Old, Not Running, Potentially Radioactive Watch From eBay: What Could Go Wrong?

Marshall restores a vintage watch he found on eBay for a mere $35.00. The only problem? It doesn't work, is in bad shape overall, and might be radioactive. Otherwise it's great!
Come along as he restores another vintage watch and explains how he does it along the way :)
Support Wristwatch Revival via Patreon: / wristwatchrevival
Visit Sutcliffe Hansen for toolkits, revived watches, straps and more: sutcliffehanse...
Follow on Instagram for Project Updates in between video releases: @wristwatch_revival
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These are Amazon affiliate links to some of the equipment used for these videos and purchasing anything through them helps support the channel.
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[@grizzyg8887]

You should make a beginners guide to watch repairing.. what oils to use, what tools are a must, and what aren’t etc. would be a fantastic series and I know we’d all love watching it!

[@badpunk2455]

He actually has a video with recomendations for begginers, look it up. Also in most of the pocket watch vedios he explains thorougly what to do if you are niw to the hobby!

[@WerewolfMaster]

@@badpunk2455 BUT we would like more.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Yeah, if he'd learn to cover things like that?

[@billthompson8116]

Agree with grizzyg8887 100%. You are very good at what you do. You exude confidence in what you do. And from one long time teacher to another, you are a true professional. Kudos to you. And keep it up.

[@mnpd3]

I think that watching his videos does that. His narration is as important as what he's doing. Don't know what this fellow does for a day job, but I suspect that he's an educator. If not, he should have been.

[@elrobo3568]

When I was a kid in the 50's in the Bronx my best friend's father had a watch repair shop. I hung around the shop and was really fascinated by clocks and watches. The dad saw I was interested and took me under his training and I started learning some basics. John was trained in Switzerland for several years. When I took apart my first clock, the one with three balls under glass and put it back together he was really excited as his son didn't want anything to do with watchmaking. Unfortunately, John passed away and the store closed as there was nobody to carry on. I want on to join the USAF and was a crew chief mechanic on F-4, A-7 and F-16 aircraft instead of working on watches. The watch making experience did teach me to take my time and attention to detail while working on aircraft and also classic cars. I am approaching 80 now and still work on classic cars but I love to watch your videos. Is there an email or something where I can contact you? Thanks for your superb videos and sharing your expertise with us.

[@Ethan-pr6pk]

Thank you for this wonderful look into your life and for your service.

[@ChoChan776]

F-4 crew chief eh, are the legends true about you guys pedaling around the flight line on tricycles?

[@lesterbanks7292]

Wow! I'm a 40+ yr mechanic, painter, contractor. Worked on laptops, furnaces digital TV's etc. This is only the 4th video from you I've watched. I knew nothing about mechanical watches. And I've learned so much already. Makes me wanna buy a non working watch and take it apart, just out of curiosity. Thanks a Million!!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@wysp5682]

Man the actual watchmaking work is incredible, but the camerawork is also insane. I have no clue how he manages to consistently get such incredibly clear shots of what he's doing. Hands never get in the way or anything, probably better than being there in person. Really cool video.

[@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3]

Repent to Jesus Christ “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV

[@paullangton-rogers2390]

I was thinking the same! The work that goes into watchmaking and repairing working movements is insane. It requires tremendous skill, very steady hands and patience. It's basically like performing surgery on a person, probably harder I'd say. So many minute parts. I attempted it once, springs flew out, parts got bent easily and putting the thing back together was absolutely impossible! I ended up with a bag of parts for my trouble (those that didn't fly away) lol.

[@ernestbryan389]

I am far to clumsy to be a watch maker , and I simply don’t have the patient , but I do enjoy watching this guy because he explains what he is doing and can actually put them back together after taking them apart

[@cwagner122]

I think the real question is is how many cameras are on him simultaneously because dang there's a lot of different angles he gives but I would expect nothing but quality from Marshall been a limited resources enjoy for years got into watches and stumbled across his channel I'd know that voice anywhere.

[@Kirinji1kirinji]

@@cwagner122 Information is all there in the video description, my friend.

[@Bubmet]

Wild! This EXACT WATCH was in my cart at one point. I even have a screenshot of it! Glad to see it went to someone else that could truly to it justice. Much love :)

[@dannyh.7490]

Thanks! WOW, WOW, WOW I came upon this site by chance one day while perusing through KZbin. Never in a million years did I think I could be so enamored watching some one fix old watches. I think I've watched about 5 or 6 episodes so far and haven't been bored at all. I love how much joy Marshall takes in fixing these watches, and with the enthusiasm he explains the detailed process. I even like the sound of his voice, it's very pleasant.Probably not a hobby I'd ever take up but it's so fascinating to watch that I'm certain I'll be watching many more. Thank You Marshall for sharing and bringing a little more diversion from the norm in our lives.

[@jsbart991]

I just watched a 40min video of a man doing amazing work on a piece of history. The quality of video editing and commentary is amazing to say the least. Absolutely incredible…

[@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3]

Repent to Jesus Christ “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV

[@tonyconroy4216]

Fgbbhn

[@barryscott6222]

I just watched a 20 minute video - because I played it at x2 speed. And probably... it is the better for it. Just saying.

[@kkal1183]

There are a lot of watch repair channels on YT, Your's stands out because of the dialog. You've struck a great balance between educating without being condescending and you've got a great voice for it. Keep it up Marshall, we look forward to every new video. oh.. hats off to the production quality.. very well done.

[@djd8305]

He comes across as a novice - always 'surprised' that its worked out:)

[@patrickjean-philippe7679]

That’s humility. The very best are always humble.

[@Nickgowans]

Almost every video works the same, with the same recipe, similar mechanisms and similar methods. But the dialogue makes it so incredibly compelling that I can binge watch for hours

[@arlequin241]

Exactly, everyone else sounds pompous. He's very humble and down to earth

[@toddcutsuries54]

First time here. Subscribed immediately. Lots to learn from this man.

[@RecklessAcceleration]

I repaired an old Breitling with the same movement. Very strong and accurate running. Always happy to see someone helping to keep these vintage pieces going!

[@RecklessAcceleration]

I should mention that it arrived with a broken yoke spring and the first replacement yoke spring I put in it broke as well when the crown was left in the setting position for an extended period. So apparently that's a bit of a weak spot.

[@Mequalspi]

The radiation burn on that gorgeous dial definitely makes this piece something special! Every one of your videos are just such a treat. I also have to say, I cherish the compliment you gave on my watch when we spoke at GP DC as much as I cherish the Man-o-War you signed for me. You have an incredible talent for sharing things with people (and clearly have spent a tremendous amount of time honing those skills), and the world truly is a better place for it.

[@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3]

Repent to Jesus Christ “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV

[@donaldrezell5475]

As a follow up, the watch looks fantastic. I'm glad to see you kept the radium lume on the hands. I've learned so much from watching your videos. I went from knowing nothing to being able to name parts with ease. Thank you!

[@satwatchers]

Re : The 20 minute mark. Your camera work for your videos is some of the best I’ve seen for any hobby especially for close up details like the watch movements and I really appreciate it your effort in filming in south detail and quality. Thank you Marshal!!!

[@yamahantx7005]

For anyone wondering, indeed rubies are cheap to make. They are aluminum oxide doped with chromium. Sapphire is the clear version. We regularly use sapphire in the semiconductor industry for making LEDs. They are sometimes doped with iron and ironically, pun intended, they're still clear. Sandpaper is also aluminum oxide.

[@Stoney3K]

Not to mention sapphire (and its cousin, Gorilla Glass, which is aluminum oxynitride) being a very common watch crystal material and used in phone screens. "Transparent aluminum", as a famous engineer would say.

[@emmata98]

And still there is a huge price discrepency between lab and nature, while the ones from the lab a just better

[@jamesmaddox40]

@@Stoney3K yes he would, and could have completed it in 1/3 to a 1/2 the time other engineers needed to complete the task

[@theapocalex]

*Aluminium

[@MrKillerno1]

@@emmata98 But as a noob in this area, manufactured and engineered is better than nature, and it does not take this long to build, right?

[@tomy.1846]

I read the book 'Radium Girls' and it's about the women who painted the radium onto the dials going back to the 1920s. It was horrifying how sick many of them became. They were encouraged to dip (make a tip of the paintbrush with their lips) while applying the radium to the dials by hand. A very interesting read! Crazy that there was a period of time when it was marketed as a healthy material! 😔

[@TheMoffBoy]

They thought it was good for beauty regimens, as the radium would make them glow.... how about that. The radium girls and the matchstick girls were both subject to a huge corporate crime whereby those at the top were fully aware of what was happening.

[@eliseosterbrink8000]

All sorts of people were obsessed with radium, as they falsely believed that it was good for them. A socialite named Eben Byers drank so much of a radium tonic that the bone in his lower jaw disintegrated until it finally fell off. This was before he died of the cancers that he got from that same tonic. The radium girls weren't the only people who fell victim to the dangerous obsessions and excitements of the early 1900s... :)

[@Albtraum_TDDC]

wow, just wow

[@tomy.1846]

@@eliseosterbrink8000 Yes! One of the women in the book had her lower jaw fall out through her rotted gums. Her doctor kept the jawbone in his desk and it ended up developing some x-ray film in the same drawer! Radiation is a dangerous thing especially when it was newly discovered.

[@TheMoffBoy]

@@tomy.1846 Just look at what happened to the Curie's... I mean their equipment and their journals are still extremely dangerous. They even knew the dangers.

[@haraldg3384]

Just found this channel the other day and have watched half a dozen episodes already. Really enjoy your detailed commentary. Seems each video has concise info on at least one facet of the repair. One can feel the passion with which you do your restorations. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@ralger]

The most amazing thing to me is the steady pace and and intricate movement of your hands like a surgeon . I know you spoke of your powers of memory and observation , I feel great if I can remember five or ten things when I reassemble something ☺️

[@franciscahazlet4021]

That was a great video. I love the time you take to research the watches and tell us the history. Thanks for taking us on these great adventures. Be blessed.

[@BurkeSchneider]

This is crazy, I instantly recognized your voice from Magic: The Gathering. You used to provide commentary. Glad to see you also have a successful KZbin channel.

[@MotoVloggedOUT]

A pilot I fly with got me interested in mechanical watches. And in doing so I stumbled across your channel, and just purchased my first automatic watch! A Vaer A5. Thanks for your content!

[@WristwatchRevival]

Fantastic, congrats and enjoy it in good health!

[@simonepintarelli4901]

Amazing video as always! I really have to thank you as I'm slowly getting into the hobby. I always loved mechanical watches and I have a small collection, but it's mainly because of your videos that I started trying to work on them. Last month I finished servicing a nice Desmo dress watch with a Felsa 391 movement that I found in my grandfather's house. I was so proud when the balance wheel started spinning! Thanks again for the great content!

[@WristwatchRevival]

Ah fantastic, I'm glad to hear that!

[@nicholasharris3564]

@@WristwatchRevival hey man I have a bi centennial celebration silver pocket watch and I don't know how else to reach you, let me know what you think

[@moosemanuk]

I love this channel! Every watch restored and repaired by Marshall is a piece of history that now works again. I love the paper clip repair, someone clearly loved this watch at one point and did their best to make it wearable again.

[@lazylathe]

Another watcher and Liker for years here! This was an epic restoration and bit of history lesson. I love what you do!

[@thomasbruinsma]

What still amazes me the most about all these videos, is that every single video is good for someone who never even thought about the inside of a watch, let alone watch videos about them. Yet at the same time, there's always some information that is either new or clarified in a different way to someone who watched all your videos. Well done! Keep it up :)

[@beldarin]

Agreed Thomas, I never get tired of hearing about why there are 3 types of oil, or that the balance is so delicate, as there is always something new and interesting to hear as well. When I recommend a channel to friends, the usual question is, 'What's a good one for a beginner?' And my answer with Marshall is 'Literally any one of them'

[@keithteschner6225]

I never thought I would ever watch such a video from the beginning to the end with such great interest. Great job of explaining.

[@Eric1SanDiego1]

ADMIT IT. You were just *waiting* for the opportunity to buy a Geiger Counter to add to your arsenal of tools! Seriously, Marshall, we would _love_ to see a "State of the Collection" which includes all of your watches, parts, and TOOLS. We know you love your tools!

[@alaththar819]

😂 second to this.

[@jaggederest]

Need a "wristwatch tools revival" sub-channel "I've got this new Rober press, it looks like it needs a good cleaning..."

[@davidlloyd1526]

I'd be interested to see the Geiger counter used when the watch was inside the case for comparison... Theoretically alpha particles should be completely stopped...

[@jaggederest]

@@davidlloyd1526 Radium's decay chain emits a mix of ionizing radiation, seems like the majority is alpha but there's beta from the polonium and gamma from all the various particle emissions. So it should still show radioactivity even behind lead.

[@WayneWerner]

saaaame

[@fredricksfishkeeping3007]

I’m a physicist who is interested in mechanical watches and I gotta say, both radium and tritium watches are going to have to make an appearance in my collection at some point. Absolutely fascinating stuff.

[@nefariumxxx]

You can buy a cheap entry level geiger counter for about $50 and they are a lot of fun in antique shops and for checking out rock/mineral/fossils.

[@robertlee4809]

No doubt!! I want superpowers too!!!😅

[@robertlee4809]

@@nefariumxxx Oh to walk around with my Geiger counter and scan everything🤣

[@nefariumxxx]

@@robertlee4809 I've done it for years mostly in antique shops and rock/mineral/gem shops. There is always something new to find. People are curious but I explain it detects harmless low levels of radiation so they don't get scared. To put it in simple terms for them I usually say it's my "antique glass/pottery detector" or "interesting rock detector". :)

[@deejay5457]

Love the history and ins and outs of the watchmaking industry that you add to the fascinating work you are doing. You are my first go to channel when I sit down to relax in the evening. Thanks for all you do.

[@chriselliott726]

Great videos. Personally, I not pleased you replaced the crown. Seems like an integral part of the look and the history. It's very easy to brush plate small parts and it's something you could easily do.

[@AnthonySmith-sc4zs]

Think about how many old watches have had a second life thanks to Marshall and his skills. Bringing these timepieces back to life and getting their escapement beating again is so satisfying for me to watch. I love how he clearly explains what he is doing in every video, even though it might feel redundant to him.

[@bg147]

Beautiful watch especially the dial. These old modest watches are my favorites. I've seen the brand before on eBay a few times. I rarely see Valory as well which is my watch that belonged to my Italian grandpa. Great work, and I love that you appreciate the watches that many would never buy because they aren't Rolex.

[@thenorseguy2495]

I love your videos. I think it’s amazing how it’s possible to fix something so tiny

[@aeolus7762]

Holy crap, Marshall Sutcliffe is not only an amazing MTG comentator and personality, but an excellent watch repairman? I am flabbergasted and amazed! Instantly could tell by the voice and the bio and that little MTG sealed it for me! Well dome, Mr. Sutcliffe!

[@radera5125]

What’s his mtg channel???

[@aeolus7762]

@@radera5125 Limited Resources

[@OGSook]

I knew I recognized this voice!

[@kr12a2y]

Oh wow I thought he sounded the same.

[@jessewang6725]

Lol I got 6 min in to the video before I realized who I was listening to

[@JDTee79]

I know nothing about watch making and don’t like wrist watches at all. I broke my wrist when I was young and the bone never healed properly…. They’re uncomfortable for me. That being said this was awesome to watch and informative. 🍻

[@CampMacduff]

I now own a collection of watch repair tools and you are right, pocket watches are a great way to practice. I am still horrible but inspired by your videos. Thanks for sharing

[@wwg1wga963]

Where do you get your tools from I've got an old pocket watch to repair. Always wanted to repair watches.

[@teulis]

I have been doing cellphone repair for the past 6 years, and have been tempted to get into watchmaking after seeing your videos. It seems so gratifying. I am used to working with relatively small things, but I think these watches are on a whole different level.

[@llllllllllilillii]

you can do it. I repaired 6 cell phones just watching youtube and i'm a chick. if I can do it you can. just get you an old watch and start. I use packing tape mounted onto the desk backwards to put my parts in order of removal. it's way easier for me to keep track of all the things.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

I like these Swiss watches from this era. I bought three recently. They are mostly unknown companies to me, but they're still quality watches. That's also how I found this channel.

[@funkojones2947]

Love this watch ! It just calls to me. Do you ever sell these watches ? I would love to have this one. I also worked with leather in a former career, do you still have the strap ? I would love to try to restore it.

[@simpleboy3457]

This is what my Grandfather did most of his life buy8ng old watches and bringing them back to new condition, I use to help take them apart for him, this was not only a joy to watch but also a trip down memory lane for me, thank you so much bud.

[@TheBassLizard]

Mine too! Watches, clocks... I remember his workshop in the basement... with like.. fifty clocks all running... making noise all night. I slept like a baby down there, smell of machine oil and everything.

[@simpleboy3457]

@@TheBassLizard yeah 5 cuckoo clocks all going off at midnight 😂 I use to lay in bed waiting for it.

[@bigdogg49]

Ive recently started collecting watches and now ive started doing simple mods like changing straps coloring the dial bezel and now im trying to learn how to repair so i might buy watches for cheaper repair them and wear them and maybe even start earning money from it your channel has been a great help been binge watching

[@tenaciousjeebs]

No mainspring "thunk" :( but a wonderful video!

[@WristwatchRevival]

Hahah yeah sometimes they just need a new one :)

[@tenaciousjeebs]

@@WristwatchRevival Quick question: I have an old (1920s, maybe) pocket watch from my great grandfather that I'd like to have restored. Would you ever be interested in taking on that project?

[@victoriareyes5748]

You are the Bob Ross of wrist watches to me. I have 0 interest in watches I don't wear them, never have, just like I don't paint and never will, but I love watching you and Bob lol.

[@yonickfrias8799]

What a great video! the quality, narration, and information provided has definitely made me want to attempt this hobby.

[@jaylevine1483]

Marshall, You’re one of the reasons I started into the hobby (Mark Lovick is the other). I’ve invested a fair amount into tools plus have taken two on-line courses this year. I’d say I’m still a beginner, batting about 70% with respect to fully repairing and restoring 1940/1950s era manual winds. The rest go into the bin for salvage later. Like you, I’ve realized eBay is basically the only place to find older affordable movements and NOS parts. Don’t think I’ll ever get to your level of competence nor recover even 50% of the money I’ve spent this year alone, but the satisfaction I get from working on these old beauties is priceless. Thank your for videos-truly inspirational. Levine98

[@mwb3984]

I have been 'suffering' from not seeing your episodes! Really, really enjoy them and glad you shared another one with us. Thank you!!

[@WristwatchRevival]

Appreciate your patience!

[@ericnorteman5341]

I am beginning to repair clocks never wanted to repair watches until now love the videos

[@peterrat100]

Amazing. How anyone can remember the order in which those tiny bits go back together is beyond me!

[@stj971]

👍

[@ethorii]

Its because a standard movement like this is almost identical to any other by any manufacturer. It gets complicated when dealing with chronograph, day-date, alarm movements. Those can vary from maker to maker. A basic movement is actually a simple machine. Genius but simple.

[@tenncutt]

He watches his own KZbin videos in reverse!

[@NavyNube]

To all those who dont know, alpha radiation from the dials wouldnt even get out of the case, its only dangerous if you were to ingest a large amount which I dont think anyone is going around eating watch dials. And about 3-4 times over background radiation levels is basically nothing. (Also CPM is Counts Per Minute) Love the video! Such intricate work and another amazing watch fixed!

[@nefariumxxx]

Beta and gamma is emitted also, but it's not a huge amount. The geiger counter was responding to both of those.

[@spencerjohnson3456]

What about radon gas? Anyway to measure that?

[@mauricenestler6559]

@@spencerjohnson3456 there is

[@fotongammadosimetry]

Even a tiny bit of radium paint will stay with you a lifetime and irradiate the surrounding tissues eventually leading to cancer. Its not only alpha, but beta and gamma also.

[@nefariumxxx]

@@fotongammadosimetry Which is why we don't eat it or snort it. Not all of it is absorbed by the body but the small portion that is tends to be treated like calcium so might end up in your jaw or other bones. Surprisingly one of the Radium girls lived a very long mostly healthy life... because she did not like the way it tasted and quit the job early on.

[@Gravity461]

I did not realize this video was nearly 40 minutes long, I just watched it and enjoyed it, definitely going to be looking more into there things!

[@lost_in_gravy]

Why would you think that a show like this would never fly? To me, you are the Bob Ross of watch repair, knowledgeable at what you do and a great source of inspiration, all while being entertaining. Thank you for all your great videos!

[@techrev9999]

Very cool. This channel is so relaxing. I'm going to have to find out how to buy one of the watches you do, if it's possible. It's, just, satisfying. I think it's because I've worked on very small and complicated things before, and the frustration and anxiety that comes along with having things go wrong can be extreme. Seeing it all just go well, and the calmness of your explanations just kind of makes everything ok. Awesome.

[@chefkenjie7425]

I really love how you do your videos. You always narrate something that's very educational to us, your audience. Thank you for the content and for educating us about watchmaking history. :)

[@gigiwills7851]

It is worth mentioning that the ladies employed to paint the numbers on the dials used very fine brushes brought to a point using their lips. This was dangerous and a good many so employed developed oral cancer. Of course we assume the dangers of radium were not known at first. Marie Curie herself died of radium poisoning. I am glad to hear the wearers of the radium dial watches did not suffer the same fate. very nice video! You do great work, and the camera work, as well as the narration, is outstanding!

[@R.N.M-]

The girls did not know, but the upper class did.

[@robertdombroski7169]

Hello, My Grandmother was one of the Timex Radium Girls (that's what they were referred to). She passed away from Cancer of the skull about 40 years ago. It's a shame that so little was known about the radium they worked with.

[@griffins750]

@@R.N.M-How do you recon?

[@GrasshopperKelly]

Radium emits (mostly) ionising Alpha particles. Which struggle to travel far through most solids. Ie. the crystal protects against most of it. If any damage *is* done to your skin's DNA (Which ionising mostly does), it's to skin cells on the surface which are close to dying or being rubbed off and abandoned. Radium ofc also emits photons. Something that only really transfers a little energy to what it hits. Meaning looking at radium through glass isn't much more dangerous that looking at a light bulb through glasses. Plus you;re not looking at the hands and watch face all day, just small glances. But as we're aware, our Mouths are not protected by our skin... They contain very actively replicating cells, and the paint was washing around their mouths and lips. Entering their lymphatic system and being dumped in lymph nodes under their jaws. Allowing Alpha particles to do massive damage *inside*. Somewhere they tend not to never reach. Alpha particles compared to Beta are similar to comparing a bus/coach hitting you at speed and a Hockey ball hitting you. One hurts, but the other doesn't leave a small dent, it ploughs through a fair amount of s*** before it finally comes to a stop... Gama particles are more or less photons, and can pass right through you, imparting almost no charge on atoms in your body, and popping out the other side. Or they can hit stuff in the centre doing insignificant damage. OR you can get blasted by billions of them and they add up... The human body is actually fairly well protected against radiation. We survive background levels every day. Our immune system recognises the little zombie like bastards of cells going cancerous and terminates many of them. We're just not designed to resist daily x-rays... Or the stuff decaying inside our lungs, mouths, circulatory system...

[@docstomp5524]

The employees were ingesting it, not very dangerous if handled safely

[@krolfam1265]

I never would have thought watching someone fix a watch would be so relaxing! Great Job !

[@Eremon1]

There's a guy here on KZbin that looks at radioactivity of various locations as well as at items such as Radium dialed watches and a house tiled in radioactive glazed tiles. Radioactive Drew is the channel. Neat stuff. Thanks for sharing this video. Watch movements are fascinating. Cheers.

[@rossroderickwhitney]

The cinematography for this is sublime! The narration is wonderful. This guy could announce radio. An extremely fine documentary in every respect.

[@outbackwack368]

I always look forward to your uploads! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

[@stefanaretz8136]

The longer I continue to watch your videos, the more I start to crave a try by myself. I have e good understanding for mechanical processes and you are a very good teacher. Mayb I should find me an old watch on ebay and ruin it ...Best regards from northern germany

[@toddsmith8608]

That is a sharp looking watch! I think the chosen strap color complements the dial well and the new crystal really makes it pop. On top of that it's dead-on accurate! Great work, as always.

[@davideasterling2729]

Watch "Radium Girls" for insight on the dangers associated with radium lume. It is one of those substances, like lead paint, that have only moderate risks to be around in small ammonts and are intact, but when they are disturbed (usually when they are being removed) become very dangerous if they enter the body, by inhaling or ingesting the dust/fibers.

[@12345.......]

The way the company screwed them over is shameful

[@larryb1153]

I was a kid in the 1950's and had a luminous dial watch. Rumors were it had radium for hands and hour marks. I was so fascinated it glowed so much. At night I used to stay up very late staring at it close up. The 12 o'clock dot was largest. It seemed to boil when viewed up close. Now at 71 I just had cataract surgery !

[@ItalianKick]

Would you ever do a restoration of a vintage watch but instead of leaving it’s patina refurbish it completely? Such as more aggressive polishes on the body, sprucing up the watch face etc… I know it’s more out of your comfort zone but I think it would be cool to see what you would come up with. Keep up the great work and love LOVE your videos, have a great day!

[@djd8305]

Id love to see that too.

[@bruwin]

He's done restorations where he's replated cases and cleaned up the faces to look more new. He has a preference towards patina, but he also goes where the watch wants him to. Sometimes that ends up being a little cleaner.

[@djd8305]

@@bruwin Yep, and I like that about him. Just the little boy in me who likes shiny new stuff:)

[@bodie7020]

I have never watched a watch repair video before. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not, and frankly weather or not I enjoy a video (of any type) is determined largely by weather or not the person or group presenting the video is personable to me. Don't worry I find you quite personable, and you made that Ebay watch repair very entertaining, you even almost had me thinking I could do that. Thanks for sharing your skills and, I dare say, passion with us.

[@p0ppytears]

You should totally put together a video on beginner tool sets to get, and beginner tutorials on how to get started, explaining each function/gear etc.

[@rayk126]

Well lets see, your hair might fall out, you might glow in the dark, you might grow a second head. But besides that, nothing.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Yeah otherwise I'll be fine

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

20:00 (or so I didn't go back) to 20:55, I'm appreciative that you put your camera(s) to service and are recording what you do! I'm very much mechanically inclined, engineer by education, computers etc.. and this is absolutely the most stimulating AND relaxing channel on KZbin (that I follow). Truly appreciate the time and effort you put into sharing your hobby!

[@vardoger]

If you haven't already, you should head over to a channel called Clickspring - he does some amazing projects and takes us through the process of everything he does. Lots of fine metalworking, he even made a whole clock from stock metal, shaped every piece and screw and spring.

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

@@vardoger awesome thank you for the suggestion, I'll check it out!!

[@hyfy-tr2jy]

if you notice the dark ghosting on the dial face right where the hands sat 4:12, is another STRONG indicator that the hands have radium in them

[@unrealmccoy1286]

Love your videos Marshall, I've always been a watch fan but due to your awesome videos, I'm getting my first mechanical watch for Christmas this year (shh, I'm not supposed to know yet). I thoroughly enjoy the tips and information you throw in during your commentary. One piece of info that I've been fascinated to know is how these extremely tiny parts (like that screw at 27:39) are actually manufactured to such crazy specs and tolerances. Keep up the great work!

[@martinstabb7059]

As you say in the video, radium is an Alpha particle emitter. An Alpha particle consists of 2 neutrons and 2 protons; essentially a Helium nucleus. It’s relatively massive but slow moving so it doesn’t take a lot to stop it. You just don’t want to ingest it, inhale it or get it in to an open wound where it can damage the structure of a cell. I enjoyed your restoration, as usual.

[@jesinbeverly]

There's a movie. Radium Girls. About the factory workers that painted the dials.. licking their radium coated brushes to sharpen the points. But as you point out. The case and even the crystal are enough to prevent the particles of decay from leaving the watch.

[@pwnmeisterage]

The "Radium Girls" also mixed the glowing radium paint into their cosmetics. A few even applied it as body paint for entertaining intimacies in dark rooms. They absorbed, inhaled, and injested a lot of it over time. People used to bottle "Radium Mineral Water" and promote its energizing and vitalizing effects. It sold well and was popular with consumers. Until they realized it caused terrible throat and organ cancers.

[@concinnus]

@@pwnmeisterage Some people still sit around in old mines to breathe radon, thinking it will make them healthier.

[@stj971]

@@jesinbeverly aha! I knew it! Thank you.

[@crf80fdarkdays]

@@pomelo9518 how

[@dalehammond1749]

I greatly admire your work. Unfortunately I'm not mechanically inclined. I took an IQ test back in the old days and was told I could be a lawyer or clergy, but I should definitely never attempt anything mechanical. I marvel at how you can do what you do! Absolutely amazing.

[@bullnose01]

Nice job. It was like a blast from the WWR past, although with superior macro shots. The color of the aged radium is striking, but I think I would have replaced it.

[@peterkelley6344]

Regarding the Radium. Movie title … "A Mark in Time".

[@davidc.2932]

Yay! Another great video from wristwatch revival! I've been watching your videos for almost a year and they are all amazing and made dip my toe into watchmaking itself! 🤩🤩🤩 Continue to be you and do what you love! From David from Portugal

[@WristwatchRevival]

Thanks David! And you should try it!

[@davidc.2932]

Tysm for the encouragement Marshal! I've taken apart a couple of watches to this day and I already got one working well!

[@thepwee]

It’s funny.. you’re always surprised when the watch starts running… me: Yeah it’s going to run.. you do great work every video of yours I watch..!!!

[@alignator3]

As a complete beginner, your videos are always of great help ! The major thing i'm struggling with actually is finding replacement parts. Sometimes I manage to find a part list but I rarely find them to buy, or sometimes I just cannot identify them at all ! Most of the watches I learn with aren't from great or luxurious brands, so maybe that's a part of the problem, but I find it abnormally hard to find those pieces ! But thank you for your work, I learned a lot already !

[@system11yt]

Nice to see it was repaired, I do think the old crown suited it better - new one is too large (I have a big collection of this era of watches). The radium problem is minor, but worth knowing about if the lume has crumbled/flaked when you come to open one up. Of course the big danger was to the people who applied it, directed to lick the brushes as they were applying the lume on a production line.

[@yasermahdi7230]

I can't express how amazing it feels to watch your videos! Keep it up

[@tmuny1380]

I just stumbled upon your channel and I am immensely impressed on your workmanship ! I have been a tool and die maker for over 40 years and work with high tolerance precision parts. I can't imagine someone making a watch piece by piece one part at a time would be impossible by a tool and die maker ! The people who design and build these watches have my deepest respect ! I am amazed !

[@joejones9520]

you should watch a vid on yt called "Gunsmith of Williamsburg 1969" especially pay attention to the way the barrels of muskets were made, I dont know how the human body could have that much strength and endurance to even make just one.

[@ZeranZeran]

14:11 actually made my jaw drop. How the heck did people even learn how to do this so long ago? Truly amazing, and beautiful video

[@jgunther3398]

until digital electronics, about 1980, things were mechanical instead of electronic. typewriters and record changers for example, but really everything. intricate gears and levers and etc. in everyday consumer items

[@zipinkent4026]

Outstanding presentation. Very enjoyable & entertaining. Thank you.

[@donaldrezell5475]

I saw radioactive and immediately liked the video

[@andpersand25]

Ey I heard of these from tumblr

[@cribbsprojects]

It's great to see a watch that was obviously loved get a new life... Nice film-making skills there and the commentary is awesome.

[@johnrroberts7900]

I love the watch (I have a similar one that was my grandfather's) but hate its new crown. It also makes it much easier to inadvertently overwind. I had a relatively cheap watch that I received as a birthday present from my kids in the 70s - the stem broke and the watchmaker simply replaced it with the same large crown as here. The first time I wound it up I broke the spring. After that I quietly put it in a drawer where it remains to this day.

[@gordiefrench5342]

Watches has always had me interested in the masterful crazy tiny parts that seem hard to imagine how in the world are they made Skilled craftsmanship in these wonderful vintage watches are second to none This one marshal is a real gem

[@tompowell4566]

I'm amazed you can keep track of all those parts and where they go. I'd be So lost. Great job!

[@paullangton-rogers2390]

Yes and there's SO many different types of watches and movement styles, hats off to this guy for mastering that skill he truly is a watchmaker master. And to think, back in the day, all these watches were made by HAND by professionals like this guy often a skill passed down from generation to generation as an apprenticeship. Switzerland became (and still is) the world leader for watchmakers. Some of their watches and clocks I have in my collection still have perfect working movements and keep good time if wound up regularly even 100+ years on with absolutely NO servicing needed. That shows their level of skill and build quality and why they demand such high prices.

[@llllllllllilillii]

just hit the pause button and make a note of each part. easy.

[@evilladollyz7602]

Wow that was amazing. I had no idea how much went on inside the watch.

[@robertbuckley2108]

I'm always amazed at the level of machining precision the watch parts have to have. Like that cap jewel screw: How the HELL did they get that level of precision in the 40/50s? Insane. I've seen grains of sand that are bigger than that screw.....

[@mynametater]

My grandpa was a watchmaker and jeweler for 34 years. I watched him make some of the train wheel-type cogs like that by hand from a piece of thin sheet metal. I spent my summers in his store, watching him craft and repair many pieces of jewelry. Sadly, he passed away in 2001. I was only 15. I wished he would have lived longer so that I could continue his craft. He also had polio as a child so he was disabled and on crutches. Your videos remind me of how he would disassemble the pocket watches and methodically diagnose and repair them. Great memories, thank you!

[@paullangton-rogers2390]

Awww what a lovely about your story about your grandpa, thanks for sharing. It takes a very skilled person to be a watchmaker for sure, years of training and experience as an apprentice. It's a shame the skill wasn't passed onto you too. You often see that with watchmakers, the skill is passed on from generation to generation like in other highly skilled trades. That's why the Swiss are famous for watches, so many good watchmaker firms with a long long history. I love Swiss watches and collect them (only cheap Rotary ones... I say cheap, one in my collection cost over £1,000/$1,400 originally and has a sapphire on the winder) they use a special thick gold plating which doesn't wear off even after decades. It's nice to own and wear watches made by the same family company that's been doing it since 1895!

[@johnmeore2153]

I've read the stories of the "Radium Girls" they were the dial painters between 1910 and 1930. They would lick and dip their brush when applying the radium, many got bone cancer.

[@zeldamorgan9260]

Absolutely fascinating! My dad repaired clocks for years but I never understood the purpose and function of jewels. I recently bought some vintage watches from eBay. Can't wait to see what I get! I won't try and take them apart myself I'm far too clumsy 😮

[@aserta]

I got a detector recently... mostly to make sure i don't have anything 'frisky' inside my house. One too many stories about old things hiding dangerous stuff inside, and some of them being very easy to lose in a crowd of normal items, that the purchase was worth it. Turns out, nothing was, at least at a passing detect, except the hands on an old clock... which made the little thing blare like mad. :)) They were so potent that even with the glass on (albeit thin old glass) they still made the detector go wild. I put the clock face to the wall in a tall corner for now, i'm prolly gonna remove and swap them.

[@toddsmith8608]

@aserta, as long as you're not licking or scratch and sniffing the hands you'll be just fine. But as Marshall said, to each their own.

[@TheStefanskoglund1]

hmm i believe i would get more from the surroundings (ie natural) there i live than you would get from that clock.

[@toddsmith8608]

@@TheStefanskoglund1 he's safe now, he turned the clock to face the wall. ;-)

[@ledhceb]

Back in the early 90's I had a semi-retired technician who told me of the time he disassembled his watch while watching TV and reassembled it with the mainspring backwards...

[@evann0809]

i always listen to marshall on 2x speed so whenever i dont he sounds like a different man

[@Grammyof9]

Me too.

[@jeffkeith637]

I couldn’t do it. I love the pace of his narration.

[@8BitBrody]

I second this.

[@leastdef7435]

Me too

[@walterdayrit675]

I'm guilty as well!

[@chrisdavidson9431]

Another great restoration - that's a lovely little watch. Pretty cool to be able to see when it had originally stopped working !!👍

[@taterhater2086]

I just imagine how skilled someone was to make the tiny screw that held in the top jewel.

[@thomasesr]

It would be great to see you comparing the Geiger counter readings of the watch without the case and crystal and with the watch assembled so people would understand that it is in fact safe to wear.

[@TealJosh]

He couldn't really showcase it, because his Geiger counter couldn't detect alpha radiation.

[@flederflick]

Have been watching several of your videos lately. Love the content. Really nice to watch you bring back life into the watches. You said that the crystal would probably stop a large part of the radiation that comes off the radium. Did you by any change measure the radiation after you completed the rebuild when it was completely reassembled?

[@dude...are-you-sure]

Your channel was on a recommended list by KZbin so I checked out a video then another and turned into 4 in a row. You mentioned watchmaking as a hobby and it piqued my interest. I've always been interested in how things worked and loved taking things apart to see what made them tick and work. Ive always had an interest in watches but always thought watchsmithing is like a secret art where it's like an apprenticeship to learn the craft from a master. How long have you been reassembling watches or watch making? How did you learn it? How long did it take for you to become proficient in this art? I'm just trying to gauge how much time I would need to invest in the studies? How long was it before you were able to open up a randomly bought eBay watch and do what your doing confidently?

[@Jack_Hurst]

I was able to find a watch that I’ve been wanting for about a year now on ebay just yesterday. It was for parts or repair and half of the price of others that are listed. Thank you for the inspiration! Wish me luck.

[@andpersand25]

Good luck! Have fun

[@WristwatchRevival]

You got this!

[@MordantMagic]

I've seen you talk about stuff flying away, and I've seen it happen a time or two in your videos. I keep meaning to comment about my solution. I restore antique pipes, lighters, knives, and a host of other things and there are a few things I do that can lead to little bits flying away from me never to be seen again. I Have a big clear plastic quarter of a sphere (cut out from some packaging that was a half sphere) and I work on things inside that. It lets it be well lit, but if something flies (as long as it doesn't fly toward me and over my shoulder) it hits the plastic and lands somewhere near me. I may not be explaining it well... basically picture a big clear plastic Hollywood Bowl about 2 feet across with its top partially cut off. It's a reverse sneeze guard I guess you could say... prevents what you're working on from sneezing on you.

[@llllllllllilillii]

love that solution

[@JasonFlorida]

Wow! I have always loved watches but your video and amazing transformation of this beautiful watch has me so interested in learning more. One day hopefully I can learn this skill and I would love to be able to have a nice vintage watch like that one day.

[@stefanward-bradley7006]

I totally agree with restoration being a nice way of making your interests more purposeful. I like to do the same with old game consoles 😁

[@WristwatchRevival]

That's awesome, I love that