How to Disassemble (and Reassemble) a Watch Movement Using Simple Tools

[@WristwatchRevival]

Hey All, I know this isn't the normal restoration type video but I get asked about this a lot, and I really want to help get as many people into this hobby as I can! I've found it so rewarding. And while it's not easy, I do believe that it's more accessible than people think. It was also a good chance to show how few tools you need to get started - and to show a great place to get them ;) Hopefully it's helpful!

[@HarosOfStyx]

Don't apologize because you're afraid of losing subscribers. This video is very helpful. Because, with the amount of trades being slowly lost into oblivion (like plumbers, electricians etc), we'll need people who know these things. Contrary to MSM ρrοραgαndα, few people have electronic time pieces - at least from what I've seen the past 30 years; electronic watches are actually novelties at this point.

[@HarosOfStyx]

Also, you should pin your comment. :)

[@radeknowicki5630]

this is a long awaited and much needed episode! Thank you very much, for it👍 greetings from Poland🇵🇱

[@islandwatch]

On your video advice I got one of these for my videos as well. Great call.

[@mattgriffin3331]

Fantastic video, one question: even as a small bit in your next restoration, could you talk about removing casebacks, cheap tools that could do it, ways to do it and screw up, etc.? I have a Ball watch that's running a bit slow and it's inexpensive enough I kinda want to open it up and tweak the balance adjustment.

[@Loko-wl7fo]

In my humble but accurate opinion, this is the best video you've made. So informative and educational. Exactly what someone needs to get bitten by the watch repair bug. Your love and excitement for this hobby is so evident in your voice. Thank you so much for another addictive video.

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

Marshall was a big reason for me getting into the hobby too

[@adamschmidt4671]

hear hear!

[@EdwinMoewis]

That is so true, I have the ST36 still collecting dust in my drawer but with this video, I will make time now. For sure!

[@Apriliars]

Agreed

[@Apriliars]

@@EdwinMoewis I was able to watch it and fix one ST36 I initially bought after watching this I fully disassembled it and put it back. He is a legend! I feel like I understand most watches better now as they all seem the same or similar parts after he broke it down like this.

[@Not-a-bot222]

Just gave this kit a try today. I disassembled it along with the video and reassembled it. I think I had a pivot misplaced because the balance shell was not running. So I disassembled completely again, reassembled and viola!! It runs. What a fun way to spend a few hours this afternoon! Marshall, I really appreciate you making this kit and these videos. I’ve been obsessing over watches for 6 years and following watchmakers on KZbin for 2. I never would have taken the leap had it not been for your kits online. Thank you

[@SlickWillyTFCF]

This is the kind of video ive been waiting for you to put out. The hobby seems daunting when you don't know what is actually necessary, and it takes some experience to know what you absolutely need and whats just nice to have.

[@russtuff]

I love how your channel and store lowers the barrier to entry for people who want to try something new but don't know where to start. Excellent work!

[@Apriliars]

So true. Love this guy

[@BJRUThere]

Just disassembled and reassemble this movement that I bought on Sutcliff Hansen and following this video for the first time. It took about 4 hours from when I sat down and got my ‘work station’ set up to when I finished breaking it down and putting my tools away. I did totally lose the yoke spring and had to get on my hands and knees for a couple other parts lol. It really does just go flying huh… Other than that it went as well as I think it probably could have. Thank you for creating this tutorial and making this whole process accessible. I had a great time and I’m gunna do it again soon.

[@BJRUThere]

Update, did it again today and it went substantially faster. Under an hour this time!

[@jeremy3075able]

Marshall, watching your videos is what got me into this amazing and sometimes infuriating hobby. I began watching your videos on one of my monitors at work when i would do my employees payroll and found your videos oddly rewarding. Watching your video where you did your 1st rolex gave me the courage to try this and i have now completely restored 2 pocket watches and around a dozen wrist watches. You included your mistakes in this video as well as when you broke a wheel in your personal Rolex and that is great. So many watchmakers eliminate their mistakes to make it seem like they never make mistakes and i think it intimidates people from getting into this hobby. Thank you for all you do to educate the masses.

[@TheSlyFreak]

Hey Marshall! Just wanted to say that I finally dove into attempting to repair my own watch, and thankfully I got it successfully working again! I had bought my first watch on eBay, a $50 vintage Seiko that I really liked the look of. Long story short, it ran for a bit, then stopped suddenly. Took it to a local repair shop only for them to "fix" it and it stopped working a few days later. I had shelved the watch for some time and had always thought about repairing it myself, but never had the time and was scared away by the entry cost of the tools needed. I ended up finding a starter set of tools and took the plunge into dissecting the movement, only to find that the issue was a bad escapement wheel! Ordered a genuine replacement, got it installed, and now my watch appears to be up and running again. This whole experience was fueled by watching your videos and sympathizing with your remarks about how if you're mechanically inclined and like working on cars or engines, those skills might also apply with this hobby. I hope to dive deeper into the hobby and expand my skills, and I just wanted to say thank you for these wonderful videos. I love them and watch them every single time you upload. Would love to see another Seiko on the channel sometime soon!

[@joncook642]

This is incredible! I bought this movement and a set of beginner tools a while back but was too intimidated to get started. Thank you for this!

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

Back to basics! Mark Lovick and you were instrumental in boosting my confidence enough to give the hobby a shot. 2.5 years later, still loving it. Thanks!

[@vichardy3504]

For sure. I also took the Mark Lovick course and it goes to great detail as it should. Marshall's video is concise and a great intro to what it takes. You don't need $100K of Swiss tools. That will come later :)

[@l-jpersson7532]

My brother is going to celebrate his 60th birthday soon, he wanted to be a watchmaker when he was young. This will be a great gift for his birthday. Thank You.😁

[@auntkaz815]

I’m sure he will love it. What a thoughtful gift!

[@bobmclennan1727]

This is a great movement for beginners (like myself) since it doesn't have any tricky complications and it's also a little oversized (it was originally made for pocket watches) so everything is comparatively easy to see.

[@Patrick-iv3wg]

Hell yea, new vid just dropped! I just bought my first watch tool and it was a blast using it. Cant wait to continue to slowly build my collection.

[@davidleadford6511]

Just purchased a "Skeleton Watch" in an exhibition case. I love knowing what the parts are and their purpose. I had no clue until I started watching this channel.

[@mrepicpant]

Welcome to the addiction, get a Seiko 5!

[@terrywynia1778]

This is great. So many of the videos like this get side tracked. It was great to watch a straightforward start to finish video like this.

[@frankdevita7667]

This video was quite timely as I just recently purchased an ST36 with intention of diving deeper into this hobby. With your video as a guide I took the movement completely apart 2 days ago and this evening put it back together, successfully I might add! The most difficult task was putting the second hand back on. Next step is to do it again without your guidance. I got into putting together watches as a hobby after retiring just over 4 years ago. I could purchase parts online and assemble a watch. Through this process my interest in the inner works of a mechanical and automatic movements started to grow. I have learned a great deal from watching your videos over the last couple of years. So thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge of mechanical watches. They have inspired me and have been the catalyst that have spurred me on. Thanks again.

[@stevegorkowski3246]

I retired early and have been replacing the heads on the truck.Most of the major car work is done and looking for another fun hobby. I also repair small electronics, so I dipped my foot into basic watch repair to do something different by replacing batteries and fix bands. I have a basic watch repair tool kit to replace a battery and fix bands. That was fun so I am working on getting all the tools needed to do repair and ordered the same movement. Thanks for the great video and all the others that inspired me to move forward. My step dad's pocket watch was given to me not working when he passed and I would like to repair it after I have some watch repairs under my belt.

[@amcconnell6730]

Next - cleaning the watch parts using a basic Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath rather than an expensive watch cleaner, and oiling the watch using basic tools. :D

[@alcapony5412]

I agree with this! I’ve disassembled a few movements now but I’d like to be able to clean and oil older movements.

[@scholzdigital]

Same here, we need part 2!

[@garymcandrew113]

No local watchmaker is willing to repair my lever set pocket watch, so i am collecting the tools to replace the balance staff. Thanks to your videos i feel confident enough to try myself. Thanks for making detailed & easy to follow repairs, regards Gary

[@CharlesThompson-ou7wp]

Marshall, Thanks again for sharing your passion and tutelage with us! I started watching your channel on a whim about 4-5 months ago and definitely got bitten by the watch bug from them. Please keep up the great videos! Also you have helped me with making informed decisions on purchasing vintage timepieces and have saved me from making poor decisions. Thanks for that as well!

[@grahams8468]

This is just what a watch tinkerer like me needed ,very informative . Thanks Marshall for taking the time

[@tattered08]

Great video! Thank you. Takes me back to watching watch repair channel and taking the courses online. You’re a very good teacher

[@tylermarcon]

Can you do an NH35? I think a ton of people have them in entry level watches now and would love to see that!!

[@davidschoon8254]

As someone who took up the hobby of watchmaking a few months ago, this video comes a few months too late. But I’m glad you make this video because it’s a really good resource for people who are curious about hobby. Your videos and website are great because they make a watchmaking hobby approachable. You aren’t a Rolex trained technician but you’ve done more for the interest in watchmaking and watch modding than any of them could.

[@m1lk3yy]

That's the exact movement I started on, and completely broke the pallet fork, so I am VERY glad that this was what I practiced on. What a fun video!

[@ciciriellov]

By far one of the best educational watch movement disassemble and reassemble videos. Thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge

[@markkaschafsky3045]

I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I am that you correctly call the screws reverse threaded and not left handed.

[@jamesfisher2430]

Great video! I was able to get my grandfathers pocket watch running again from watching your content. This video clarifies a few things to me. Appreciate it!

[@amnesiahazel942]

Thank youuuuuu. I want to get into this hobby and starting off with the basics and knowing how far they stretch, is very relevant.

[@tomhill4003]

Thank you so much Marhall! While I have watched (no pun intended) a lot of watch videos on KZbin, you are truly the OG who got me down this rabbit hole. I am a life-long gear-head, and your videos have been truly inspirational!

[@silkysilk1578]

Really good to see the basics with basic tools. Thank you

[@erikalmighty]

Thanks! More like this!!

[@patplunkett7337]

My wife just bought this kit for me a couple of weeks ago, so this video is perfect timing! I had already disassembled it (I even took out the main spring from the barrel!), so I'm really glad I'll have this video to refer to now. Thanks Marshal!

[@Apriliars]

Best video you have ever made. Really hoping for a lubrication tutorial on this movement next

[@uncleric3797]

I’ve been watching your videos and fascinated by your skill for over a year. I’ve been telling my wife, I want to give that a try so I’m going to get one of your kits and give it a go. I figured I’ve got your video if I got in the weeds. As I get closer to retirement I’ve really been looking for something to pour myself into.

[@andrewclark-fr5om]

I just took apart and put together my first 2 pocket watches today. One of them had a bridge with 5 pivots 😅 including the pallet fork, it took me like an hour and a half to get everything lined up. I was so happy when it finally clicked down into place

[@RockyMedure]

Love this! Just ordered the starter kit and diving in next week!

[@mike.thomas]

Haha, well I just busted the center wheel’s pinion off trying to pry the canon pinion off with tweezers, as shown. Naturally, the canon pinion went flying, although I miraculously recovered it 😮 with the second wheel’s stub still in place. I guess that’s why we learn on sacrificial movements! Aside from my oafish failure, the video has been super helpful to learn from. I’ve watched this video and many others here. Before actually embarking on doing evil to my Seagull movement, I made step-by-step notes and it all went swimmingly except for the canon pinion removal. Now I know why there are tools for that!

[@James_K_L]

This is such a beneficial video! After watching your videos and uncut Patreon videos, this summarizes so many things for me. Thanks very much!

[@TheKungFuCrocodile]

Great video, very inspiring. I was a motorcycle technician for 20 years, however back problems stopped me there. Watches are a hobby passion now and I am just getting into watch making. Keep up the great work Marshall.

[@KunTagh]

I also started watchmaking based on your videos and this particular one will help many new hobbiest in the beginning. Only thing I would have wanted to be included is the cleaning of the parts without a cleaning machine. Like a basic ultrasonic and the right cleaning solutions for the job.

[@ICARUSWATCHES]

I ordered all the parts and a few more tools and followed your tutorial. First time I've ever taken apart a movement, was extremely fiddly in some parts but fun for most, I dont know why but once I got the balance wheel in place and it started moving, "OHHH!" came out of nowhere and made me jump😂 Your videos are incredible. Being able to basically take a movement apart with you was brilliant, I hope you do more videos like these in the future!❤

[@hbipul]

Just downloaded this video and also ordered a watch repairing kit. This video will work as a textbook. Thanks a lot!

[@mattlevine3201]

I started watching your channel about a month ago, I saw the video where you restored a kids grandpas GMT master from like the 60s. Really interesting, and the way you talk about it is super easy to follow what you’re doing and why. Just wanted to say thank you for being awesome

[@andrewtran8659]

Marshal, thank you so much for posting this. I’ve been in the fence about getting started on this hobby, as I just recently got my first automatic watch a little over a year ago(man it’s a hell of a rabbit hole lol). This video was literally what I needed to order the same kit you used in this video to start my side quest into the more horological side of watches!

[@joshkernick163]

Thank you so much for this video! I was able to follow along, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. You're right seeing the balance wheel go gives such a nice feeling

[@curiousassortment]

This appears to be the best video on this subject, and I'm looking forward to working on this movement. I especially like the fact that you have described each piece.

[@anthonybarradell7985]

I purchased this movement a week ago to do exactly the same thing 😂 you've made my day I can now strip my movement down while watching your video... Perfect time thanks for the video..

[@caerdwyn7467]

This is pure gold. Thanks very much!

[@mitchellpalsson644]

So glad you made this video! I bought this movement after watching your videos and couldn’t find any good videos to walk me through it.

[@troykelly9353]

Thanks for this. I got my kit from you today and already completely disassembled and reassembled the movement you provided. Now I'm going to do it a few more times and go through the cleaning and lubrication steps before tackling the 1912 Hamilton 992 I got at an estate sale for $40. (I already know the mainspring is broken, but doesn't look like any busted jewels or anything).

[@chrisdavidson9431]

Great video Marshall - this will encourage a lot of people to give it a go !!👍

[@watchrestorezerotohero]

Thanks for everything Marshall! You've inspired me to get into this hobby and will even be documenting my journey on KZbin. For now I'm practising on a cheap Chinese movement before graduating on to real watches. Can't wait to embark on this journey!

[@jmsask]

When I’m done battling cancer and get back on my feet I will pick up tools or buy one of these kits. I think this will be good for me to try. I have a couple old watches that need repairs that I would love to get working 🍻

[@tucker_880]

long time, first time. I remember you did a tool review a few years ago - so happy you came out with this video as I was just thinking of really getting into this hobby rather than just watching

[@terrycrain7271]

A always Marshall, full of helpful guidelines and techniques to make the challenging mechanics of horology more understable and do-able. Many thanks!

[@ElGeFe]

This video is perfect. I've been meaning to practice on an ST36 with cheap tools, all sourced from a certain large chinese retailer. Thank you!

[@iannicholls2790]

I've only yesterday told a reddit user to look at your channel for advice on putting the bridge back on. Your bridge work was perfect, but you ignored your previous advice on checking that everything was spinning freely before screwing it down. I think thanks mainly to your channel, I'm more of an assemble/repair watch person than a collector :)

[@readrepairs]

Really useful and inspiring video. Hope it gets lots of people started.

[@jndfishing4693]

Hey Marshall, this video could not have come at a better time for me. I have watched all your vids and you have finally convinced me to take the plunge and take up this hobby! Im am so excited to get started (went a bit mad buying tools and equipment - but I like to be prepared!) and you have inspired me to take the courses offered by Mark Lovick! Thanks for bringing this to the masses! Regards Jason.

[@ScottUrbach]

Perfect timing. I just received the complete kit from you. Great tutorial for my first time taking apart and reassembling the movement. All good except I must have made a mistake with the keyless works. Watch won’t wind. Now I have an excuse to take it apart and do it all over again. Of course I also had to search for an hour under my bench when I dropped the click screw! Finally found it. Great channel.

[@timnichols880]

Excellent tutorial Marshall. This one was VERY much appreciated. I appreciate the focus on some of the more subtle aspect that aren't obvious in the other videos. Nicely done!

[@EveryThingApple2]

Love this I was just scrolling through your page for exactly this as I just bought all my tools 👏👏👏👏

[@liam3553_]

Just found this channel and started getting into watchmaking. This is exactly the video I wanted and needed 🙏 Been managing with the couple screwdrivers I had laying around. Gonna go buy a kit on the website right now. Thanks Marshall!

[@vk2him]

I predict this will b eyour most popular video - thank you for doing it, you have helped me tremedously

[@3ricFtp]

Been waiting for this video since I found your channel about a month ago. Watch the videos on the tools, and a bunch of restorations. This is what I’ve wanted!!

[@snafu673]

Dude I am hooked I cant wait until i get me a training kit to do this... Nice work, Thank YOU!

[@randyhoy9692]

Hi Marshall, I just ordered my first automatic,a Bulova Surveyor 96b427 my interest spiked watching your channel ,thankyou😊

[@EEE_MMM]

Just a few weeks ago I took a clinic where we disassembled and reassembled this exact movement. I'll keep this video bookmarked, might be useful to have going forward.

[@SamMaskery]

I’m just about to do my first service and this has come just in time

[@Ranger4banger]

This video is gonna be great for kids getting into the hobby with the ST36 👏

[@Apriliars]

This was the best video ever! You are such a great instructor and this is exactly what I needed! I can attest that setting lever is tough because I didn’t realize it screwed in and I was trying to press mine on! If you could do this video basically again but on what points to oil on the ST36 it would be such a great lesson to complement this! Thank you so much man. You are seriously the best channel on KZbin

[@iv3shf]

You did an amazing job with just basic tools, very clear and sooner or later I'll dive into it!

[@CaliberandCamber]

Would love to see a similar video showing showing an off the shelf movement being cleaned and oiled with corresponding time grapher results! Keep up the great content!

[@bjw4859]

You know, I actually understood most of what you were talking about, a very far cry from the 1st time I watched one of your videos, there may be hope for me yet, thanks for the inspiration.

[@tonyhunt3465]

Fantastic video for someone like me who wants to start watch repair and service 👍

[@madsnrlem243]

This is amazing! Been wanting to purchase the starting pack for a while and now I can comfortably do so knowing I can watch this video if I need any help so thank you so much for making this video 😍

[@scholzdigital]

Hooked! I just took apart my first Seagull ST36. It's work but so rewarding!

[@danielwaitzman2118]

You are a brilliant fellow and a wonderful teacher. But allow me to put on my Cassandra hat for a moment and voice my fear that this fascinating video may ultimately prove responsible for the injury to, and death of, dozens of watches. I am a flutist; and, as you know, the modern flute was invented by Theobald Boehm, whose skills included watchmaking-and when my flute requires adjustment, it goes straight to a professional flute-maker. I never, EVER attempt to disassemble my flute. There are plenty of woodwind repairmen who are butchers and charlatans. A watch is a delicate instrument: even the wearing of a fine wrist watch is a skill with a learning curve. I say these things in all humility, and with the greatest respect for the work you are doing.

[@patrickleclair3164]

So people can't learn because they will break them? Idk who's attempting to fix a Rolex on the first try

[@samnova450]

Thanks for the show and tell. It will be a great help when I work on my ST36 movement later. Figured I’ll do it several times, until I have it figured out.

[@eskayler66]

Got all the tools needed, 5 watches to play with... I'll get on it one of these days, good video Marshal.

[@rjv2395]

tks for these vids. I dont do this hobby myself, but your vids are relaxing to watch. I have seen some vids where you have some rust stained plates or other heavier parts that need cleaning. you might consider a dremel with 3m polishing wheels used for jewelry. these come in various harnesses like grits for sandpaper but polish well without removing surface material. it softly polish and get rid of your surface rust stains.

[@RavyDavy]

What a great video, for a fantastic looking starter kit - will definitely bookmark that box for a future gift idea. Would love to see more of these "tutorial style" videos, such as oiling/lubing all the relevant bits inside.

[@eric_howell]

I have watch pretty much every one of your videos. I love the little extra details you provide here like the keyless works section on reassembly. I only have quartz powered watches. Really want to dive into a mechanical movement and mods with dials, hands, etc.

[@yellowthunder92]

Thank you for this, I have a ST35 and a vintage Unitas 6497 movement. I plan to clean and lubricate the 6497 but not before practicing with the ST36. Never took a movement apart yet so I'll be using your video as a guide. Now I just need to find some good information on lubricating jewels.

[@TheBrennan90]

Just got a beautiful eden minustop. It wouldnt move past 15minutes on the complication. Some trouple shooting later and its working great! Just dont have the oils and cleaning implemts so cant service it fully. Your videos helped a ton. (The press fit pusher tube had been pushed in to far putting pressure on the return mechanism not allowing it to turn past 15m)

[@karcinoma]

I have these cool tweezers that have a curious feature: on the inside of one of the arms, at about the middle is a small metal rod, and on the other a tiny hole - if you squeeze the tweezers the little rod will go into the hole as the two arms close together. But if you put your finger over the hole, as the rod goes into the hole as you close them it hits your finger. this allows for INCREDIBLY fine grasping pressure and control of the tips of the tweezers. A super cool feeling, every time I watch one of your videos I wonder if such a feature is something a watch maker would take advantage of...

[@LudokuTarantowicz]

I believe no man can say no to AMZWATCH's watches

[@tuck1760]

i purchased the starter kit and really excited to give this a go. great video-you make this look so easy but i'm sure i'm going to find out that it isn't!

[@rayp4008]

Great idea to demo the kit. It would have made it longer, but discussing common things you check, and common issues you find during the process. This was not a topic or consideration as a hobby until I ran across your videos. I have no doubt that I will dipping my toes at some point.

[@eilifborge3339]

This was inspiring. Ordering myself a ST36 movement for trying this out.

[@shaggyjim1278]

Wow, the machine work on that Seagull is way better than I would have thought given the price. It might be fun to make a pocket watch out of one. Thanks for another interesting video sir.

[@sylaswojciechowski6895]

I literally just bought an st36 and it came in yesterday. How are you reading my mind Marshall... HOW!?!?

[@Daymo87]

Another great video I bought 1 of these movements a couple of months ago after watching some of your videos & getting hooked In the process of getting all the parts to put the movement in to a watch now 😎🤘🏻

[@michaeltomkinson9033]

Absolutely beautiful your a legend that was fantastic I've never been that interested in watches until I was flicking around on KZbin and come across your video I've never worn a watch in my whole life but now I've got some watches coming nothing fancy but I have to start somewhere and it's swiss made can't wait Great channel All the best

[@shanecallaghan1284]

Very interested in trying something like this I have always had a love for watches. Remember finding my dads old watches when I was a kid and just falling in love with them. Always thought even a Bulova was out of reach as a kid now I’m looking to get my first rolex! I tend to buy old stuff and fix it up rather then buy new. Thinking maybe I should try this hobby on something Cheaper like in your videos though. Great videos love the channel

[@wongyishen]

this vid is just timely. started a diy watch using this movement. love ur vids

[@hisstorymn]

Love your videos, but this one is probably the best beginners "how to" I've seen.

[@lucidmoses]

Fantastic. I looked at your starter kit and couldn't understand how you could do what you do with just that. This makes a lot more sense. Your not servicing, your practicing. Hope you add a link to this video in your store.

[@stevenl7878]

Excellent video, as always! You have an excellent way of explaining things and I thank you for your commitment! I would like to see a follow on video to this that encompasses building this movement into a working watch. To include cleaning and oiling. Then a follow on series for an automatic watch. Thank you!

[@Drummer19699]

Excellent video. Clear and simple explanations. Thank you Marshall!