Repairing the Irreplaceable: A Fireman's Watch That Seiko Couldn't Fix !
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2023
- Links
Seiko Crystal Code Sheet:myretrowatches.co.uk/wp-conte...
Seiko 6309 Service sheet myretrowatches.co.uk/wp-conte...
Boley part number finder www.boley.de/en/case-parts/seiko
LinkMicro LM249MS on Amazon (Affiliate link) amzn.to/3MtkCOB
Please consider subscribing to my second channel / @mywatchreviews
If my videos have helped or inspired you into this hobby then I would be grateful if you could support the channel
My tool affiliate links page. Items do not cost you any more and I earn a small commission. All tools are hand picked by myself. myretrowatches.com/tool-sale-l...
A donation to the channel can be made here. www.buymeacoffee.com/MyRetroW...
like to buy a T-Shirt? then please look here: teespring.com/stores/my-retro...
Thank you for your support.
My website: myretrowatches.com/
My Facebook Group - Retro & Vintage Watches & Restorations
/ retro.vintage.watches....
My Instagram: / myretrowatches
Email. michael@myretrowatches.com
#restoration #watchrestoration #vintagewatches - บันเทิง
![แฟนแนวใด๋ - ยูริ โตเกียวมิวสิค [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4_XVMuhhbsU/mqdefault.jpg)
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????
Love to see old Seikos come back to life. Awesome job
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 got an Omega Speedmaster for my 18th birthday. Still have it 52 years on. Cost $190 US.
Superb! Nice watch for an 18th!
Thumbs up and a comment as a thank you for this enjoyable content. Best regards.
thank you.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Very good Mike, it’s always a pleasure to see the repair process, two thumbs up 👍
Thank you Stefan
It's amazing the memories that something as simple as a watch can hold. Congratulations on keeping those memories going.
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?
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.
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 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.
Fantastic video! I’ll watch it again later this evening.
Thank you very much.
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
I hope this art is never lost.
Great video and story, thanks Mike
Your welcome. Thanks for watching
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.
Thanks for another great video Michael.
Your welcome Peter. Pleased you enjoyed it.
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.
It was wonderful to see your work. Love your passion about watches. Now I am considering to start watchmaking and servicing as a hobby.
Thank you once again for this video!
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.
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!
That was an excellent watch!
Thank you.
...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.
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👏👍
Thanks for showing us how you find parts--that is very, very useful!
Thanks Jeff. Glad it’s been appreciated
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.
Thanks for your channel. Thanks to your video of the FHF movement I have managed to successfully disassemble and assemble my first movement. Good luck with the heat and thank you very much. Solitude is for excellent spirits.
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.
Great Story and great work. I'm interested in learning more about repairing watches. But like a newbie know nothing about it. Thank you.
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!
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!!
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.
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.
Fantastic. I get a thrill from bringing back from the dead.
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.
That new microscope is really nice! Great video!
Thank you. Love the name!!
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.
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.
Hello Mike, thank for this amazing video. You did a great job in any aspect!
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.
Thank you for putting the effort in doing the video. I enjoyed every bit of it!
Great job, so someone can make new memories, and cherish it on his wrist for a long time further. Cheers😊
Absolutely!
Thanks a lot Mike. Nice vid. I had Seiko 5 , I lost it. I still have a 80’s dressy Seiko. Stay healthy dude!
Enjoyed the restoration, great job there Michael.
Great work on getting it back in service. Your passion and honesty in this hobby is greatly appreciated.
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😲
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.
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!
Great job Mike with a lovely story attached 😊
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
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
Great video as always. If you want to do more Seiko's then do so. I like all watches the same no matter what the brand. Overall a watch is a watch, and the basic stuff is the same. I like Bulova and AS Schild but will watch any watch resto for any brand as we can learn something about each one. This hobby benefits from all of your videos that you do for your favorites, all of the video's that Marshall does with all of his stories as well as a host of other great watch repair channels. I look every day for new videos from one of the 50 plus watch repair channels and yours is at the top of my list. I respect all of your hard work and your time away from your other requirements such as family.
Thank you David. When I started out on YT I think there was Mark from Watch Repair channel and myself. Now there is a new channel it seems every week. I love what Marshall does, he is a lovely guy and his hard work has given him tremendous success on this platform.
Wow love this video, and of course happy to see that restoration and back to life watch it’s for a nice and helpful reason !
I’m so proud of you and to see that’s an hobbyist be able to restart the watch, and other don’t want to do it. Great job, great video and comments ✨👌.
Thank you for sharing Mike ! Best regard 🙂
Thank you Alain. It’s not the first repair I’ve done where a pro has been in there before me.
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
Great video Mike - love hearing about the history of these watches. Keep up the great content. Cheers !
Awsome video! Your an inspiration Mike. Love watching you do this and hearing the stories. It's so encapsulating. Can't wait for the next one 👍👍
Thank you.
Do what you like. I own old seikos and enjoy watching. Most people won’t fix them unless it’s a hobbyist doing it.
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.
Nice job. Thanks for taking us along 👍 👍
And thank you for watching
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
Hello, nice video and a great job and story! as a hobby watchmaker too, the professionals do not care if they do not have all the pieces are spare parts ( they will not struggle to fond parts ) , so great job!
A true watchmaker should be able to fix anything and not necessarily need parts. Like I said in the video, as a business if someone wants to pay your fee then why does it matter what the Watch is? It’s almost snobbery yet in Darren’s case they took the watch off him for months on end…. I’ve had it a few weeks and it’s done.
Great video as always, keep up the good work Mike!
Thank you
This Seiko is the perfect example of "less is more". Beautiful, classy and uncluttered.
I agree. thanks for watching.
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope everything will turn out fine. And excellent job on this watch !
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.
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.
Cracking video Mike. It's sad but not surprising that commercial concerns place no value on sentimental attachment to a watch (or anything really), but that's where the passionate hobbyist functions in a different universe. Bringing back memories, replacing despair with happiness and at the same time encouraging, educating and entertaining us beginners. Good luck with trying to put a financial value on that!👍😃
You are right of course, Hobbyists pick up the pieces that pro's refuse. This is not the first time I have done repairs that have been returned by professionals either. Pleased you liked this video.
Great video! Really enjoyed the repair and the story behind the watch.
Thanks for watching
My Retor watches you are good at restoring vintage watches ⌚️ my friend
I'm praying for you to have a swift recovery from cancer. My aunt was diagnosed in January of this year.
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. :) 🕐🍸🍸
You are such a good man Mike. I love watching your rebuilds.
Mike, thank you so much for this video. This is my favorite case for seiko 5, I didn't know that they come with such a mechanism.
A pleasure to watch! Thanks for sharing how to find parts, it's literally a jungle!
Good Morning from the US. I just stumbled upon this channel and will give you a thumbs up and subscribe. Good luck with your health. My wife has cancer as well. Prayers for you.
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.
You do fantastic work and provide excellent instruction. Very enjoyable!
Glad to see people like you still exist in a world full of greed. Bringing hope .ps subscribed just because of your kindness and skill.👍👍🙏
Thank you for your kind words and also your subscription. you will like my latest video on the 100 year old Omega or the Seiko Willard video as both have interesting stories attached.
LO FELICITO POR LA CLASE DE GENTE QUE ES: RESPONSABLE Y RESPETUOSO, TOTALMENTE CONFIABLE,,,,BUEN TRABAJO,,,,SALUDOS
What a wonderful job !!! Thanks a lot, make us dream again !!!!
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
Great job restoring that watch.
Great vid man dig that crazy green plastic. Nice to see this 6309. It really is the workhorse of Seiko.
Seiko's can't die and this one has gone green too!
Wonderful work and results !!! You repaired a watch and made a family happy !!!
Great job and thoroughly enjoyed your work even the mishaps which we all make (including the professionals).
Thank you very much.
Priceless!
Art!!!! my good friend. Thanks for your comment sir.
A fine looking 5, Mike! Great job with the new microscope, looked fantastic from my end
Thanks Dennis. The only drawback is cropping a video clip to get closer as the file is 1080p but not of the highest quality. My man SLR camera records 4k and I can crop the image by 90% and it still crisp.