Sci-Fi Prop or Vintage Gem? Reviving a Nearly NOS Croton Aquamatic Watch
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2024
- Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of watch restoration with a truly unique project: This is a Croton Aquamatic watch, and it is certainly unique, featuring a distinctive crown positioned at 6 o'clock, and an eye-catching UFO-style case that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. Despite its quirky design, the watch was in remarkable cosmetic condition when we found it. It is using an AS 1903 movement.
In this video, we'll guide you through the entire rebuild process. We'll work meticulously to preserve the original crystal, using various techniques to bring it back to its former glory. Alongside this, we'll rebuild all the internal components to ensure the watch runs perfectly.
Whether you're a watch enthusiast, a sci-fi fan, or just curious about the art of restoration, this video has something for you. Watch as we bring this eccentric Croton watch back to life.
My thanks to VGreen for their generous offer of 15% off any of their excellent hand-made leather watch straps.
Go to vgreenco.com and use the code - WeekendWatchRepair - at checkout
You can also go through this link to have the discount automatically applied: vgreenco.com/discount/Weekend...
Behind the scenes of TH-cam content, there's dedication and hard work. If you enjoy the channel, I'd kindly request your consideration in joining this effort on Patreon. Your support keeps the channel going. One hundred precent of all funds received go directly into the channel. With my sincere gratitude, thank you so much for your consideration.
/ weekendwatchrepair
You can also find me on Instagram:
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Enjoy the video!
Here are some links to the microscope & camera/ lighting setup pieces I'm using. These are Amazon affiliate links. By using the affiliate link, you will not pay any more but I'll receive a very small commission on any sales.
Microscope Setup
► Microscope - amzn.to/4cfg9tX
► Camera - amzn.to/3Riczr1
► 0.5X Barlow Lens - amzn.to/3KGbky9
► Ring Light - amzn.to/3x9TKzs
► Adapter Mount - amzn.to/45lcUiz
► Adapter Shim - amzn.to/4bWz25a
Cameras & Lighting
► Nikon Z30 - body only - amzn.to/4esxr90
► Nikon Z30 w/Wide Angle Lens - amzn.to/4ekKj0D
► Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/3Vkv8Md
► Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S - amzn.to/3XpbHo6
► Mini LED - amzn.to/3KJm1zL
► Architect Desk Lamp - amzn.to/3KAlMqO
► Desk Mount For Lighting - amzn.to/3Ro1Hbb
► Adjustable Mount For Bench Lighting - amzn.to/4aRrRKc
► Bench Lighting - amzn.to/3x38zns
► Tripod 1 - amzn.to/3Vhfotu
► Tripod 2 - amzn.to/3VhqsqG
► Ball Head Mount - amzn.to/3yVhKXH
I've also received several requests for a listing of tools, both essential and non-essential for starting out working on watches. While the list isn't 100% comprehensive, it'll get you 95% there! There are far too many items listed, along with notes on several pieces. You can see & download the full list of parts & links (not all affiliate links) here:
Full tools & parts breakdown:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/... - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
![รวมเพลงลูกทุ่ง 6 หนุ่มไทบ้าน ฮิตติดกระแส ชุดที่ 1 l มนต์แคน ไมค์ ไผ่ เสถียร ไหมไทย พี [Longplay]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GD2v1OjMw5I/mqdefault.jpg)
Love those real close up shots.
Thanks.
Finally, my terrible gags get wider appreciation! Glad you got a laugh out of the sci-fi bioweapon comment.
I absolutely LOVE this one. The UFO case, the deep red glossy dial, the unusual crown position, the colour matched date wheel, the beautiful movement, all of it. What a fantastic pickup. Great stuff, and great content as usual.
Thanks again! Folks this is the originator of the 'Sci-Fi Bioweapon' line!
Nice looking watch
I love your cleaning machine. May I ask the brand and how to buy one? I clean a lot gem stones that won’t hold up to an ultrasonic cleaning, yours would work perfectly
It’s an Elmasolvex SE. They are pricey, but I was able to buy mine used. I believe Jules Borel sells them new in the US.
The 6 o’clock crown is so funky! (But I love it!!!)
The crown and the red dial are what made me decide to pick it up off of eBay.
Great videography, and such a cool watch..👏👏👍
Thanks a bunch. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
I love that candy apple red dial!
So do I.
Me 2 :D
Another great video Adam. That watch is amazing.
Mark Harman
Thanks for watching!
Refreshing design. Beautiful dark candy red dial and date-wheel (love the date-wheel in fact). Nice find. Now you have something to grace your wrist that in all probability no one else will have.
I agree. I had never seen one before I came across the eBay listing. I've looked them up since then and seen a few models for sale (on rare occasion). They made a blue one that looks pretty stunning as well. I may be more partial to the red though. I see many more blue watches out there already, and this dark candy red is just fantastic.
@@WeekendWatchRepair Agreed. In the sea of black and blue dials watches, which are produced more because they sell more, the red makes it pop. And not just any red. Dark candy apple red with a datewheel to match.
Years ago, I was informed by a salesman red dials are hard to come by. When manufactures produce them, they simply don’t sell in high quantities. Red dials are usually made in small batches, and sometimes in L.E offerings.
Sir, being someone who always had dreams of being a watchmaker, I wish you nothing but success. You’re doing great. I think you have what it takes to grow your channel immensely. With consistency, it’s possible. I have observed many small channels excel to stardom. I have been watching more watchmaker content than ‘unboxings’ and reviews. Hence the reason I am here.
Cheers 🍻
@@RabbitWatchShop Thank you for the history on why red dials are less common. I wasn't aware of that. Thank you as well for your kind words. I upload videos when I can. This channel is a hobby of mine, as I do not make my living from TH-cam (nor am I trying to). I try to get a new video done every few weeks, but that is as long as I can find the time to be at the workbench! Sometimes life gets in the way and other things need to be done. I'm very glad you found the channel and that you enjoy the videos. All my best.
Love that watch
Great video
Tremendous talent rite There
So much patience too
That’s a real skill
Very kind of you to say. Thank you.
Beautiful dial. And as a few in the comments I have to agree hardly ever see a red dial. Got to say I like this oddball watch granted I like the oddball/unique stuff especially firearms cause there are so many interesting ones out there.
I've been wanting one of the newer King Seiko models with a red dial. I think this watch will scratch that itch, and save me some money as well!
One of the very first watches that I serviced was a really beat up Elgin from the early 70's. Looked like someone chucked the watch across the ground. But then I opened the caseback and angels started singing and a bright light shone out from within. A gold AS 1902 movement was sitting there, beautiful and pristine as can be. Same as your AS 1903 movement, minus the calendar complication. I was rather gobsmacked. It was however missing the automatic works. After a good deal of searching, I was able to find the automatic parts and a replacement Elgin case for it. Now, it is my favorite watch.
That's fantastic!
Really cool watch and nice pick up from EBay. High quality movement and of course, work too. Appreciate your video. Take care.
Thanks for watching.
Lovely work.Looking good! Watch lubrication is definitely a journey of applying less and less more precisely.
It certainly is. I'm far from perfect, but I'm trying to be very aware of the 'less is more' train of thought when lubricating a watch - especially the wheel train.
great work Adam!
Thanks!
One of the coolest watches to date. Love the hidden lugs and color. Really nice production.
Much appreciated.
Hi Adam, as usual another fantastic video. You bring to life your passion for watches. This watch is absolutely stunning.
Thanks a bunch.
Man what a beautiful unique design! Space age and elegant at the same time...
That red color of the dial is completely stunning, so alive and intense, metallic tone that fits perfectly the rest of the design.
Very nice movement simple with good quality. Excellent work Cheers from Greece!
Thanks so much.
Superb job, cheers Weekend watch repair.
Thanks 👍
That's a badass watch. Love it!!!
I've been enjoying it. Thanks.
Hi, cool video mate, i will watch more, the instant date change mechanism on some A Schild movements is really great.
I purchased those thick brass movement holders from Ali Express and i've been very happy with them, they're nicely made too all machined.
I've seen those but have been hesitant to purchase them. I'll look at them more closely now. Thank you.
That is a stunning watch. Well done on the service.
Thank you.
Thanks Adam, great video!
I appreciate it, thank you.
I would totally rock that watch! Excellent video Adam, I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative and seeing this piece of history come apart and go back together. Kudos!
Much appreciated! Good to hear from you Mike!
That's a real beauty, love the design. For a really deep case like that i sit the movement on top of a slightly smaller case die (or one of those wooden tops you get on nice whiskey/tequila etc) on the pad, that keeps it supported all the way into the case so it doesn't drop when you flip it over
That's a great idea. I'll do that moving forward. Thank you.
A lucky find, I think, someone took great care of that watch and it appears to have been well made. The real thing is always better than a retro model and yet that time piece looks new. I like it!
Well said!
Beautiful watch and another great video....
Thank you.
That's the sort of crazy piece that I would wear ! Great work.
Thanks a bunch. This watch just caught my eye when I saw it on eBay. It's just weird enough that it grabbed my attention. I hadn't seen one of these before I came across the eBay listing.
Great watch.. and always a great video.
Much appreciated, thank you.
This watch is fabulous. The AS 1900 family movements are so nice to work on, they are designed so well where all jewels are accessible without removing plates. Unfortunately the friction on the 2nd wheel is usually worn out and new parts are hard to find. At some point I think Mark at WRC demonstrated how to disassemble and tighten one with a Platax tool (if anyone could afford one of those)
Yes, those are hard to get ahold of. This one was in excellent shape. It wasn’t shown in the video, but I did put a tiny drop of oil in there, as it was pretty stiff from the start. One of the things I should’ve discussed while I was rambling on about other things in the first part of the video. A tiny drop of HP 1300 sorted it out and now it feels perfect. You’re right though, usually they’re very worn and too loose. It’s rare that you find them too tight.
Love the dial colors from the early 70’s, Bulova has some great colors from the Jet Star brand. Not sure how long you been doing this, but just want to say you are doing a great job.
Thank you very much.
I purchased Cotton (Rolex)date just look alike via home shopping network maybe 15 years ago. It has a Myota 25 jewel movement. Its a jeep of a watch, keeps perfect time and is very rugged. Only problem the crown tube is stripped so it won't stay screwed down. Fun to see your videos!
Thanks a bunch! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
First time viewer of this channel. Excellent videography and narration. I wish I had the brain-surgery level dexterity and patience to do this level of maintenance. Wow!
Thanks and welcome.
Love DS9! oh. And watches too. 😬
DS9 is criminally underrated!
Great video!! Interesting watch
Thanks so much.
That plastic is called Delrin. Extremely durable in chemistry. Fun fact, my vintage Tracker trucks on my old skateboards use Delrin pivot bushings. In all these years they have minimal wear and still work very well
Thanks! I'll remember that now.
That's a keeper!
I keep telling myself I can’t keep them all. Every once in a while, I sell one just to help fund the next project. I originally thought I was going to sell this watch, but this one may end up staying with me!
Color matched date wheel looks great
I agree.
Fantastic watch, great video. I would definitely wear this as I love weird watches.
You and me both!
Thank you Adam Great information and demonstration. Especially for me. Been working on an SA 1721 which has the same automatic system and I have really struggled with the install of the reverser. Now I can do it. Tutor extraordinaire you are.
Glad it was helpful! Good to hear from you Ross.
Love it.
I do too.
I would trade my soul for that watch.
Haha!
Kool video. 👍👍👍
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
TH-cam algorithm seems to be working again - you got recommended to me today! And yes, Cpt Sisko's voice is like honey! Think he's a Shakespearian actor?
I have no idea, but he would've been good at it!
@@WeekendWatchRepair yep he has the chops
I saw it ping off! Great video!
Thanks
Love it
Glad you enjoyed it.
new follower very impressed
Thanks so much.
Nice job
Thanks.
I really like that watch bro looks better on oem bracelet tho but very good job I'm doing a few A. Shield movements and have to say they run really well.
Andy UK.
It does look good on the bracelet, it’s just a bit small for me. I am keeping it, though if I decide to sell this watch, it will definitely go with it.
Love this watch, and great content. Just to be pedantic, that is a right-hand wind mainspring. At least where winders are concerned, left/right is the direction the spring winds off the arbor, not the direction the arbor turns to wind the spring. I remember it by looking at the top of the arbor and noting the direction the spring comes off. To the right=right hand spring, to the left=left hand spring.
I've always looked at it by looking at the spring inside the barrel. If the arbor would need to turn to the right to tighten the spring, I'd use a right handed mainspring winder. Turn left, use a left handed winder. It always seemed to work out for me using that reference.
You may be correct, and if so, I've had my right vs left winders sorted backwards this entire time, and that would be hilarious!
I worked 2 bLocks from the croton watch co. In nj, 20 years ago they would have a summer sale, I purchased many watches with eta 2824 movements. I also own a couple of 2 color 38mm tungsten watches with Swiss quartz. They moved to New York State, & now make watches with Chinese mvmt movements.
That’s awesome. I’ve never had a tungsten watch.
I appreciate your channel, I wish things were a little different and I could contribute a little. Maybe when things change
It’s totally not necessary. I appreciate that you enjoy the channel. All my best.
Re: pronunciation of "Bulova" -- accent is on first syllable. In the heyday of commercial radio, Bulova was a frequent sponsor, and the announcer always pronounced the brand name accenting the first syllable.
Cool, thanks!
I don’t think you need a voice actor. Great watch. Beautiful movement. Good job! 🕐⚙️🍸
Thank you.
@@WeekendWatchRepair You are welcome. I like your voice. Oh, by the way, I could not find your cool hold down tool. Can you please tell me, what exactly it is called or where I can get it? Thank you in advance.
@@NaNByZero Thank you. It's called a Horotec Utility Pick. Mine has the PEEK inserts. A Google search should show a couple of different sellers. I'll be putting some links together and will update the video description soon. Thanks.
@@WeekendWatchRepair Thank You! Cool. Found it and ordered it. :)
The tool arrived today. Hey, it’s cool. Very good quality. Thank you!
Star Trek DS9 is the Best Trek ever !!!
It might not be the majority opinion, but I'd have to agree with you. It's my favorite as well.
never seen a crown like that, kinda reminds me of my citizen bullhead
I hadn't either before this watch. Since then a friend of mine told me about another brand called ZRC who do a lot of crowns at 6, but it's all modern stuff.
“I’ll peg anything really, that’s a flat surface or anything that’s got jewels” I’m not sure you should be saying that 😂
Haha
That watch is absolutely beautiful. I immediately went to Ebay to look at that brand. If I ever see one like that, it will get a few bids from me. On another note, I am curious about the cleaning machine you use. I endeavored to look it up and found none quite like that one. If you wouldn't mind.
Sure. It’s called an Elmasolvex SE.
Where do you get those black finger cots? Great video mate!!
I got these from Esslinger.
Adam, what is the white plastic tool that you use for a hold down? It looks like a large plastic screwdriver. Your use of the hand setting fixture as movement holder is right on par. The size is 11.5 Ligne, pronounced Lig - nE` .
It’s called a Horotec Utility Pick.
@@WeekendWatchRepair Thank you. It looks very handy. Good size and weight - with a positive grip. Decent price coming from them too.
It's still a good amount to spend on a stick with some plastic ends, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it, haha.
If the Crown-at-12 is a Bull-Head, I dread to think what they call a Crown-at-6 ...
;)
Haha!
is there any polish compound to deal with mineral glass?
Diamond lapping past will cut through a mineral crystal. The tiny diamond particles are hard enough to polish the crystal, but it will take some time. If you are using a Dremel or polishing machine, it will generate a lot of heat. Do not let your crystal get too hot. Go in short bursts to minimize the build up of heat, but you can get scratches out. It just takes time and patience to let the crystal cool back down when necessary. PolyWatch sells a mineral crystal kit with their own compound and little wooden stick, but I much prefer to use diamond lapping paste (I start out at 5000 grit to get all the major scratches out, then final polish with 8k or 15k paste). I found using a smaller hard felt wheel works nicely to buff with the diamond paste. Hope this helps.
@@WeekendWatchRepair thank you
i love it its like me weird and thick!! Gum : Faber-Castell i use for rodico dont tell anyone
Haha! Me too.
@@WeekendWatchRepair Gum Faber-Castell i use for rodico dont tell anyone
@@ElderPinto254 I just look that up. It looks like it would work well.
@@WeekendWatchRepair just try thank me later lol its a little bit softer and every colour you want !!!
Where do you find 5 cent paint brushes?
I said that only meaning that it was a very cheap brush. I bought a cheap set on Amazon. A few dollars for pack of 7 or 8 of them in different sizes.
What a stunning watch! Are you, by any chance, interested in selling it? 🤞
I'm really glad you liked it. I haven't decided if I'm going to sell this watch yet. Thank you though.
Love your videos.. one of the best on youtube ❤️
Wow, thank you!
Adam, I looked up a video about what is Instagram lol.
I did as well when I started it. I still don't understand it fully, but I'll try.
Hi, is this watch for sale?
Hello. I haven't listed this watch for sale. I'll sell some of the watches from the channel on occasion, but I haven't decided if I'm going to let this one go or not yet.
@@WeekendWatchRepair let me know when you decide to sell.thx
Yep the more I watch your videos, the more I think you may exceed Marshall from WR. Amazing work on the videos and voiceover! Keep up the fantastic work!!
That’s very kind of you to say. If people want to make comparisons, I will leave it to them, but I’m just trying to do the best I can. I’m not personally trying to compete with any other channel. If you are enjoying the videos, that’s what matters to me. I appreciate it a bunch, and thank you for watching.
I only make the comparison because Marshall & you have such a distinct style, not for competition. I think both of you have the best content on TH-cam for this genre. Nothing even comes close! I meant it as a compliment. Cheers 🇨🇦.
@@michaelpetrik334 Thank you again.
BRASIL. CHARLES 🤔
Hello!
I think that hairspring was mangled and poorly serviced prior to your attempt. You must have broke that 2nds pivot when removing the hands. I'm sure you get it sorted.
The hairspring on this watch didn’t really have any issues at all.
@@WeekendWatchRepair sorry Adam, I thought I was responding to another video, please forgive me sir.
No worries at all. I thought that’s probably what happened.
Like wearing a red nose on your wrist 😂
Haha
Croton made by Nvidia Switzerland name change to avoid trademark conflict.
Why is the style and your voice and the video basic copy of wrist watch revival and Marshall?
Well, I can't really do anything about the voice. That is just what my voice sounds like. As far as the style of video, I'm not trying to copy that channel. There's really only so many ways you can film a watch being worked on. I try to film as close up and as clearly as possible to give the viewer the best visual experience I can. I just have a few cameras set up and try my best to show each individual step in my videos. I do not think my videos are copies of his, as I try show as much of the technical stuff as I can , but if that's the way you feel then I guess there's nothing I can do to change that.
@@WeekendWatchRepair cool
Boy you can’t half rabbit on
Oh, no. Please stop showing me more watches to buy.
haha!
@@WeekendWatchRepair I'm already scouring the Web for one. Never heard of Croton. Found a few that I like, but only one listing, sold sadly, for one of these for $475. It had the original colour matched strap too. Out of my price range too.
That’s pretty steep. I didn’t pay anywhere near that for this watch.
@@WeekendWatchRepair I wouldn't have gone for it at that price either. I'll keep looking however. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
First ;)
Indeed you are!
HEY #mamacoo I have been watching you for years and im so proud of where you have made it! I love you so much! Also thanks for making my day
Thanks.