Destroyed Vintage Elgin A-11 Military Watch Full Restoration

[@Rich18013]

I’ve been a machinist for almost 40 years now. It truly amazes me how they made those tiny parts on manual machines.

[@SneakySolidSnake]

have you ever heard of the Antikythera mechanism? i think a machinist would really appreciate the 2000+ year old design.

[@salvesenm]

Yea that thing is crazy @@SneakySolidSnake

[@dhyde9207]

What's even more amazing is that people were making parts like these in the mid 1800's. Screws the size of a gnat. How did they do that?

[@Ferrari255GTO]

​@@dhyde9207 L O T S of patience and time probably

[@callenjohnson81]

I mean seriously..my thoughts exactly

[@Phil-Sands]

I've watched a lot of watch/clock repairs on KZbin, but yours are the only ones I have watched where I can follow why you do what you do as you explain everything so superbly.

[@danleehill]

He is the BEST

[@daleburrell6273]

@@danleehill ...AND HE'S PRETTY GOOD TOO-(!)

[@williamjohnmackay8471]

Well said and I agree 👍

[@kelefgaming2795]

It is insane how you can remember where all those tiny parts goes, you have my respect, man.

[@shogun2215]

I think he mentioned before that he re-watches the footage of him filming the dismantling so he knows where everything goes. But I imagine it's also experience too.

[@fredashay]

The first time I watched (pun intended) one of his videos, I cringed when he just set the screws and parts down randomly on his green board. But then I saw he seems to have a photographic memory where everything came from and how to put it back. As an aside, I have no interest in watches and I hate having extra clutter hanging off my body as I'm walking around, but I happened to watch one of his videos and got hooked... His skill is amazing, and all those crazy tools he uses is insane!

[@tonycassidy4112]

​@@fredashayso impressive, i love this channel 😊

[@ajaylahane2916]

It was fantastic to experience this renovation process....👌👌👌

[@draggy76]

It's amazing how fast he can ruin something too. Poor watch didn't deserve this abuse and torture.

[@antonburger01]

What makes this chanel so captivating isn't just the fact that watches are inherently facinating (which I have now discovered they are), but this watchmaker's absolute pro videography and narration. This guys is not just an excellent watchmaker, but an excellent videographer and video maker. These are some of the very best quality videos on KZbin, in my humble opinion.

[@nick2496]

That restored plating on the case looks fantastic. Changing out the dial was also definitely the right choice. There's a level of damage that gives something a distressed look, and then there's a level of damage that makes you distressed by looking at it.

[@R.Daneel]

Distressed vs. distressing? ;-)

[@hodwooker5584]

That’s right, at some point patina becomes ugly and dysfunctional!

[@john-paulsilke893]

I’m sure it would have continued decaying and gummed up the works or at least obscured the crystal with debris.

[@daleburrell6273]

@@john-paulsilke893 ...THAT'S THE TRUTH-!!!

[@dtulip1]

You're absolutely right :)

[@ELW2940]

As a youth (50’s-60’s) I lived very close to an AF base and there was a watch repair shop on base that was a franchise of the A&AF Exchange Service (PX or BX) . The watchmaker/ repairman always had a few of these same military watches on hand that were used but reconditioned /repaired and he sold them pretty cheap. Consequently, that’s what many of us “townys “ wore as our first watches. Brings back memories to see you restore one. Enjoyed the video.

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

Great you could tell us this bit of history, and you witnessed it!

[@stibba4286]

thanks for the story

[@WilliamHostman]

Elmendorf AFB had a watch repair into the early 80's.

[@jwandhistools]

My jaw 'bout hit the floor when you showed how small those screws are. I'd like the see the machine that made those screws, or even the machine that made the machine that made those screws. This is fascinating stuff. Well done, man. I don't think I blinked twice here.

[@11bravo18]

@Jeff's Big Guitars I'm assuming you build solid body electrics. Can you imagine the rosettes Marshall could inlay on accoustic top plates and fretboards with his manual dexterity and eye/hand coordination if he decided to change "hobbies"? 😁 The guy is amazing. And no ego.

[@SpookyMcGhee]

Machinist here. I make screws for my job, usually on a turret lathe from the 40s. Typically tiny stuff like this was historically mass produced on a type of lathe called a screw machine. It's like a turret lathe but it's a but more complicated and is mechanically (mostly sort of) automated. Those machines churned these tiny bits out by the thousands back in the day. Nowadays CNC swiss lathes are the way to go for tiny parts. Hope it helps :)

[@imbadatthisgame1681]

@@SpookyMcGhee they can also be hand tuned on a watchmaker’s lathe or wit a regular style manual lathe some vids on yt of them being made on a small sherline lathe Edit the threads are cut with a die typically on smaller machines

[@J.C...]

There's a channel on yt that makes watch parts. I just saw it a few days ago.

[@J.C...]

​​@@11bravo18Yea I bet he'd be really good at inlays and stuff. I'd love to even build guitars myself, like @jwandhistools Or watches lol.

[@lHawkel]

I love that the destroyed watches you're restoring are actually real destroyed watches, and not one of those ridiculously overdone, purposefully damaged watches that are completely and unreasonable destroyed.

[@veganbutcherhackepeter]

A lot of these "restoration channels" are complete scams for clicks. They have a watch in perfect condition which they then go on to disassemble and reassemble and then they show you the watch in its original condition as if it was the result of the restoration. They only completely destroy it at the end and then they manipulate the timeline reversing the chronological order to make it appear as if they took it from completely destroyed to mint condition. I absolutely despise those fake content creators.

[@jonnyphenomenon]

I love how you approach these projects with the attitude of "I don't really know how to do this, but we are going to give it a shot". Every project is a learning experience. Keep it up!

[@margeryk000]

Never thought I'd spend 45 minutes of my Saturday watching a watch repair video, but it is somehow fascinating to see the progression. Plus, your voice over is spot on. Thanks for sharing your talent and enthusiasm with us. Keep up the great work. ATB : )

[@OutsideLands77]

Plus one on the voice over. I know its after the fact, but it sounds live; the surprise, the will it or won't it, and satisfaction all feel genuine.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Thank you for coming along!

[@vf19blue]

Ditto, was almost bedtime for me after a long aggro filled week, but time flew by watching this, what a fantastic outcome. I love watching mechanical things come back to life. Subbed!

[@ruffleao]

same here nice job wow .

[@youdidist]

me too 😊

[@robertmayer7678]

I find the restoration of the Elgin watches the most interesting. Having grown up in Elgin, Illinois during the 50's & 60'S when life revolved around the watch factory. It was a sad day in 1966 when the watch factory was torn down. People told stories that as they removed the floor boards there were thousands of gears etc. that had fallen down the cracks still left there.

[@delvinking5151]

Wow... thats where they come from?

[@lechking941]

DAM, so hudrids of defective watch parts. or lost parts in the floor boards

[@robertmayer7678]

@@lechking941 - They weren't defective, if a watchmaker dropped a gear or some other small part, it was more effective to just grab another and keep going.

[@lechking941]

@@robertmayer7678 hm well forgive the oversight, still wonder how many parts there was that was still good for replacements just left to rust and stuff.

[@cdd4248]

What was it about the 60s through the 80s that we tore everything down? Now, the factory would be seen as a historical building; townhouses; market etc- anyway, interesting story. What a sad day for Elgin.

[@TAG77]

I never thought the military grade watches I bought in basic would be worth something until now. When mine took a dump on me, I dumped it. Now that I know I’ll definitely pick one up to collect. I love your restores & so does my son. Thank you for showing us how much fun your hobby is. ❤🤘🏻

[@retro440]

The phrases "repairing a wristwatch" and "designing a cold fusion reactor" have never been in my vocabulary! What you do is amazing!

[@rayks]

Hi, I have never been interested in watches, restoration, a little, came across your channel and I'm hooked! Alot of restoration videos on youtube I'm not entirely convinced about, and no narration or talking. You give a step by step account, and know your history. So happy to see someone do such an amazing job!!!! Keep it up

[@Jason-iz6ob]

Yeah some of them on KZbin are total scams. This clearly isn’t.

[@giggilboy4837]

He is good to watch and gives off a sense of honesty in is videos very informative .

[@paulsilberman3787]

Had the pleasure of wearing this model that was in my father's collection. Turns out it belonged to his brother who was a navigator in the USAAF in WWII. I gave it back to him In honor of his service. Great watch and a greater generation of men and women who served. Thanks for sharing.

[@SarcastSempervirens]

when that crystal shattered I jumped in my chair and thought - NOW IT'S PERSONAL! :D everyone should do a project of this sort at least once in their life, doesn't have to be a watch, but something that requires time, dedication, effort, thinking, not giving up, trying, patience, attention to detail.. it's therapeutic really and it teaches you what many people lack today - a smallest bit of patience and an understanding that it's worth the effort to work on something cause you can't get eveyrhing at once, for free. and you feel a sense of acomplishment after doing a good job, pride.. of course you're gonna me miserable all the time if you do everything halfassed, just to do it, and then feel nothing but a waste of time for getting a halfassed result. watch repair is a perfect example of learning all those things and in the same time continuing a great tradition of the craft. this would be my perfect hobby but unfortunately I don't have the money for it so I watch the whole videos and feel as if I'd done the repair. fortunately for me, you do it as meticulously as I like so I'm always happy about how the pieces turn out!

[@SneakySolidSnake]

when the crystal shattered i thought of this youtube video from back in the day. /watch?v=pnsizkVjGm8

[@waynes517]

Absolutely no idea how I ended up here, but never have I watched a video for almost an hour long so intently. New dial was absolutely the right choice. You were so delighted after the successful nickel plating - and no doubt so were all of your viewers. An amazing job.

[@luiserat3528]

I know this is from 7 months ago, but I really enjoyed it. I’m new to being a timekeeping enthusiast, so this was a super fun video to pick up and journey through. Tons of history behind watches like that and it’s nice to see them out back into wearable condition again.

[@jerrygrimes8813]

These videos are addictive! I can't believe an hour long video goes by so quickly, and I almost can't turn it off! Thanks for doing these, and your skills are most admirable.

[@nathancarver7179]

Watchmakers/repairers will never not amaze me. You work on such a tiny scale, and every miniscule movement is done carefully and deliberately, not to mention remembering how everything goes together. Keep up the good work, this was a real beauty to see restored.

[@alexdeleon7135]

There is no question that the readable dial is the best choice. There is nothing cool about a dial that resembles a Jackson Pollock painting. The end result is something to be proud of. Well done!

[@ben_clifford]

Definitely agree

[@Killsnapz]

absolutely! Originality is great but not at the cost of functionality. An original POS is just a POS. If the dial is unreadable then it can not function as a watch. Nothing wrong with redoing the plate either or putting on a donor dial and hands. As long as when you go to sell it you list it as such. The parts are all original A-11 parts so I see no loss in its value and you brought an otherwise destroyed A-11 back to life and it can be enjoyed by a collector.

[@kchastain3]

On the other hand a NATO strap with some kind of green element that matched the verdigris in the wrecked dial would look amazing as well.

[@irvonline6552]

Agreed, plus let’s get to the bottom line on this…when all’s said and done, as said in the video it was “mass produced” for the military at the time and the replacement dial was an original from what looks like the exact same model. It will be the same vintage for want of a better word. It’s not like to be ludicrous a Rolex dial was stuck on it. Good call

[@tmspica]

I couldn't disagree more and you actually made my point for me by saying "a dial that resembles a Jackson Pollock painting". The old dial would is more unique and a great conversation starter. In my opinion, if you're wearing a watch in this day and age, you A) already know how to read it based off the hand positions and B) are wearing it as a statement. Just goes to show you we all have our own preferences!

[@r8dj]

turned out awesome! mad props for salvaging a piece of history overlooked by most...as a veteran, I can say there are many of us who truly appreciate this and would be proud to have a functioning relic like this our wrist.... although I probably would only wear something like this for special events....esp. after seeing what goes into restoring it...it's just too pretty now, that first scuff would be a heartbreaker. You def made the right choice on the dial too....while that battle-scarred one does give that element of cool, not at the cost of function....had the rust not affected the legibility, maybe a dif story. I will need to go through my coffee can graveyard of dead watches now. I have a few pocket watches that belonged to my great grandfather. Ofc, none of them work and one requires a key that is missing if I think. He raced horses in the early 1900's and one of them looks like a chronograph for keeping times. He was also friends with Frank James, who was a race starter. Back then there were only wires instead of starting gates. They both cleaned up bringing in a 100-1 shot named Broomstick.

[@VixenIt]

Sir, my therapist retired, and now I no longer need a new one. 🙃 Seriously though, thank you for this channel! And this is my favorite restoration so far ❤❤❤❤

[@lovedeluxe2154]

I'm working my way back through your videos when I do quilling and painting and I've been so startled by how you've improved some things when I watch these older ones: your newer plating setup, how you've now got a new camera and rearranged your workspace, some of the newer tools you've added to your set. Your videos are wonderful and this is a good video! But it's also really amazing how much you've improved in the 2.5 years since this one in the techniques you use and new tools you've implemented. Going from watching your newest video to watching this one really does show how outstanding your work is in presenting what you do. Just incredible to see! ^_^

[@ChipsPlace1952]

Marshall, I just viewed your video on this restoration from a year ago. So I hope you see this comment. It is great to see some the challenges you go thru as well as photograph them. It shows that even yourself, have issues with such projects. Peaks and valleys shall we say. It shows that it is not always easy. It is good that viewers see this. Congrats on such a great job.

[@SpaceManRD]

I love finding a restoration channel with commentary, which is the whole appeal of this sort of stuff; learning the history behind a piece, what's being done, the restorer's insight, etc.

[@paulschumacker9901]

Marshall- Many thanks for another amazing journey through the trials and tribulations of watch restorations. Those of us who are comfortable with the routine servicing where everything goes as it should will especially appreciate the real-life cases where the gremlins come out to wreck your day. Your videos showing problem diagnosis when the serviced watch doesn’t function as planned are an inspiration to those who sometimes struggle with vintage watches. For example, the movement that goes back together perfectly but stops when rotated into a particular position... So many thanks for inspiring us! Please keep doing these. And please think about a tutorial on how to coax the hairspring back between the regulator pins after re-attaching the balance!

[@Surge1045]

These videos are incredible! He literally got me started on this journey of hobby watchmaking. I constantly go back a re-watch some of the videos as my knowledge increases. It's like watching a movie a second, third, ec. time - you pick up so much more. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos!

[@Digital-Dan]

I very much appreciate the after-the-fact voice-overs. I think that is always the more professional and glitch-free way to go. Looking forward to chronometer watches, tourbillons, minute sounders, etc., as your skills improve.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Thanks, chronographs up next!

[@ikeman5774]

I have watched several watch restorations and I must say, your restorations are the most entertaining and informative that I have watched, besting them all. I love the way you narrate the restoration and the camera visuals on your work is outstanding. I'm fascinated with your work. Makes me wish I got into Horology years ago. I love swiss wristwatches.

[@daleburrell6273]

...YOU BETCHER LIFESAVERS-!!!

[@daleburrell6273]

...WELL, IF YA LOVE SWISS WATCHES SO MUCH- THEN WHY DON'T YA MARRY ONE OF THEM?!!

[@Cam_lLover]

@@daleburrell6273 dam wish i could marry a rolex they're so resistant as watches and so beautiful too

[@daleburrell6273]

@@Cam_lLover ...WELL, YOU CAN HAVE MULTIPLE ROLEX WATCHES AT THE SAME TIME- WITHOUT BEING A BIGAMIST-(!)

[@Cam_lLover]

@@daleburrell6273 dude chill, stop screaming this is a chilled comment section

[@mddah01]

This is so much better than bingeing on Netflix - I could watch your work for hours! I find it very reassuring, in our disposable world, to know that there are still people out there with your skills. Now, if I could just find my father's WW2 military watch....

[@benny4162]

I fell asleep and this video ended up playing last night. I woke up, woke my laptop up and saw the finished watch on screen. It's beautiful! Now to watch how you did it!

[@briansquibb999]

You are simply amazing. I'll bet ALL your viewers were rooting for you through the whole restoration. Well done.

[@dajdools8834]

This watch is a piece of relevant history, and you absolutely gave it the honor it deserved. Awesome job on an awesome watch!!!

[@chasekemp4982]

I’ve always wanted to pickup an A-11 but finding anyone I could trust to put the effort into it is tough to find. I really hope you will be taking on some work when I do. Excellent work.

[@OSI-Fan]

Really interesting videos! Now I'm thinking about trying to restore a vintage watch myself.

[@hahmed1970]

Beautiful restoration! Was so happy to see you had a donor because it looks absolutely amazing now. In the case where you didn't have a donor, I would've suggested getting an art restoration expert having a go at it. They could probably match the materials and/or paint according to the time the watch was made. Love your videos by the way!

[@55metalmonkey]

The black on the parts is generally a carbon film which is left over from when the iron oxide was dissolved. You normally only get the darker black film on high carbon steel/ tool steel, mild steel will show up more grey. You can remove it with a fine brass wire wheel on a rotary tool but you'd probably want to jig up the part on a pin tool holder so it doesn't fly across the room.

[@jimthesoundman8641]

If you leave the carbon film on there, does it act as a rust preventative, the way cold bluing does on a gun?

[@55metalmonkey]

@@jimthesoundman8641 No not really. The film will wear away where the contact area is and leave bare metal, in a well taken care of watch that's generally not a problem but in harsher environments the carbon will absorb and hold moisture causing premature rusting in the long term. It would be best to remove it but for that tiny amount on the stem it probably wont cause an issue unless the carbon flakes off and contaminates the oil in the jewels.

[@ssvis2]

I've used brass brushes during restorations for that purpose. You have to be gentle to not scratch things up too much.

[@martinskanal]

The black color is AFAIK (EDIT: which apparently isn't far enough.. see posts below for correct&accurate information) not really carbon, though it is true the color will be a more solid black on pure steel (not mixed up with too much of other metals (like chromium, molybden etc.) with high carbon content. I force the process on some my very reactive high carbon content kitchen knives to make them more resistant to 'regular rust' (Fe2O3 = hematite) which will eventually eat into the steel. This rust is what was found in the watch. The black colored film is actually technically also a 'rust' or corrosion where the iron oxidize (bond with oxygen), however the molecules that form have one more oxygen atom (Fe3O4 (or FeO x Fe2O3) and this is called magnetite. Magnetite, unlike hematite, forms a 'skin' that prevents oxygen from further reaction with the iron. The prosess of blueing guns is similarly - through chemicals - forcing a layer of Fe3O4 on the steel to prevent further corrosion. (EDIT#2: while the black layer on my knives indeed is magnetite, the black film on the screws in this video is not!!)

[@55metalmonkey]

@@martinskanal According to Evaporusts FAQ page and several forums its carbon

[@snarlingrabiddog5150]

I'm addicted to watching these videos. Why did the second hand stop at 45 after 46:45. It runs before, then stops as he puts on the band, then works again? He's really good at making watches have a second chance in life.

[@Looey]

Me too lol

[@brianreilly6523]

Just caught this project on YT. What a great job you did! Patiently applying force when necessary but treating each delicate piece carefully. The do-it-yourself electroplating was interesting and impressive and the results were spectacular. Definitely a piece of history.

[@1Klus]

Use the crystal lift "and just gently"...crash the whole thing..😂😂😂 That part was like poetry. The dial choice is perfect! That's surely one of the edgiest choice for a restoration I have watched here. Wasn't quite sure it would work out in the end, but when that balance wheel started playing along, such a eureka second there... Satisfying.

[@wendyglasgow6394]

Dial choice absolutely correct. I would call this the “Lasurus “ watch, it was definitely dead and now it lives 👏

[@justin81981]

I sincerely want to buy one of your restorations! Just found this channel, and I've always had an affinity for watches. Awesome work, and great channel. Thank you!

[@terapode]

Fantastic. I have two wristwatches, one belonged to my grandfather and the other was a gift from my father when I graduated in college.

[@chrisvandermerwe7111]

My favorite segments are when we are viewing through the microscope. So interesting to watch. Thanks Marshall for all the thoughtful work and words.

[@canuckdad76]

Watching your revivals is relaxing and I really enjoy them. Made me want to find out more about an old pocket watch my dad had. Need to get it restored cause it's missing the minute hand and crystal but it's from the 1900s.

[@johnhoney7903]

Well done, by the way, the movement serial number shows that it was made in 1944 in a run of 15,000. I´ve had a couple of A-11 watches, an Elgin and a Waltham, now I have the US Navy version, the Elgin 2103 and a rare USMC Hamilton 39102 with the 18 jewel movement. Keep up the good work!

[@2000bhoy]

Congratulations Marshall! You made the correct decision regarding the dials. The original was beyond saving. Well done on the electro plating, a new string to your bow! It is very endearing that you are unsure of your obvious skills. Your adventure is our adventure........... Big respect from Scotland!

[@wiebl5266]

Prostrate before you.... Your patience, your commitment, your passion, and the right amount of "acceptance" of how much perfection you get out of it... it's just so beautiful to see you work. Thank you for your dedication and love.

[@jessphuqette1716]

Thanks for sharing your learning curve as far as the plating. You stepped out of your comfort zone and produced, as usual, a beautifully restored historical time piece. Bravo.

[@emerald7810]

WW2 nerd here. If you ever want to update the watch to be a bit closer to period-accurate, use an olive drab canvas strap. There might be replicas available out there for reenactors. Great job by the way! This is the first time I've ever seen a watch get taken apart and repaired like this.

[@NickG-is1nd]

The strap was my least favourite part but at least that can be swapped easily

[@sportsracer5]

Such a great job on this one, well done. And honestly, for me, that new acrylic crystal is what really sets this thing off. The gentle warmth makes this watch feel both new and old at the same time. Long live acrylic.

[@gregleingang9409]

I concur with you dial choice. With old anything (motorcycles, cars, watches etc.) at some point interesting patina crosses the line into non-functional. And I also find if you restore some finishes (like your case here) and then leave other bits non restored and just cleaned up, those non restored bits look really bad. So I think you nailed the approach considering how far gone the whole thing was. And as long as you keep the original dial with the watch you retain the history. Love your work.

[@danielduncan6370]

I love that you break down everything you’re doing and walk us through the process

[@robynsjp]

Thanks for keeping these history mementoes alive. I hope someone will proudly wear it regularly and think of those who wore it in wartime.

[@flowerpower7389]

I agree the newer dial. It's a fantastic restoration and still keeps its character. Love your channel and your explanations. Keep up the amazing work.

[@lumgs2009]

This was way cool! Great work! I love to see your excitement when you put back the balance and the watch starts working. It's much like a heart when it starts beating again on its own after a transplant ❤️

[@tonyhunt8059]

Thank you, Marshall - I have always appreciated artisans such as yourself, and in years gone by had a regular association with a semi-retired horologist, who blew me away with his attention to detail - just like you do! Your obvious delight when a restoration goes so well (as in the case of this Elgin) makes me realise that small tasks matter.

[@williamwchiang]

I am completely blown away by your restoration of that Elgin government-issue watch used by the G.I.'s during WWII. When you used the long-nose pliers to remove the frozen stem and it broke off, my heart stopped. After the crystal shattered and turned it into bits of debris all over you bench, I thought that surely you will drop the project. But your entusiasm for the art kept you to move on and eventually - and miraculouly - put the watch into a spanking new shape that appeared to be an impossible task at first. My hat off to you!! I am now watching your videos one by one and am begining to feel that I can take on the hobby of watch resoration and follow your footsteps. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@PhillipHammond]

Great video! My grandpa on my dad's side didn't serve in the military during WWII, but like so many civilians of his time, he worked in war materials. Specifically, he worked for Elgin. Not sure how much watch work he did, but I know they also helped make aircraft dial components as well. Thanks again!

[@Jenswsmjens]

The level of satisfaction is throught the roof imo. i LOVE restorations like these. Great job!

[@aufornvic]

What an amazing restoration. It looks like a new one. I once tried copper plating when I was a kid, using a chemistry set and a 9v battery. It worked really well, but nickel, that is a whole new level. Well done. Your videos are amazing. I used to repair old 35mm mechanical camera shutters, I did my apprenticeship on them. I thought that was small and tiny work. The mechanical shutters have timing devices in them, very simple escapements compared to these watches you do. Fascinating adventures, every one. Thankyou for doing these very engaging videos.

[@manjosurgery]

Seeing the before and after. All I cam say is OMG! You simplify a very complex process. Breaking it down. Telling us how the gears and levers work. Your videos is such a joy to watch.

[@willyw9379]

I must admit also enjoy the content of restoration channels working on everyday items like knives, lamps, toasters, coffee grinders etc. Still, I thoroughly love your efforts to go that extra mile and keep the original components, and the scale and size you're working on are incredible! Keep up the excellent work, good sir.

[@smaugmik]

WOW! This is the most amazing restoration yet! I am astounded that you were even able to get it running, let alone look so damn good! (The new dial is 100% the right choice) I also think your electroplating experiment is an outstanding success! Bravo, Warren. This is a masterful restoration!

[@CubeCyclone]

That watch was really beyond sympathetic restoration and I totally agree with the dial swap out and also if it had a few markings would have kept it in. Magnificent revival of this beautiful timepiece. You were as sympathetic as you could be towards it. Beautiful job !

[@clodoaldomarques401]

I still can't get enough of you using the black rubber ball

[@FeralKobold]

I'm SO glad you went with the better dial. It looks incredible and still has some of that worn look to it. Great video like always ❤

[@davidvillalobos4486]

The better dial is for sure a smarter choice, but I feel I'd probably enjoy the fucked up one more on my wrist...

[@sinjon]

Absolutely a good call using the far less damaged dial. The original would’ve been cool if it was easier to read, but in this case(haha) it was too far gone

[@dylanmeyer6614]

I was unsure about which dial was best. However, once you put it all together the replacement dial looks superb within the complete restoration. There is still lots of character in the replacement dial, hands and watch body. Superb. Absolutely blown away by your passion and dedication, especially with the laborious plating process!

[@NiaJustNia]

I think maybe if you sold it as a collection piece, you could include the old dial and spring in a little box with it, so the person could have the originals in case they want them, without it having a negative impact on functionality.

[@krisaaron5771]

Considering the moisture damage, it's possible this watch was worn in the field during WWII and may have seen actual combat! Definitely a piece of history and deserving of all the care you've given it. I wish it could speak -- think of the adventures this watch may have been through.

[@MissingNo0001]

i wonder who would've worn it

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Anything is possible, but inventing combat stories is ridiculous. We have no way of knowing the history of this watch.

[@randalldunning5738]

It would have taken forensic analysis of the rust to determine if it was exposed to salt water, humidity in a jungle or simply fell into the sink while the owner was shaving. Agree with commenter that speculation is probably pointless.

[@AnEvolvingApe]

I can tell from the numbers on the back that this belonged to the same soldier unit as my great grandpappy. They were all captured by the Japanese and spent several months as POWs hiding their precious A11s up their asses to keep American watch technology out of the hands of the enemy. Even though they were liberated they were all mentally scarred by the experience and some retained the habit of "hiding" their watches.

[@krisaaron5771]

@@chuckschillingvideos "possible" [ pos-uh-buhl ] that may or can be, exist, happen, be done, be used, etc.: a disease with no possible cure. that may be true or may be the case, as something concerning which one has no knowledge to the contrary: it's possible this watch was worn in the field during WWII

[@sdavifcom]

Outstanding work and result. Everything is top notch: Image quality, sound quality and edting. Thanks for a truly enjoyable video.

[@KavaKavana]

The plating turned out great. Amazing full restoration from such a rough watch to a little beauty

[@jimbo1531]

I really like this channel a lot, and I know nothing about watches (well, more than I did before) - it's not just about watches, it's a genuinely great channel.

[@jwvandegronden]

Marshall, somehow YT thought i might be intestested in what you do here. And it was right! I am heavily into mechanical watches, and I'm trying to move passed just wearing them into the realm of actually maintaining my own watches. I am though, what you might call consciously incompetent, not sure if that translates right, but on our paths to learn and develop ourselves we go through those phases, ultimately revolving back from unconsciously competent to unconsciously incompetent simply because you can't always stay ahead of the curve. So I'm one up, but the minute details, finicky muscle control movements are a pain in the ass for me throwing me off more than I can stomach. Given you calm demeanor and clear and concise narration of what you are doing, somehow gives me the quiet confidence to try once more. So thank you! And what an epic accomplishment, carried by your emotional investment and attachment to the history of this watch, made it one of the most inspiring things I have watched in a long time. just an anonymous watch worn by an anonymous soldier, and yet here you are giving it all the honors it deserves. Thank you for that! Really moved me. I might have gone for the original dial, simply for the above stated emotional investment, but seeing a fully restored, readable watch face is amazing. So fully get your choice in this endeavor. My art and design heart leaps at the opportunity to maybe do something to enhance such a watch in a contrasting way without losing its history and path it had to travel to get where it is today, so that might be a thrird option for you to look into. Liked and subscribed, awesome channel you got here. Very impressed and looking forward to binge watching all restorations you have already shared with us!

[@Phillipthe2]

A carding wheel or caring brush will remove the black residue left from the Evap-o-Rust. It's the same thing as normal wire wheel or brush, but it's ultra fine. They are usually 0.0025 or 0.003 wire diameter, whereas as normal wire wheel / blush is 0.006 and larger. Gunsmiths use them to remove surface rust and oxidation without removing the bluing.

[@WristwatchRevival]

I'll look it up

[@daleburrell6273]

...it would have to be a VERY SMALL "carding wheel"-(!)

[@Deathbomb9]

@@WristwatchRevival look on Brownells for them. They arent expensive in comparison to other wheels but I've never seen them in sizes that would be useful for the tiny parts you are working with.

[@georgevoichev545]

The blackening may be a formation of iron oxide

[@tissuepaper9962]

@@WristwatchRevival 0000 steel wool with a little bit of oil on it is another old trick for taking off the red oxide while leaving the black oxide behind.

[@richardherbst488]

This was the watch my father flew with in the Navy during WW2. He was also issued a stopwatch for navigation, I think Hamilton. As to restoring this and retaining the cosmetic damage, the results speak for themselves, you aren't restoring a 60 million year old fossil. I would wear this daily (if I could find one). The plating job was superb.

[@G-regular503]

The reaction when that crystal shattered... priceless. Another great coffee pairing!! Thank you!!!

[@raenfox]

I really appreciate what you're doing. I was forced to stay in bed for the past week and watching your videos helped me through it. It's interesting to see how these old watches worked and watching you take apart and put back together something so delicate is very satisfying. Also your voice is very pleasant and soothing to listen to. Thank you for helping me through that.

[@daleburrell6273]

...THAT'S THE TRUTH-!!!

[@cordellwynne]

How excellent. I love your channel. The deft manipulation of these tiny parts is hypnotic. Your narration is chummy and lucid and your sense of humour is intimate and contageous. I will certainly never, ever undertake such a restoration but thank God there are crazy people like you who will. My only connection to this world of horologists is my 1970's Bulova Aero Jet. Automatic. Thank you Marshall- keep doing it.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Thank you, I appreciate it :)

[@fabriziodutto7508]

Great restoration! The derust-liquid have made wonders! The result is outstanding. I would've swapped the dial too, the original can be kept somewhere, but a legible one is always preferred! Maybe you can reprint the dial but it will not be original anyway, so, your solution is the right one in this case! Thank you for sharing! Stay safe!!

[@anisakid-kg3zn]

This was a great restore job. Not just because it is working and looks good; it is history. I didn't think you, or anyone, could do it. Wow!

[@petedavis1040]

This came out great, first time watcher and totally enjoyed the process. Learning as I go to appreciate the craft and notice how time pieces now a days lack character. Way smaller yet built heartier and with greater attention to details that extend for decades apparently.

[@Reveers]

Amazing work. I half expected you to repaint the original dial yourself.

[@WristwatchRevival]

That's one thing I don't think I'll get into, they always looks really bad after repaints I've found.

[@lwilton]

@@WristwatchRevival At a guess, the original base color would have been sprayed, and after it was dry, the markings would have been silk screened. The original art would have been done on a *much* larger scale, probably something like a foot across for the dial. Once that was approved, it would have been photo-reduced to make the screening masks at the correct size. The result was that all the minor errors in the drawing would have disappeared in the photo reduction process. The modern equivalent would probably be doing the dial in a CAD program and then printing it with a 1200 DPI (or higher) printer on something that would either become a transfer medium or could be made into a screen.

[@jagerwayz5721]

I really enjoy your narration. You don't have an annoying voice, or a poor vocabulary.

[@danmidkiff5416]

I agree! Very calm voice, except when he gets excited. And, he's not condescending.

[@badonebadone4778]

He is the best. Love you marshall

[@martgryfny]

exactly!

[@mohamedjaleel1229]

Above all he knows his stuff. Amazing!

[@nicknakpaddyman]

He has a history of narration and podcasts. Thanks Marshall. Years of listening to you for MTG.

[@jokerz4fun]

I have my grandfathers WWII watch which is in similar condition to this one. If I remember correctly the watch stopped working when he hit Normandy or shortly after. Watching this video has renewed my interest in having it restored.

[@occhamite]

When you have a part that is rusted fast, like the winding stem was, you might try putting some "penetrating oil" on it, the type in a spray can, that foams up, then tapping repeatedly on the part (to work the oil even further the mechanism), waiting a while, and retrying, to check for any free-up of the part. Repeated applications and waits may be helpful, but on parts as small as those in a watch, penetrating oil should dissolve-in and break-up the rust, and run you less risk of doing further damage in the disassembly. Penetrating oil will not create the black deposit on the surface of treated parts that you get with Evapo-rust.

[@masterk5372]

No worrys this guy knows what’s doing :)

[@occhamite]

@@masterk5372 ????? If only you did.

[@A2Z1Two3]

@@masterk5372 Normally I would agree with you , but not in this case. A bit more patience , some penetrating fluid , and some kind of controllable vibrating device would most likely ( given time) have allowed the winder to be removed without breaking .

[@occhamite]

@@masterk5372 This "guy" hearted the post, didn't he! Making a suggestion isn't suggesting the guy doesn't know what he is doing. I'll bet he'd be the first to tell you he doesn't know everything there is to know.

[@joshuahorton3927]

I think in this case the cleaner dial was the right choice. Good work and nice video!

[@80lab38]

This is really amazing stuff! I work with surface mount electronics, but this is another level. Nice job on the plating, too. Actually, you could have used the same process (with reversed polarity) to strip off the old plating. You might want to use a separate batch of electrolyte for that, though, as it will likely get contaminated.

[@Lawomenshoops]

As I rewatch this video, I’m glad you used the donor dial! If the original dial only had one small spot, it would be fine. But the original was so damaged, it would take away from the watch! That’s how I felt when I watched this video when it first came out.

[@heathergomez5298]

The better dial is the right choice. And a big congratulations on restoration. Looks and works great.

[@ezrilebeau8234]

Do you sell any of the watches you restore? I would LOVE to own one of your restored watches, I love your attention to detail, and the way you keep their original charm/character. Having one that we have seen restored would be super cool.

[@tee_m]

Absolutely beautiful result, great call on the dial, the original was far too gone.

[@flagstafup5857]

More great content Marshall. It’s great to see these old military time pieces getting the TLC bringing them back to working order. Re Synchronizing watches in the military. In the army, commanders would synchronize to artillery time, platoon commanders would then synchronize their watches with the platoon sergeant and his section / squad commanders. To properly synchronize it necessary to give at least 2 minutes to allow all watches to be synchronized accurately.

[@craigchurches4042]

That was a very entertaining restoration to view, thanks for your efforts in producing the video and undergoing restoration on this antique war relic. Just a little factoid the Nato g10 strap was designed in the 70's to replace the leather strap on previous war model watches as the leather rotted and broke at the spring bars. This was the cause of lost and trampled watches. So everything except the mainspring and the strap where period precise. I will certainly be watching with interest on some of your other restorations... two thumbs up from me. Cheers

[@dleland71]

It's not just a 'watch', it's a piece of history. Just imagine the service member who owned it, set it, and used it to wage conflict in the pursuit of freedom! It chokes me up... Being a Vietnam era vet I am honored to watch you restore this watch. And yes, I like the more readable dial, but keep the old one too. Thanks for the restoration video.

[@highimbrandon]

This was an extremely satisfying restoration. Excellent work!

[@shelbyhiromi]

Woah. Looking at it fully restored actually brought tears to my eyes thinking of who must've worn this watch all the people who relied on this particular design through war. Never thought i'd cry at watch that isnt even mine.

[@alanmckinnon6791]

Nice job Marshall. On the dial, I would also go with the newer better condition dial. The old one isn't just a little stained so it has character, it doesn't have neat battle scars - it's a wreck. The damage is so severe that now it's a mess, unusable, unreadable and looks like junk. So good call.

[@Pythonaria]

What an amazing restoration of this historical watch. I wonder if it could speak, what stories it would tell? Thank you for sharing this.