Verge Fusee Almost Defeated Me - King George III era Antique Watch Restoration

[@bobbolly]

You should mark down on the yellow paper the current date of your repair so it can be found in 300 years from now and show it was repaired in 2024. You were part of the history of this watch as much as the previous watchmaker who repaired it last and the one before him and the one who first made the watch. Continue its legacy. Loved the video!

[@GentlemensWatchServices]

At first I was thinking I’m not that interested in working on old fusee and verge watches…but as soon as I saw the depthing marks on the main plate I was hooked. To have that connection to the maker from over 200 years ago…unpicking their skill, problem solving, even occasional laziness. Fascinating. Your videos keep getting better, brilliant!

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

how about the totally off center screw slot

[@ВладимирИванов-н9и5д]

Не самолет строим!

[@jansterngren2515]

16:37 ź nu se 17:05

[@masterkamen371]

​​@@sonnymoorehouse1941 It's so funny, I can totally relate to that. You'd be drilling a hole, mark everything precisely and then the crappy drill bit decides that your centre mark isn't attractive and decides to be off by a bit. And yet it always somehow turns out well.

[@FosterFarmsOk]

watching you do this now is impressive. knowing a watchmaker 200 years ago built it without all the modern tools is incredible.

[@chrisl6985]

Honestly, you are much too modest using the term "watch restorations." You are a watchmaker in the truest sense of the word! The chamfering, black polishing and bluing of the screws, making your own bushings and screws using a lathe, and soldering and filing new teeth on to the wheel! It was all superb examples of craftsmanship!

[@BoromameMbaye]

And the way he describes things so simply is also an amazing skill

[@thomasgibson4619]

I'm a mechanical moron and am in absolute awe at the skills, empathy and patience you brought to this project. Also, your watchmaking prowess is matched by your photographic brilliance, without which quality ofthis video would be significantly diminished.

[@chronocommander007]

The precision of the watch parts is astonishing considering the 18th-century state of technology and handmade parts. The chain alone is an incredible achievement.

[@SUB-IN-SUPER]

This, ladies and gentlemen. Is watch-craftmanship at it's finest. No words needed.

[@tempus_fugit7366]

This is EXACTLY why I have hesitated on purchasing a verge from this era! A consistent, running watch is out of my budget, I don't have the tools or experience to fabricate or repair anything and I can't afford to pay someone to perform any repairs. All that said, I'm grateful for this video as I always enjoy watching the entire process.

[@javedfazil6686]

I am a little mechanically inclined person myself and usually do all the work on my motorcycles and car from rebuilding the engines and transmissions to maintenances. For the first time i saw this video and i am so impressed that i subscribed to this channel

[@anthonycaryl1079]

Impressive work, you should add a service paper to the case

[@csspinner]

I love that idea

[@Tailss1]

I second this.

[@philparkinson462]

This is the most impressive horological post I've seen in a very long time. Very well done sir!

[@francisconikotian2326]

that chain and the interior details are insane, I love how minimalist it is in the outside but when you crack it open all the detail is there, kind of reflects the mechanics of a watch

[@MrLukealbanese]

That was amazing. Truly you are an actual watchmaker and not just a watch mechanic.

[@stevenstewart3414]

I'm so amazed by your skill and courage to work on these beautiful centuries-old timepieces! Your channel is a window into the technology of the past and I cherish it.

[@serenity6415]

I was just scrolling in painful boredom and youtube algorithms came through for me again. New sub. You're keeping my adhd engaged. I can't get enough of learning both history and how things work. You explain things so well, too.

[@jeffreytan2948]

You sir are not just a watch restorationist but a pure craftsman.

[@semperfidelis8386]

holy cow. 1700's craftsmanship! Amazing repair skill.

[@MegaMesozoic]

Beautiful work on a beautiful item! The love and care you put into this restoration were so obvious it was a joy to see!

[@borgmardunkleson2225]

I think the main thing with these kinds of restorations and repairs, isn't "this is busted i make a new one" but the level of respect that is shown to the original craftmanship. Truely humbling, and thank you.

[@dixonqwerty]

It is hard to imagine watchmakers being able to make those tiiiiiny parts that long ago. Amazing.

[@stevegreen2432]

Its not as difficult as you think. Using the same tools and the same techniques most of these parts are reproducible. Main springs and balance springs are the hardest to deal with. A bit of knowledge does help!

[@shedjammer87]

They didn't have television back then so, they weren't distracted.

[@occamraiser]

It was the clockmakers who were the technological bedrock of the Industrial Revolution

[@Mtlmshr]

I agree, like how in the heck did they make the chain!!!

[@mrbrisvegas2]

Many parts were made by children. Their tiny hands and excellent eyesight made it much easier,

[@devindersingh3045]

I never saw such a old watch restoration before.. I loved enjoying your video so much❤❤❤

[@muss8587]

From the 1700's and you now having a bit in its history as a repairmen of 2024. You are now part of that piece! Amazing meticulous work mate😎🇦🇺👌

[@luciacheung6895]

I cant believe it there is people still have the skill n tool to restore n repair the verge. I brought one verge and few more other old pocket watches in Cardiff over 40 years ago. Now l know where to go to repair my collections if there is any in need! Excellent ！！！

[@MoMo-ql6zb]

I studied civil engineering and watch a lot of videos in various fields, but I am very jealous of you and envy you when I watch you dismantle the watch and make the spare parts yourself and the equipment you have for this work.

[@sforza209]

Wow, watch making is like creating the world’s most complicated puzzle! I can’t imagine how skilled someone would have to be to make these watches 300+ years ago! Under candlelight also! Mad respect.

[@sdcoinshooter]

I wish I had this man’s talent and ability to bring life to such a wonderful timepiece

[@vincentdieleman1463]

I held my breath during the whole video, and didn't saw an hour passing Working on such an old and delicate movement is incredible to see, you craftsmanship is awesome ! I learnt a lot of things on these thanks to you, keep up the good work !

[@kodywillnauer9422]

Lot of history stored inside that timepiece.

[@Philip_Taylor]

Being out by 3 minutes per day is very impressive for a 230 year old watch! It was very functional, but it must have seemed like something from another world to people of that era.

[@rudolfsalomon211]

WOW!!! Just WOW!!! The combination of the history of this timepiece and your skill in ferretting out and then repairing each problem make this vide eminently worth watching more than once. Thank you

[@ginalou5774]

I have no idea why this popped up and even less of an idea about what you are talking about but this was absolutely fascinating. You are so skilled and the fact that this complex mechanism was created by hand over 200 years ago is Mind blowing

[@csspinner]

@@ginalou5774 welcome! Thanks for visiting :)

[@gioc4596]

Wow another cool piece . Watching you make those parts is like watching art being done. Love it. Thanks for another awesome restoration!

[@jeff1176]

Just started watching this video and immediately fell in love just with the history of this watch. The stories it could tell are impossible to fathom. This is the most ornate work of art in a watch I've ever seen from that era. Truly exquisite.!

[@WatchDanReviews]

This pocket watch has an endless amount of character. Thanks for taking the time to service it and showing us! So cool man 😮

[@ryno101]

Amazing work... Your knowledge of these antique movements is astounding!

[@tuffymartinez]

Thank You Chris... This one's special... I tune in when I can and this one screamed at me. This one seems to have all the bells & whistles right down to the Bulls eye lens...I loved every second of your video and will watch several time when possible. Your careful consideration to your work and explanations I find perfect. Please keep your shows coming. Your comment at 49:30 about watchmakers from the 1700. Yes exactly back than they were "watchmakers" now in the 2000's there are just (more or less) watch "repairers" and a vanishing group of interested folks? What would it take for a watch repairer today to make a fusee chain in the garage shop, wow!!!! Important to be said that it is a very special focused skill to repair a watch opposed to new construction. Chris I do admire your determination for performing your work the best you can and not cut corners. EXCELLENT SHOW CHRIS Sooooo is it time to strap this one to your bicycle forks for a test drive around the block? ha.... TM

[@LeaderOne24]

Incredible modesty but even more incredible skill in restoring that old timepiece to operation. Very enjoyable video!

[@terrybradley8297]

Great job ! I have done quite a few historical restorations on movements like this. Women and children made many of the parts. Children made the fuse chains many times. And the historically accurate music helps too.

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

You have the hands of a neurosurgeon. It’s amazing to watch you work. Your skill and patience is beyond anything I’ve seen on watch videos. Thank you for sharing this process. …

[@runrin_]

it's a breath of fresh air to watch your work because of the interesting movements you work on, and problem solving involved. i can only watch someone fix a lever escapement watch so many times lol.

[@csspinner]

I feel you… as someone who works on them, the Swiss lever feels so routine! :)

[@samnova450]

Fantastic job done on that very old watch. It was great to see a fusee movement being serviced.

[@Сергей-н9ж2щ]

Да, вы правы, при шлифовании анкерного колеса ( так его сейчас называют) уменьшилось сцепление с узлом баланса ( так его сейчас называют) и вы правильно сделали, что отшлифовали плату , компенсировали то, что сняли шлифованием. Я бы так и сделал. Работа достойная, вы хороший мастер. Однажды мне принесли часы на ремонт. В двойном ролике узла баланса вылетел рубиновый камень, я изготовил аналог и установил. Это был аналогичный ремонт. Вы хороший мастер, говорю это как ваш коллега.

[@thissideofrandom]

New to the "watch repair" side of YT and large swaths of this video could have been in French for all I could understand 😂 But the amount of detail and know how you need for this was evident.🎉

[@IMakeWatches]

Another great one! I love your aside questioning what the original watchmaker would think if he knew that you would be working on it in 2024 - with tens of thousands of people watching all over the world no less! And like you, Chris, I also think about how temporally ephemeral WE all are, and that lot of these old mechanical timepieces that we come into contact with will outlive us and everyone alive today as well. Those thoughts make it difficult very not to be awed by them! Thanks for another fantastic video!

[@TomasGradin]

That original watchmaker would be very embarrassed having that kind of audience 😅

[@IMakeWatches]

Can you imagine!? This video already has close to 100K views and will likely eventually exceed 1 million! Imagine going back in time and telling the original watchmaker that this would happen 250 years in future!

[@rondickson1491]

Wow!! What a beautiful pocket watch. I love how you repair and make parts to get these old watches running again. I’m amazed at the work you do. Love all your videos. Best wishes.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

An absolutely Brilliant repair. It is my opinion that you have arrived Sir. This was my first look into Fusee and it was an eye opener. Your adjustments and critical repairs helped this movement achieve what I believe to be its best time keeping, probably ever. Bravo Sir, Bravo....

[@AngelaRichter65]

That watch is utterly beautiful. The workmanship that went into creating and your own restoration is remarkable. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@paullewis5045]

That was fun to watch! Way to go with the challenging repairs, parts making and fitment. The final time keeping report was amazing too.

[@mediocreman6323]

I just checked, one of my great great great great grandfathers was born in 1798, a man from which I am removed by no less than _five_ generations. This watch was made a few years years before he was born. And it still can be repaired, and as it happens, it now is still working. Boggles the mind. Things were made of value, and were made to last back then. I wonder how much it cost back then, must have been a fortune … and worth every penny!

[@Thetimecapsuletx]

This is the second time I’ve seen a watch with a tiny chain. I think this will always blow my mind! What nice work. What a beautiful pocket watch!

[@kfl611]

You made your repairs look so logical and easy. Great job on all your explanations. I purchased a verge watch similar to this one found in an old house In Massachusetts (Boston) by the seller. I thought when I purchased it, that one of the hands had fallen off, then I realized it was made before minute hands were in use, so it was correct as to the time period for only having an hour hand. The watch had an engraving of 1690 on it, I am not sure if this was the date of it being built but it is very possible. It is on my bucket list to have it serviced and restored. It does work.

[@lazyscorsese6653]

I loved this, not only for your skill, patience and respect, but also for your self-deprecation. I now know just a little bit more about the extraordinary dedication it takes to master this craft. Thank you

[@markd3250]

The knowledge, expertise, tools and craftsmanship on display here was simply mesmerizing. I only stopped to look at this video because I thought the thumbnail image was nice looking. I was not expecting it to be this interesting! I can't imagine the thought, time and experimentation it took for these people back then to come up with these mechanisms, and make them at this scale. Just incredible.

[@theshyguitarist]

A watch that has outlived its many owners. Incredible.

[@cartoonfan925]

Staggering. Your work and patience is amazing. Keep it up.

[@sopkobrano]

perfect job. I have never seen such small things done. and I'm a machine maintainer. hats off. You have my admiration.

[@Goopie-gz4tc]

"am freshening up the hands but obviously because i think they're gold, i am not gonna go crazy with it" - proceed to show absolutely spotless perfectly polished hands! Great video, super enjoyable and excellent filming/editing. I do think the hands are gold, at least they really look like it ...

[@warrior4christ777]

I must say it is greatly appreciated how you're getting your camera right into that watch when it is so finicky and you haven't worked on one like that before and that you're giving us so much of a good look into the watch and you're thinking about us as much as you thinking about the job you're doing thank you

[@timothydigiuseppe1753]

Layperson here with an interest in horology. I have watched several fusee movement repair/maintenance videos on KZbin, however, this is the most comprehensive. Your voice, narrative, and pacing accompanied by your excellent production values were a pleasure to experience. The "face" you made with the parts (at about 30:30 ) in the portion of the video that displayed the different watch parts laid out was a nice touch and unexpected. The extensive list of tool sources/supplies is appreciated as well. Well done and thank you!

[@Black.D.D]

Awesome work. Simply brilliant how much time & patience was invested in the work without counting the research & the master watchmaker who helped you. Ninety attempts to engage the chain is unbelievable & the work to adjust the watch, make the brass bolts & screws yourself & then bluing the screws is a true masterpiece no matter how old the watch is. Thank you for this great work & the upload of this watchmaking craft. Again a true Masterpiece of work & patience. All the best.

[@VisionCommunications]

That is absolutely brilliant work. Even more amazing is that craftsman manufactured this watch and made all the small parts in the 1700s without the power tools that we have today.

[@picax8398]

just... trying to comprehend how long that watch has been around for is just insane. and the fact it survived in such great shape for its age too!

[@mitsuomits9077]

Every single piece was done by hand... such a precious piece of art!

[@truthinesssss]

I watched with fascination at this restoration. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the inner workings and the handmade craftsmanship of this vintage piece right down to the hand fabricated screws. I enjoyed as well your knowledge, skill and patience as you addressed the many challenges here. This is truly a labor of love forever you, and I thank you for sharing your craft with we who are nerdy enough to watch along. Often I will view your videos on a faster motion but given the age of this time piece I enjoyed watching leisurely at normal speed. Also, being a musician I thought the period harpsichord music was a really nice touch. …looking forward to your next vid. 🙂

[@timaitken5539]

Absolutely brilliant !!!! I have 2 fusee's one from 1766 and the other from 1803 , the older one loses 20 minuets the newer one is accurate to within 5 minuets , the older one has a unique 3 tiered crystal and I think has a Tompion regulator or maybe Bosley , in any case I'm very happy that they still run , the older one is on a period stand under a glass dome , pure art work that tells the time !!

[@GailitisPrintmaking]

What an amazing video! As an engraver, I have always marvelled at these old, engraved pocket watches. So beautiful!

[@WristwatchMedic1953]

That is a beautiful watch. You did an amazing job on it. I really enjoyed watching. Thank you CS

[@FlakeSE]

For some reason the 4-8-08 timestamp makes the whole history of the piece that much more tangible to me. Not because the date shows how old it is, but because I probably signed that same date format into a log book a hundred years later. This thing was an antique to the guy who serviced it then.

[@Horizon-911]

Потрясающе, что благодаря интернету спустя столько времени мы, находясь в разных странах можем рассмотреть то, что собирал дяденька при свечах в 18 веке, думал ли часовщик того времени, сколько людей будут рассматривать его работу в далеком будущем?

[@jeff1176]

Having finished watching this video, I have to say that you, young man , are very talented. This is one of the best watch repair videos I've seen in a long time. As far as learning something from this video, yes, I did. That is to keep my big sausage fingers and shake hands away from this type of watch. Lol. Very nicely done, and what an incredible piece of history. Keep up the great work!

[@mickd6942]

Absolutely fascinating , I can’t believe the intricacy of parts made so long ago , I watched most of the video zoomed in , the steadiness of your hands reminded me of a surgeon, I have no idea why this video came up on recommendations but I am so glad it did .

[@INUN0TAISHO]

I'm not a watch enthusiast, nor a repairer of watches, but I found your skills very interesting to sit in on. In another lifetime, I'd learn how to do this myself, but fate has chosen other paths for me, so here I am , a new subscriber.

[@Meh-qe4rw]

That was highly satisfying work you did there. I like the idea of how you take everything apart, modify it and make it even better.

[@lechmiszkiewicz6778]

Chris - you made it look so easy (which obviously it was not). I am sure you must be very proud and happy deep inside that you got it working so well again.Congrats and thanks for a great video!

[@most-best]

You are amazingly knowledgeable and talented. Bravo! Yes, add a service paper to the case.

[@jonrutherford6852]

I'm subscribed to more than 200 KZbin channels, all good (else I wouldn't subscribe), but yours has got to be one of my favorite four or five. Glad you had the good fortune to work on this not only interessting but historic timepiece! And grateful for your sharing the work via your channel. Thanks!

[@gameovr17]

I'm not a watch guy at all, but this was an amazing video. the tools are awesome. it's def my favorite part

[@markgardiner5150]

You are to be commended for your work! Very interesting movement. Thank you taking us along!

[@knightofiam]

Fascinating! I’m amazed how something so old can be so intricately complex. It’s basically an analog computer.

[@armandofrancin3518]

¡vaya trabajo! estoy alucinando ha hecho usted una reparación de artista-joyero. Felicidades, por cierto un vídeo muy emocionante.

[@dral9657]

As a cabinet maker of 30 years experience ,I really enjoyed watching this video but it also humbled me to where I felt like a first year lumberjack …

[@Dan-oo1rj]

OMG - impressive work! This hand drilling on the lathe shocked me - such precise work! I work with an electronic and use the microscope often and I know how hard it is to play with tiny parts. But you are from another world...😮 Man, you are the trooper! Subscribed...

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

Another excellent fusee video Chris. I think this one is even better than your first one, but combined, watchmakers and hobbyists have stellar references for years to come. Bravo.

[@brianperkins7036]

Your tenacity and engineering skills are epic. So impressed 👏

[@mcchuggernaut9378]

What a gorgeous watch! If it's yours, you are VERY lucky to have it. I have a number of 1800's mechanical clocks which I have saved from thrift shops or bought cheap from various places and restored. It was pretty frustrating when I first tried to get one working, and it kept stopping. I had to learn how to set the clocks in beat, and adjust the pendulum for accurate timekeeping. But now I am much more competent and have a fully working, chiming, accurate antique masterpieces in nearly every room in my home. :)

[@Broadshore]

That super rad! Amazing work on the ole 1700's piece.

[@onursoyturk7548]

This mechanism is a artpiece. You did a great job mister.

[@Janom66]

Strength of spirit and steadiness of hands, motivation. This is great work!👍 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@anthonycarnevale7691]

Another amazing job on a true relic from the past. The original watchmaker created a technological wonder using tools that were far from the advanced precision tools of today. You did justice to their work. Congratulations on a job well done!

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

That’s not just a time piece, it’s a hand made work of art. Beautiful job on restoring it and I hope you left a note like the repairer from Scotland did.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! I loved that suggestion I made a short clip of the service sheet I put inside. kzbin.infoecvOOAN9f3M?feature=share

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

@@csspinner Well done.👍

[@michaelfonseka7657]

Thankyou Chris, what a terrific job. Commendable is just an under statement. A benchmark for me just now. Take care. Regards. Mike

[@kathrynt.3710]

Amazing coincidence that you released this video today. I was looking at a lot of verge fusee movements week, learning how they work. I hadn't even heard of the verge before then. Perfect timing. Excellent video of an excellent watch.

[@rtleitao78]

I love watchmaker videos, but this was magical. Never seen anything so old still working. Really cool

[@BlackKara]

This is phenomenal. Unsolicited feedback: I (wimpy) was fully unprepared for the sandpaper against metal with my headphones on. Like visiting the dentist it was. I don't think I will ever recover. I also enjoy comparison shots of parts pre-cleaned and post-cleaned. This is extra work, and by no means does this video need it. But it could be cool. If you feel like it. Thank you for your meticulous and beautiful work.

[@franks_nl]

Seeing all those cleaned up parts does put a smiley on my screen. From delicate restoration like this to the 1 ton axles made by abom79, I like these videos. So much more straightforward than my day job (software), but similar problem solving.

[@csspinner]

Software engineering is my day job as well. This hobby is a nice escape from the cutting edge tech of today

[@SlickWillyTFCF]

This was a splendid video. A great explanation of the escapement and fusee, not to mention all the work done to improve the watch.

[@WatchWithMike]

Another unique, fun and informative watch restoration… Awesome job! I learn so much watching your videos, and I appreciate the little details that you include (like polishing screwheads on the staking set). 🌍

[@csspinner]

Thank you very much, Mike!

[@WatchWithMike]

@@csspinner I have no idea why there is a globe emoji showing Africa 🌍 after my comment. 🤷‍♂️

[@sinan325]

That chain is the finest craftsmanship and absolutely adorable.

[@MrBtcruiser]

I think Mr. Carelton would have been pleased by your work on his movement, and he probably would have been astounded it was working so well after 240 years or so.

[@kimwilliford6303]

I love old watches and time pieces. I think it would be cool for you to restore an old sun dial. They are not only beautiful, but cool.