A $45 Stunner: Breathing Life Into A Forgotten Swiss Timepiece
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ม.ค. 2025
- Embark on an extraordinary journey as we resurrect a forgotten gem - the Dufonte by Lucian Piccard, housing the FHF 908 movement. This timepiece arrived in dire straits, with broken and missing components, hairspring issues, and a case that bore the scars of time's passage. Join us in witnessing the remarkable restoration of this once-neglected Swiss watch, now returning to its former glory through meticulous care and a budget-friendly investment.
Cost breakdown for this budget rebuild:
Watch - $45
Crystal - $12
Quickset wheel - $15
Strap - from stock
Total cost - $72
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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.co...
Funny that you mention @wristwatchrevival videos… I too found his videos about four years ago and loved watching him rebuild and fix watches. In fact when I first saw your videos, I thought it was him on a new channel.
You are doing a great job and its wonderful to see that you have dove into learning to do this as well.
Thank you. I was definitely interested in watch mechanics long before I ever found his channel, but he was certainly inspirational in my decision to take the plunge and really dive fully in to this hobby. He does such a great job producing his videos, I thought if he can do it, than I can do it too. I wish I could thank him personally, along with a few others that really pushed me 'over the edge' so to speak. I might have procrastinated forever otherwise.
“I do this to wind down”. I see what you did there 💯.
Because of your video I bought an absolutely beautiful Dufonte watch that was just serviced by the seller. Thanks for showing us this brand it fit nicely in my collection.
Wonderful!
I really appreciate that you go into a little more technical depth than I normally see from other channels. Those details really matter. And your little errors that you make are honest and are really informative. We all learn more from our mistakes than our successes
The little blue clip is called a Circlips
I'm always happy to learn something new, thank you!
Indeed! Marshall Joe and Mark do great watch repair videos.. as do you ! All fascinating compelling and informative!
For $45 looking at the workmanship in the movement and that beautiful blue on the dial, that is the steal of the century. Bravo for bringing it back 👍
Couldn't agree more!
Your videos are great too. I binged Marshall and ran out of videos so I looked for someone similar. You're both awesome.
Thanks so much. I'm trying hard to make detailed and thorough videos. I am really glad you are enjoying them.
this is exactly, what I like...
I really enjoy these types of projects as well.
just binged all off C S spinners videos. went through a few others. But yours is my kind of channel. This is the first I've watched of yours I've watched but only the second channel I jumped into. Enjoying it a lot so far. Love the narration. Thanks for doing what you do.
Thanks so much.
Nice refurbishment and repair, Yes those oldies certainly do come up nice .
Thank you. Seiko really made some good looking watches back then. They still do, but I'm partial to the old ones!
This video really spoke to me. I’m very new to the hobby and have just disassembled a 1905 Elgin pocket watch. Based on how that turns out, I will probably spend a load of cash getting the right cleaning solution, tools, etc. But videos like these are extremely helpful. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Same philosophy and modesty as Marshall. Great job!
That's quite a compliment. Thank you so much.
That dial is one of the most beautiful ones I have seen.
I agree, they really did a good job on that one. I'm glad it was still in good condition by the time I got it.
Really handsome watch and movement. I enjoyed the history. You should be proud of your production, it is visually appealing and extremely informative. Thank you for the entertainment.
Thank you very much.
Don't worry, video quality is great !
Thanks so much. I'm really trying to do my best on these videos.
Pretty sweet! Something I've learned so far is that great watches have great stories. I think it would be pretty awesome to have a watch restored by you during your journey. What a story that would be.
I very much agree that stories can make a watch really special. I have a few watches that are worth a good amount of money, but the one's that mean the most to me, and are worth the most, are the ones that I have a story with. They may not be the most valuable (money wise), but they are absolutely the most valuable to me personally. I really thank you for your kind words. I myself am nothing special, but I really do thank you for such high praise. One day when I get a few things put in place perhaps I can do some commission work.
@@WeekendWatchRepair that's great! In the vid you mention possibly selling this one. I know it wasn't anything absolute, but if you ever do decide to sell a watch you've picked up to restore for content or whatever, I'd definitely be interested. Your channel is great, easy to follow and informative! 🤙
Rodico gives this video a thumbs up as well
As a regular viewer of your videos, I have to say I LOVE your videos!
These kinds of videos are always so relaxing and I'm glad we have a handful of great TH-camrs out there sharing their love of this hobby.
I think it's great that you were inspired by Marshall over at Wristwatch Revival. I've watched his videos for a few years now and can agree that it's his videos and your are an inspiration to pickup the hobby. It's great getting to hear about the history and craftsmanship that goes into each timepiece.
To that I say Cheers to you and Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for watching, I appreciate the kind words.
All of the other watch repair channels that you mentioned, I'm subscribed to and watch their videos every time they post. Your video was just recommended to me by TH-cam and since those others don't post every day (unfortunately) I figured I'd give your video a watch, and I'll say this, you sir have earned a sub from me. Fantastic work and I really enjoyed the history lesson behind this unusual yet beautiful timepiece. Thank you so much for being another addition to my watch repair video addiction 😊.
I am honored! Thank you.
I like that you keep it real bro, and your good with it! Thanks for being a part of my routine. Maybe ill get the gull to try to do a watch, a cheap one hahaha. Love the channel
Gosh, that's a beautiful watch and you did a fantastic job restoring it!
Thank you very much!
I really like your friendly soft narration.
I think i could sleep comfortably listening to it.
Glad you enjoy it!
You explained that in explicit detail,well done ,👍
The dial looks beautiful with that sapphire blue color and i really like the brass movement almost looks like rose gold tone. Great work on the watch and video, Salute! 🤌
Thanks a bunch.
18:25 very, very nice watch! Beautiful! Good job!
Thank you very much.
Watching a video on TH-cam and being mesmerised... Totally understand that! That's how I got into watch repair too! Nekkid watchmaker and others! I now have about 30 watches I've repaired and I love the learning curve!
Exactly the same here!
Very fine video. Thank you so much!
I appreciate it, thanks.
I gotta say , I love this watch!! Really wish someone out there made watch case backs to show off these beautiful movements . Guys, I have had the pleasure of meeting Adam and buying this wonderful watch from him. His enthusiasm for his work is genuine and he is a truly nice human being..... And the watch is excellent and always draws comments when I wear it. Thanks Adam.
Thanks so much. I’m glad you’re enjoying the watch.
Wow ! What a great movement !!!! Well done !!!
Thank you very much. That was a great watch.
Man, I love that watch ! Excellent job, sir !
First time watching your content, A+ everything.
Thanks a bunch.
For a Lucian Picard that is a beautiful movement......awesome.
I agree. It is a great watch.
@WeekendWatchRepair I have a Wakemann triple calendar triple register chronograph. Vintage from my dad heirloom. I have been quoted $500-$600 for a clean oil and adjust. Does that sound right to you?
That may be about right. I don’t exactly know what one would normally charge, but higher complications on your watch would require a somewhat higher service charge.
Beautiful dial, beautiful robust quality movement, beautiful case, beautifully restored to health 👍
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
Great job Adam, love the vidoes👍👍👍
I love the dial designs of this era. Some of them seem silly now but many, including this one, are bold and beautiful. Like they were really giving designers free reign with creativity. I don’t feel that with most of today’s stuff.
Well said! I agree.
Thank you Adam, fantastic as usual.
Thanks so much.
Thank you for another great video on a cool watch with a very nice movement. The way almost all the pieces fell into place just goes to show how much work went Into designing and producing this movement.
Totally agree. A lot of thought and engineering was put into the design of the movement.
Great to hear the history of your involvement with watch restoration. I, too, like to watch Wristwatchrevival and would put your videos up there with them.
I saw this video and started watching without looking at the channel. For easily 50% of it I thought you were the Wristwatch Revival guy's second channel.😂 Cool vid. I subscribed and maybe you will want to do one of my watches someday.😉
Thanks a bunch.
You’ve done a great job on that - well done !
I wanted to add another comment. I set and watch your videos and wonder how someone can make all those small screws and gears ⚙️ and make them come together and make the movement work. It’s just amazing.
I agree. The manufacturing process for those small parts is just amazing to me.
Amazing job!! Thanks for posting, really enjoyed watching
very nice piece, love the date in blue text and numbers btw
Me too!
Another blockbuster video of a vintage piece! Thanks!
Beautiful watch and great video, thanks...
Darned great for a newer watchmaker channel. I am very pleased with this video. Subbed.
Thanks so much.
I bought a dufonte too.Thanx Adam great work
Thanks a bunch.
I enjoy finding vintage gems. Just received a Sellita watch ($50) from the early 1960's, with the Swiss Made Incabloc 17 jewel movement. The watch was advertised as New Old Stock...it looked like it had never left its original box. Works like a charm. Had it in my office for 10 minutes, admiring the perfect dial and crystal...when my teenage daughter saw the watch and said it was terrific...and asked if she could wear it. Bye bye watch.
Haha! Time to try and find another that you can actually keep this time!
Love that watch ... & video.
I really like the watch as well. Thanks for watching & leaving a comment.
That is one handsome watch. Reminds me of Wittnauer I had and miss. Love it! Well done.
Thank you.
It looks like a new watch when you finished it. I would buy that watch.
A great video and such a wonderfully warm easy voice to listen to! Thankyou for all the effort you put in to this, you have me hooked. 👍
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
I would totally wear that watch.
What an amazing coulored watch. The finish is testament to your skills. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much!
Really enjoyed the video and your commentary is the best. The pace is terrific,thank you
Thank you very much!
Just came across your channel today. You really know your stuff, you've got great patter (something sorely lacking in other watch-repair channels) and your vids are very well done. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
I have been purchasing watch tools and i appreciate your advice. Next on the list is oils & grease. I was wondering if you allow that Locktite to cure before closing the watch. I know from past projects that during that cure time there is out-gassing and it may cause problems with gaskets corrosion.
Yes, I allow it to cure completely before closing the watch.
Awesome video. 👍👍👍
Thank you 👍
Nice watch.Good job.All the best
Thanks, you too!
Wow, very nice Watch, and you know exactly what you doing. Just great!
Greetings from Germany
Michael
Thank you very much!
Nice watch, nice restoration, fun to see, very well done video, subscribed!
Thank you very much!
great video and quality, it looks NOS when finished, thanks for sharing m8
I tried my best, lol. Thanks so much for the kind words.
Very nice watch movement!
It really was, I agree.
This video is a breath of fresh air! Other watch channels have you believe that if you're not wearing a Royal Oak, a Nautilus, or a Submariner, you're a "loser." Everything else is a "beginner" watch. I'm disgusted by the watch industry. The Dufonte is beautiful!
I'm so glad you liked it. Those are the types of watches I like to work on. Old, forgotten, but good quality timepieces that can be bought inexpensively. Between these and vintage Seikos, I can keep the hobby going along without breaking the bank, and get some excellent watches out of it as well.
@@WeekendWatchRepair I bow to you, Sir. Besides vintage Seiko's, I love vintage Hamilton's too.
Haha, definitely no need to bow to me! We do have a lot in common with watches it seems though.
@@WeekendWatchRepair There are but 3 noble human inventions. The bicycle. The umbrella. and The Watch. What you do is God's work.
😂
Thanks for your work, Adam! The quality of the video is amazing. I enjoy every video you've posted. Warm greetings from Ukraine!
Thank you very much! I appreciate you watching and leaving a comment.
the watch came out great
Thanks so much.
This was a recommendation and I’ve never had an interest in watches! I watched from start to finish and was completely drawn in.
Amazing attention to detail which I can appreciate a little as I build scale models. This is miles more intricate.
Fantastic sir😀
Glad you enjoyed it!
Much like you, I started following Marshall at WR, took Lovick’s courses, found the Nekkid Watchmaker, and started down the rabbit hole. I’d like to compliment you, as your presentation is much like Marshall’s. Also, the footage you captured on lubricating the exit stone was the best I’d ever seen. Keep up the great work. I subscribed and will be waiting to see your next work my friend!!!
Thanks so much. And I'm sure you found out, just as I did, what a deep rabbit hole it is! While I'm not trying to copy WR, I would by lying if I said that he wasn't an inspiration to begin filming my own watches. A few people have said that the videos are similar, and while I'm not trying to copy him, it is somewhat difficult to be unique when filming watch repair. I try to stick to more of the technical side of things, and explain in detail what I'm doing. I think that makes my channel somewhat unique, at least compared to some of the others. I truly enjoy watching other channels, but I'm trying to do my own thing and set myself apart from the majority of other channels. I appreciate the kind words. I just got back from a week long work trip and began work on the next watch this evening.
Great job 👍
Thanks a bunch.
What a video! What a clearance in lighting, explaining, showcasing! Incredible, you doing this "only" occasionally and on weekends at night! AMAZING stuff!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.
Nice job again 👍
Thanks.
A brilliant combination of your skills. Video and photography are excellent. The complete display of all the elements of the disassembly and then the assembly is the icing on the cake. Including all the screw removal and installs is just so good, it explains a lot visually. The second element of the icing on the cake is your commentary. Including the history of the watch and then adding your comments about your own history is so good. It's pleasing that you take the time to mention other members of the watch community and the help that they have given you. You are doing the same for us as well. Others may not realise just how small the community is. Thank you
Thanks Ross. That means so much. I hope your Bell-Matic project is moving along well. Good to hear from you!
That was an awesome video. That watch is beautiful. Love watching your videos and listening to you explain the parts and how they work. 👌
Thank you kindly!
Very cool looking watch, surprised it was all stainless case. Great results!
Thanks so much. A lot of them are plated, but the fact that this one was an all stainless case was one of the reasons I bought the watch off of eBay.
Dude… this is a great video! Subscribed!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
It turned out great, nice to rescue an old worn out watch, and it's good, Rolex used one of the FHF movements in the past, for Canadian market Oyster watches.
That’s interesting, I didn’t know that about FHF.
Excellent!!
Many thanks!
Hermoso, gran trabajo, calidad 👌
Thank you.
Lovely watch, you've done a great job!
Thank you! Cheers!
Amazing Video! I really appreciated seeing the movement from multiple angles during assembly, I love watchmaking videos and I think yours might be the best on TH-cam
Well, I don’t quite know how to respond to that other than to say thank you. I do try my best to produce the best quality video I can. I appreciate your kind words and thank you for watching.
Thanks
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.
So cool!
Thanks.
Hey man, just want to say, this was a fun video to watch. I liked the camera angles you had, the voice over was very nice to listen to, and as you know, FHF made some good movements so that's always fun!
I will absolutely follow this channel along, and hope to see you and it's community grow.
I'm a trained watchmaker, and I noticed some small things I'd like to give feedback on. I hope you don't see it as arrogant or demeaning, I don't intend it that way at all.
First thing is your screwdriver choice. Please make sure you always choose the screwdriver size that exactly (or if impossible, a touch smaller) matches the head of the screw. That prevents damaging the screw, or the screw hole by scraping it with the blade.
Then the capjewels, they should have equal size oil droplets. The first one was beautiful, full 80% (which is the ideal size) of the capjewel filled with oil. But the other one you filled just for 50%, which is on the absolute minimal side of the spectrum. Ideally you should fill the smallest of the 2 capjewels first with 80% oil (if there is a size difference between them), and then match the size of the other droplet to it. That helps with consistency on the timegrapher.
I'd also ease up a bit on the oil and grease when it's not in a jewel. Most spots just need a light film, and more than that will do more harm than good, as the oil/grease will run away/out of place in the long run. Just a little is enough, it doesn't need multiple blobs.
Your oiling in the jewels themselves is pretty clean though, and I loved the capillary action shots! You might want to pay attention to not getting oil on the sides of the jewel (the flat "borders" if you know what I mean?) but apart from that, pretty good!
Oiling the pallet jewels was tad less though, oil shouldn't creep up the sides of the escape wheel teeth like that. Giving smaller droplets of oil will help with that, as would using Epilame to keep that oil in place better.
I've found that looking at my oiler through the microscope first to check the amount works better, and then if too much, touch it against my fingernail to dispose of the excess.
I got a good few laughs out of your video. The fumbling around, and struggling with the stem... all reminded me of when I started out as a student. That learning process that never really stops, and is just so relatable. Thanks for keeping the video authentic like that, it really adds a lot.
You also got that case looking very presentable as well, and I was surprised your your results with that caseback. Especially with limited tools, great job!
I really enjoyed this video, and am looking forward to more of it.
Kind regards! (and sorry for the whole novel I wrote here)
I love this feedback. I appreciate you taking the time to write that out, and I will take your advice to heart. Thanks so much. It’s my first official critique from an actual trained watchmaker!
Cool restoration with a great looking movement. I really enjoyed learning new watch stuff. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
That’s a great looking watch Adam. I really like the case work you did
Thanks. I appreciate it very much.
Wow tht watch looks awesome 👏 man
Thanks. I think it turned out really well. That's what I love about working on these old watches. I don't have the budget to buy a lot of very expensive watches for projects. Some of these old models are really a bargain and have great movements & dials. I think that a lot of people don't feel it's worth the cost to restore them. If it's only about the cost to have someone do the work, they're probably right, but these watches are stunning and brining them back is a lot of fun for me.
I like the balance between polished and brushed that you achieved on the case; very nice. It seems to me that vintage watches such as this one, have a certain air of elegance and style that many modern watches of equivalent value, completely lack. I thoroughly enjoyed your video, thank you.
I completely agree about vintage watches. They just have a look to them that you don't see in most modern pieces. I appreciate the comments about the case work. I don't really have any professional equipment for case refinishing/restoration, so I just tried my best with what I had. I'm glad you liked it.
Good camera work. Excellent shot during balance jewel shock setting install.
Thanks so much.
Very nice watch .
Thanks for watching.
Great video. Great job.
Thank you!
EXCELENTE SERVIÇO 👍👍 🇧🇷
Thank you.
Great job! Brought back pleasant memories of me servicing the same movement. I’d love to see you polishing, and using your home made tool, I think I’d like to do the same. Ta!
Thanks! Will do!
wow - what a great watch and again an awesome video - i really like it!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have learned the exact same way. I had a “women’s/kids” watch my dad gave me, took the back off, just knew I couldn’t handle it. Later a friend gave me a Helios/Precimax. I had found your videos, and Wristwatch Revival’s, and I Watch Repair channel’s videos. And I got that Helios going, so I did a Precimax of the same caliber. Never took a course but I’ve currently got a few watches going with minimal tools
Beautiful restoration!
Thanks so much. I appreciate it.
Another fantastic help in this space, a true master, is Chronoglide. Kalle runs a restoration shop and school in The Netherlands and livestreams weekly.
I love your videos. Keep it up, it's a great journey!
I have watched everything he's done. I regretted not calling out his channel by name, but you are correct. He is exceptionally skilled, and his shop can produce incredible work. I definitely follow Chronoglide.
Good work, good technique, nice result
Thank you very much!
looks great
Thanks a bunch.
Yes, the fontainmelon movement are indeed up there with some of the best movements that were available at that time, ETA quality and reliability and tbh the finish on them is almost Omega like, another very enjoyable video Adam keep up the good work and keep them coming. 👏🙏😉👌
Well said! I intentionally did not say the full name of the movement manufacturer out of fear of terribly mispronouncing it, haha! They are great movements, and this one was a joy to work on. Thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment.