Restoration $8500 Rolex Submariner Luxury Watch - Polishing Case Bracelet - Dirty - ASMR

In this video I make a restoration of a $8500 Rolex submariner watch from 2004 with cal 3135. The watch was listed in an auction as defective, serious issues.
Instagram:
/ watcheyesone
The watch interested me because it looked untouched from the outside and inside so I gave it a shot and bidded on the watch, just one more made a bid…Did I buy a scrap watch or?...
During the restoration the watch movement is restored and the casing is lapped, brushed and polished manually. All gaskets are changed. Pallet fork, escapement wheel, rotor axle needed to be changed. Off camera the automatic module with rotor wasn’t correct after rotor axle change, I needed to change 2 jewels in the automatic module and change one of the jewels height.
After the restoration the watch ran around + 5 seconds per day in real life testing. So I adjusted it a few seconds lower (shown in the video) so now it will probably be around 0 seconds per day, just maybe +1-2 seconds. The watch performance is according to Rolex service specification after 24 h testing.
During the restoration I use my home built DIY KiwiCleaner which is a watch cleaner, please check out the KiwiCleaner, this machine is awesome and just for maybe around 15% of a new Elma cleaner machine (and it's better than the Elma one!).
Link: www.diywatchcleaner.com
My gear and other products, affiliate links*:
Tamron 28-75 f2.8 sony e (Not G2)*: amzn.to/3xEVvRj
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 dg macro sony e*: amzn.to/3O5xgCM
Timegrapher*: amzn.to/3xE2oT4
If you like this video, I'll be very happy if you push the Like button (maybe put a comment?), more videos will come! Take care and thank you for your time!
This is not a tutorial video, I’m just a hobbyist and might do things incorrectly.
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My channel :
/ @watcheyes
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[@Watcheyes]

Just did my dream restoration project and I hope you like it! The Rolex submariner was a joy to work on but the previous owner has never serviced the watch (that's my guess). So I found plenty of problems… One main big concern was that the rotor axle had scraped off metal all over the movement bridges, this can lead to a total scrap watch. I was lucky I guess that the watch “only” needed new parts for around 500 USdollar. After the restoration the watch works very well. I tested it in real life (IRL) during the creation of the video and it ran around +5 seconds per day (Rolex specification says it should run during testing/as in real life between -1 to +5 s per day). So I needed to adjust it a bit as seen in the video. Now it runs for about +1-2 seconds per day. Hope you will like my video, many thanks to all of you!

[@Lightning77305]

Wonderful. great work and excellent result!

[@Watcheyes]

@@Lightning77305 happy that you liked it, have a great day!

[@Lightning77305]

@@Watcheyes Thank you, keep up the great work!

[@22k203902]

Really nice work! Are you based in Sweden?

[@palerider2020]

I can do that.....I just don't want to....

[@bomokkii]

This is art. It was an absolute joy to watch the video. Breathtakingly beautiful.

[@dustingriffith8496]

Bravo, my friend. Well done. I watch a lot of restoration videos and love how therapeutic they are, but this one was truly a joy to watch. The sounds, the music, the atmosphere. Well done!

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks sir 🙏

[@FoxRacer090]

it blows my mind that the whole premium feel with the clicking of the bezel comes down to a fucking paper clip

[@Watcheyes]

Hahah, thanks for commenting, yes its quite easy 😄

[@Dronetothetop]

We are living in 2024 and some things must be regarded as a joke especially something like a watch bezel sound that can be done by a 15year old boy with a paper clip. Average consumers are so dumb they go wild about the sound & feel of the watch bezels.

[@sixsis46]

На моих san martin также😂

[@mikemcnair01]

The click you hear is the precision of the bezel broached teeth, not the paperclip spring itself.

[@jholden0]

Next time, use the gray 3m scratch pads then a polishing foam over top to even it. Will look way, way better and barely remove any material.

[@montalvoandres]

Not only a great restoration but what a video - the footage, editing, takes, angles, etc. Thanks so much for this, it has made my day! Greeting from down under! Keep up the great work, Cheers mate!

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks, I appreciate your comment alot 😊 🙂 Have a great day, greetings from Sweden.

[@palerider2020]

Can you do some work on my readeel quartz..I paid $15 off temu 3 weeks ago but it's running +17 seconds per day... what's your address. I'll send it to you to fix and I$10...deal.??

[@1982jcm800]

Amazing! As an Engineer and Auto/Moto enthusiast (and Rolex 14060M owner!), that is the finest work I've ever seen! Thank you so much for posting this!

[@hansstolk6998]

Incredible work. You are so skilled. Love that you have all the tools needed. Excellent film and no need to talk. Perfect result, and a Rolex watch to be proud of. ❤

[@Watcheyes]

Thanks again Hans and nice to see you commenting to my videos as always 🙂

[@HamzaWasHere007]

Just mesmerizing to watch. Nicely executed. Keep up the good work, brother!

[@Watcheyes]

Will do and many thanks for the support! Best wishes from Sweden

[@normandeplume7533]

The high-quality audio is simply mesmerizing. ...as is the care and precision of your work. Well done as always.

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks, have a great weekend!

[@muzakarim3848]

Маэстро, это шедеврально,так приятно смотреть на вашу работу.

[@rjpmt9124]

Super renovation, super work, legendary watch and 3135 movement the best from Rolex And marvelous video🤩👍🏻😁

[@MartinHubbard1]

Mesmerizing from start to finish, wow what a transformation, you have incredible skills.

[@Robert-vw3od]

This is an absolutely stunning restoration. fantastic work, huge respect for you.

[@Watcheyes]

Hi there Robert, thank you for taking your time commenting on my video, glad you like my work 😀 😊. Best wishes from Sweden.

[@Silke8611]

Fantastic. Loved every moment.

[@porsche5k]

Subscribed. It feels like you gave this watch a new life

[@do0077]

Wow. What a good Video and your work is awesome. The best restauration Video on KZbin. I could watch it The hole day.

[@jatco84]

Nicely done there... ASMR.. Great movement and an excelent service/repair to an iconic watch.. Kudos.

[@recoveringneocon8453]

This was amazing and thanks for fixing the audio!

[@Watcheyes]

Wow you noticed, many thanks for commenting! You have very good ears :). I changed my microphone and the whole setup how to mix audio.

[@sungdaeher3792]

This is fantastic repair work!!

[@mikearrowjoe]

Awesome video. Can't wait to get into this hobby myself.

[@Watcheyes]

Hello Mikearrowjoe, many thanks for your comment, do it :) Please tell how things are going ahead.

[@jessedavis7555]

Nice work man 👍

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

Nice video. A couple of observations. Rolex ceased adding lug holes beginning in 2003 so without knowing the serial, at most this watch is 20 years old. Compared to a ETA 2824-2, I also tend to see wear on the rotor and sometimes the pallet jewel of a 3135 so when you factor in the price between a 3135 and a 2824-2, after years of service, I find this a bit perplexing. Premature rotor post/jewel wear has seemed to be an issue with Rolex/Aegler all the way back to the older 15xx movments as noted by rhodium plating wear with the rotor making the contact with the baseplate due to wear. I'm actually a vintage and neo vintage Rolex lover but must say it would appear that while not prettier, the ETA is a bit more durable in some regards but this is hard to gauge in a small sample study. It would almost indicate the ETA is a more robust workhorse movement than the 3135. Also, nice work in duplicating the top lug brushed surface. These are done by machine at the factory and are ofter hard to replicate by hand. One additional note to all new watchmakers is always let the movement run for 24 hours after a service to allow the oils to spread and settle in before checking and attempting any timming calibration.

[@Watcheyes]

It's from 2004 the watch. Thank you for the info. Yes, 24 h then adjustment but would test the watch irl after 24 h and then adjust after a couple of days to be within rolex spec of -1 to +5.

[@cougar66]

🤔 Maybe It's depends which lubricant you use on it And also how many years the mechanism worked And which type of person used it ...In any cases automatic mechanism is in relation with barel and mainspring. Which in turn are related to.... P.S. If I were you I will lubricate the palet fork before assembling the parts of the date window. So you should have more light and wide vision 🤫🤐😉👋

[@thedgreek]

Incredible work

[@daniele094]

fantastic job and fantastic video!

[@Watcheyes]

Glad you liked it Daniele and many thanks for the comment!

[@ardwickhouse]

Absolute Jedi skills sir. The force is strong with this one. BEAUTIFUL work. A pleasure to watch. Masterful.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Worth the wait, what a beautiful restoration!

[@Watcheyes]

Glad you like it, easier project is already on the bench :)

[@rjpmt9124]

Super renovation, super work, legendary watch and 3135 movement the best from Rolex😊

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks and thank you for commenting :) Indeed very good to work on.

[@palerider2020]

Is that movment better than my seiko 5 7s26..? +/-8 seconds daily...pretty good aye....$36 off an Indian auction site... cracked glass.. ..sneaky Indians ..but still not bad aye..$36.😊😊😊

[@ronl7131]

Great restoration.

[@Watcheyes]

That was kind, thanks for watching my video, have a great day!

[@morosso1968]

enjoyed each seconds watching this beautifully executed 'film'. cheers! 🇵🇭

[@anthonygould2749]

Very satisfying

[@Dope_Zero]

Great content! Thank you so much. I really like your style. Keep up the great work.

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks! 😀

[@r4hu1hackz]

True craftsmanship 👏

[@bzee3717]

Awesome video!!!

[@manojmadnani4827]

Congratulations for bringing up a Great watch back to life Really appreciate your efforts & attention to small details Best Wishes Always for You 💐💐💐💐💐

[@colinmurray9702]

Love it!!

[@insubstituivel1]

Great job!

[@UhrenDantler]

Love your videos. Keep up the good work man

[@Watcheyes]

Many many thanks, have great day!

[@ernestol.guerraa.4040]

Masterful work, I can only imagine the amount of satisfaction this gives you! Thanks for content is espectacular.

[@actionman67]

Great video and image quality. 👍

[@italianjob-vx6hp]

Really lovely

[@rafaelquintana7038]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@billsalt2206]

One of best services i have seen 👍😊😊

[@Watcheyes]

Wow :O thank you

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

Thank for sharing this video ! This one is very interesting, Rolex movement seems like straightforward, with a huge quality of parts. Hope can restore one somewhere in the future. Your images on video are with a very nice quality !✨👌 Best regards !!

[@Watcheyes]

Thank you to for commenting :) Glad you liked my video. They are, solid, straight forward, no tricky parts and springs. Soon you will :) Many thanks again! Best regards from Sweden.

[@davidquere2097]

Well done, sir !

[@ncdave4]

Awesome restoration... hoping for a Rolex myself one day

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks, You'll have one in very near future 😀

[@Dextermorgan31876]

Good job 👍

[@bernardgonzales4195]

Awesome skills, thank you for sharing with us.

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks for taking your time watching my video, glad you liked it! :)

[@ivoolazabal7323]

Dando nueva vida a un clásico. Gran labor Artesano!!!. Saludos desde Uruguay.

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks from Sweden 😀

[@RelaxingDrivingItaly]

good job!

[@DecemberNames]

well done, enjoyed watching it.

[@Watcheyes]

Thank you 😊

[@Elad747F]

Super talented 👏

[@user-uu5gr4xd7e]

Greats!!!!!!!! Wow!!!! Amazing! Thank you!!!

[@paolonotaro7124]

Incredible work, fascinating to see, congratulations on your very high level of expertise...

[@pauldaignault7407]

It’s easy to see why Rolex watches sell for so much. The engineering to make such a watch is incredible.

[@shaimardanov123]

Всё как всегда аутентично 🔥👍 классная, хорошая работа

[@Watcheyes]

Рад, что вам нравится моя работа, и спасибо за комментарий :)

[@art1muz13]

Just did my dream restoration project and I hope you like it!

[@Watcheyes]

Haha many thanks 😀

[@MrLam-lx7td]

Great jobs.

[@bobrob6574]

beautiful

[@gltrout]

Very good 👌

[@rogas66]

Questa è arte 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@alfredjsns5083]

Well done

[@Watcheyes]

Thank you :)

[@user-to9ux9tj8r]

Magnificent ❤

[@wstr7428]

Triple “A” - Amazing & Awesome Always!

[@Watcheyes]

Ohhh wow thank you 😊

[@NgocKhoaMai-bu4se]

Rất thích xem làm đồng hồ của kênh

[@Antiqueexcavator]

I have the same watch! Mine is running and keeping decent time. One day I’ll attempt a cleaning and service! I hope!

[@WeezMcCheez]

Would have loved to see it on the wrist! Either way Bravo!

[@almirdoudement6514]

O seu trabalho é fantástico e admirável. Sou mecânico de ônibus e caminhões e fico assistindo o vídeo com uma certa agonia com a delicadeza e as pequenas peças desmontadas, limpas e lubrificadas. 😂😂😂🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks, glad you liked it. I appreciate the comment a lot 😀

[@user-qp1he2qn7q]

Extraordinário

[@tveksam8347]

Snygg vågat att ge dig på en Rolex! Det har jag som hobbyurmakare aldrig vågat mig på än. 👍😀

[@Watcheyes]

Tackar Tveksam, skoj att se sig dig här igen (om jag minns korrekt :)). Snart så är du där, ingen "tvekan" 😉.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Wow 👏

[@orgazmick]

Seeing you use the Kiwi cleaner brought a smile to my face i recently built my own they are fantastic and Frank the designer is a really nice bloke excellent work on this restoration my friend well done

[@Watcheyes]

Indeed! :) Great machine.

[@denvernow7294]

Hate to be pretty much the only critic in the comments but is it just my eyes or did the new brushing on the case front turn out looking more like scratches than uniform brushing

[@gershin9253]

I agree. Your comment got buried😂

[@Joe_S.]

Yes. It was way too course in my opinion. Everything else looked great though.

[@Watcheyes]

Good eyes :), still I think it's the same grit or close one, I tested finer on an object and that was to fine. So I think this got the best match.

[@denvernow7294]

To clarify, my observation was that the texture was less uniform and fine brushing and more closely resembling non uniform and too coarse. It may be just the lighting or like I mentioned... could just be my eyes. Still a great resto

[@Watcheyes]

​@@denvernow7294 thank you, it's not 100% rolex factory, you are very much correct. Less uniform than original, grit I think is the same but will do a check next time because I know now how rolex do it so hopefully will test that in the future 😀

[@geosaidi9057]

This was really good to watch but soon I feel asleep 😊😅

[@RYyyYR]

素晴らしい時計職人です。

[@MrDavidoff36]

Good good job.

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks!

[@FattusCat]

Always wondered where/how you find the manuals to do this sort of maintenance?

[@Ulisses5978]

Excelente trabalho de paciência e precisão numa restauração. Parabéns. Seria possível disponibilizar legendas em outros idiomas?

[@Watcheyes]

Hi Ulisees, many thanks for your comment, happy that you like my work! I don't know, I can look it up next time! See you later.

[@NetdiegoN]

Stunning restoration! I am wondering if you can share a link to the horotec movement pad you use 😊? Many thanks in advance!

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks :) This is it's ID: MSA09.305

[@gershin9253]

Any chance you could make a video of how to re polish a watch? I see the use of lapping films and other abrasives and would love to know your thought process behind it

[@user-jg3qg7oq2l]

Imponerande jobb!

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

A masterful video. Great workmanship and incredible video footage. Can I ask, how much does it cost to purchase al the parts for the kiwi cleaner? I've been thinking about upgrading from my old L&R. Thanks and hope your health is doing better.

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks. It depends on what you want to have. But base price is maybe around 350-400 US dollar. Just.my guess, contact the kiwi team in link in my description. They are happy to help. Say hello from Watcheyes:)

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

@@Watcheyes Thank you. Will do. Seeing yours really caught my eye.

[@Watcheyes]

@@WatchRestorationCottage Great :)

[@UlyssesDrax]

Amazing job. Relaxing to watch as you fix the watch. Love it. Quick question. You showed at the end that it was operating at +14 secs on the machine, and then you said you fixed it to +1-2. Why didn't you show that on the machine? Curious, because that would've been the money shot demonstration and you, more than likely, know that.

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks for your comment and good question! The machine still says dial up around 9-10 s/d and crown down is at about 2-3 s/d. When wearing the watch for a normal day it shows to be at around +1-2 s/d. So the machine doesnt show how it really is. Rolex specification says directly after service it can be max +15 s/d. Then after adjustment and testing (runing in a test machine) it should be -1 to +5 s/d. Maybe I should have shown timegrapher again but I didnt know how to describe it in a short way.

[@UlyssesDrax]

@@Watcheyes I see what you mean. Thank you for explaining the complication to me. 🙂 Keep up your great work and videos. All success to you. ✌️

[@Watcheyes]

@UlyssesDrax No problem, it was a very good question so I'm glad that you took your time and asked me so I can Improve of needed :) Thank you, have a great day, Best wishes from Sweden.

[@climbingsnufkin]

Beautiful work :) But man those spare part prices 😅

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks Chris :) Haha yes indeed! "Sweaty shopping list"

[@fulvioplatania3091]

great job Maestro…why din’t change only the jevel instead to all the pallet fork?

[@Watcheyes]

Thank you for commenting, many thanks. It's actually easier to find a new pallet fork then to find the jewels and then get the tools to change it.

[@Max-qg1tl]

I like your Cleaning Machine 😉👍🏻👍🏻

[@Watcheyes]

Great :D

[@yoshomiamoto]

They should have more schools that teach these types of trades. Will never have to worry about getting work and would be paid handsomely.

[@jk23_]

you would be surprised at how reluctant people are when asked to pay for the fair price for hours of high skill work.

[@casefarley5744]

Beautiful work. Are the gears for the automatic movement bakelite? They look plastic. I am surprised to see that in a watch of this vintage but I have no idea what they would have used instead. Steel? Would be heavier. I think aluminum would be too soft and not as robust. They look in pretty good condition after all these years.

[@triplex86]

Superb work here. Out of interest, what is the approximate market value now that the watch is fully restored?

[@Watcheyes]

Many thanks. A bit higher but not huge :)

[@AMBG83]

Tem que ter uma boa memória para saber onde recolocar cada peça e parafuso 😮

[@sdcoinshooter]

Amazing work. If I tried to do that we might as well plan a funeral service for the poor watch.

[@Watcheyes]

Haha good one, many thanks for your comment:)

[@next_level_man]

Из этих деталей можно было бы собрать несколько пар часов (watch )😂

[@Watcheyes]

Hahah, I wish :) Thank you for commenting

[@IIBV6B_153MB]

Think I found my new favorite ASMR channel. I have zero clue about watches or restoration. I have to ask, if the purple jewels are inside the watch, what exactly is their purpose?

[@pghgb5572]

They are synthetic rubies and act as bearings for the various rotating pivots in the watch mechanism. With the correct lubrication, the friction is minimised allowing for improved operation and increased life. Rolex also throw in extra jewels for other purposes on occasion.

[@IIBV6B_153MB]

@@pghgb5572 makes sense I guess. Thanks🫡

[@Watcheyes]

As answer below, they are plain bearings instead of for an example ball bearing. Many thanks for commenting, glad you liked it 😀

[@IIBV6B_153MB]

@@Watcheyes Thank you for the explanation. Can’t wait for your next video!

[@Watcheyes]

@@IIBV6B_153MB no problem :)

[@MaikHartmann-fg9jh]

Wow. 🥰

[@mikemcnair01]

To the author: what camera and lighting setup do you have? It looks excellent and I’ve tried a lot of stuff to get the detail you show (on my business channel not my personal)

[@BillWaltersIndYoda]

How much do you think it would go for now that you repaired it?

[@Watcheyes]

Not that much acutally, a bit higher but not that huge.

[@JLMiller410]

I guess I wasn’t paying attention. Did you replace the escape wheel and pallet fork , or did you repair the scratched jewel?

[@mrkattm]

I have the same year Sub, I now see why it cost so much to have it serviced

[@Bacardi4live]

Would like to know what rolex would have said if you bring a watch like this to service instead of repair it by your own 🤔 But nice job very impressing to get it running but for polishing i would have brought it to rolex.. nevertheless well done congrats

[@Watcheyes]

I have some contacts and this job at Rolex AD will cost atleast 1500 euro, but most likley 2000 euro+

[@netrhyda8761]

Very enjoyable to "watch"......

[@Watcheyes]

;) thanks for commenting

[@supaahflyy]

How long does servicing a watch like this take usually?