Restoring a Vietnam-Era Military Watch I Purchased on eBay as "For Parts or Repair"
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- Marshall restores another vintage watch, this time it's a 1960s military watch that was probably used in Vietnam. He picked it up off of eBay as a "for parts or repair" project, and sure enough it won't run at all. Plus the hands have degraded significantly, so it's quite a project!
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
------------------------------------
These are Amazon affiliate links to some of the equipment used for these videos and purchasing anything through them helps support the channel.
TOOLS AND EQUIPEMENT:
Amscope Microscope: amzn.to/2EuReZ4
Sanding Sticks: amzn.to/3QFBcMg
CAMERAS AND AUDIO:
Main Camera, Sony A7III: amzn.to/2Dk3Q4K
Secondary Camera, Sony A7IV: amzn.to/4acWA4j
Tertiary Camera, Sony A6400: amzn.to/3jVaYqh
Main Macro Lens, Sigma 70mm f/2.8: amzn.to/3lD4Wdb
Secondary Macro Lens, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 amzn.to/3VeJQpE
Wide Shot Lens: amzn.to/4adzNpl
Shure MV7 Microphone: amzn.to/3KaMlQC
Audio Recorder, ZOOM H6: amzn.to/31R11BQ
Small Sirui Tripod: amzn.to/3K82W7Y
Sirui Tripod Head for Overhead Camera: amzn.to/2QNoNZ8
Camlink 4k Video Converter: amzn.to/3hTiiQf
COMPUTER STUFF:
Apple Macbook Pro: amzn.to/3k170fD
Synology NAS: amzn.to/49QVwDz
Seagate HDDs for NAS: amzn.to/43dLn1a
Samsung Portable Drive: amzn.to/3wS9Vkj
My dad was a military Vietnam vet. I’m glad you restored this.
I remember when I first started training in the watch shop on board the USS Bryce Canyon AD36 early 1971 they sent us to the bridge to remove the radium from the pointer on the Lead Helm we removed the pointer scraped off the radium and painted the pointer with a white luminous paint.The inspecting officer asked us what we had done with radium when we told him he called in a decon team secured the bridge and sent us both to sick bay to test for radium poisoning.
What did you do with the radium?
Did you inhale the powder? What happened?
@@richeyrich2203 I guess not sick bay couldn’t find anything,
@@peterking1134 just scraped it off like always. Decon team didn’t find anything I think they wiped down the bridge and put the rags in a lead box not sure what they did with the box. Never heard anything else about it
There are watch shops on some military boats?? also awesome story :)
There's something about a new crystal and an aged dial that's just beautiful.
Marshall! I just put my first movement back together :) It took a lot of patience, but the moment that balance wheel kicked up and ran by itself felt like hitting a home run. I'm hooked. Thank you for building my confidence and interest in such a rewarding hobby!
The mechanical empathy you demonstrate is a joy to view, often turning a screw 1/4 turn anti clockwise to get it seated, then screwing it firmly down clockwise, just wonderful...
Great job. I actually like this watch better than most of the more expensive/fancy ones you've done.
Absolutely agree.
Yup, this watch has _purpose_ behind it (and perhaps a bit of history); it's not just another 'shiny' to decorate one's wrist.
I have loved watches since I was a kid. I'm in my 70's now. I have Parkinson's so learning how to fix something as small and delicate like a watch would not be a good idea for me, lol. I can see it flying across the room now as I shout out, "WATCH OUT" as it sails out the window, lmao. The world of timepieces would never be the same. My passion is Seiko watches. I bought my first one in Japan during a stopover on the way to war. Excellent watches, and I still have a few in storage. Anyways, I really enjoy watching you do these delicate repairs. Take care and I hope you keep making these videos.
As you were talking about skills, knowledge, and technique, at about 17:10, I noticed you do something that was likely automatic for you and yet something many people don't know. As you were trying to install the screw and get the threads lined up, you gave it a partial turn in the opposite direction. You can see, and feel, the thread drop into place, then it is lined up when you turn it forward. I particularly like and recommend doing this if one is putting a screw into a soft material like plastic, wood, or even soft metals.
Thats so true. I do the same when I need to seat a bolt in tight quarters on one of my tractors... especially when I can't feel it drop in with my hands. A half turn in the opposite direction helps prevent cross threading... from tiny watch screws to valve cover bolts on tractors.
This is very important with the self-tapping screws in plastic. A cross threaded screw can crack the plastic screw posts, leading to a very annoying repair.
Taken a few lenses apart, some with multithreads. They can take a long minute being turned backward before things lineup and fall into place.
This is because the threads on the bolt and the threads in the hole have a definite start, once the end of the threads meets the start of the others the “point” of the od threads drop into the id threads.
Keep tinkering boys! There’s something new to learn every day!
I learned of that from a precision shooting channel, 8541 Tactical. Very important when you're installing the screws for scope mounts.
Watch your videos whenever I wanna just relax clock out of life stress and enjoy some classic workbench craftsmanship
Thanks again
20:39 I bet that was a heart in mouth moment when that tiny little gear went flying
I'm glad someone else saw it flying out! 😱
Yep I saw it
Setting wheel takes flight.. I saw the same thing. :)
And then it magically reappears in place. Ah, the beauty of editing!
Ha Ha i didn't see your comment till after i had already written mine. Nice, you caught it too!!! God Bless you!
I’m not really into watches but your commentary is what keeps me watching. Thanks
I wish I could send you my mom's favorite watch. She passed away recently, and my dad is now in assisted living. While moving their stuff, I found her little watch. It doesn't work, but I keep it close. I have fond memories of her wearing it. Anyway, I love your videos and how detailed they are. If it wasn't for my hand tremors, I would pick up this hobby. It's fascinating. Keep up the great content. 👍
He does sometimes work on viewers watches , but please don't forget that some watch scalpers have contacted chanel viewers pretending to be him.
What @Poperol said. Ignore any comments here redirecting to a way to get in contact and shoot WWR an email, Instagram or Patreon message (whichever you can manage and confirm his account ownership of).
You can always ask this way, if you expect to get no for an answer, acceptance of the job will be a pleasant surprise.
Marshall. The most striking part of the watch has to be that face. It's so striking to look at, and behind ascratch free crystal it looks even better. That is certainly a watch I'd be happy to wear on a daily basis.
Thank you for sharing your work.
P.S. If your friend decides he doesn't want it......
The dial is gorgeous, I love these military types watches.
Have faith man from Portugal here 🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹✌️🥂
It is a very handsome watch.
Love these old watches. Great face. They were great daily drivers
You know, not only am i amazed at how Marshell is able to work with such incredible small peices that those watches have. But I would LOVE to see those that actually BUILD those amazingly small screws and springs! I love this channel and wtching Marshall work on these watches! Thank you!
There is a couple of marvelous videos on TH-cam of how they make Vostok watches at the factory. Including the machines that make the tiny gears. Jeweled bearings etc.
Hi Marshall watching your videos made me want a vintage watch but I didn't think there was anything in the family. Last week I found my late grandfathers watch it's nothing special an old Seiko of a type they actually still make but anyway now it's off at local jewelers for a service. Hopefully it all goes well and I can wear it for daily use.
The myriad of tools watch makers use is astounding. I was watching a video the other day where an antique rounding up tool was used. Add in the crystal press and you can understand why the hobby can be expensive. But all hobbies can be expensive. Especially if done correctly 😊. Excellent video, thank you.
I was a lucky when I was young I had a grandfather who repaired pocket watches as a hobby I spent a many of hours in my youth watching him. When I got old started doing it myself never tried wrist watches but in the early days of ebay I spent a lot buying pocket watches to repair and resale and picked up a few keepers along the way too. I have a few key winds which I love. I'm sure they could use a good cleaning now. My eye sight now that I'm in my 60s has got so bad I can no longer do it myself. So if you ever feel like you like to tackle one let me know I send them your way love to watch you show off one of my watches.
Marshall, listening to you work on a watch, enjoying a beverage after work, is sublimely relaxing. At one level I follow the technology of the repairs. But I'm not now, nor will I become a watch fixer. What works is the narrative, your enthusiasm, the ease of your explanation stemming from your incredible expertise. Thanks.... BTW, after watching closely the tools you use. I now own a great set of tiny screwdrivers.
I just picked up a Late 60's or early 70's Ball Trainmaster Automatic for $200USD on eBay that is running, but at about -30sec/day. A 25 jewel ETA 2620 or 2821 movement, still not quite sure, but I am leaning towards the former. I really don't feel like messing something up, so I am hoping to work through my pocket watches first to get comfortable. I have been practicing on a beat up 15 Jewel USSR chronograph. One balance reposition on my Grandfather's 1920 Elgin pocket watch and I was hooked after I saw the 30 year dormant movement start ticking. Thank you for the inspiration, knowledge, and courage to move from the obsolescence of smartphone repair to the investment of watch repair:)
I have watched you and others for a couple, three years and really enjoy the "craft". After watching this and other great success, I think "I'm gonna do this!". Then I think: with recent eye problems and being 82 years old with some short term memory problems, (no more than most old farts) AND the cost of tools AND limited experience using the internet to do research and finding and buying things (that are what they say they are), I think I am better off watching you guys that make it look so easy and enjoyable on UTUBE. Thanks to all of you who make these wonderful videos.🤓
Absolutely stunning watch. Such a simple design and a great strap added! Well done.
I have no idea why but watching you is really coming for me and seeing you work on this beautiful watch is the berries
Tidy looking military watch nicer than ELGIN ,now you've fixed and serviced. Amazing skillset you possess.
Cool watch. The font for the numbers is interesting, especially the '4'.
I must say, I haven't worn a watch in decades, but this finished watch is definitely one I would wear!
Nothing too flashy about it, just nice and functional... I particularly like the lack of a brand, for some reason 😉
Here I was, perusing for something to watch and you post at this very minute. Excellent 👍
thanks for posting. always enjoy your videos. i appreciate that you don't hide any mistakes. We all make them.
Well done, Marshall. That Lume looks like it needed a little coffee but it still looks great!
Been watching your videos for a while and also listening to Limited Resources and just last episode realized that you do both!! How cool!
Fantastic job on that old watch. Collecting up old watches and taking watch class.
Gotta love military watches. Coolest designs ever.
Terrific soothing resto of a classic Benrus! I have 4 Vietnam issue, circa 1968 Benrus watches & a Hamilton. I’m in Australia & only yesterday I sent my Hamilton away for exactly this! Beyond my capabilities, I’ve sent it to a recommended watch restorer. The others are all still functioning ok, & I wear them occasionally. They still keep bloody good time too!👍🏼😎
Oh Lord I'm so freaking ready for this!!! What a fun project. Appreciate these videos, I'm not into watch repair and watch making myself, but damn if it's not interesting. People sharing their passion for something is always so infectious. Cheers!
Great video. Like that closing shot. I look forward in each of your videos to seeing whether or not "born to fly" will spread its wings and take off.
The algorithm delivered. I think watches are neat, and I love MTG. Boom. I get recommended this channel.
If you know, you know.
20:39 / 20:40
Its back in there after the time stamp, looks like he caught it but edited that out for some reason.
Called intermediate setting wheel. Defo back in as no way to turn hands if it is missing. Ask me how I know....🤔 😎 😁
There is something beautiful about the simplicity of that dial. Great work!
Tell the truth, you got this watch specifically so you'd have an excuse to buy that tool.
Haha!
Can't say I've never done that!
if you are talking about the crystal setting tool then no that is not a new tool for him he has use that in many videos
He's a mechanic just not on cars this is what we do!
@@pudermcgavin4462 Yep. I'm a tool collector who repairs electronics.
Tool looks like some Dalek lost his hand ?
Its a really lovely utilitarian watch. Reminds me of one my dad had for decades. The brown band really compliments it.
It's always a pleasure to watch a passionate masterful craftsman at work - thank you!
For luming clocks I've always used strontium powder and paper glue, I have used nail polish lacquer but it blocks the UV a little so it's never as bright, but the clear paper glue and strontium powder works great and glows for 5-7 hours.
I just want to thank you personally for taking the time to make up watch repair kits for the average person, looking for your latest video is my happy place, cheers.
Cleaning is indeed cathartic, but it’s not only in watchmaking/restoration. My hobby is collecting, making, repairing and modifying folding knives. Completely cleaning and restoring a well used knife is a wonderful experience. A tool to cut things or a tool to tell time, we are both performing a valuable service for sure. Love your channel ❤
We have leveled up to the crystal lift tool, how exciting! ha
I had that exact watch. It lasted less than a month. There was no screw down crown, and water got into the case. I replaced it with a Zodiac Sea Wolf that I bought at the Da Nang PX. It survived.
Hey marshall have to say i love your channel, i decided to do a course in horology and retrain as a clock/watchmaker and your channel is a great learning tool and you are very informative. I feel the knowledge ive gained from your videos is definitely going to be advantageous when i start the course. 👍
Nice job. Somewhere in my collection I have this watch. Mine is marked Benrus on the dial.
The radioactivity of the lume is what makes it glow and that’s what I want back. Go get my tritium!!!
The particles given off interact with the phosphor and glow. When the half-life is done, it’s half as bright... by now it’s probably negligible.
I've got a Hamilton watch with a dial that looks almost exactly like that but with a day and date complication and Hamilton branding. It's such a clean and functional design
Sounds like a Hamilton Khaki. Really nice watches for not a whole lot of money.
Makes me want one of those watches looks so classic
I love fancy mechanical watches but this is a beautiful watch. Another nice video and a very nice watch
Shellac was (and still is) used to finish furniture, floors, and other woodwork. They come as flakes and are dissolved in pure alcohol, so anything with alcohol will dissolve the shellac.
Love these types of watches
Thank you very much for sharing this one! It is certainly one of the better looking Military watches I have seen, including the old Kienzle Markant that I wore in the 1960's.
A super film demonstrating your watch skills, sorting out the hacking to engage correctly was really good. I actually own one of the fully military version of this watch which was issued to troops in Vietnam. My own has an issue date of March 1968. The military model is DTU-2A/P and a military specification MIL-W-3818B A civilian version was also produced which was made famous by Steve McQueen. He wore one in Bullit and can best be seen on his wrist during the famous car chase.
I like the 24-hr simple design of military watch faces. You did a nice repair there! Thanks for sharing. ❤😊
I would have gone back and re-loomed the hour markers... That would drive me insane not being able to see them glow with the hands.
Really cool watch and great, simple design aswell. Would love to own one.
Great videos and excellent explanation of what you are doing!
Im not a watch fan and haven't worn one in 40 years... but I would make an exception for this one. I like it
Fantastic as always
Great job sir . Ive never watched a watch repair video in my life. You make it very interesting. Thank you .
I'm a little new to watching the wristwatch restorations, but I've always wondered what the jewels are for.
Another excellent service/restoration, Marshall! Well done. I really enjoy watching your videos. They’re very therapeutic for some reason. Thanks!
Holy cow! I've been working on the follow-on to this, the plastic Timex Camper UK2991211688 watch that became famous because MacGyver wore it. That new replacement one had a truly disposable Timex M116 movement where the click spring would "eat itself up". The movement on your watch is so much more substantial than the Timex Camper follow-on. Great video here!
The dial on that time piece is georgeous !
Love the reeds at the end :D
after listening to you on your Bob Ross interview, I realize your current mic setup is perfect, compression sounds great. try an keep the same mic and settings.
love this channel, so relaxing and informative
Excellent video Marshall. Thanks for sharing that with us all.
I think you did an awesome job.....Thank you for sharing
Wow that is a cool looking watch. You really did a jam up job and the hands turned out great.
I love the smaller size of those older field watches. A lot of watches now are just too big.
I was explaining to the monitor that reluming the hands only will result in a very weird in-the-night experience by having only hands being able to charge and light up. You could've probably covered the other lumed stuff with thinner/lighter cover for night time consistency :)
Great work, Marshall, I'll soon buy some more stuff from your online shop, I kinda got tired of disassembling and reassembling the training watch set :)
Beautiful piece.
Good job! Well done!
My philosophy for most things is that if I can be take it apart, I can be put it back together, and in either case it means the thing in question can be cleaned and/or repaired.
Hello,i write from Spain and just to say enjoy a lot with your work a pasion ,thank for share this videos with us.
4:47 I always enjoy the moment with left-hand screw. In my life I only met it in heavy machinery and trucks.
Very Cool! I restored 2 of these so far and they turned out great. The only thing I did different was using a nylon military strap instead of a leather strap. It just gives it a little more of that military look. Thank you Marshall for another great video.
just beautiful:) greetings from Bern, Switzerland
By far my favorite watch thus far. I liked the Elgin resto you did a couple years back. It turned out beautifully but this one has surpassed it by a mile. Beautiful watch. I'm hoping to be able to afford one of these types one day, properly restored. I'd give watch restoration a try, it looks like a ton of fun, but alas the tremors from my MS mean I can only watch, but I enjoy the heck out of watching!!
I always enjoy your videos. Thank you.
Absolutely gorgeous. I love the dial on this watch! And Arnold Palmers are legit!
I've been looking for a set of these hands for YEARS. I have my grandpas Vietnam watch exactly like this and it was damaged. crystal punctured, hands gnarled. I had it serviced and they put aftermarket hands on it that I hate and I didnt get the old hands back. Now I want to bring this watch back to what I remembered as a kid
Good morning. I just inherited a pocket watch. Just some basic research and I’ve learned it is an 11 jewel, hunter model Illinois Watch Company watch from 1902. I told my Mom (it was her great grandfathers) I watch your videos and that you work on subscribers watches sometimes. I wasn’t sure if this was the best way to reach out. I’m very excited about the watch. Have a great day.
Looks great Marshall. A useful tip when putting the setting lever back in. I use a bit of Rodico to hold it in place, then it can be turned upside down and screwed in without it falling off.
Yes knowing the rest of the story is a big plus. More please.
Love this Benrus watch, very similar to my Bronze Hamilton Field watch
I am always jealous of your toys!!!
Marshall, you rated your re-lume at, maybe, an 8 out of 10. But looking at the watch, as a whole, I think your re-lume job hit the mark, perfectly. I think you did an excellent job of matching the worn/aged look of the hands to the rest of the face. It's a 10/10 match in my book.
I've learned quite a lot from your channel. It's given me enough confidence to try some minor repairs, beyond battery replacements in quartz watches, on my own. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise!
another amazing video. I really love the macro video work Marshell. Fab.
Questions i am sure we are all thinking. Do you take watches to fix/clean from your watchers. Shy of course paying for new parts, do you charge for watch cleaning and or repair. Are there particular watches you do want to work on? The Wife and I very much enjoy watching your channel and the work you do.
that is really cool, I can see that watch with a NATO strap going with a lot of outfits :) very well done
I really love the idea of selling starter kits! That's brilliant.
I had one of those. I asked for and got one for Christmas somewhere about 1965-66 give or take. Wish I still had it. I have a MWC repro of a WWII version my wife bought me couple of years ago.
You should just buy another one. You can wish, or you can buy one.
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 Well, I wish I still had the one my parents gave me..
You can just about see some markings on the case back, so it's possible it is an issue watch that has had the original bead-blasted finish polished off.
My guess is that it is the MIL-W-3818, or GG-W-113.
Split stems are a pain, I have the Hamilton GG-W-113 that has the female connector on the crown which broke. It's almost impossible (in the UK anyway) to obtain spares.
Good vid, I enjoy watching you work!
Fun fact: Steve McQueen owned one of these and wore it in Bullitt. It was his personal watch.
Marshall, your videos work better to put me to sleep than Ambien. Thanks.