Restoring the Oldest Rolex I've Ever Seen - It's Over 100 Years Old!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Marshall restores a very early Rolex watch from 1916! These were likely used by military officers as they have a full hunter case configuration which allows them to be protected while out in the field. These were some of the earliest wristwatches and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of Rolex and wristwatches in general! Enjoy!
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Adam Savage mentioned your channel in a recent post. He was impressed....so are we! Well done on a wonderful channel Marshal!
Im expecting Adam to post a watch restoration video within the year.
@@TomsBackyardWorkshop I have the same impression. Between the tools Adam has been collecting and his praise of Marshal, it won't be long! ;)
Any chance you have a link for the post? I'd love to see what he said about it
@@Heroo01 th-cam.com/video/N-SME0xety0/w-d-xo.html
@@Heroo01 Its the "new digital microscope" one from 9 days ago. N-SME0xety0 is the video number if that works...
Hope everyone is enjoying the video, it's not every day you get your hands on a watch this old from such a well known brand :) Also a reminder: I will never solicit you in the comments here for any reason, so if you see that, it's likely a fake account! - Marshall
Is it ok to use Poly Watch on a glass crystal and what is the best way to determine if the crystal glass or plastic?
Absolutely phenomenal. Thank you for sharing this!
I am enjoying your channel. I have an Oyster Perpetual 6564 with a caliber 1030 movement. It has a butterfly rotor. It's such a nice-looking movement. It's a shame to keep them covered with solid cases.
@@JimmyJinky67 Polywatch won't touch glass. Just tap it, glass/crystal has a sound to it, plastic just sounds dead.
Because of you I just started watchmaking and I love it, watches are like little puzzles that are very satisfying to put together. Thank you for inspiring me ❤
Me too. We are driving up the prices of old watches.
Going to school? Or hobby?
@Deland13 just a hobby right now
In the same boat. Dear lord I didn’t need another tinkering hobby…but here we are.
Me too. Sneaking stuff into my wife's Amazon cart little by little.
I continue to be amazed at how they could manufacture such small parts with exceptional craftsmanship. People in 1919 could do amazing things.
Watch maker today still use the same machines that were used back then !
Ya they seem much smarter than ppl today.
@@dodge698 not necessarily they had less so they needed to be more resourceful with what they had.
"Trench watches" (of which this is a prime example) typically had custom-made cases allowing a wrist strap to be added to a pocket watch case. The one you are showcasing is especially interesting because a traditional hunter case had the lid hinge at the 9-o'clock position, which was opened by pressing in the crown at the 3-o'clock position. It is actually more work to align the hinge in the 12-o'clock position and add a release - so it was done for a reason.
This case was specifically re-worked for use in the trenches with the hinge at the 12-o'clock position so when it was opened the inside of the lid wouldn't reflect any light outward towards the enemy as you held it to read the time. The opened lid would actually block the light you were using to read the watch. Pinpoint light sources (such as cigarette lighters, matches, etc.) were common targets for snipers so anything to either block or shade the light was much preferred.
Thanks Jon! Well done.
Wow. Even the comments on this channel are god-like quality.
What do you estimate the value of this watch to be?
Something that was so necessary during the wars, and that we will never need or experience...really rams home what our ancesters went through
@@silvernatedogg This is what I came to the comments looking for.
I have to say: I love how generous you are with your explanations. You always purposely avoid using jargon (except to define terms) and that makes these videos so much more practical, interesting, and in a way, inspiring in the sense that working with mechanical things can change your perspective on problems and problem solving. Thank you for what you do.
s
I have to agree .
Totally agree, I always just assume that watchmaking would have its fair share of gatekeepers who would sneer if you didn’t “know” what they were talking about. These videos are so approachable and I’m loving them!
As someone who honestly has no major interest in watch collecting, and has no real knowedge on watch mechanics, just want to say your videos are so therapeutic and relaxing, theres something about watching a professional repairing things from new tech like phones and laptops to older items like mechanical watches that bridges the gap of interest for me. Thank you 👍
Bro, I have literally watching 100s of hours of an Aussie clearing household sewer pipes. There is nothing that is uninteresting to the human mind.
I have five watches so far, three Fossil and two Swatch but my 1985 Swatch Jellyfish doesn't work anymore.
he isnt a pro, this is his hobby but he's 1000x better than most of us at watchmaking.
They are the perfect video's to watch to get my baby to sleep. I'm not saying this as a diss or something, I really enjoy the videos and the baby sleeps really well if there are voices in the background. I tried other youtube stuff, but most videos have loud noises, music, etc. Here you just have a super nice voice and it works perfecly!
He isn't professional, but man, I would not know the difference. Because, watching him do all this? Like he's so good at it. it's literally mesmerizing to watch. (no pun intended.)
I was like "oh wow. A watch from the 1800s?" But I forgot 100 years ago isn't 1900, 100 years ago is 1923
A much safer way to adjust the beat error is indeed when you still have taken it apart. You can actually just use your small oiler and gently put it into the gap of the collet from above (careful not to touch the spring) If you now just with the tiniest amount of pressure, slightly turn your oiler, the collet will actually turn as well.
If you havent taken the balance appart and the pallet fork is still build in, you can turn the balance until the fork barely touches the sides of these posts and mark the position of the upper attachment point of the spring on the balance. The middle of these two points is of course also going to be the middle of those posts. Just remember to use something to mark that you can erase afterwards again lol
i apologize for the essay
Not sure, how I ended up here, but I am not complaining. This is sooo fascinating, and I could watch this every day. Love how passionate you are, and how humble you are. Says a lot about who you are as an individual.
Same here! Had to subscribe immediately!
Marshall did you know Adam Savage from MythBusters is a huge fan of you and mentioned you in his own channel and is currently getting into watchmaking because of you and your videos!!!!!
I heard that! So cool!
We love ya Marshall! Never change! I love the longer videos. Please don't obsess with the analytics here like some youtubers I follow. I'm working a lot and haven't had time to watch. Doesn't mean I don't get excited to get a notification. I'm old school and lived before the internet and cell phones. I lookforward to your videos! 💯💯💯
This is awesome! I had to re-watch, but at 3:02-3:03 I had a smile because I imagine how maddening it was for you, that the dial hand bounced out of the container onto your tools, expertly hidden! As a gunsmith, I recognize this dire issue with mirth, as I have the same happen with liliputian springs!
came to see if anybody else noticed as i did so.
The sound of the main spring gives me shivers every time.. Right in the middle of my spine and radiating 360 degrees
Damn, the suspense at the end with the balance was absolutely thrilling
I absolutely adore all of your content. The stories, the skill in the repairs, the slow methodical breakdown, repair and rebuild. But most of all, and this says more than anything I think is that sometimes I'll click on one of your videos and gladly watch and listen for the full hour and man repairing a watch. No other channel can hold my attention quite like yours. Phenomenal work and keep up the great content :)
I have a 1972 Seiko Japan movement, I’m wondering if I can get this restored?
This is the first Rolex in my 40 years on this planet that I've ever actually wanted to own. I've never liked the style of most Rolex watches. Thanks for sharing!
(Hello, Wally!)
Cool 1016 on your wrist. And even cooler WW1 era Rolex. It’s amazing how much I learn and get entertained from your channel!
Awesome work Marshal, been waiting in anticipation for your next episode.
What a beautiful old watch. Well done servicing such a rare gem.
I love watching these videos. Fascinating to see different kinds of watches and the way you tackle a variety of problems.
Also great to see how when things go well, you give credit to the original design and manufacture, and even to your audience, and when something isn’t right, you take the responsibility.
Thank you Marshal. Great channel.
Marshall, I may not work on watches, I want to thank you for giving me a break from the hectic crap of the world. No politics or agenda. Just relaxing watch repair. ❤️
Watching these videos is therapeutic, expecially when I'm playing classical music softly in the background.
Over 100 years old and it's still so impressive
Like you said, the engineering inside old watches like this is astoundingly satisfying to see
Absolutely beautiful ... I'd never seen one like this before. Thanks for bringing us along on these amazing journeys!
I love your videos and I love hearing you speak!
I can't remember the amount of times I've accidentally fallen asleep and had to watch a video again because I missed most of it 😭
Your voice is so soothing and I love listening to you go on about all the little intricacies of watch making and the excitement I hear when you see something new or unique makes me smile every time 💜💜💜
Recently I sat with two broken pair of reading glasses in front of me. To salvage one usable pair I needed to remove four tiny little screws, giants by comparison to the teensy-weensy ones Marshall encounters. This would have been a frustrating and quickly abandoned effort except for the lessons I have learned from watching these videos, the main one being that of patience. It took nearly an hour, but I got it done. Even after dropping one of the little screws on the floor.
Thanks for the mentoring, Marshall!
FIY, you can buy glasses screw kits online. Little boxes with a variety of screws. Worth the dollars for that one time you might need them.
@@aserta I do something very similar except for computer screws and standoffs.
An hour? Damn. Aren't they like $5 at walmart?
@@mikeworkman3593
It depends on the lenses you need. I have astigmatism, corrected by a cylindrical lens, with the axis at the correct angle. That means the spectacle lenses have to be ground for me.
The other problem could be that left and right eye need a different correction. I doubt that could be done for $5.
Is there a way to contact you? I have an old Rolex that was my grandfathers. I want to get it cleaned. It works well. I don’t want to send it to Rolex because I want it as original as can be. It works fine. The crystal needs work. I just need help and info on where/who can help
You have the best watch repair/restore videos on TH-cam and the internet. Thanks.
Thats really cool to watch you working on a watch that old , thanks for your great and very interesting videos !
That was one of the most beautiful and historic watches that you’ve ever serviced,it was a pleasure to see it back to 1916 and running like the day it was made!
Amazing!! I don’t know how you film, speak AND repair a watch😊
If you want something a little different on your channel…I have a Hamilton Mult Touch that needs repair. I also have a parts watch that you can transfer from…it’s beyond me:). I think it would make a really cool video 😊
Keep up the good work!!
How you find the correct thread with out stripping the screw thread on this micro screws is a skill by itself
Marshal, the shot of the underside of the balance showing the impulse jewel is absolute dynamite! Clearly showing the problem with the B Error. Superb. Bw Mike
WOW! Produced in 1916 but look at the inside, it looks modern. Amazing what they could do so far back!
i’m finally getting into the “craft” side of youtube and it’s wonderful
What an amazing timepiece, the history lesson was an added bonus. Thanks for keeping these treasures alive and sharing the process with us.
@Wristwatch Revival Hi marshall. I have a watch that my grandfather gave me. I don't know much about it. It ran when I put it in a box several years ago. I was wondering if you would be interested in taking a look at it. It was a watch he used to give his employees for 10 years of service back in the 70s and 80s. He had an extra one and gave it to me when I was a kid. Thank you in advance.
First of all, i'm a car mechanic. This stuff is of no interest to me. But,when you start babbling and fiddling with this extremely small and complicated things i realise! One hour just fly by!! Amazing. You are good man! Keep them coming. If i buy a 100k watch,i will let you service it. Respekt
Bravo👍 Incredible work👍
Great work as usual Marshall! Would love to see you service a Chronograph like an old Speedmaster one day. Would be cool to see the how a complex movement like that goes together!
i can make a youtube video on a speedmaster or a valjoux 72 chronograph disassembly if you want
Beautiful watch. I'm shocked at the incredibly good condition it is in. So often movements that have this finish, from this time period, get over-cleaned, and much of the nickel plating is gone. I've seen a few images of these older Rolexes lately, and I believe that this movement was probably made by Aegler. I hadn't heard of the company until recently. Thanks for the great video.
I believe I have seen every video in your lineup. It's not that I'm that much interested in watch repair nor that I have any interest in doing it myself. It's because I find the gentle journeys you provide incredibly relaxing and somehow comforting in these troubled times. With this video, just when I was beginning to believe I had seen it all, you show me how the watch cleaning machine works with more detail than ever and we got to see you correcting the beat error. Lovely. Thank you.
They did this 100 years ago... what we have achieved 😂
Marshall, I bought all of tools, 3 books and now I just need watches to repair. You are my inspiration into my hobby in Horology!
May I ask what books you got? Looking to get into the hobby aswell 😀
Good luck with working on watches, don't forget to film yourself taking it apart to know where each piece goes. :)
Hey Marshall,
I’ve bought pretty much everything I need to begin my own restoration work, but I am having trouble finding a watch cleaning machine and solutions. You use the L&R Mastermatic, but those are obviously uncommon and not made any more. You have the ultrasonic cleaner linked in the description, but I am looking for a more modern and available version of your L&R.
What would you recommend? Thank you very much!
I hope you never get tired of doing this. Because I never get tired of watching these time pieces being restored
He will never get tired of doing this.
Thanks for all your videos! I just purchased some cheap pocket watches on eBay to try and restore. What tools do you recommend or do you have a starter kit you could give me that would help!
Thanks
Evan
Why can't we still have watch faces this slick, simple, and stylish?
My first watch video... WOW! That was amazing to see... Great commentary too! Thanks for sharing... :)
this is just unbelievable. All the stories you're telling and the work you do. I have never seen anything like that. subscribed and will watch your previous videos as well ... keep it going
1916 was the year of the battle of the Somme in which almost 60,000 British soldiers were killed or wounded on just the first day alone. If this was a private purchase by a British officer it surely must have some incredible stories to tell.
Another tremendous video. Thanks, Marshall. LOVE the 1016! I for one would love to see a video of you going through your watch collection. I'm always curious what watches watchmakers choose to wear. I think it would make for great viewing.
Marshal; how do I send you a watch to service on your TH-cam channel? I love your videos! I can’t wait for the next one. Time is absolutely precious. Thank you for the best content!
@@Wristwatch_Revlval So I sent you a couple watches and transferred money to you. the watches were returned "unable to deliver" by USPS however the money has not been returned. Can you contact me to straiten this out?
Hey Pat, that was not me you were dealing with, it was a scammer. Be super vigilant about who you talk to online as there are many scammers out there!
Great video marshall
That dial....
Holly baby Jesus, what a beauty
The fact that you left the lume on the hands original was the right decision. Not just because it's radium, but because it looks so much better! It would have looked extremely awkward with new lume against that beautifully aged dial. I don't think any form of "artificial aging" of new lume would have looked right. With the new crystal and clean case, this piece looks ready to be put into a museum. Fantastic work Marshall! Thank you for sharing this beautiful and historic timepiece with us!
It's said the women who did the hands got very ill as they would use the mouth and tongue to shape the brush with the radium on it, not knowing the danger.
@@joehead1294said? It is not said like its an urban legend, it just is, women and girls died creating the parts these watches
@@joehead1294 Yup, the Radium Girls. The factory owners ignored safety protocols, and let the workers come to harm.
That was stunning to see and your work too! Just fantastic to see, I was going to say watch it but thought I would say it to I hope! Give you a chuckle 😉😊😅😅
I love your slow and steady approach to repairing these intricate beautiful marvels. So much to learn. Thanks for sharing this skill!
Awesome job on all your restorations. I believe you missed your calling thou you have the skill and hands of a surgeon in my opinion.
To anyone getting into the hobby, please be aware, old watches that glow (1900ish to 1940s) are likely radium painted. If your timepiece glows without needing any charge of light like modern lume, be very careful. Wear PPE and read up on how to deal with radium dust. Don't want anyone suffering due to ignorance. Happy watch repairing or just watching.
A lot of the old ones don’t glow any more, but are still very spicy! A Geiger counter will soon identify dubious dials and hands!
My great grandma was literally born a year after this watch. 1917-2018.
Hi Marshall, it is always a better day when I see I have one of your restorations appear in my list, this one particularly was incredible, I found myself immersed into the full historical significance of this beautiful timepiece. Just considering the true horrors it must have seen and been through in its early days and to survive that, then to bring us the pleasure of seeing how over 100 years of its history and technical brilliance has brought the development of the wristwatch of what we have today, you are a master of your craft and I thank you for sharing it with us.
I have a vintage rare 1960 B.W.Raymond ELGIN Swiss made watch that randomly stops ticking every 3 4 hours would you be interested in taking a look?
I have to say that this may be my most favorite episode. One reason is because of the subject watch, the other, the love and care Marshall displayed in working on it. What a treat to see such a beautiful watch in all its glory. From the dial all the way to the case back, it is truly a work of art. So glad I got to see this glimpse into horological history! Too bad I can only hit the like button once.
not sure how I did end up here, but I'm really enjoying it. well done Sir.
Well done, i appreciate the respect for such a quality piece of antique engineering.
Awesome job man! very satisfying to watch your work; keep it up❤
Also regarding that crystal on the watch, it is my understanding that glass/crystal can actually shrink over time...part of the reason old window panes fall out of windows..that and wood rot and deteriorating putty
Just saw one of these go thru the Sotherby's Auction in New York for $127,500.00! Holy cow....I had to look it up and found this video, amazing!
I'm watching this at night and as you said 'This is the most satisfying sound in watchmaking', my girlfriend snored 😂
I literally held my breath when you reached into the spring to address the beat variation.
Great job, thank you for showing me.
Actually nicer than any Rolex I've seen in modern time
I love watching these things. Don't know why. But, thank you.
❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥💯💯❤❤ Loved the video buddy, Awesome job restoring a rarity item. 💣💥
That is my question. How did they make screws this small, and accurate, over 100 years ago for watches? I am absolutely amazed!
Bro it goes way further back than 100 years ago doing even more impressive things than this in watches.
They used specialized tools! Small vices for holding material, tiny bow-driven lathes that could accurately thread screws, and small wheel cutting engines to cut gear teeth. Also tons of mathematics and precision measurement tools.
Wow! What a cool watch! Thanks for the opportunity to even see such a timepiece let alone a restoration. Thanks for the Very Fine Work, Video and Craftsmanship.
This is definitely an art form all by itself
Love watching your videos Marshal, I'm sure you've told the Masse's this but I was wondering don't you put a mark on the inside? As I think you have as much right to as the previous watchmakers... brilliant to watch and always chills me after work.thanks again 😏
It's the oldest Rolex I ever saw for sure!
I love your channel and Vintage Watch Service I used to hoard tools and watches now I don't feel that confident or comfortable taking appart anything and everything but I still managed to service an AS 2063, it's okay. For now 😂
What kind of magnificent do you use to look over the watch parts? A video of your set up would be super cool.
I love this channel because you bring it with nice naration. nice to hear 😊❤
Do you think you could do a video showcasing the tools you recommend for someone wanting to get into the hobby of watch restoration? I love your videos and have been wanting to attempt a watch restoration myself, but don’t know where to begin. Is there any watch in particular you recommend as a good starter ?
Why am I so drawn to this channel?
Anyone else notice the first hand picked up by the tweezers went flying?
3:03
Good thing it didn't go far because that would have sucked...they're so small.
I've been watching for a year now and I'm dying to ask... where did you get the lamp next to the cleaning machine!? Its gorgeous!
Also I love your videos!
I hope you get 1m subs by the end of the year your video’s are awesome
I love watching your videos Marshall! I’m a watch collector also and because I look at watches to buy online a lot, I’ve started to be bombarded with fake watch adds mostly on Facebook and Instagram. Have you ever taken one apart to see what the movement is? I’m assuming it’s something Asian.
In my country,Switzerland,we call watches "garde-temps",that meants "Time keeper"
And it must be transmitted to one generation to another if the quality allows it.
If not,that's shows two things.
The watch is bad quality
The watch was not properly revised.
People like you are a blessing for our beloved garde-temps😮😅❤
I have a silver 1918 Half Hunter trench watch which has a General Watch Company movement as used by Rolex in their Marconi range. I wear it on Remembrance Day as it helps me feel more connected. It doesn't keep great time right now but for once a year I can live with it. Apparently these watches were made by all the big watch companies for military use but they rarely signed the watches so it is hard to credit a watch to a particular company. You are lucky to have one with a signed movement. Great video nice to hear the respect in your voice. keep it up.
I have an eye for mechanical marvels and this is definitely one of them, great commentary as you work on it. I'd love to have the skill to work on these but with my big hands that'd be impossible. Exceptional job on this great piece of history & your right it's beautiful engineering for the year. Your channel has me hooked & subscribed, oh and great camera work too which is something we curious ones could never come round back & watch you work on one of these as it's too risky so no one ever saw how a watchmaker works on these things before until now. All the best on your channel mate from Australia.
The first train wheel you put on, how would it have been made back then? They didn't have CNC. Would it have been hand cut with a saw? I'd like to know. Very interesting, your explanations are great.
Wondering how much costs ! This old lady !?
Marshal General Marshal...five stars!
A.K.A. The Marshal Plan. Or we'd be facing Word War Four. I mean an I before a V? What is that for? The M.A.S.H. ? Well thank God amd Marshal that that's only a show and not a ration on metal for all the Intra Venous tips for WWIV...!
Hello Marshall. Love your videos. They are relaxing, after a long day of working on motorcycles. Is there a way I can message you? I've 'ended up with' a huge lot of NOS watch parts, because I bought the metal drawer cabinets to put small motorcycle parts in. Thanks
Appreciate to interpret the meaning of the marks inside case back.
I have a vintage 18k Omega with 30T2 movement.
And outside of case back “Px 509” was engraved.
Do you happen to know what this mark mean?
Hello!
I've got a question regarding the cleaning machine. As we could see it spins back and forth in the solutions to clean the parts, which looks very fragile. Are you never concerned that the parts may taking damage every time the basket switches rotational direction? I mean one could imagine that the centrifugal force would kinda lock the parts up against the wall of the basket, but since it very instant changing direction I could imagine that the parts rattle around quite a bit, doesn't it? It looks kinda violent to me, regarding the very delicate parts and it's pivots etc. Thank you for a very interesting channel!
I just bought my first Waltham wrist watch. I absolutely love this watch, but I don't think that it has been serviced recently (if ever), I have been unable to find anyone that offers that service. However, I was hoping that maybe you could take a look at it for me? I'm sure that it's a long shot but, what do I have to lose. Thanks a bunch and keep doing what you love, my wife has watched every episode multiple times.
If you could make your own, Frankenstein watch, what would you use out of those you've got to fix so far? Like best movement, gears, springs, screws, etc. Too much to ask? 😁