A 1940s Helios Chronograph - will it run again?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.พ. 2022
- Today we have a broken and beaten up, non-runner Helios (no, I never heard of that brand either) chronograph on the bench. This watch hasn't seen any TLC for the last half century or so but we will try to make it nice and worth wearing again!
Join Stian for a full restoration of the case, movement, dial and hands as we discuss chronographs and Landeron in particular. And we'll find a piece of... yarn?
********************************************************************************
Join this channel to get access to many more videos and perks:
/ @vintagewatchservices
Or join my patreon page: / vintagewatchservices89
********************************************************************************
See our watches and read our blog at www.vintagewatchservices.eu
See our current selection at Chrono24: www.chrono24.com/search/index...
********************************************************************************
Tools and resources for watchmaking as a hobby:
bit.ly/43yQRmw Watchmaking books
bit.ly/3N3rlz3 Watchmaker’s loupe
bit.ly/43vOcu4 Watchmaker tweezers
bit.ly/3Nm0lfc Moebius lubricants
bit.ly/43ITWjM Screwdrivers
bit.ly/468B8wq Case opener
bit.ly/468Bfbk Rodico
bit.ly/3J8mX0u Polywatch
bit.ly/42wAZQf Presto tools
bit.ly/3J6UND7 Bergeon tools
bit.ly/3X21iwL Horotec tools
bit.ly/3X2xiAU Chinese made watchmaking tools
bit.ly/3qFqgWk Digital microscope
bit.ly/3CkZt4f Ultrasonic cleaner
bit.ly/3qAAPtX Ultrasonic cleaning solution
bit.ly/43V9HEr Denture cleaning tablet
bit.ly/3X1rpUl Chinese “Horia style” jeweling tool
bit.ly/3P5EQR7 Demagnetizer
********************************************************************************
Follow us on social media
/ vintage_watch_services
/ vintagewatchservices
/ vintagewatchsrv
www.pinterest.ch/vintagewatch...
********************************************************************************
#watchmaking #vintagewatches #watchrepair #watchrestoration - บันเทิง
Hello, Stian. Another hidden gem. Once it was cleaned up, it's remarkable how pristine the movement is. The dial, especially the condition of the chapter rings, is spectacular. Considering how good the underlying condition of the watch actually was, I think that the level of restoration that he did was just right. You didn't alter the watch, you brought it back from a condition of benign neglect. The transformation that you performed reminds me of those guys who resurrect buried Rolexes found in muddy river banks. 😉 Btw, really spiffy electroplating setup you got there. You make replating look easy.
Thanks a lot, Bullnose! I am kinda planning to spoof one of those videos soon 😉
@@VintageWatchServices That is a video I can't wait to see. With your sense of humor, it's going to be epic.
😁 Let's try!
Adding to your story about "pull down". In French Canada, way back when, most toilets were equiped with a chain instead of a rope. So the expression "tirer la chaine" basically "pulling the chain" is still with us among many families.
Some of these toilets / cisterns still exist (certainly in parts of Australia, anyway), so you could say that "pull down the toilet" is still a valid thing to say even now.
There you go! 😁
And we are all still hanging up the phone!
That is one stylish beauty of a chronograph. You did a marvelous job Stian!
Thanks so much! It's a beauty indeed :)
This is the first time I've visited and I'm fascinated not only with the restoration, but the many cool machines you have at your disposal: The automated Elma parts washer, the plating machine, and the demagnetizer. 🙂
Welcome to the channel! I was telling a watchmaker friend the other day that I suspect watchmakers spend all their profits on new tools and machines :) Closer to the truth than I actually like!
I still use bulova Watchmaster ultrsonic Wt or markII machines. I restore them and while not automatic they are affordable ?
....Just a little difference between then and Now... KIdding of course. It looks Fabulous. Love it. Another great job at restoring that piece to its glory. The hands and case were finished perfectly to compliment an old watch...which it is. Vintage is so awesome.... Thanks for the journey Stian. Always enjoy your work and vids. Kudos..
You said that you’re not the best watch maker, but someone’s favourite doesn’t have to be the best. I like you sense of humour and the way you go about your work, thanks for another great video 👍🏻🥇
😊👍
Love a case restoration. I get having “original sharp lines” but for these old watches it was never really a concern. This is a great video that took something no one would wear and made it into a nice functional and aesthetically pleasing watch. Top marks from me.
Thanks so much, Brady, that's very nice to hear 👍
I find your videos very relaxing and the skill involved superb. Keep them coming they’re a real treat.
Thanks for watching and that's very nice to hear :)
Simply marvelous job. A new lease of live to a beautiful watch. There is magic in your fingers Stian.
Thanks K, that's very nice of you 😊
I like that you didn't over clean or over restore. Great result. Thank you.
Thanks so much!
Thank you for sharing this video, other than your evident skills, this is a remainder of what can we do as humans. 82 years ago with no CNC machines, Autocad, etc, it makes me feel humble. Thank you for unintended lesson.
Well said! They made some fantastic stuff back then and there are a lot of skills which have gone lost in the meantime...
A very sympathetic restoration of a classical watch.....thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Philip!
That is phenomenally skilled bit of restoration. I think you hit exactly the right balance of age and restoration. Well done indeed!!
Thanks so much, Luke, that's very nice to hear 😊
Tusen takk for this informative and entertaining video. IMHO your approach to letting the watch show its age is very sensible and surely increases the watch's value.
Bare hyggelig! 😁 And yes, I think this looks more authentic 👍
This is a very lovely watch. I am impressed by your attention to detail and the history of the watch. Thanks for your videos.
Wow, lovely. I think you have great taste in the level of restoration appropriate to a piece. Anyone would be proud to have this on their wrist.
Thank you very much, Vince, much appreciated!
Super Job, retains all its authenticity and will run for years to come..
Thank you for not only demonstrating but also for educating and explaining why you do certain things the way you do. I've learned a great deal from you. Much appreciated.
That's great to hear, Donny, thanks! And more to come :)
Beautiful watch! Great video! You never disappoint.
Cheers!
Thanks so much, Angel, but you must not have met my wife 😎
What a stunning watch, I love the dial. Great job on the restoration too!
Thank you very much! The dial is indeed gorgeous :)
Great job! It turned out very nice! Aesthetically pleasing to look at. Thank you!
Thanks for watching, John!
Gorgeous absolutely gorgeous! Replating was the way to go! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching, Ben!
Stian, this is a beautiful watch and your restoration did it justice. As a curator, i'm always for an age-sensitive approach, otherwise we're getting close to kitsch. It's great to see the channel growing, keep up the good work!
Thank you very much! I indeed have more of a conservation view than a restoration view, as long as the condition is decent :)
Nice job. The watch came out great. I like the way you tell a little history of the watches you do and explain as you go along taking it apart. I enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work. I was wondering if I had a few questions, would you get back to me? Looking forward to your new videos. 😁👍
Hello Ralph, I try to answer questions, yes
Lovely timepiece! Great job and very enjoyable video.
Beautiful!! Simply Beautiful! Great video as always! I have enjoyed watching all of your videos. Thank you so very much for sharing this fantastic and fascinating art with us!
Thanks for watching, Jared! ☺️
Thank you for the history lesson too! I like the result, not a full resto . Very nice work!
Because of your channel, I'm making this my hobby. Thanks for posting these vids, and also thanks for your humour, I always have a giggle and I always learn something knew.
That's very nice to hear, Bryan! It's a great hobby that you can enjoy until you get very, very old :)
Well done bro. I really enjoy waiting to the end and seeing the result of the restoration. It’s so satisfying.
Thanks a lot for that! I'll do more of this kind of video going forward 👍
@@VintageWatchServices do you take in servicing?
I'm sorry Colin, but I really do not have the capacity... I do take on some subscriber watches that have something that I would like to feature in a video, but that's about it. But trust me, there are tons of better watchmakers than me out there 😎
Thank you. Another great video! It’s a pleasure listening to such a professional and experienced commentary. Unlike some other hobbyist “watchmaking” channels that somehow attract so many followers and views, but provides poor advices.
Thanks so much! It's always good to have options 😉
I like the way the watch is smiling on your wrist! An old trick used in jewelry shops when displaying watches and clocks!!
Yep! One always does that when taking pictures or displaying watches :)
A beautiful result Stian, befitting the sun god Helios. The dial now looks stunning with the new crystal. Well done and thanks for another cracking video.
Thanks a lot for that, Red!
Absolutely wow !! That’s my kind of restoration !! This watch is stunning ! Thank you for sharing !! ✨👌
By the way this plating kit is absolutely interesting, I saw that kit too ! But it’s look to work very fine !! Future buying project..maybe !!
Thanks, Alain, that's very nice to hear ☺️
It's a great kit indeed. It's called Jewel Master Pro from Gold Plating services.
@@VintageWatchServices and the size of the kit is perfect for replate watch case !! I had sent two watch case for replate in December and I did not receive it !! So plating by myself will save time and cost for sure !!
Great approach, great job!
Beautiful work my friend. I do love your work.
Thanks so much!
Hi Stian. I enjoyed watching this restoration. This watch reminds me of my dad's (the "before"). I'm confident and excited to see the "after" !
Beautiful job matching the band to the case and face . It really pops on the wrist .
Thanks! It's a wonderful old watch :)
Wie Phönix aus der Asche. Einfach nur beeindruckend deine Videos und Fachkenntnisse....
Vielen Dank, Helmuth!
Nice work. Totally agree regarding restoration.. lovely job
Thanks a lot, that is great to hear 👍
I completely agree with your philosophy on vintage watches. Thanks for sharing another fantastic video!!
Thanks so much, Woody!
Excellent, always look forward to the next video...
Thanks a lot, Bob, and more coming soon 😁
That's just gorgeous. Amazing how you watchmakers can do your own plating. The dial is beautiful too.
Thanks a lot, Steve! You can plate gold with the right equipment, but it's not going to be as thick as it was originally. Still better than it was :)
I think you have achieved a perfect balance between restoration and preservation with regards to the case and hand refinishing.....Nice servicing work on the movement as usual....I am not usually a wearer of gold coloured watches but the older I get the more I find these interesting......looking forward to the next video.
Thanks so much, David! 👍
Great job, I really enjoyed it. Thank you.
Great to hear, Francis, thanks for watching!
Very well done. You are the first I’ve seen use Fixodrop. Sounds like a no brainer to me. Thanks!!!
Thanks for watching!
Absolutely beautiful. Great job.
Nice work, thanks for sharing
Thanks a lot, Randy!
Amazing craftmanship!
Thanks so much! 😊
What a fantastic video!! I truly admire your craftsmanship. And I agree with you - an older watch should look like an older watch. The strap you chose - perfect!!!
That's very nice to hear, Milan, thanks so much ☺️
A fine chronograph that you have returned to a gem. Your talent is amazing.
Thanks Greg, that's very kind 😊
Really nice job on this one. And I agree : old pieces should look a bit of their age. That is, unless they really are too far gone. Then, it's no longer really a restoration and recreating to a new condition can make sense. Nekkid's work on cases looks excellent, for instance.
Thanks a lot! I think the main difference is that Nekkid seems to focus on watch repair while I actually focus on selling watches. Thus the watches I get on my bench are in general already in quite good condition, otherwise I wouldn't buy them. And if a watch is in good, original condition, most vintage collectors would agree you shouldn't do too much to them.
I am however changing this up a bit, buying beat up watches only for making videos of restoring them, so I'll go a bit further on some future watches. Nekkid is certainly much better than me at case restoration though 😉
Stunning watch. Great video as ever.
Thanks so much!
Dear Stian, thank you so much for another of your most beautiful and informative videos. I really enjoyed your approach to restoration and conservation a lot. In the end you have a watch that tells its age, but looks gorgeous thanks to your excellent workmanship. And yep, I am so old that I am allowed to appreciate your "bad jokes" as well. So all is well that ends well. Please keep on doing this work and on being who you are.
Thanks so much, that's very nice to hear :)
Amazing work!
Thanks a lot!
Hello, always something new! great video!
Thanks so much, Tiberiu :)
I would be very proud to wear the watch. Love your videos. Your work is outstanding.
That's very nice to hear 😊
Loved the video! The dirty movement was Very very satisfying 😀
Thanks Achint! Always nice to get some serious dirt cleaned out 😁
Incredible result. As usual. 🙂👍🏻
Thanks so much! 😊
Like you i feel a sympathetic restoration works best, you can never really gain that authentic look with an as new build, & bringing it back to life with regard to its original character is much better, i would be happy to wear such a vintage piece & your work is exemplary as always.. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Kerry! 👍
I have been waiting for this !!! A BIG FAN,,THANKS !!!
Thanks! And more to come, Greg :)
Great job!
Stain was looking forward to this posting as I have a Rodania with the 248 movement. Great work as always. Keep well from NZ.
Very cool! These movements are nice to work on, just be careful with the screws. They can be fragile in my experience.
The Chronograph watch looks stunning; "and maintaining that vintage look really enhances the time piece".
Thanks so much, John! 😊
Hey Stian, Been meaning to comment since I first saw this on Saturday. It was great to see some good news on YT given the state of the world!
Lovely watch (when you finished!). I've heard of these movements before but never seen one before (as with so many of your videos). By the way, your cinematography is really impressive on this, thanks for sharing!
Thanks a lot, Randy! I think I'm improving a bit on the filming but there's still a lot of room for improvement. And yes, it's a bad time to be a human, but this too shall pass.
Another terrific repair and restore. I love what you did to the hands and case. I agree with your wife about removing the spot at 11 o'clock, but the watch still looks great. Thank you!
Thanks James! That spot isn't really possible to remove just like that such is why I left it :) Removing it would leave a bright spot there instead, and then I prefer this one.
Great job. Looks beautiful.
Thanks a lot!
I was so surprised seeing you restore this watch as I was also bidding on the auction to buy it to restore it! Of course you did a much better job that I could have, so it was worth losing in the end ^^
Hello Yannick, that's very funny to hear! Yes, I saw this watch on Ricardo and thought it might make a great project 😁
*_I agree, an older watch shouldn’t look brand new. This watch is NOT my taste (gold & chronograph) but the design is so good I’d be proud to have it anyway. Another great job, great video._*
Thanks a lot, Joe, much appreciated 😁
Nice job, Stian, and with your accustomed restraint. That strap is awesome, btw!
Thanks Frank! I will go all out on a watch at some point just for the heck of it, but I try to end up with a watch I would love to wear myself. I'm not a flashy guy (yes, I understand that is near impossible to believe 😉), so I don't like watches flashy and blingy 😁
pretty beat up but once restored...wow. Love these vintage chrono's....and the dial with its patina is so beautiful
Thanks Rich! Yes, these vintage watches can be quite beautiful 👌
That looks marvelous!
Thanks so much, Jozsef!
Great job!, thanks. Adrian
Thanks so much, Adrian :)
A pre-service and post-service precision weighing would have been interesting for this one!
It cleaned up beautifully.
I don't think the difference would be very much, but it's a good idea for the next similar video :)
Very nice job and video too. 👍👍
Thanks! 👍
Nice job!
Takk skal du ha, Ole!
Awesome job
Thanks so much!
Really beautiful! Great job! And that strap was, as we say in Sweden, "pricken över i:et". :)
Tack så mycket, Hans!
Nice restoration Stian, I've my Dad's Smiths Chrono from the 70's with a Landeron 248 movement. I think it cost a week's wages back then, my Mum wasn't too impressed :). Congrats on passing your Level 4 BHI exam, you made this months Magazine :)
Thanks so much, Charles! I take it you're also a BHI member then?
@@VintageWatchServices Yes, joined last year. Aiming to take my Technician level next year.
Very cool! Best of luck :)
Another great job bringing a wreck back to life
Thanks so much, Stephen!
Beautiful watch.
Thanks!
Wonderful job Stian! Your ideas are spot on. Looks like a watch I’d love on my wrist. You know that saying ‘something for the weekend sir?’, well this video made my weekend! You never told us about the Helios brand, but we got the toilet flushing story😀
Thanks Boyd! 😁 I honestly don't know much about this brand, but believe they supplied watches to the German forces during the war. There is a brand called Helios today but it's completely unrelated.
Thanks Stian. I’d forgotten this one, great to watch again. Any tips for me with my first Landeron 248 service (everything’s works ok). I only use an ultrasonic cleaner. Do I need to worry about the eccentric screws moving? And how do I identify them? Also, I should my a presto tool for the driving wheel. How do I know how far to press it back in again? Any other top tips for a chrono virgin? Ta.
It never gets old seeing a beautiful dial emerge from behind a cracked, faded or stained crystal! Seeing the yellowing of the varnish/top layer of that dial (and that stubborn dirt spot at 11 o'clock!) I wonder whether any of the newer art restoration techniques could be used on these dials, in particular with regards to cleaning? There are so many delicate, non-intrusive methods used these days for cleaning & stabilising paintings, prints, & other objects on a plethora of different surfaces (from rice paper to metal), I'd be surprised if there wasn't a way to give some of these dials a bit more of a cleanse without losing patina or damaging the printing.
The main problem with watch dials is that the layers are so thin that there is nothing to work with. Once you remove the varnish you're right on the thin layer of paint or the print. So there isn't much that can be done with a watch dial apart from removing surface marks - which are generally not the issue - or refinishing the dial, which for vintage watches will very rarely make it exactly as it was when it was new. So it's kind of a lose/lose situation, unless one happens to like patina :)
@@VintageWatchServices What a shame... fortunately there's plenty of us who love & appreciate both a patina _and_ the original intended beauty of the original artist/watchmaker, so it's definitely a win/win to be able to see these mini-masterpieces regardless of their condition. ☺ Thanks for these brilliant videos!
Great job and commentary as always, thank you! I have a Landeron 48 (unnamed watch brand) that I plan to work on soon. The watch is missing the bezel though. Is it something I can find or should I try to get a "new" case altogether for it? Keep up the good work!
Finding a bezel for an unnamed old brand is practically impossible, but you could try to make one if you have a lathe. Otherwise you'd indeed need to find a different case.
Lovely job. Think your leaving some of the initial wear actually lends some grace to the piece.
Thanks Murray!
Amazing!
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it!
Lovely video thanks 👍 watching at 1080P
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great work! I love to watch your videos and really appreciate your narration throughout, including the history and humor! Good luck getting that one past your wife!...LOL
😁
I really enjoyed this video. I have a watch with the same movement, not as pretty as a column wheel movement, but a more affordable chronograph.
Thanks, Keith! Yes, the Landeron 48 family is very sturdy and simple in a good way. Very good performance for a low cost :)
I was expecting it to be a bit larger, for a chronograph. Make no mistake, that is quite a beautiful watch. Especially in the way that you restored it.
Thanks so much! Back in the 1940s this would have been a really large watch 😉
Another beautiful video. My wife’s fighting me about replating chemical smells as we live in a condo!
😁
HERMOSA RESTAURACION .
👍
Meticulous work! Beautiful watch!
Thanks Bill! 👍
@@VintageWatchServices you bet! I admire close work like yours. I restore antique musical instruments....I can see the parts! 😊 What you do is amazing!
Wonderful. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😊
Stunning
Thanks, Stuart!
That's a beautiful watch. Some leave me cold, but not that one. Must get mine to you.
Thanks so much, Kev :)
Ciao, spettacolare movimento , ed eccellente lavoro!!!
Bravo!!!
Mille grazie :)
Thank you for gold plating the case, as your typical wont is to leave the older ones looking rather forlorn. Now about that black spot at eleven o'clock--couldn't just brush on a little gold enamel to cover it up? Just kidding. Look at this, 11K subs and counting. You and Mr. Nekkid are the two most enjoyable watchmakers in my opinion.
Thanks so much, Cory! The difference with this watch and most of my other watches is that this one I bought simply for this project. Most of the watches I buy are already in very nice condition visually, so I mostly just service them.
Also, the gold plating on this one was so far gone that there wasn't really any other option. Gold plating is a tricky thing, as new gold plated watches typically have a 20 micron layer of gold, which is very difficult to achieve without industrial level plating machines and also inhibitively expensive. So there's a lot to consider before re-plating a watch!
A very fine effort.
Thanks William!
Lovely watch Stian! I love the dial, and the case now has just the right amount of patina, even after replating. My nephew has a Duval chronograph from the 1960s with (I think) a Landeron movement. Of course, he now also has an Omega Speedmaster triple date (as you know). Too bad this watch is not a 1951 (YOB). I would be tempted.
There were so many watches with this movement family and you should be able to find a nice 1951 one, I think 👍