Welcome to the comments section. Alway enjoy reading what you all have to say. I will read all comments but apologies if I dont personally reply to all. I do try! PS, interested in my new merch / vintage watches. show your interest in this site. It will be going live next week (will make a video announcement too) www.time-tees.com/
Bravo Mike and well done. Been a sub since your beginning(we kinda started at around the same time I'll work on anything but my thing is vintage American pocketwatches)and I must say you've come a long way. And you make me laugh! Nice to see someone besides me polishing pivots with the pin vise trick. Works great in a pinch. Keep up the good work, both the watch work and the vid work. 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Mike, don’t sell yourself short when it comes to your horological skills! I would trust you to service or repair anything out there! In the end it’s just a watch (I will get beat up over that statement 😂) and you can’t do any worse than the last guy who worked on it. Your integrity and willingness to keep learning and improving will prevail in the end. These are the reasons for coming back to your channel time and again. Thanks for sharing, educating and entertaining us my friend!
Thank you very much. I dont knowningly beat myself up, its all ad lib as I am talking live as I work. On this one though I didnt want to mark it in any way and probably had it more on a pedistal than any other watch (other than the accutron spaceview) Appreciate your comment though so thank you.
I think meny of us talk. I do anyway. Chats with Marshall, Stian, I know Mark from Watch Repair channel quite well persoanlly. Alex at Tutorials plus a few others.
I just loved this video. I work on watches as a profession and seeing you put in that click spring was priceless. The amount of times I have been in that exact position.....not to mention on my hand and knees looking for said spring across the room on the floor, countless! Thank you so much for posting an honest look at watchmaking at its finest. You are very skilled and I would have you work with me in my shop in a heartbeat. Thanks again!!!!
Thank you. I did it in the last video on a Seiko and the response was positive so figured I’d do it again. Not the easiest of things to film but worth it.
Great job on the Rolex Mike. Like you wouldn’t mind having a vintage Rolex, can’t afford the newer ones. Just a side note, I got my prostate test done and it came back OK. Just wanted to say thank you for pointing that out, wish you best of health.
Lovely video, as always. I have a Rolex dress watch with a cal. 610 that is basically the same movement but without the date complication. I bought it new in 1969 at an Army post exchange (a store for service men) in Danang, Vietnam, and subsequently gave it to my Father. I got it back when he died 27 years ago. He was a bit rough with it, putting a cheap expanding steel band in place of the original alligator strap, which in time wore deep grooves in the inside faces of the soft 14K gold lugs. My daughter is a skilled jeweler and runs a laser welder. She was able to lay in matching gold, filling in the damaged lugs so they look as good as new and the repair is not visible even under magnification. I’m developing my watchmaking skills inspired by you and a few others on TH-cam, and will soon be servicing the Rolex. Your video will be a big help in that. Thank you.
You are a real Artist at the first time with a real Rolex to sevice I like you as a Person to see you work on your Tabble ; good luck with the new Site!
Very enjoyable video. Again. Recognizing the click spring struggle. It happens to me now and then. Sometimes I have to take a good break😊. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks.
Click spring had me on this one yet on another day it would be simple! Most of my recordings are at 9-11pm and after a days work. This is my excuse that I will use anyway!
Mike, your videos are Very informative and very entertaining. Your videos are the very reason I took up the hobby during covid. I also took Mark Lovic courses. Your commentary is great, we all make common mistakes, but that's how we learn. I haven't done watch in a long time but all my stuff is still there waiting for when I want to get back to it. I know it takes a lot of time to edit these videos. We all appreciate them, mistakes, and all. Great watch, video. Came out very nice. Keep up the great work.
I really appreciate your honesty and being so humble. You are a credit to your industry, even if you do this as a hobby. May you and yours' have a safe and happy Holiday Season.
Hi Mike! Nice video as always. Old rolex watches are always pleasant to look at, i like the dial color on this one too. It's always those bright colors, yellowy, champagne, creamy and such that look the best!
@MyRetroWatches Hey Brother, 3.5 yrs since robotic prostatectomy, and I have reoccurrence. Hey, I'm being positive about it & doing what I can to help knock this thing down. Praying for you as well, my friend 👍
@ sorry to hear that. Thing to think is it’s caught early as a result so hopefully a round of radiotherapy can eradicate. I can only image the anxiety as it’s my biggest worry in my life. Stay strong
Thanks Mike for another great video. I have tinkered with pocket watches wrist watches and clocks for over 20 years but you have taught me many things and thanks for that !
Great restoration and great patience to overcome those challenges. Also great presentation and production as always, looking forward to many more in the future 😎👍
Great video, mate! Really enjoyed watching this. Particularly the fight with the click spring!! As a fellow hobbyist, I’d like to say - “for those about to tinker, we salute you!!”
Many reasons why I don’t . I’ve done 100s of these jewels and I get them perfect nearly every first go. Problem as I said in the video is the camera is 2” above so my oiler is at a shallower angle than I am used to . I’ve never liked to hold jewels with tweezers as they can ping. Filming a watch rebuild you have to learn to work at a new angle for the whole service.
So glad to see you do a Rolex Mike. I have a 1993 Submariner "Bluesie" that I adore. I have only been mangling watches for abut two years now, so while I will admit to having taken the back off it to have a look, I have not yet had the balls to touch the movement in any way! Great video
After starting this hobby about the same time as you , I am hoping to to service a Rolex . I’ve heard so much about how well built they are and that re assembly is easier and everything just falls into place. I use tweezers to oil jewels but found that the tweezers do need to be spotless or the jewel sticks to them. Great work Mike really enjoyed your first Rolex experience. 👍🏻👊🏻
I used Gleave a few weeks ago. I bought a winding stem and crown for my son's Timex. He was a bit hamfisted and pulled it right out. Lucky there was no lasting damage and it went back together ok. You can't beat a hand wind, I love 'em especially the old pin pallet movements.
Great video! And, I'm so glad to see you kept in the part where you battled with the click spring. I have just torn down and reassembled my first mechanical watch movement, and the part I struggled most with was the click spring! I spent quite a bit of time searching on the floor for it. Your videos have helped me immensely in getting started in the hobby. Lovely watch and you've done a great job.
I love these little Precisions. A few years back you could grab them for around a grand (for one in good nick), which represents huge value. They've shot up since then as the entry Rolex in the market but at 34mm they are obviously too small for most (me included).
Thanks Mike. Good video. As a non-watch expert, I had no idea how small the jewells were unil you put the coin next to it. Great to see how you use a bit of modern technology to see how well the watch is running and how you adjust it.
Thanks for the video. I did a similar repair of a Rolex 6424 with 36 mm case, no cyclop . The movement is 1210 versus the 1225 which you are working on . This video will be of great help if I ever have to repair my Rolex. It had been a night mare when I did mine two years ago on the 1210 movement . Cheers
It’s changed my mind mate. It understated yet stunner too. I am planning to make a video with it next to all my Chinese homages of it soon probably on the second channel. Nice to see how they do or don’t compare
great vid as always mike ,but one question i always thought the cyclops should be slightly lower than the date window when looking head on to allow a better viewing at the oblique angle when on the wrist ? not that it really matters that much
Great job Mike. I knew you'd "go back in" and work the beat rate. lol Hard not too when you've got the tool. I like working on these better than the newer ones that have all the bells and whistles... and springs and jewels.
Nice video, that said I think I have some points where you could improve on: You are right, you should use brass tweezers I think your screwdrivers are to small, there should be no play between the slot and the blade, if there is you can simply use sandpaper to file down the tip if the screwdriver. I usually do it when working on a nice movement. When oiling the cap jewels I hold the cap jewel with my tweezers when applying the dot of oil to avoid the jewel sticking to the oiler. Of course you should use well dressed tweezers and practice a bit to avoid the jewel from joining the swiss space program. You also used way to much oil, the dot should be 50-60% of the jewel. That might be the main cause for the low amplitude. I've also heard that the cannon pinion should be greased not oiled as it is a high friction point. I hope this will help you improve your work, have a nice day
Another wonderful job! I have a 1957 version that my fathers friend purchased in Germany at the Canadian Air force PX. He gifted it to me. Out of interest, Rolex outsourced their screws during that time period and only recently (this century) purchased a screw production company to bring that aspect into the Rolex house. Cheers.
48:11 Those Eyeglass Attachements Magnifying Glasses are expansive, I did try to find one for myself also and found it in Aliexpress not the best of quality but the main thing is just to see those really manute things, nice job on that Rolex, and thanks for sharing your video
They are but you will only buy it once. For me after using a visor for years and then other clip on loupes even a Bergeon one, this Donegan one is the best by far.
Really a nice video for a spectacular watch. Congratulations 👏🙂 P.S. I followed your advice and last week I went to have my prostate checked. Luckily everything was ok, but it was all thanks to you 👍🙂
Another great video to watch, always look forward to seeing your watch repairs on TH-cam. The little 34mm oyster date is a cracking watch, I bought one recently ref 6694 ( mid 70s ). Probably the best sleeper Rolex around, good value at the moment but I can see prices rising in the future when more people start going for the classic vintage watches.
This one is also a 6694 in the caseback, a reference I didnt give in the video other than the 1225 movement. Its a lovely watch this one and has me now wanting one too.
Hi Mike, did you use the same crown? Also, the crystal install would be nice to see. The bezel has to come off, yes? Love your honest work. Keep the videos down to earth as that is your appeal. 😊
The crown is not original. I am trying to source one now for it but they are £100+ all day long. The new crystal is installed on the end shots on the video.
Just an idea… I ground down the sharp tips of a cheap watch band spring bar tool for my regulator/stud tool. The fork keeps it from slipping off the regulator and into your balance or hairspring… I used to use an old oiler that I bent the end to do the same thing but it would slip sometimes especially on the tighter regulator arms… I’m sure there are better options but it was free and works for me…
Whatever works for you. I have always used a screwdriver and I steady my hand with my other hand. On camera though you can’t do it the same hence it looking a bit clumsy
Hi sir, I’m looking for a specific vintage piece for a long time it is a watch that can be flipped from digital dial to mechanical dial very elegant and small in size , does this description ring a bell ?
I dont sorry. I have seen this in other movements. i guess its because the crown wheel rotates around the top piece so two screws might hold it more precisely. Distributing the pressure so its fitting perfectly.
Another very enjoyable video, thanks Mike . I repair watches and your video got me thinking, is there a better way to adjust a watch other than pushing the regular arms with a screwdriver or tweasers? I know some have a fine adjust screw but a special tool with a fine adjust would help these tricky little things. Waiting in anticipation for your next one😊
Some people modify other tools like springbar forks. I personally always use a driver . It’s only when filming it’s more of a struggle because I am not as close to it as I would like because the camera is in the way.
If you sort the beat error the amplitude will go up. Also maybe worth renewing the 60 year old spring for that. Did you see any markings in the caseback indicating service. You should mark it too.
Clearly you did not watch the video and just came to the comments to give me shit. In the last few minutes of the video I show it fully regulated to a few seconds a day. I fitted on camera a new mainspring , caseback is full of service marks. No I am not a cowboy I don’t need brass tweezers , very light touch and did not scratch a thing. Yes second pinion spring was oiled….
Good video, very interesting and always nice to see a movement like that especially the age of it 1950s . By the way, those KIF cap jewel clips you can buy the originals from cousins under KIF jewels, cap jewels but you need to know the size as there are 3 different sizes. I have some here so if you ever need one then I can send it to you for free. You slide them half way out and then you can remove the cap jewel but it is a bit of a technique and shouldn't fly across the room!
Never needed to. Remember I am having to do this on a microscope looking at a screen which is completely alien to me. I have done 100s of jewels without issue and I never have to hold them either. The oiler should not touch the jewel but the oil should .
I should be getting on with weekend tasks, but had to watch this excellent video!! Did I miss the size of the watch? I imagine it's 34 or 36mm. Congratulations, and what were the screws like?? 🤣
What is funny about these is off camera its first time every time as I have done litereally 100s of them but as the lens is now so close to film my oiler is at a shallower angle which makes for a whole new learning curve! I dont like the tweezer thing as they can ping off. That said I know that out there in the vintage watch tools there is a pair of tweezers designed to hold jewels. A guy shown me them a few years back and ever since I have wanted some but dont know the proper name or if there is a tweezer number for them.
Hi Mike, I love your videos 😊 Question, I have a few mechanical vintage watches, which I have opened. And it seems to me there is not much difference between a Tissot Seastar 1959 and this Rolex 1959. There sure are now a days, but do you know how much extra “finishing/detaling” there where between the “mainstream” switch brands of 1959…like Tissot, Certina, Omega, Rolex, Longines, Tudor? Br Klaus
What do you mean? I oiled the pivot jewels with the auto oiler, I don’t oil the teeth as I will use fixadrop on the wheel and oil the pallet stones. I don’t film that bit because the access holes are so small I would not see what I am doing if a camera is there looking at it too.
Hi. How long it will run to first time correction? Big thanks for timegrapher explanation but i still can't understand what real usage deviation will be. All best
At 1:00:00 it is mentioned that it finally runs at about 10 seconds per day off. Depends on your personal liking how often it needs to be re-adjusted. I usually notice when my watches are about one to two minutes off, which in this case would mean 6-12 days.
That depends on so many factors from positions its in, temperature, how much wind is in it and the main one is how much of your life you live to the second. Me personally, if my watch is within the same minute or so thats fine. I have never worked to the second however in setting up and regulating watches its all important. The timegrapher rate is per day so every 24 hours. if its + 10 seconds a day then you gain aprox 1 minute and over a week.
@@MyRetroWatches Thank You! I thought there is more "Voodoo" in this case :D I'm still suprised how big deviation showed when you checked your quartz watches. It was stunning when 30yrs old watch showed less than few years old G-Shock. In my case it's a problem of a decent service available in my city. Often it's cheaper to buy another watch than service previous...
On the screw tightening, Alex Hamilton actually covers that in one of his videos, though I can't remember which one. IIRC his suggestion is to tighten until you meet resistance, and then tight by the width of the screw slot (actually, it may have been half the width?). If I can track down the video I'll update the comment
Don’t worry. I’ve been doing this years and never had issues. Like I said in the video (I think) it’s a feel thing. There is no set torque . Over tighten and you snap the head. I’ve done that a few times too.
As always, really appreciate the education. Found it interesting that there are 2 different types of shock protection. Have a wonderful holiday season. All the best in 2025.
Welcome to the comments section. Alway enjoy reading what you all have to say. I will read all comments but apologies if I dont personally reply to all. I do try! PS, interested in my new merch / vintage watches. show your interest in this site. It will be going live next week (will make a video announcement too) www.time-tees.com/
Bravo Mike and well done. Been a sub since your beginning(we kinda started at around the same time I'll work on anything but my thing is vintage American pocketwatches)and I must say you've come a long way. And you make me laugh! Nice to see someone besides me polishing pivots with the pin vise trick. Works great in a pinch. Keep up the good work, both the watch work and the vid work. 🇬🇧🇺🇸
@@machinistmikethetinkerer4827 thank you. I have a Jacot tool but still yet to use it in anger
Ciao Mike,puoi indicare per favore quale grasso Moebius usi? Grazie!!!
Mike, don’t sell yourself short when it comes to your horological skills! I would trust you to service or repair anything out there! In the end it’s just a watch (I will get beat up over that statement 😂) and you can’t do any worse than the last guy who worked on it. Your integrity and willingness to keep learning and improving will prevail in the end. These are the reasons for coming back to your channel time and again. Thanks for sharing, educating and entertaining us my friend!
Thank you very much. I dont knowningly beat myself up, its all ad lib as I am talking live as I work. On this one though I didnt want to mark it in any way and probably had it more on a pedistal than any other watch (other than the accutron spaceview) Appreciate your comment though so thank you.
Love the honesty. Believe me, as a hobbyist myself, what Mike shows is the reality of watch making, but it's great fun!
Thank you Sir!
Yeah watching click springs disappear across the room. Been there got the tee shirt.🤣
Congratulations on successfully servicing your very first Rolex! Thanks for filming it.
@@csspinner thank you Chris. I am surprised it took me this long. It’s a lovely understated piece this one. Hope you’re keeping well.
Best watch channel on TH-cam by far could sit in front of my PC for hours. As a beginner hobbyist it's entertaining and educating for me.
@@kevinstenner8836 that praise is too high for little old me! Thanks
Getting close to 100k now, Mike! 💪
@@VintageWatchServices hello my friend. Indeed! Feeling like I might have finally achieved something in the platform after 7+ years of trying !
Hi, Stian! It’s nice to know my two favorite watch repair channels know each other.
I think meny of us talk. I do anyway. Chats with Marshall, Stian, I know Mark from Watch Repair channel quite well persoanlly. Alex at Tutorials plus a few others.
I just loved this video. I work on watches as a profession and seeing you put in that click spring was priceless. The amount of times I have been in that exact position.....not to mention on my hand and knees looking for said spring across the room on the floor, countless! Thank you so much for posting an honest look at watchmaking at its finest. You are very skilled and I would have you work with me in my shop in a heartbeat. Thanks again!!!!
Wow thank you . If I had my time again I would have trained for this industry .
Thanks for that, tuning it with the timegraph on camera was awesome.
Thank you. I did it in the last video on a Seiko and the response was positive so figured I’d do it again. Not the easiest of things to film but worth it.
Great job on the Rolex Mike. Like you wouldn’t mind having a vintage Rolex, can’t afford the newer ones. Just a side note, I got my prostate test done and it came back OK. Just wanted to say thank you for pointing that out, wish you best of health.
Well done on the prostate check. Remember to have it done every few years.
Tak!
Thank you so much!
You've added some music, I like it 👍
Simply amazing
Congrats Mike and thank you, I enjoyed every bits of this video. Special thumb up for the sound effects and execellent choice of music 😊🙏
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you .
Thanks for all your videos
So nice of you thank you very much.
Love your content mate! Keep up the good work.
Lovely video, as always. I have a Rolex dress watch with a cal. 610 that is basically the same movement but without the date complication. I bought it new in 1969 at an Army post exchange (a store for service men) in Danang, Vietnam, and subsequently gave it to my Father. I got it back when he died 27 years ago. He was a bit rough with it, putting a cheap expanding steel band in place of the original alligator strap, which in time wore deep grooves in the inside faces of the soft 14K gold lugs. My daughter is a skilled jeweler and runs a laser welder. She was able to lay in matching gold, filling in the damaged lugs so they look as good as new and the repair is not visible even under magnification. I’m developing my watchmaking skills inspired by you and a few others on TH-cam, and will soon be servicing the Rolex. Your video will be a big help in that. Thank you.
Now that is a gorgeous Rolex! I love the dial color.
I must agree with a lot of sentiment! The honesty is so refreshing! And I really enjoy your content!
Great vid Mike! Some little gems in there. Well done on this, fantastic for a 1959 watch.
You are a real Artist at the first time with a real Rolex to sevice I like you as a Person to see you work on your Tabble ; good luck with the new Site!
@@vanvloodorp thank you
That is so cool, having a watch from 59. It would be like having an old friend with you at all times wherever you went. Great work!
Couldn't agree more!
Very enjoyable video. Again. Recognizing the click spring struggle. It happens to me now and then. Sometimes I have to take a good break😊. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks.
Click spring had me on this one yet on another day it would be simple! Most of my recordings are at 9-11pm and after a days work. This is my excuse that I will use anyway!
Love the cleaning machine music! Great jamming.
Fantastic video yet again! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, I’m always learning something new when I watch one of your videos.
Mike, your videos are Very informative and very entertaining. Your videos are the very reason I took up the hobby during covid. I also took Mark Lovic courses. Your commentary is great, we all make common mistakes, but that's how we learn. I haven't done watch in a long time but all my stuff is still there waiting for when I want to get back to it. I know it takes a lot of time to edit these videos. We all appreciate them, mistakes, and all. Great watch, video. Came out very nice. Keep up the great work.
It's a great video, Mike. You did an amazing job servicing it. The watch turned out beautiful. Thank you for the video
Wilsdorf would be proud. This was a marvelous restoration!
I love your sense of humor towards that spring 😂 you are giving me lessons about patience 😊
Haha thanks. You have to laugh at issues otherwise frustration kicks in and then everything turns to s##t
I really appreciate your honesty and being so humble. You are a credit to your industry, even if you do this as a hobby. May you and yours' have a safe and happy Holiday Season.
@@wescobts thank you. My first Christmas regards!
Hi Mike! Nice video as always. Old rolex watches are always pleasant to look at, i like the dial color on this one too. It's always those bright colors, yellowy, champagne, creamy and such that look the best!
I can only agree. I really want one now!
Excellent work Mike! Great video. 👍
@@jimcollins9999 cheers.
@MyRetroWatches Hey Brother, 3.5 yrs since robotic prostatectomy, and I have reoccurrence. Hey, I'm being positive about it & doing what I can to help knock this thing down. Praying for you as well, my friend 👍
@ sorry to hear that. Thing to think is it’s caught early as a result so hopefully a round of radiotherapy can eradicate. I can only image the anxiety as it’s my biggest worry in my life. Stay strong
@MyRetroWatches Amen to that my friend 🙏
Thanks Mike for another great video. I have tinkered with pocket watches wrist watches and clocks for over 20 years but you have taught me many things and thanks for that !
@@KrisKendall-io4hm thanks. Hopefully not teaching bad habits 😂
NIce one! Love those older Aegler movements, great workhorses 👍
Great video, love that era. ❤👍⌚️⌚️⌚️
Great watch! Loved the editing in this one!
Thank you.
Great video as always, well done mate 👍
Well done, Mike. Beautiful watch. John S
Great job mate! Really enjoyed watching! Keep it up :)
Thanks, will do!
Great restoration and great patience to overcome those challenges. Also great presentation and production as always, looking forward to many more in the future 😎👍
Thank you very much!
Great video, mate! Really enjoyed watching this.
Particularly the fight with the click spring!!
As a fellow hobbyist, I’d like to say - “for those about to tinker, we salute you!!”
Glad you enjoyed it! Why the spring was so awkward I don’t know
Fantastic warts and all post, I think your unsung skill is your ability to laugh the stress off. All the best.👍🏻
Congrats on your first Rolex restoration Mike!
Thank you very much!
Great video and a lovely watch.
I was just thinking about how nice it would be if you posted today.
Kudos for completing your first Rolex service, Mike! Cheers!😀
If you hold the end stone with the tweezers when you put the oil on, it makes things more stable (and the jewel doesn't stick to the oiler ;) )
Many reasons why I don’t . I’ve done 100s of these jewels and I get them perfect nearly every first go.
Problem as I said in the video is the camera is 2” above so my oiler is at a shallower angle than I am used to .
I’ve never liked to hold jewels with tweezers as they can ping.
Filming a watch rebuild you have to learn to work at a new angle for the whole service.
Great job Mike 👍
Nice job on the watch! I think the 34mm cases are really nice. I enjoyed the video and your editing tweaks. Thanks!
Much appreciated!
thanks for showing how to adjust for beat error, definitely need a timing machine for that adjustment.
So glad to see you do a Rolex Mike. I have a 1993 Submariner "Bluesie" that I adore. I have only been mangling watches for abut two years now, so while I will admit to having taken the back off it to have a look, I have not yet had the balls to touch the movement in any way! Great video
Fantastic, most interesting.
After starting this hobby about the same time as you , I am hoping to to service a Rolex . I’ve heard so much about how well built they are and that re assembly is easier and everything just falls into place. I use tweezers to oil jewels but found that the tweezers do need to be spotless or the jewel sticks to them. Great work Mike really enjoyed your first Rolex experience. 👍🏻👊🏻
I used Gleave a few weeks ago. I bought a winding stem and crown for my son's Timex. He was a bit hamfisted and pulled it right out. Lucky there was no lasting damage and it went back together ok. You can't beat a hand wind, I love 'em especially the old pin pallet movements.
Wow my dream too repair a rolex vintage sir you did awsome
Great video mate really enjoyed that one hope your well.
Tom
@@tomspence164 hello mate! Didn’t think you would be watching stuff like this !
Loved it mate was fascinating how many parts actually inside the watch and the skill involved.. love the merch aswell.. congratulations on the channel
Excelente trabajo si señor
Great video! And, I'm so glad to see you kept in the part where you battled with the click spring. I have just torn down and reassembled my first mechanical watch movement, and the part I struggled most with was the click spring! I spent quite a bit of time searching on the floor for it. Your videos have helped me immensely in getting started in the hobby.
Lovely watch and you've done a great job.
I had every faith. I thought the extra explanation you put into the regulation added to the video too. Great job as always.
Thank you!
Digging the music in the cleaning montage... Tres hip
Thanks
I love these little Precisions. A few years back you could grab them for around a grand (for one in good nick), which represents huge value. They've shot up since then as the entry Rolex in the market but at 34mm they are obviously too small for most (me included).
Thanks Mike. Good video. As a non-watch expert, I had no idea how small the jewells were unil you put the coin next to it. Great to see how you use a bit of modern technology to see how well the watch is running and how you adjust it.
Glad you enjoyed it
Good job, i have vintage watches in my collection lovely watch 👍
Absolutely stunning piece
Thanks for the video. I did a similar repair of a Rolex 6424 with 36 mm case, no cyclop . The movement is 1210 versus the 1225 which you are working on . This video will be of great help if I ever have to repair my Rolex. It had been a night mare when I did mine two years ago on the 1210 movement . Cheers
Great video my comliments
You know ive never been a fan of rolex but i think you might have changed my mind! Great vid buddy 👍
It’s changed my mind mate. It understated yet stunner too.
I am planning to make a video with it next to all my Chinese homages of it soon probably on the second channel. Nice to see how they do or don’t compare
Breaking in. Nice!
great vid as always mike ,but one question i always thought the cyclops should be slightly lower than the date window when looking head on to allow a better viewing at the oblique angle when on the wrist ? not that it really matters that much
I have no idea. I’ve never had to deal with a cyclops before so just assume they line up over the date window?
@@MyRetroWatches perhaps your watch contacts may know?
Great job Mike. I knew you'd "go back in" and work the beat rate. lol Hard not too when you've got the tool. I like working on these better than the newer ones that have all the bells and whistles... and springs and jewels.
Nice video, that said I think I have some points where you could improve on: You are right, you should use brass tweezers I think your screwdrivers are to small, there should be no play between the slot and the blade, if there is you can simply use sandpaper to file down the tip if the screwdriver. I usually do it when working on a nice movement. When oiling the cap jewels I hold the cap jewel with my tweezers when applying the dot of oil to avoid the jewel sticking to the oiler. Of course you should use well dressed tweezers and practice a bit to avoid the jewel from joining the swiss space program. You also used way to much oil, the dot should be 50-60% of the jewel. That might be the main cause for the low amplitude. I've also heard that the cannon pinion should be greased not oiled as it is a high friction point. I hope this will help you improve your work, have a nice day
Anything else…… I can explain all of it but wont
Another wonderful job! I have a 1957 version that my fathers friend purchased in Germany at the Canadian Air force PX. He gifted it to me. Out of interest, Rolex outsourced their screws during that time period and only recently (this century) purchased a screw production company to bring that aspect into the Rolex house. Cheers.
Nice bit of info there. Here is me admiring those screws 😂
@@MyRetroWatchesthey are lovely screws and Rolex may have ordered the top black polish or done that in house.
48:11 Those Eyeglass Attachements Magnifying Glasses are expansive, I did try to find one for myself also and found it in Aliexpress not the best of quality but the main thing is just to see those really manute things, nice job on that Rolex, and thanks for sharing your video
They are but you will only buy it once. For me after using a visor for years and then other clip on loupes even a Bergeon one, this Donegan one is the best by far.
Really a nice video for a spectacular watch. Congratulations 👏🙂 P.S. I followed your advice and last week I went to have my prostate checked. Luckily everything was ok, but it was all thanks to you 👍🙂
Well done on your prostate health. Keep it up.
Thank you for watching
The case reminds me of my beloved Addiesdive AD2023-1 which has completely satiated my desire to own an oyster-cased watch.
Beautiful!
Another great video to watch, always look forward to seeing your watch repairs on TH-cam. The little 34mm oyster date is a cracking watch, I bought one recently ref 6694 ( mid 70s ). Probably the best sleeper Rolex around, good value at the moment but I can see prices rising in the future when more people start going for the classic vintage watches.
This one is also a 6694 in the caseback, a reference I didnt give in the video other than the 1225 movement. Its a lovely watch this one and has me now wanting one too.
@ you won’t regret it if you do get one.
Well done. On the way to follow you. Good to know you.
Hi Mike, did you use the same crown? Also, the crystal install would be nice to see. The bezel has to come off, yes? Love your honest work. Keep the videos down to earth as that is your appeal. 😊
The crown is not original. I am trying to source one now for it but they are £100+ all day long.
The new crystal is installed on the end shots on the video.
Nice watch & a good job done. It’s in much better nick for a 59 model than me!🤔😂
Just an idea… I ground down the sharp tips of a cheap watch band spring bar tool for my regulator/stud tool. The fork keeps it from slipping off the regulator and into your balance or hairspring… I used to use an old oiler that I bent the end to do the same thing but it would slip sometimes especially on the tighter regulator arms… I’m sure there are better options but it was free and works for me…
Whatever works for you. I have always used a screwdriver and I steady my hand with my other hand. On camera though you can’t do it the same hence it looking a bit clumsy
Love ya, Mike
Hi sir, I’m looking for a specific vintage piece for a long time it is a watch that can be flipped from digital dial to mechanical dial very elegant and small in size , does this description ring a bell ?
G'day Mike, congratz on a great and successful video. Aways interesting.
Thanks❤😂🎉
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video Mike. Do you know why Rolex use two small screws for the crown wheel instead of a single left handed screw?
I dont sorry. I have seen this in other movements. i guess its because the crown wheel rotates around the top piece so two screws might hold it more precisely. Distributing the pressure so its fitting perfectly.
Thanks Mike you are so inspiring and your videos are down to earth and entertaining. Cheers, Gordon.😉
@@geepee1956 thank you.
Another very enjoyable video, thanks Mike . I repair watches and your video got me thinking, is there a better way to adjust a watch other than pushing the regular arms with a screwdriver or tweasers? I know some have a fine adjust screw but a special tool with a fine adjust would help these tricky little things. Waiting in anticipation for your next one😊
Some people modify other tools like springbar forks. I personally always use a driver . It’s only when filming it’s more of a struggle because I am not as close to it as I would like because the camera is in the way.
If you sort the beat error the amplitude will go up. Also maybe worth renewing the 60 year old spring for that. Did you see any markings in the caseback indicating service. You should mark it too.
Clearly you did not watch the video and just came to the comments to give me shit.
In the last few minutes of the video I show it fully regulated to a few seconds a day. I fitted on camera a new mainspring , caseback is full of service marks. No I am not a cowboy I don’t need brass tweezers , very light touch and did not scratch a thing. Yes second pinion spring was oiled….
Good video, very interesting and always nice to see a movement like that especially the age of it 1950s .
By the way, those KIF cap jewel clips you can buy the originals from cousins under KIF jewels, cap jewels but you need to know the size as there are 3 different sizes. I have some here so if you ever need one then I can send it to you for free.
You slide them half way out and then you can remove the cap jewel but it is a bit of a technique and shouldn't fly across the room!
I always hold the cap stone with tweezers to avoid it lifting when oiling. Use 00 tweezers which are less “pingy” than fine ones.
Never needed to. Remember I am having to do this on a microscope looking at a screen which is completely alien to me. I have done 100s of jewels without issue and I never have to hold them either. The oiler should not touch the jewel but the oil should .
Great video.
I should be getting on with weekend tasks, but had to watch this excellent video!! Did I miss the size of the watch? I imagine it's 34 or 36mm. Congratulations, and what were the screws like?? 🤣
Hold the jewel with tweezers when oiling, you’ll do it in one attempt then and get less oil on it 👍. Keep up the good work.
What is funny about these is off camera its first time every time as I have done litereally 100s of them but as the lens is now so close to film my oiler is at a shallower angle which makes for a whole new learning curve! I dont like the tweezer thing as they can ping off. That said I know that out there in the vintage watch tools there is a pair of tweezers designed to hold jewels. A guy shown me them a few years back and ever since I have wanted some but dont know the proper name or if there is a tweezer number for them.
Been looking forward this one. It’s got a like before I’ve finished watching 😂
Hope you enjoy it. Thanks
Hi Mike, I love your videos 😊 Question, I have a few mechanical vintage watches, which I have opened. And it seems to me there is not much difference between a Tissot Seastar 1959 and this Rolex 1959. There sure are now a days, but do you know how much extra “finishing/detaling” there where between the “mainstream” switch brands of 1959…like Tissot, Certina, Omega, Rolex, Longines, Tudor?
Br Klaus
Hi Mike, why isn’t the escape oiled? I’m just getting started on this journey. Cheers.
What do you mean? I oiled the pivot jewels with the auto oiler, I don’t oil the teeth as I will use fixadrop on the wheel and oil the pallet stones. I don’t film that bit because the access holes are so small I would not see what I am doing if a camera is there looking at it too.
@@MyRetroWatches ok I understand now thanks.👍
Very nice video, 😂 is realistic the time ti assembly a spring parts
Hi. How long it will run to first time correction?
Big thanks for timegrapher explanation but i still can't understand what real usage deviation will be.
All best
At 1:00:00 it is mentioned that it finally runs at about 10 seconds per day off. Depends on your personal liking how often it needs to be re-adjusted. I usually notice when my watches are about one to two minutes off, which in this case would mean 6-12 days.
That depends on so many factors from positions its in, temperature, how much wind is in it and the main one is how much of your life you live to the second. Me personally, if my watch is within the same minute or so thats fine. I have never worked to the second however in setting up and regulating watches its all important. The timegrapher rate is per day so every 24 hours. if its + 10 seconds a day then you gain aprox 1 minute and over a week.
@@MyRetroWatches Thank You!
I thought there is more "Voodoo" in this case :D
I'm still suprised how big deviation showed when you checked your quartz watches. It was stunning when 30yrs old watch showed less than few years old G-Shock.
In my case it's a problem of a decent service available in my city. Often it's cheaper to buy another watch than service previous...
On the screw tightening, Alex Hamilton actually covers that in one of his videos, though I can't remember which one. IIRC his suggestion is to tighten until you meet resistance, and then tight by the width of the screw slot (actually, it may have been half the width?). If I can track down the video I'll update the comment
Don’t worry. I’ve been doing this years and never had issues. Like I said in the video (I think) it’s a feel thing. There is no set torque .
Over tighten and you snap the head. I’ve done that a few times too.
Great video again Mike thanks. Is that Bergeon hand fitter or the copy, happy with it?
@@chris6381 it’s a copy. It’s good. I have a video coming out this week on all my Ali express tools and my opinions . Stay tuned
As always, really appreciate the education. Found it interesting that there are 2 different types of shock protection. Have a wonderful holiday season. All the best in 2025.
Thanks, you too!