результат ШИКАРНЫЙ !

[@MagicWatchmaking]

The fascination is to work with this tiny parts. Thank you so much for watching and kind words ☺️

[@nathandmty7363]

Question, where did you get the smalls parts, like the date corrector lever ? These parts seems so rare.. I want to restore my vintage Tag Heuer as it is currently not working but I don't know if I'll be able to find parts.. Amazing restoration btw, very educative.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

I ordered this particular part by my watch parts supplier. Donor movements are also a good alternative. Thanks for watching ☺️

[@johnrupesh4535]

This is what restoration means. Not just swapping more than half of the parts for new ones.

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Thank you ☺️

[@DADDY_DIGI_HOBBIES]

Hey, I just bought a model of the same era as the watch in this video... I would like to know if it has radioactive lume?

[@MagicWatchmaking]

I believe yes!

[@RobinDaelman]

Very nice work! Just wondering, did you test the watch for waterproof (depth 200m)?

[@MagicWatchmaking]

I test it for 30m 🫣

[@johnmajor9265]

I have this exact same watch. Been using it everyday for ten years. Can simeone tell me where can I get it maintained and cleaned?

[@MagicWatchmaking]

Ask your local watchmaker. Thanks for watching ☺️