An Easy Way To Increase Amplitude

[@MyRetroWatches]

Good tip. I’ve been using these for a long time, few occasions in videos too. Find them better with the holder you can use for the polish.

[@johnvaluk1401]

I also use the holder for them.

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

Same here. Use the holder which looks like a pin vise.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hello Mike, I hope all is well. I'll have to admit that I have not tried it in the holder but I will give it a try.

[@TheLootGoblinOfficial]

just wanted to say thanks, Alex. tons of opinions and advertisements out here, but experience like yours is priceless. you remind me of the old heads that taught me everything I know about cars. I think the field is similar. you have techs which get wrapped up in brand names and tool prices, but cant troubleshoot without the $3000 diag computer, and then you have those of us lucky enough to be taught by old heads. the guys with a toolbox full of banners/brands that don't exist anymore, but that can figure it out with a multimeter in the dirt.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It is a lot like that and I appreciate you saying that.

[@John-wx9oy]

Holy cow, I was just researching some way to polish pivots without a Jacot lathe and here it is. You know what else gives a watch amplitude? When the person working on it pulls their head out of their ass and doesn't get complacent with the cleaning and inspection process like a guy I know in the mirror. A Citizen 8200 I serviced was acting crazy and inconsistent on the timegrapher. I disassembled it again and looked CLOSELY under the microscope and found a dirty main plate and jewel holes, and a wheel with a fiber so attached that the wheel could be suspended in midair by holding the fiber with tweezers. Lesson learned. The watch runs like a champ now. Thanks, Alex. Your words of wisdom and education are very much appreciated. Even to some of us who have to relearn them the hard way.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you for the kind words. But please remember that you’re not so much as polishing the pivot as you are super cleaning the pivot. This is most useful on vintage pivots that have light oxidation on the steel, which this will remove. When it comes to actually polishing pivots the only way to do it is with a jacot turn or an actual lathe.

[@John-wx9oy]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thanks for the clarification.

[@MexicoBeachFloridaLiving]

Alex, Thanks for another quality process. Amplitude is always an issue that I chase, but fear to go to far-this will help.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I think it'll help and many situations, but not in all. It's just another tool in the watchmakers toolbox.

[@jergarmar]

So timely. I was literally researching those lathe polishing things, and the alternatives. Thanks so much again!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad I could help!

[@Smk_Online_market-FACEBOOK]

❤❤❤ support from nepal 🇳🇵❤️

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are most welcome my friend.

[@Smk_Online_market-FACEBOOK]

@watchrepairtutorials I am just watch technician from nepal 🇳🇵❤️😀🙏🏻

[@bruce1522]

Gracias por enseñar sus conocimientos .

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Gracias por comentar

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thanks Alex. Have been doing this about a year now. Thanks for tip about avoiding the other colors/grits. Another great piece of advice

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you John. Have you found it to help with any of your old movements?

[@johnvaluk1401]

@@watchrepairtutorials have not really done a comparison with before and after once I got the polishing sticks I tend to always use it.

[@ColonelJGHyde]

Excellent tip the timing you posted the vid is exactly what i needed. Thanks you're the man!!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you for your service Colonel. No! You're the man!

[@durantpierre4768]

Encore une astuce précieuse à moindre coût 😊merci beaucoup Alex !

[@watchrepairtutorials]

you are welcome my friend

[@durantpierre4768]

@@watchrepairtutorials Merci ! Par contre je n'ai pas encore trouvé ces cylindres à polir en France, le lien Amazon que tu as mis ne dirige pas vers ces fameuses "Silicone Polishing Pins" , c'est sûrement à cause du fait que la traduction et les termes ne sont pas les mêmes en France, mais je finirai par trouver un jour !

[@roblepl]

Thank you Master!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are very welcome Young Grasshopper.

[@65Corvette]

I’m 100% new to this and ordered the green pin polishers and holder. OMG! Amplitude took a huge leap forward! Thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge ❤

[@watchrepairtutorials]

No problem. Glad it was helpful. 🤙

[@steve1811uk]

Just tried this and it worked. I was working on a Seiko 11 women's movement. DU was showing 310 degrees and DD only 265. Couldn't see any issues under the microscope but decided to use the super fine pin polisher that I had recently bought after watching this video. Gave the polisher about 10 turns back and forward. Cleaned the pivot with rodico and tried again. Now I was seeing 300 degrees DD. Absolutely Amazing. Thank you.

[@steve1811uk]

That was on the tiny balance staff pivot by the way.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It works. Glad it came in handy. Just another tool in th tool box.

[@walther9161]

Great stuff here as usual. I was lucky enough to catch Alex before he retired from watchmaking and repair and he overhauled and repaired my Seiko John Player Special. The watch runs amazingly well!! Thanks Alex for the post!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Man how are you. I hope all is well with you. Don't be a stranger around here.

[@babayaga6680]

So simple, So genius, I'm ordering a set of these, so many times I could have used these in past restorations.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad you like them!

[@trevorjenkins3934]

Love this, thank you.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are so welcome! I hope it helps

[@TimTellsTime]

As always you are a wealth of knowledge. Doing this has been part of my normal pre cleaning routine for all the pivots. Absolutely makes a difference. 😎

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Great minds think alike Tim.

[@user-iu6ev3ub8c]

Alex you are truly the Man!!! Much thanks for the insight and inspiration.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I appreciate that brother.

[@James-fs4rn]

👍 thanks for sharing!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

My pleasure. Follow along.

[@HandsofTime10]

Thank you for this tip. Good substitute for jacot tool

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I doesn’t burnish and polish the pivots like the Jacot lathe but it will improve the amplitude in many cases.

[@StephanJPPL]

Alex, thanks for the tips, Will order right away 🏃

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hope you like it Stephan.

[@StephanJPPL]

@@watchrepairtutorials Yes, very much. It makes lots of sence 👍

[@k-ozdragon]

This is awesome, I had no clue polishing media like this existed. Just ordered some. I could see this working great to get dried lubricant off of the pivots. I had wondered if I was getting all of the debris off, as I often had to scrub the cap jewels with my pegwood to remove old caked on oils. Using this will allow me to know the pivots are clean and polished.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I hope it helps 👍

[@k-ozdragon]

@@watchrepairtutorials Definitely. Another excellent tip I have yet to have heard\seen elsewhere. I could see this making a massive difference in amplitude, especially since this part of the watch operates with such little force & requires insane levels of low friction to work properly. I thought my only avenue was a Jacot lathe. Super hyped to try this out.

[@yesterdayschild1418]

Thanks, Alex another informative video. I found this stuff a few months ago and usually stick it in a pin vice for greater control. I use the stuff on all the wheel train before going in the cleaner. I was a bit at hesitant at first, as a beginner, thinking I would break a pivot but soon got over that fear 🙂

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for sharing! It works a lot of the time but not every time. 😉

[@amphibiousone7972]

Thanks Alex, always these little bits, to make us better technicians and watchmakers. Keep'em coming Boss. Good Fortunes, Great Successes and Many Blessings 🫡🤝

[@watchrepairtutorials]

that's very kind, my friend thank you

[@rehajm]

Yes I do occasionally find that stubborn movement that keeps a persistent low amplitude after all the checks and tricks. I have these polishers I’ve used almost exclusively for train wheel pivots but will definitely add the balance to the repertoire. Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It works much of the time. it's a good tool to have in the watchmaker toolbox.

[@blarkin412]

Thank you so much Alex. Great tip.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

it's a great tool to add to your arsenal.

[@bolgerguide]

I love pin polishers. There is a tool for everything in watchmaking but this is simplicity at its finest.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hello my friend, I have the feeling I left you hanging on a question? Did I miss something?

[@bolgerguide]

No question Alex. I was just joking about how many watch tools there are in the world. Someone is probably inventing another watch tool as I type this.

[@boydsargeant7496]

Thanks Alex, just in time! I have a 470 Movado that needs a service!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

perfect timing!

[@cereus7421]

Thanks Alex, I learned something new and found out about this new tool. I will be able to put all this into practice when I get all the necessary tools (for now I only ordered cheap tools to start with because of my low budget considering that Serbia is a poor country, but I'm not giving up on the goal). Otherwise, I'll buy professional tools as my budget allows because I'm not giving up.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

well, just remember to buy the best tools you can and not everything needs to be professional grade when you're a home watchmaker. One of the things that's important to realize is that with limited tools the amount of repairs that you will be able to do to broken movements is going to very limited. Start with the ST 36 movement like I use in my early videos and learn how to take it apart and put it back together . Study how the watch operates when it's in good condition. Look at everything. Study everything. This will help you identify problems.

[@tig1tig1]

Thats pretty cool! I usually work on verge watches and am not a fan of using the jacot lathe for them. This may be perfect. Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for watching! it's going to help in many cases

[@Yeastherder]

You dont know how many times this has happened to me😢. Cant wait to try this 🎉

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I can help just one person increase the amplitude. I'll be happy.

[@dbaider9467]

Brilliant.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad you like it

[@samnova450]

Thanks for the tip Alex.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Any time!

[@hans-juergen4078]

Danke!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you so much for your support, my friend.🤙

[@hans-juergen4078]

Thanks Alex, I‘m just scratch the surface of the watch making world and your videos and help is a great support. Iˋm currently trying to find an ETA st36 6497 to use to follow your class that i have supscribed for 😃👍. Is a seagul st36.equivalent or is there a selita movement that could be used instead? Eta is hard to find.. best regards, Hans-Jürgen

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@hans-juergen4078 yes get the ST36 by seagull.

[@CrazyCity26]

Great Tip. Thanks for sharing.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

No problem!😉

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

As always, great advice Alex. I vouch for these as well.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

i appreciate you brother. thank you

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

@@watchrepairtutorials I love you man. Your videos are just stellar. I'm planning on making a video soon about your cold shellac method with the alcohol sludge. You, sir, will definitely get the honorable shout-out!!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@WatchRestorationCottage just remember, it's gotta be heated to evaporate out the alcohol.

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

@@watchrepairtutorials yessir. One thing you didn't quite mention was the secret formula, the shellac to alcohol ratio... I have your video to reference. I'll watch it over and over to ensure I've got a similar consistency. Like honey, would you say? Or thinner?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@WatchRestorationCottage first of all, I've only made it a couple times because it last like forever. Last time I started off three parts shellac to one part denatured alcohol. Let that dissolve and adjust as needed. I think the consistency of honey or maybe even a little thicker is ok. It will slowly thicken over time and you can just add a little more alcohol.

[@williamking6019]

Thanks again for thr great tips 👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

My pleasure!

[@felizuleta]

Omg what a secret, thanks for sharing Alex! Wow

[@watchrepairtutorials]

every little bit helps my friend. 🤙

[@nitennr1087]

Brilliant video Alex. The pin polisher is actually a bit of watchmakers kit I can afford. Even though I believe my recent mainspring barrel disassembly, lube and reassembly to be the culprit to my low amplitude, once I have figured this out, I'm moving on to pinions with this. I'll not be happy till my amps are through the roof. Do you have a video to help me with the mainspring barrel issues?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

This is an oldie, but it might help. How to Get Higher Amplitude from your Mainspring Barrel kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXLRapyZgpWhaZI

[@andresgutierrez1514]

Gracias por estos consejos.Un saludo desde Santander (Europa).🙋🏻

[@watchrepairtutorials]

you are very welcome. are you in the netherlands?

[@andresgutierrez1514]

@@watchrepairtutorials No, in Santander Spain. When you opened the channel we had communication. But my job doesn't leave me much free time.🙋🏻

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@andresgutierrez1514 ok my friend. thank you.🙏

[@felixangellopezalonso3993]

Que cosa tan simple para tan bien resultado. Gracias.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

it won't work all the time, but it will work many times.

[@rapid20-y7l]

Wow thank you, yet another inexpensive gem

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hello Karl. I don't know of to many tools in the toolbox that are so inexpensive they could have such an impact. thank you

[@StrongbiteRods]

You’re a treasure! Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

are you a Rod maker?

[@StrongbiteRods]

Once was. Retired.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@StrongbiteRods that's so cool. I've thought about making rods in the past but just haven't taken the 1st steps. too much other stuff going on.

[@carlosgomis9033]

Nice tip, gracias Alex

[@watchrepairtutorials]

thank you, Carlos.

[@Sestorema]

You're Great 👍🙂

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are!

[@Sestorema]

@@watchrepairtutorials I've already restored 6/7 vintage watches but manual winding only. It's a wonderful hobby👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@Sestorema well done my friend. It can become addictive, that's for sure.

[@weerobot]

Cool..

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Very cool . 👍

[@patriot_III_tinman]

Nice shirt👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I love it brother.

[@LeGiaWatchService]

Where would I like to purchase the tool? Thank you Alex

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The link for the tool is in the description

[@y.burkastudio2418]

Hello Alex, have you ever used bergeon pivot polisher? Thanks

[@watchrepairtutorials]

well, they have one to polish the tip of the pivot if that's what you're talking about and yes, I have one.

[@y.burkastudio2418]

@watchrepairtutorials yes, that's the one, I use it sometimes. Works quite well.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@y.burkastudio2418 I agree with you 100%.

[@tesmat1243]

I have a very fine powder diamond paste about 10.000 grit would that help in polishing the pivots? And how could I do it?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

there's a tool made by Bergeron that has a jewel in the tip that you add diamantine powder to in order to polish the tip of a balance pivot. As far as polishing the sides of the pivot that would be done on a Jacot lathe or a balance pivot turn. This method does really polish the pivot as much as making sure there is nothing on the pivot that would interfere with its free running in its jewel.

[@nunyabusiness9056]

I think i'm dealing with this on a problem movement right now. Cousins shows 2 green pin polishers. Are you using the fine or extra fine? I'm assuming extra fine.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Either is fine. designation is not consistent from one manufactured to the next so either one should do.

[@nunyabusiness9056]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thanks my guy, i'll order extra fine to be safe.

[@mkahky]

Thanks for an economical solution. As a tyro hobbyist I have a hard time spending $$$ on a tool that is a "one-trick pony"!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Unfortunately, in watch repair there's plenty of those. This is by no means equal to what can be accomplished with the Jacot lathe and it will not remove deep scratches but so times all that's needed is the clean up the balance pivots. It definitely will help in many instances.

[@joeyv6583]

What kind of grid is this? Link isn’t available in my country, like a 500/600grid?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The grit is not published but it would probably be around 2000. 500-600 is much to course. That would remove metal.

[@RestorationWatch]

EVEFLEX PINS AND MANDRELS/HOLDERS

[@watchrepairtutorials]

yep.Thats perfect

[@lucvandecasteele7696]

can you help me out, i am trying to find more info on watch brands. i have recently started watch tinkering. so far i have managed to put one back together after taking it appart of the 6 i bought that where for repair and it was stil working. now i bought a pile of 200 movements, they where 1 euro a piece and a lot of them looked similar mecanismes. so i can practice taking appart and putting back together with plenty of spare parts. i have identified raketa and slava as brand but can't find much info or even what brand it is on a lot of the other brands. dous the brand Jusi exists? any sites with info you can point me to would be of great help.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

This will help: The Ultimate Guide for Identifying and Sourcing Watch Parts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJrUamCMZtipba8

[@lucvandecasteele7696]

@@watchrepairtutorials thanks it's been a great help

[@popeyewatch]

Diamond is not recommended for polishing pivots, as diamond powder can transfer and become embedded in the pivots, eventually damaging the jewels. The Jacot tool (lathe) with steel burnishers remains the preferred tool for this task. The primary reason for low amplitude in vintage watches is often the condition of the jewels. Worn-out holes and pitted caps, typically due to lack of service and lubrication, or the use of diamond paste by previous tinkerer for pivot polishing, can significantly affect performance.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

While technically you are correct that diamond paste should not be used, remember this is for people who do not own a Jacot Lathe like we do. I would agree with you that out of round pivot holes in plates and bridges are a huge problem in 7 jewel movements but in jeweled pivot holes pivot condition is the common issue in my experience.

[@popeyewatch]

@@watchrepairtutorials You're correct. Burnishing pivots often significantly improves the amplitude.

[@Przemeknoname]

my nh35 watch makes +1s pro day on table or when im in office. on wrist making walk with dog(moving my hands, vibrations ..) it gains +7s pro hour. is that normal ?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Completely normal. The watch will operate at different values depending on its position. The average rate of a watch are these values together. You can set your watch to the exact second at the beginning of the day and then check your watch as soon as you wake up the next morning and check it with an atomic clock or digital watch.

[@Przemeknoname]

@@watchrepairtutorials i Check Always with atomic clock. When i in Car or siting in Office my watch goes prytty max + 2s pro day. BUT evenig im Walking Always and after 40 minutes IT gains +7s or even more. My Arms are moving rapidly im Walking fast. Without evning Walking IT has only +2s. But after walk IT gains extra +7s. Im sure watch is broken. Knocking Problem

[@Przemeknoname]

IT ist steeldive with nh35 Capt Willard hamage

[@Przemeknoname]

I will buy one more 50 bucks. Watch ist cheap

[@Przemeknoname]

@@watchrepairtutorials 7s pro hour is much . And Position do Not conpensate that.

[@giainhviet9874]

❤ tuyệt vời

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you friend

[@RemiBusseuil]

Damn another tool to buy

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Well, at least it’s not a $500 tool.

[@WatchWithMike]

I bought a set of these and completely forgot I have them. I think my brain has turned to into Rodico.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

LOL. How are you Mike. I hope all is well.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@watchrepairtutorials All's good Alex, best wishes back at ya! When I bought these I was concerned about the abrasive particles coming off in my watchmaking space. Any sign of 'crumbs' when you've used them? Also, do you clean the parts again after you polish, or can the part go right back into the watch?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@WatchWithMike I do this after my pre-cleaning cycles and yes, you'll get some crumbs for sure. The ones left on the balance are removed with my blower with the brush out. Then once everything's ready, all the parts go in for the final cleaning process .

[@leereyno]

More money to amazon :)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

small price, amazing results when applicable.

[@2manysigns]

Killer

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Absolutely 👍