Mike, Will have to watch this again this evening. Just seeing dad in his heyday, even though i’ve that photo on my wall still brings me to tears. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the hard work, and bringing this back to life. Mum has been asking regularly if i’d heard anything, will it work etc. As you say, its not the value of the watch, its what it means to me, and the memories it holds, both happy and heart breaking. Young 18 year old, and wished i had it on the day i had to finish in the job to say it was a full circle. But now, it’ll be back home, worn daily and held by my parents again. Thank you so much.
Darren, it was an absolute pleasure to do this for you. To know professionals and Seiko failed plus the sentiment this watch holds for you made me have to take it on. With what happened to me last year (prostate cancer) it made my live a bit more precious so knowing that I would always have been able to fix this for you and what it would mean given the heartache of your brother and now the ongoing health issues with your father I just had to do it. Also gave me a chance to tell a bit of your story here on YT and to also test out my new microscope. Hopefully the viewers will like this one and leave comments! Speak to you soon.
I just wanted to pass my sincere thanks to both you and your dad for your service, also to your mum and family, for they must have spent so many of your working hours with you in spirit as all fire crews families left at home awaiting their loved ones safe return from duty. My Uncle was a 30 year veteran of Greater Manchester Fire Service, as a child he would take me to the station to show me around and sit in the engines, this was back in the 70's, sadly he passed away within a year of retiring but my love and respect for the Fire Service has never left me. Again many thanks and I truly hope this brings some peace, love and many happy memories back for your dad and all of you and make many new ones.
Was only a very small cog in a huge wheel. I idolised my bro, as much as i do my dad. And still is as raw as ever, delivering that news to them both. Nobody needs thousands of pounds on their wrist, just something thats in your heart, and realising looking at the dial, is really looking back on time.
What a way to start a Friday morning, trars rolling down my cheeks. Darren and Dad, thanks for your selfless service. Mike, what a guy. There are many ways to take the measure of a man, but what you have just done is absolutely top shelf. Total respect to you ❤️
It’s so cool that not only your watch got fixed but your dad gets recognized on a worldwide level. Love and respect to you and your father from New Orleans, Louisiana .
Seikos never die! Watching this the second time as i polish the crystal on my unicorn spacewalk 50th anniversary 5. It stopped a while back, and with your inspiration, i popped off the caseback after being told by a watchmaker it needed a new movement that is no longer available. Turns out the rotor was so loose it hit everything on the way around. Tightened him up, a touch of oil, and its good as new. God bless you, and keep up the good work. Much love from Sydney Australia.
You started me on fixing watches and in particular the seiko brand a year ago and I’ve done over 15 now, 7s26, 6309, etc . Your strip down and rebuilds have been invaluable. I’ve now done 5 or so omegas and a couple of vintage Elgin pocket watches for friends. I just follow your way of doing things. Don’t stop - I’ve been sick and off work for 5 weeks and it’s the watch work that’s kept me sane - thank you.
Thank you. I really like it when I get feedback like this and it makes the long hours and late nights worth the effort. It was never meant to be a money grab. TH-cam for me was to show what I do, inspire people into the hobby and to document my progress over all these years. When I started there was 2-3 channels max but now there are 100s and most are doing good videos but making it all look polished and a good story. Those channels gain much more traction and success on the platform which does make me envous and also question why I do not have the same appeal. I think a chunk of my followers are fellow hobbyists who can relate to the struggles, the masses want to see a full on polished restoration story and move on. I am not stopping and have some great videos in progress now but long for better view counts on some of my most recent videos. Good luck with your watchmaking.
I would not be getting into the hobby if it weren't for you and Wristwatch Revival. I appreciate all of your videos and have learned so much from them.
Loved this one. I myself am a station manager in the Dutch fire service been doing it 23 years now, and I also wear a mechanical watch everyday and know how much of a beating they receive.
If you like working with Seiko watches, then I’m glad that you’re also willing to take the extra time and effort to make videos so that others can learn. Seikos are probably one of the most common watches for people to try their hand at modding and repairing, and your videos are an asset to those of us who are getting started or even just thinking about giving it a try. Thank you for your dedication! As for YT analytics, I support several other channels in other fields of interest, and all of them have experienced a similar downturn. I think it’s perhaps due in part to people returning to the workplace as well as once more being able to get out and about, and thus devoting less time to watching YT videos. That said, YT is definitely changing the way it handles video suggestions and recommendations. I’ve noticed recently that I’ve had to go looking for content from channels that I’m subscribed to. None of that diminishes the appreciation of your audience, so please just continue to do what makes you happy!
The algorithm something has changed as seeing such a drop, the worst in 6 years is very strange. I am not in control of it and it can be disheartening when the hours I give up to make these videos is not rewarded with higher views. I am not in this for the money although what I get helps with the running costs but I have my own goal like 100k subs and I am not seeing that happen in the next 5 years. As for Seiko I find them a great watch and for starting out in this hobby you cant go wrong with them. They are plentiful and cheap which is good for finding parts!
Lovely job Mike. Hope this video gets the views you deserve. I recognise the amount of effort you put into the channel and look forward to your videos. 😊
Thanks. YT is a lottery, videos you expect to do well flop and others do well. I think my 4th video I ever did on polishing a clasp went viral and still to this day clocks up a significant portion of my views! Without that the channel would be tiny.
@@MyRetroWatches it's the how to videos which might draw more people in. How to fit new crystal, polish cases, fit hands, clean dials etc etc, just an idea.
I am an old codger (78) who does this tinkering stuff to distract myself from the cancer, and it's nice to know the depth perception problem isn't just me. Love the tips that come with the work.
The value of these things extends way beyond the financial. By repairing this when others couldn't be bothered, you've added to the history of the watch and added to that value. Good stuff as always.
I’m still halfway through my first watch. Bought for £10, several hundreds (sic) spend on tools, and still no end in sight. Your videos keep me upbeat about the possibility that one day I will be using this watch and enjoying it, even if it is still only worth £10. Please keep making videos that “you” enjoy making. I will watch them because you are doing what you want to do.
Thank you for this comment. Rest assured I will not stop producing videos but I would love to see more growth and a bigger audience, with Ad revenue I can buy more interesting projects . Good luck with your project I am sure you will get there and when you do the euphoria will be immense!
Another great restoration Mike, thanks. Every episode is great. It even inspired me to post a few restorations myself. Funny thing is, being spring in Canada right now, my "How to dewinterize your boat " is more popular than my Gruen restoration! LOL
I just found your channel today. I think the stories with the watch are fantastic. I definitely have enjoyed the videos I have seen today. Thank you for making these videos.
Brilliant job Mike, another example of the genuine guy you are! Well done! So pleased for the owner and KUDOS to you for taking this project on!! I've had balances wobble like that (more than once) and it was because one of the pivots had worn to a sharp point due to wear from dry oil. I think it might have been the same for this watch. Reluctantly, the balance did have to be replaced for this "special" watch. It shows how much this watch had been worn between services. Don't be disheartened!! You are one of the original Watch Repair TH-camrs and people recognise your honesty and passion for the watch work you do. It's not about the value of the watch, it's about the watchmaking itself!! Keep going! We appreciate what you do!!
For those who are considering servicing their 6309s, I can tell you that it is very doable, thanks to Mikes videos. I have a substantial collection of 6309 and 7s26 divers that I have serviced by watching Mike’s videos. I won’t say it was always easy. I’ve made all the mistakes, but I learned as a result. Now I have excellent running watches with photos of the timegrapher results.
I love watching your videos and find them very inspiring myself. I'm 52 and trying to learn as much as I can. I'm hoping to turn an interest into a hobby as a way to help others and possibly make a little income while I do what I love. You have given me hope to set out on a new endeavor and try to make my passion something more. Thank you so much. I pray for your health to continue to improve.
Hello Mike, first of all, many greetings to England. I would like to praise you very much for your wonderful videos. I am always absolutely fascinated by your work with the old stories of clocks. Maybe it's because I had the idea of becoming a watchmaker 45 years ago, but unfortunately I didn't. At this time, the liquid quartz watches were very widespread, which in my opinion no longer had much to do with the craftsmanship of the watchmaker. Thank you very much for that and keep it up. Best regards, Detlef. (Translated with Duck Duck)
I've really developed an affinity for Seiko watches. I've only one of them, a Seiko 5 like this one. But I love seeing them being repaired by a watchmaker. It's cool to see the inexpensive watches getting attention too. For a lot of us, we're not ever likely to see an expensive watch in real life.
I haven’t been receiving notifications for new videos you put out, I check every week for anything new, and you are not the only channel this is happening to.
Great tutorial, I spent 25 yrs in the London Fire Brigade, and the only watch I would wear were the cheap Casios exactly for the this reason, the wear and tear, the water, the heat, the knocks, all to great! Glad to see the restoration.
Great Story, Great Work, I am a Firefighter too for about 38 years in the German Airforce. I also use a Seiko Royal Oak Chrono for 20 years . Still Running but with some scares also Greetings from Germany Ed
You could be right but I just don’t get it. I am in business in my day job and have run a small engineering company for 28 years now and would never turn any work down so I don’t see why in watchmaking they do. If someone has the money let them spend it. They are buying your time and skill . I just find it really strange as it’s not the first time I have seen this happen and I pickup the repair refused by a pro.
Good evening I have just stumbled across your page and watched this video and thought it was absolutely fabulous. The reason I came across it as it's my 50th birthday in the next few weeks and I really wanted a gift from the wife and my parents that I could keep and treasure. We don't have the sort of money to be able to spend on something Swiss so I have been looking at Seiko watches and found one made in 1973 that I think is a beautiful classic watch for the right price and have bought it. To hear your views on Seiko watches I'm sat here feeling I've done well. Anyway I'm now going to watch more of your content. Thanks Steve
Mike, thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into these videos. I've been re-watching as I try to put a 6309 back together. Could not do this without you.
I really enjoyed watching your efforts to get this Seiko cleaned and back to working condition. I wouldn't worry too much about your fingers not being in the right place when working with your new setup, practice will sort that out. Good job well done.
Thank you. I am amongst the first on the platform after starting out in 2017 . Watch repair channel was the first, Mark who is a good personal friend of mine now. In todays TH-cam there are 100s of channels most doing much better than me in less time😲
Me encantó el video, sobre todo porque estoy tan sentimentalmente al Seiko 5 , ya que cuando tenía 17 años en mí trabajo ( Que era una inmobiliaria, la dueña de la misma me regaló un Seiko 5 automático) pasaron casi ya cuarenta años de aquel regalo. Lamentablemente hace unos años atrás se lo preste a mí hermana y lo perdió. Me dolió tanto esa pérdida por el valor sentimental que sentía por el. Unos años atrás compré un Seiko el mismo modelo, calibre 6119, pero su espiral está dañado, y dicen que muy difícil repararlo. Lamento tanto la distancia ya que soy de Argentina, estoy seguro después de ver este maravilloso video usted lo volvería a la vida. ⌚
That funny watchmaker was obviously not ticking either or as we say here in Germany, not ticking right. :D A watch with a story. Worth to come to life again. I like that. Great job, man. I bet, Darren will be happy. :) 🕐🍸🍸
Much better to concentrate on a single make of watch and do it well - as you do, than to try to cover multiple makes and, maybe, struggle. Of course, the occasional repair to a different make can be refreshing for both you and your potential audience. I'd say you've got the balance (no pun intended) about right Mike. Keep up the great work!
Thank you Don. It’s TH-cam I’m blaming not the people who watch. I believe they are just not recommending the videos for my channel and from what I am hearing many others too.
...I had somebody ask why I don't record and post...and I told them I had some idea of how you it took you guys to edit...I just couldnt do it. I so appreciate the time you take.
This difference between this calibre and one with a Magic Lever is quite a contrast,and,I cant believe that Seiko UK refused to service this.Great job by the way.
My wife and I enjoy watching all your videos. My wife is getting really good at identifying parts. I like the Seikos. I like working on them. Thank you Mike
Mike like you I started off as a hobbyist but now offer repair and restoration on mainly vintage Seiko’s and also have brought back to life family watches that the so called professional’s wouldn’t do or botched up. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Thank you Bruce. Its nice when your hobby becomes a source of income. Having a passion and getting paid at least for me means I can buy tools and watches without my wife worrying about what I am spending.
My friend I have a 1979 seiko watch needing an over haul but mainly just a new winding stem. I’m in the United States and don’t mind paying all the shipping to the UK and back to repair my beauty. I also have a few pocket watches needing a hand in coming back to life. If your willing to take on these task please be so kind to shoot me your address or postal so I may start my sending you my first watch, the seiko. I’ll send you as well a cashiers check for what you believe to be a respectable fee and for return post. I sat literally on the loo from start to finish watching your reconstruction of the fireman’s “can’t be done” watch and I must say it was much better than watching McGiver trying to reverse engineer a helicopter or something else in his television shows. You’ve inspired me to again love my collecting of watches wether fine or not and old or new. I honestly could go on for ever thanking you for not allowing the fine art of watch making go down the tubes because of plastic battery operated time pieces from the neighborhood five and dime store. Plainly and bluntly, your awesome. McTony King 4882 Adams Chapel rd. Dearing Georgia USA 30808-2555 706-361-4298 Please have a very blessed day and remember, don’t over wind.😅
A wonderful video Keith, and its nice to know you are keeping well... And a Thank You for helping Darren out with his Mum, Dads 18th birthday gift watch, Darren and his mum will be so greatful for your kind and expert help with its nice restoration. Keep well, and Greetings from Australia 👍
Hi Mike, that was an absolute masterclass in exactly what this wonderful hobby is all about, bringing back to live one of these little mechanical marvels that give us joy, accompany us through the highs and lows of life all while performing their rudimentary function of telling us the time. A fantastic story and I’m sure Darren and family will have been overjoyed with your exceptional work and dedication. Bravo mate, bravo👏👍
This was a great video, lovely story to go with. To the owner of this watch, thank you for your service, and your dad and brother for their service. To your mother, thank you sharing your family. Mike its because of your videos i took on the hobby. Your videos have been an inspiration to me as i recovered from many surgeries, I'm itching to get back to work full time and to my bench for this intriguing hobby. Thank you so much Sir.
Nice bench, microscope and set up. I do sizing, batteries, light refinishing. Glad to see I'm not the only one with a bench in the laundry room. Cheers.
Nice. I hear from more other creators about YT's 'algorithm'; so, reaching out to show support. These channels sparked my interest in mechanical watches and expanding into watch repair. As a beginner, parts and good tools will be tough as I am an Expat living in Thailand. Will check out your website and reach out for guidance for sourcing stuff. Thx again for showing us this hobby and bringing back timepieces.
Mike, really enjoy watching your videos, the qaulity of the content and the narration is simply top notch. Always been a watch fan and fixing things since I was a boy. Your videos have motivated me to start working on my own watches. My first proejct was a Seiko Kinematic my mother gave my brother nearly 30 years ago. Got it up and running and cleaned and polished, If she keeps going will attempt to replace the crystal as it is badly scratched. Please keep these videos going.
I work within precision engineering. We mainly sell ground steel but we have grinders, lathes milling etc. I find our engineers fascinating! They are all older guys now sadly but they know so much.
Fantastic job, Mike! You have made a really positive difference to somebody's life through your knowledge - what a great reward. Don't be disheartened, you have many faithful subscribers and sometimes TH-cam channels can take many years to flourish. Looking forward to your next video ...
Thanks, I have been on the platform longer than most other more successful watch repair channels, its 6 years now. Its always been slow and steady but with the distinct crash in numbers it can be a little disheartening. I have a great many subs but only about 10% actually tune in to any new uploads.
Thanks for the great video ! What you have learned by hands on experience is commendable .I have enjoyed all your videos and can't wait for the next one. PLease don't let people get you down. You get frustrate beause you care. I am 69 years old and have been in the german car repair business for 45 years. I too get frustrated with some of the comments from people. IGNORE THEM , THEY ARE JUST JEALOUS. Stay focused , I appreciate you rare skill ! Thanks for the great videos Brian , from Baltimore Md
Another lovely video. Thank you for sharing it with all of us and allowing us to take part of the happiness of the watch being repaired. Happy you could fix it. Also, the community here are happy you are doing better.
Thank you for doing this one! You’ve done something amazing for someone. I really enjoyed watching it . The best things in life can’t be bought, which makes this watch priceless. You got a new sub!
Thank you Mike for making your video so easy to watch and follow. I was scratching my head at the thought of servicing almost the exact same watch. I followed your method whilst working along with you and the result was an serviced and assembled Seiko with no parts left over! Thank you for your efforts to work on this watch and for restoring some faith in human nature. I also benefitted from your efforts. Thank you.
Yet again, genuine Seiko stories and immersive amount of talent and inclusiveness. Never feel disheartened, Mike. Your content helps change lives of many others who are going through difficult times of their won. Post pandemic sufferers, like me, find solace in content like that. Greetings from all the away around the globe.
I appreciate you for taking on this job and seeing the value of the story behind this watch. It's a terribly sad state of affairs when it appears the others were just taking someones money and not doing the work. I feel you are a good man, a citizen, and a credit to the watch repair community. You have earned a sub, take care.
Well Done Mike. Great narrative and workmanship for a hobbyist.. yet more than that. Apparently you've met the needs and desires of the original owner. Kudos to you...!!
Man I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you doing Seiko. Most the other Chanel’s are a bunch of yuppies that only work on Swiss cheeses. My hat is off for you dear Sir. Greetings from Bolivia.
Superb footage Mike, I appreciate what goes into making this type of content it’s much harder than it looks and still remain as professional as possible to get the results you aim for when working on watches, don’t be discouraged about your Chanel stats it just a glitch the world is upside down right now and I feel it will eventually settle back down in the distant future. 👍👏😉🍻
Thank you Sir. I enjoyed making this video plus the main reward is knowing I have given Darren his memories back . The stats I do try to ignore but the drop on this channel is quite sad and I can only blame the algorithm.
Great video, i saw this video randomly popped up on my youtube and saw it completely till 4 am, the reason is because i have the same watch (gray dial) from my father who wore it for 25 years, its been sitting in a drawer for many years
Mike, Will have to watch this again this evening. Just seeing dad in his heyday, even though i’ve that photo on my wall still brings me to tears. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the hard work, and bringing this back to life. Mum has been asking regularly if i’d heard anything, will it work etc. As you say, its not the value of the watch, its what it means to me, and the memories it holds, both happy and heart breaking. Young 18 year old, and wished i had it on the day i had to finish in the job to say it was a full circle. But now, it’ll be back home, worn daily and held by my parents again. Thank you so much.
Darren, it was an absolute pleasure to do this for you. To know professionals and Seiko failed plus the sentiment this watch holds for you made me have to take it on. With what happened to me last year (prostate cancer) it made my live a bit more precious so knowing that I would always have been able to fix this for you and what it would mean given the heartache of your brother and now the ongoing health issues with your father I just had to do it. Also gave me a chance to tell a bit of your story here on YT and to also test out my new microscope. Hopefully the viewers will like this one and leave comments! Speak to you soon.
I just wanted to pass my sincere thanks to both you and your dad for your service, also to your mum and family, for they must have spent so many of your working hours with you in spirit as all fire crews families left at home awaiting their loved ones safe return from duty. My Uncle was a 30 year veteran of Greater Manchester Fire Service, as a child he would take me to the station to show me around and sit in the engines, this was back in the 70's, sadly he passed away within a year of retiring but my love and respect for the Fire Service has never left me. Again many thanks and I truly hope this brings some peace, love and many happy memories back for your dad and all of you and make many new ones.
Was only a very small cog in a huge wheel. I idolised my bro, as much as i do my dad. And still is as raw as ever, delivering that news to them both. Nobody needs thousands of pounds on their wrist, just something thats in your heart, and realising looking at the dial, is really looking back on time.
What a way to start a Friday morning, trars rolling down my cheeks. Darren and Dad, thanks for your selfless service. Mike, what a guy. There are many ways to take the measure of a man, but what you have just done is absolutely top shelf. Total respect to you ❤️
It’s so cool that not only your watch got fixed but your dad gets recognized on a worldwide level. Love and respect to you and your father from New Orleans, Louisiana .
Seikos never die! Watching this the second time as i polish the crystal on my unicorn spacewalk 50th anniversary 5. It stopped a while back, and with your inspiration, i popped off the caseback after being told by a watchmaker it needed a new movement that is no longer available. Turns out the rotor was so loose it hit everything on the way around. Tightened him up, a touch of oil, and its good as new. God bless you, and keep up the good work. Much love from Sydney Australia.
Superb! I have seen loose rotors many times, especially on old Seiko's. Proof that your watchmaker never even took the back off... Shameful really.
Accuracy????
@@NetworkGulf -+ 55 seconds month
Love to see old Seikos come back to life. Awesome job
You started me on fixing watches and in particular the seiko brand a year ago and I’ve done over 15 now, 7s26, 6309, etc . Your strip down and rebuilds have been invaluable. I’ve now done 5 or so omegas and a couple of vintage Elgin pocket watches for friends. I just follow your way of doing things. Don’t stop - I’ve been sick and off work for 5 weeks and it’s the watch work that’s kept me sane - thank you.
Thank you. I really like it when I get feedback like this and it makes the long hours and late nights worth the effort. It was never meant to be a money grab. TH-cam for me was to show what I do, inspire people into the hobby and to document my progress over all these years.
When I started there was 2-3 channels max but now there are 100s and most are doing good videos but making it all look polished and a good story. Those channels gain much more traction and success on the platform which does make me envous and also question why I do not have the same appeal. I think a chunk of my followers are fellow hobbyists who can relate to the struggles, the masses want to see a full on polished restoration story and move on.
I am not stopping and have some great videos in progress now but long for better view counts on some of my most recent videos.
Good luck with your watchmaking.
@@MyRetroWatches keep going. The recognition will come.
I can't believe your videos are not getting the recognition they deserve. I love your content. Keep on keeping on, Sir and thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your encouragement John.
I would not be getting into the hobby if it weren't for you and Wristwatch Revival. I appreciate all of your videos and have learned so much from them.
I agree with this, if I ever get to fully service a mechanical watch it will be due to the inspiration from Mike and the other youtube watchmakers.
Thank you Scott.
The old Seiko 5 's are beautiful. Scratches and all. This was very kind of you. Love your videos. From Oklahoma City, OK
Loved this one. I myself am a station manager in the Dutch fire service been doing it 23 years now, and I also wear a mechanical watch everyday and know how much of a beating they receive.
If you like working with Seiko watches, then I’m glad that you’re also willing to take the extra time and effort to make videos so that others can learn. Seikos are probably one of the most common watches for people to try their hand at modding and repairing, and your videos are an asset to those of us who are getting started or even just thinking about giving it a try. Thank you for your dedication!
As for YT analytics, I support several other channels in other fields of interest, and all of them have experienced a similar downturn. I think it’s perhaps due in part to people returning to the workplace as well as once more being able to get out and about, and thus devoting less time to watching YT videos. That said, YT is definitely changing the way it handles video suggestions and recommendations. I’ve noticed recently that I’ve had to go looking for content from channels that I’m subscribed to. None of that diminishes the appreciation of your audience, so please just continue to do what makes you happy!
The algorithm something has changed as seeing such a drop, the worst in 6 years is very strange. I am not in control of it and it can be disheartening when the hours I give up to make these videos is not rewarded with higher views. I am not in this for the money although what I get helps with the running costs but I have my own goal like 100k subs and I am not seeing that happen in the next 5 years.
As for Seiko I find them a great watch and for starting out in this hobby you cant go wrong with them. They are plentiful and cheap which is good for finding parts!
Thumbs up and a comment as a thank you for this enjoyable content. Best regards.
thank you.
Lovely job Mike. Hope this video gets the views you deserve. I recognise the amount of effort you put into the channel and look forward to your videos. 😊
Thanks. YT is a lottery, videos you expect to do well flop and others do well. I think my 4th video I ever did on polishing a clasp went viral and still to this day clocks up a significant portion of my views! Without that the channel would be tiny.
@@MyRetroWatches it's the how to videos which might draw more people in. How to fit new crystal, polish cases, fit hands, clean dials etc etc, just an idea.
I am an old codger (78) who does this tinkering stuff to distract myself from the cancer, and it's nice to know the depth perception problem isn't just me. Love the tips that come with the work.
LO FELICITO POR LA CLASE DE GENTE QUE ES: RESPONSABLE Y RESPETUOSO, TOTALMENTE CONFIABLE,,,,BUEN TRABAJO,,,,SALUDOS
Fantastic video! I’ll watch it again later this evening.
Thank you very much.
The value of these things extends way beyond the financial. By repairing this when others couldn't be bothered, you've added to the history of the watch and added to that value. Good stuff as always.
Thanks Endy. Always appreciate your support mate.
I’m still halfway through my first watch. Bought for £10, several hundreds (sic) spend on tools, and still no end in sight. Your videos keep me upbeat about the possibility that one day I will be using this watch and enjoying it, even if it is still only worth £10. Please keep making videos that “you” enjoy making. I will watch them because you are doing what you want to do.
Thank you for this comment. Rest assured I will not stop producing videos but I would love to see more growth and a bigger audience, with Ad revenue I can buy more interesting projects . Good luck with your project I am sure you will get there and when you do the euphoria will be immense!
I hope this art is never lost.
Another great restoration Mike, thanks. Every episode is great. It even inspired me to post a few restorations myself. Funny thing is, being spring in Canada right now, my "How to dewinterize your boat " is more popular than my Gruen restoration! LOL
It's amazing the memories that something as simple as a watch can hold. Congratulations on keeping those memories going.
I just found your channel today. I think the stories with the watch are fantastic. I definitely have enjoyed the videos I have seen today. Thank you for making these videos.
You are welcome and thanks for the feedback . I am working on another right now with a great story , a 100year old Omega! Stay tuned!
Lovely job. Thanks for sharing the sources of parts, very interesting.
Darren definitely deserved your efforts. 😊
Thank you and I’m glad you found that part of the video useful.
Brilliant job Mike, another example of the genuine guy you are! Well done! So pleased for the owner and KUDOS to you for taking this project on!!
I've had balances wobble like that (more than once) and it was because one of the pivots had worn to a sharp point due to wear from dry oil. I think it might have been the same for this watch. Reluctantly, the balance did have to be replaced for this "special" watch. It shows how much this watch had been worn between services.
Don't be disheartened!! You are one of the original Watch Repair TH-camrs and people recognise your honesty and passion for the watch work you do. It's not about the value of the watch, it's about the watchmaking itself!!
Keep going! We appreciate what you do!!
Very good Mike, it’s always a pleasure to see the repair process, two thumbs up 👍
Thank you Stefan
For those who are considering servicing their 6309s, I can tell you that it is very doable, thanks to Mikes videos. I have a substantial collection of 6309 and 7s26 divers that I have serviced by watching Mike’s videos. I won’t say it was always easy. I’ve made all the mistakes, but I learned as a result. Now I have excellent running watches with photos of the timegrapher results.
Thank you for this post. Nice to know you have found some of the videos useful.
I love watching your videos and find them very inspiring myself. I'm 52 and trying to learn as much as I can. I'm hoping to turn an interest into a hobby as a way to help others and possibly make a little income while I do what I love. You have given me hope to set out on a new endeavor and try to make my passion something more. Thank you so much. I pray for your health to continue to improve.
Hello Mike, first of all, many greetings to England. I would like to praise you very much for your wonderful videos. I am always absolutely fascinated by your work with the old stories of clocks. Maybe it's because I had the idea of becoming a watchmaker 45 years ago, but unfortunately I didn't. At this time, the liquid quartz watches were very widespread, which in my opinion no longer had much to do with the craftsmanship of the watchmaker. Thank you very much for that and keep it up. Best regards, Detlef. (Translated with Duck Duck)
I've really developed an affinity for Seiko watches. I've only one of them, a Seiko 5 like this one. But I love seeing them being repaired by a watchmaker. It's cool to see the inexpensive watches getting attention too. For a lot of us, we're not ever likely to see an expensive watch in real life.
love this stuff
It’s such a good thing that there are honest enthusiasts like yourself out there to fill the service gaps like Darren experienced. Good job!
I haven’t been receiving notifications for new videos you put out, I check every week for anything new, and you are not the only channel this is happening to.
The bell icon is set to all?
Great tutorial, I spent 25 yrs in the London Fire Brigade, and the only watch I would wear were the cheap Casios exactly for the this reason, the wear and tear, the water, the heat, the knocks, all to great! Glad to see the restoration.
Im a big seiko fan too!
Great Story, Great Work, I am a Firefighter too for about 38 years in the German Airforce. I also use a Seiko Royal Oak Chrono for 20 years . Still Running but with some scares also Greetings from Germany Ed
I'm glad to see that you brought someone's memories back. Nice watch, even as a basic watch. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for watching!
you proved a point, pro watch makers look down on these Seiko's but to us they are priceless history with sentiment and feelings
You could be right but I just don’t get it. I am in business in my day job and have run a small engineering company for 28 years now and would never turn any work down so I don’t see why in watchmaking they do. If someone has the money let them spend it. They are buying your time and skill . I just find it really strange as it’s not the first time I have seen this happen and I pickup the repair refused by a pro.
I'm praying for you to have a swift recovery from cancer. My aunt was diagnosed in January of this year.
Good evening I have just stumbled across your page and watched this video and thought it was absolutely fabulous. The reason I came across it as it's my 50th birthday in the next few weeks and I really wanted a gift from the wife and my parents that I could keep and treasure. We don't have the sort of money to be able to spend on something Swiss so I have been looking at Seiko watches and found one made in 1973 that I think is a beautiful classic watch for the right price and have bought it. To hear your views on Seiko watches I'm sat here feeling I've done well. Anyway I'm now going to watch more of your content. Thanks Steve
Do what you like. I own old seikos and enjoy watching. Most people won’t fix them unless it’s a hobbyist doing it.
Mike, thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into these videos. I've been re-watching as I try to put a 6309 back together. Could not do this without you.
Great video and story, thanks Mike
Your welcome. Thanks for watching
I really enjoyed watching your efforts to get this Seiko cleaned and back to working condition. I wouldn't worry too much about your fingers not being in the right place when working with your new setup, practice will sort that out.
Good job well done.
Having bing watched several of your videos, just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed them. Keep up the excellent work!
Starting the watch repair as hobby for myself. Enjoy watching all the watch maker’s on TH-cam.
Thank you. I am amongst the first on the platform after starting out in 2017 . Watch repair channel was the first, Mark who is a good personal friend of mine now.
In todays TH-cam there are 100s of channels most doing much better than me in less time😲
Me encantó el video, sobre todo porque estoy tan sentimentalmente al Seiko 5 , ya que cuando tenía 17 años en mí trabajo ( Que era una inmobiliaria, la dueña de la misma me regaló un Seiko 5 automático) pasaron casi ya cuarenta años de aquel regalo. Lamentablemente hace unos años atrás se lo preste a mí hermana y lo perdió. Me dolió tanto esa pérdida por el valor sentimental que sentía por el. Unos años atrás compré un Seiko el mismo modelo, calibre 6119, pero su espiral está dañado, y dicen que muy difícil repararlo. Lamento tanto la distancia ya que soy de Argentina, estoy seguro después de ver este maravilloso video usted lo volvería a la vida. ⌚
That funny watchmaker was obviously not ticking either or as we say here in Germany, not ticking right. :D A watch with a story. Worth to come to life again. I like that. Great job, man. I bet, Darren will be happy. :) 🕐🍸🍸
Much better to concentrate on a single make of watch and do it well - as you do, than to try to cover multiple makes and, maybe, struggle. Of course, the occasional repair to a different make can be refreshing for both you and your potential audience. I'd say you've got the balance (no pun intended) about right Mike. Keep up the great work!
Thank you. To be honest I also like filming Watch movements I tackling for the first time. Most of my Swiss repairs are a first for me.
Lots of folks loving your content Mike - everything you’re doing is very worth while
Thank you Don. It’s TH-cam I’m blaming not the people who watch. I believe they are just not recommending the videos for my channel and from what I am hearing many others too.
I got an Omega Speedmaster for my 18th birthday. Still have it 52 years on. Cost $190 US.
Superb! Nice watch for an 18th!
Thanks for another great video Michael.
Your welcome Peter. Pleased you enjoyed it.
...I had somebody ask why I don't record and post...and I told them I had some idea of how you it took you guys to edit...I just couldnt do it. I so appreciate the time you take.
This difference between this calibre and one with a Magic Lever is quite a contrast,and,I cant believe that Seiko UK refused to service this.Great job by the way.
Great work on getting it back in service. Your passion and honesty in this hobby is greatly appreciated.
Thank you Mike. so pleased to have been part of the 'Live' cast. Great story about the owner and a good combination of photography and commentary.
Ross thank you for your support. I enjoyed the live chat immensely and will do it again but give more warning next time!
My wife and I enjoy watching all your videos. My wife is getting really good at identifying parts. I like the Seikos. I like working on them. Thank you Mike
This Seiko is the perfect example of "less is more". Beautiful, classy and uncluttered.
I agree. thanks for watching.
Thanks for showing us how you find parts--that is very, very useful!
Thanks Jeff. Glad it’s been appreciated
Nice to see that an old Seiko 5 gets some love.
Mike like you I started off as a hobbyist but now offer repair and restoration on mainly vintage Seiko’s and also have brought back to life family watches that the so called professional’s wouldn’t do or botched up. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Thank you Bruce. Its nice when your hobby becomes a source of income. Having a passion and getting paid at least for me means I can buy tools and watches without my wife worrying about what I am spending.
My friend I have a 1979 seiko watch needing an over haul but mainly just a new winding stem. I’m in the United States and don’t mind paying all the shipping to the UK and back to repair my beauty. I also have a few pocket watches needing a hand in coming back to life. If your willing to take on these task please be so kind to shoot me your address or postal so I may start my sending you my first watch, the seiko. I’ll send you as well a cashiers check for what you believe to be a respectable fee and for return post. I sat literally on the loo from start to finish watching your reconstruction of the fireman’s “can’t be done” watch and I must say it was much better than watching McGiver trying to reverse engineer a helicopter or something else in his television shows. You’ve inspired me to again love my collecting of watches wether fine or not and old or new. I honestly could go on for ever thanking you for not allowing the fine art of watch making go down the tubes because of plastic battery operated time pieces from the neighborhood five and dime store. Plainly and bluntly, your awesome. McTony King 4882 Adams Chapel rd. Dearing Georgia USA 30808-2555 706-361-4298
Please have a very blessed day and remember, don’t over wind.😅
Superb video, many many thanks. For a total "Just an interest in watches" guy that the was best hour video i have watched.
I did get the same watch on my 18th birthday. loved it so much that I bought the second watch with the white face. Still have them.
Brilliant!
A wonderful video Keith, and its nice to know you are keeping well... And a Thank You for helping Darren out with his Mum, Dads 18th birthday gift watch, Darren and his mum will be so greatful for your kind and expert help with its nice restoration. Keep well, and Greetings from Australia 👍
Thank you Rob. It’s Mike, Keith is who I repaired a watch for😂 Darren is over the moon right now knowing his watch is repaired.
Hi Mike, that was an absolute masterclass in exactly what this wonderful hobby is all about, bringing back to live one of these little mechanical marvels that give us joy, accompany us through the highs and lows of life all while performing their rudimentary function of telling us the time. A fantastic story and I’m sure Darren and family will have been overjoyed with your exceptional work and dedication. Bravo mate, bravo👏👍
This was a great video, lovely story to go with.
To the owner of this watch, thank you for your service, and your dad and brother for their service. To your mother, thank you sharing your family.
Mike its because of your videos i took on the hobby. Your videos have been an inspiration to me as i recovered from many surgeries, I'm itching to get back to work full time and to my bench for this intriguing hobby. Thank you so much Sir.
Glad you enjoyed it I will pass on your thanks to Darren.
A big thanks you or your video comes along at the right time just as I'm get set up for the hob, and especially you got me on to the right Nicky.
Nice job. Thanks for taking us along 👍 👍
And thank you for watching
You do fantastic work and provide excellent instruction. Very enjoyable!
Nice bench, microscope and set up. I do sizing, batteries, light refinishing. Glad to see I'm not the only one with a bench in the laundry room. Cheers.
Nice. I hear from more other creators about YT's 'algorithm'; so, reaching out to show support. These channels sparked my interest in mechanical watches and expanding into watch repair. As a beginner, parts and good tools will be tough as I am an Expat living in Thailand. Will check out your website and reach out for guidance for sourcing stuff. Thx again for showing us this hobby and bringing back timepieces.
Fantastic. I get a thrill from bringing back from the dead.
Love your perseverance and honesty. Well done; keep up the good work!
Thank you!
A pleasure to watch! Thanks for sharing how to find parts, it's literally a jungle!
You Sir...are a wonderful watchmaker and a genuinely wonderful person. Loved every bit of this vdo ❤
Thank you that's very kind of you to say.
Mike, really enjoy watching your videos, the qaulity of the content and the narration is simply top notch. Always been a watch fan and fixing things since I was a boy. Your videos have motivated me to start working on my own watches. My first proejct was a Seiko Kinematic my mother gave my brother nearly 30 years ago. Got it up and running and cleaned and polished, If she keeps going will attempt to replace the crystal as it is badly scratched. Please keep these videos going.
Good luck with the kinetic, capactors ususally need changing in them. Thanks for your kind words.
That was an excellent watch!
Thank you.
Priceless!
Art!!!! my good friend. Thanks for your comment sir.
Great job, so someone can make new memories, and cherish it on his wrist for a long time further. Cheers😊
Absolutely!
I simply find your skills fascinating. I'm a retired machinist of much larger parts. Thank you so much, Mike.
I work within precision engineering. We mainly sell ground steel but we have grinders, lathes milling etc.
I find our engineers fascinating! They are all older guys now sadly but they know so much.
Fantastic job, Mike! You have made a really positive difference to somebody's life through your knowledge - what a great reward. Don't be disheartened, you have many faithful subscribers and sometimes TH-cam channels can take many years to flourish. Looking forward to your next video ...
Thanks, I have been on the platform longer than most other more successful watch repair channels, its 6 years now. Its always been slow and steady but with the distinct crash in numbers it can be a little disheartening. I have a great many subs but only about 10% actually tune in to any new uploads.
Thanks for the great video ! What you have learned by hands on experience is commendable .I have enjoyed all your videos and can't wait for the next one.
PLease don't let people get you down. You get frustrate beause you care. I am 69 years old and have been in the german car repair business for 45 years. I too get frustrated with some of the comments from people. IGNORE THEM , THEY ARE JUST JEALOUS. Stay focused , I appreciate you rare skill !
Thanks for the great videos
Brian , from Baltimore Md
Thank you Brian this is a lovely comment and you are right of course. I know I can't please everyone and do take criticism. All helps to improve.
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope everything will turn out fine. And excellent job on this watch !
Another lovely video. Thank you for sharing it with all of us and allowing us to take part of the happiness of the watch being repaired. Happy you could fix it. Also, the community here are happy you are doing better.
Thank you for doing this one! You’ve done something amazing for someone. I really enjoyed watching it . The best things in life can’t be bought, which makes this watch priceless. You got a new sub!
Thanks a lot Mike. Nice vid. I had Seiko 5 , I lost it. I still have a 80’s dressy Seiko. Stay healthy dude!
Great video Mike - love hearing about the history of these watches. Keep up the great content. Cheers !
The mistakes that other edit out are the most valuable parts of this video. Thanks!
Great job Mike. Always nice to see a restoration of an old Seiko especially when it brings so much joy to the owner of the watch. ❤
Thank you. I was proud to do this one for Darren
You are such a good man Mike. I love watching your rebuilds.
Thank you Mike for making your video so easy to watch and follow. I was scratching my head at the thought of servicing almost the exact same watch. I followed your method whilst working along with you and the result was an serviced and assembled Seiko with no parts left over! Thank you for your efforts to work on this watch and for restoring some faith in human nature. I also benefitted from your efforts. Thank you.
Thank you. Pleased to know you could follow the video and get a good result. It’s a win all round.
Wonderful work and results !!! You repaired a watch and made a family happy !!!
Yet again, genuine Seiko stories and immersive amount of talent and inclusiveness. Never feel disheartened, Mike. Your content helps change lives of many others who are going through difficult times of their won. Post pandemic sufferers, like me, find solace in content like that. Greetings from all the away around the globe.
Thank you for this comment. Means a lot
no need to apologize for working on Seikos. Very affordable and well designed
Only because my channel is full of Seiko vids I am well known for them plus having well over 100 Seikos in the collection.
Oh my, I do love it when the amateurs do what the professionals fail at. Good on you Mike. Though I hardly call you an amateur Mike. Another win.
I appreciate you for taking on this job and seeing the value of the story behind this watch. It's a terribly sad state of affairs when it appears the others were just taking someones money and not doing the work. I feel you are a good man, a citizen, and a credit to the watch repair community. You have earned a sub, take care.
Thank you. Sometimes you just feel compelled to help especially when I knew I would get this one going.
Well Done Mike. Great narrative and workmanship for a hobbyist.. yet more than that. Apparently you've met the needs and desires of the original owner. Kudos to you...!!
Thank you very much. Darren is absolutely over the moon and has not taken the watch off since having it back.
Great job restoring that watch.
Man I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you doing Seiko. Most the other Chanel’s are a bunch of yuppies that only work on Swiss cheeses. My hat is off for you dear Sir. Greetings from Bolivia.
Superb footage Mike, I appreciate what goes into making this type of content it’s much harder than it looks and still remain as professional as possible to get the results you aim for when working on watches, don’t be discouraged about your Chanel stats it just a glitch the world is upside down right now and I feel it will eventually settle back down in the distant future. 👍👏😉🍻
Thank you Sir. I enjoyed making this video plus the main reward is knowing I have given Darren his memories back . The stats I do try to ignore but the drop on this channel is quite sad and I can only blame the algorithm.
Please don’t stop. I only have old seiko watches (a few new ones the wife hasn’t seen) I always watch to the end. Well done. 👍
Don't worry I won't stop! I am unable to as I am obsessed with all this.
Great video, i saw this video randomly popped up on my youtube and saw it completely till 4 am, the reason is because i have the same watch (gray dial) from my father who wore it for 25 years, its been sitting in a drawer for many years