Restoring a Historic WW2 Watch with Rare Engravings - Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre 1940s

This time i'm restoring this rare and historic WW2 watch. It's a Jaeger LeCoultre with some mysterious engravings: The caseback indicates that the watch was once the main prize in a German youth competition in 1942/43. Someone also scratched the word "Kühn" into the side of the case. An indication that the owner was particularly brave? Or maybe a German surname?

Whatever, the watch is surprisingly still running. However, not very reliable.
I am completely restoring the watch. Disassemble, clean and freshly oil the movement. The old chrome from the case is removed. After a fresh coat of nickel it is re-chromed. The radioactive luminous material from the dial is completely removed and the hands are replaced.

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Chapters:
0:00 - Disassembly
4:23 - Case Restoration
9:55 - Caseback Restoration
11:20 - Polishing the Glass
11:52 - Stem/Crown Repair / Time-Machine
12:33 - Dial Restoration (Removing the radioactive radium)
14:21 - Working on the Hands
16:39 - Movement Cleaning
20:27 - Reassembly
26:01 - Final Result

I hope you liked this restoration, if so, like, comment and subscribe ;)

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Music: "I Feel It All So Deeply" by @bail_bonds
Link to the song:

___________________________________

Thanks to all my patreons, channel-members and subscribers!
And especially to my gold-supporters:
- Diego Macias
- Tim959
as well as my silver-supporters:
- Peter Oetterli
- Alfredo Lagos
- Martti Künnapas
- イェンシー
- Juan Eduardo Galicia Avila
- Osto

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TOOLS:
Best value watchmaking-tools by Horotec:
@horotecsa2535
Bezel Remover:
MSA07.119
Hands Removing Levers:
MSA05.008
Hands Removing Press:
MSA05.129
Hand-Setting Press:
MSA05.021
Magnifiers:
MSA00.032
Screwdrivers:
MSA01.020-C

Graffiti styled Horotec-Tools:
Graffiti Closing Press:
GRAF07.131
Graffiti Press with Large Wheel:
GRAF07.360

Elma Cleaning Products by @elmaultrasonic
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Workshop Equipment by @friedrichkuppergmbh9654
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Other Tools:

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#watchrestoration #asmr #restoration #asmrrestoration #asmrrelax

[RedDeadRestoration]

Thank you for 27 minutes of your time. I hope you enjoy this restoration as much as I enjoyed working on it. I would also like to thank you for your comments, whether positive or negative. To everyone who is of the opinion that this watch should not have been restored due to its history: I in no way want to honor the events of this era with this video. I restore watches of all ages and origins. This watch has not committed any crimes and will not do so even after restoration. History is history no matter whether good or bad - The easiest way to repeat history is to forget it.

[celldweller]

The fact that it still runs even before the restoration is a testament to JLC’s movements and watchmaking. I have 2 of them, and I will never get rid of them. They are an underrated, phenomenal brand.

[MrHardhatharry]

Imagine the stories an 82 year old watch could tell. Outstanding restoration (as always my friend).

[Indrakusuma_a]

Don't mind me, I'm just here to admire all of his ever growing fancy tools in action. The watch restoration is only a bonus here.

[dave]

I'm just as impressed with all the tooling as much as the restoration! Great work and loving the tools

[fimalivak]

I have watched many masters who repair watches, but no one works the way you do. You are not just a professional, you are a unique genius.

[chrisjuliano]

OH come on! Don't hold back on all the rinsing just for us. I think think had the most detail changes I have ever seen you make. You are a master of your craft. Thank you for sharing it with us. Also, time machine back to 1942 Germany....gutsy move man.

[alanparks]

Once again, magnificent. Such a simple yet lovely movement. No one restores like you do. For an 80-year old JLC, it’s a masterpiece.

[morgonstierna]

Just a matter of taste, I’d have kept the old, worn down crown. It tells the story of how old the watch is and how heavily it’s been used, statement of its long service and reliability to its owner. But in terms of craftsmanship and accuracy I understand why it was exchanged.

[ian-c.]

I'm always impressed with you growing collection of cool tools !
You always have the right tool for the job !

[alexdeleon]

This episode illustrates the definition of RESTORE. Very skilled techniques were demonstrated throughout. I've watched many channels of watch repair/restore. I have never seen a radium contaminated dial corrected in that manner. This 80+ year old LeCoultre breathes again. The strap withstanding, you have resurrected this WWII relic for today's generation to see and learn about the inner practice to condition the youth of Germany to blindly compete for that regime. Thank you for posting!

[المسافرفيالحياة]

You are truly an artist, amazing work...There are two things that reflect your experience, the first is precision in work and the second is working in complete calm...I congratulate you on your amazing work

[loveobd]

Also ich muss mich hier mit einem längeren Kommentar zurückmelden.
1. Das muss ja eine unglaublich seltene Uhr, bis hin zum Einzelstück, sein. Einfach ein wahnsinnig schönes Stück und passend für deine Sammlung.
2. Die Benutzung der Werkzeuge ist und bleibt ein Fest. Mein Papa freut sich jedes Mal, wenn er das sieht haha. Du weißt und kennst ja wirklich alles.
3. Respekt, dass du das Zifferblatt so bearbeitet hast. Sowas kann schnell in die Hose gehen und dann ist es gleich ganz vorbei. Hier ist es echt super geworden.
4. Einfach immer noch unglaublich und traurig zugleich, dass du nicht von Elma gesponsert wirst 😉
5. Der Ganglauf für eine Uhr von 1942 ist ja unglaublich! Plus zwei Sekunden, starke Amplitude und halt einfach null komma null ms Abfallfehler- wie machst du das?! 😂
Naja, ich wünsche dir und allen anderen hier eine angenehme und schöne Restwoche 🙋🏼‍♂️

[officialpoof]

Been really eager to see this transformation. What an amazing piece!

[antoniobravetti]

Absolutely amazing restoration, and the quality of the camera work is unbelievable.The only thing i wouldn't have replaced was the original crown, I thought it was quite beautiful.

[Petruccio]

That radium dust is everywhere inside the watch case, on the glass, allover the parts, be careful!
Great video, super result!

[rodvickery]

Another great restoration of a very interesting vintage classic watch.

[bmwracer]

Another fine restoration. I always enjoy watching your meticulous work. And your tools and workshop are so well organized. Awesome. 👍

[Roger.watches]

It's always a pleasure to look at your restorations!
you are a top Watchmaker and a top Youtuber!

[robbieshand]

Such wonderful machinery. Not just the watch itself but all the contraptions in the workshop. 😀