Vacheron & Constantin Pocket Watch - DIY Balance Staff! Amazing Restoration

This Vacheron & Constantin pocket watch was running quite poorly. Timekeeping was erratic and the watch would randomly stop. At first, I thought a basic service and overhaul would take care of it, but I eventually learned that the balance staff was the main culprit. Unlike past repairs, I was unable to find a replacement staff online. My only option was to make my own. With specifications in the fractions of a millimeter, I questioned whether I had the skills needed to complete the task. The video documents the full approach I took to restore this beautiful watch, including the process of making the new balance staff on the watchmaker lathe.

Join me on this journey through the intricate process of restoring a Vacheron & Constantin pocket watch that was in dire need of repair. The timepiece was plagued by erratic timekeeping and would randomly stop, making it a challenging project from the start. Initially, I thought a basic service and overhaul would solve the issue. However, I soon discovered that the real problem was a damaged balance staff.

Finding a replacement balance staff online proved impossible, so I had to take matters into my own hands. With specifications measured in fractions of a millimeter, I questioned my ability to craft a new balance staff myself. This video documents every step of this fascinating restoration, showcasing the detailed approach and precision required to bring this beautiful watch back to life. I cover all the complexities of creating a custom balance staff on a watchmaker's lathe, all while overcoming the challenges of the process.

Whether you're a seasoned watch enthusiast or simply curious about the world of horology, this video offers a captivating glimpse into how an amateur like me is trying to master the art of watchmaking.

#restoration
#watchrepair
#pocketwatch
#vacheronconstantin

Many of my tools I use are affordable. If you're interested in getting started with watch repair and would like to use what I use, I've included some links below. I earn a small commission from Amazon if purchases are made using these links.

Useful Texts:

Tools:

Cleaning:

Lubrication:

Buffing and Polishing:
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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:45 Disassembly and Inspection
8:48 Cleaning Sequence
9:53 Begin Assembly
23:25 Making a Balance Staff
42:25 Come Alive and Regulation
45:48 Case Work
47:29 Final Steps

[anthonycarnevale]

Great job Chris! It was very interesting seeing you have the confidence to stretch your skills in making the balance staff, not something to be taken lightly. Thanks for your work and I'll appreciate the watch for years to come.

[Emilmarch]

You kidding me? Skip to the next chapter? That is the best part of the video. Great job.

I really wanted the video didn't end. Loved it, awesome, awesome job.

[malposz]

No words, absolutely brilliant. To make a balance staff from scratch is something completely different. Mad respect and loved the vid. Nowhere on YouTube can one find more detailed restorations with great quality, shots and explanations. And all that from a hobbyist? Brilliant, top notch!

[tedcoons]

Cutting a balance staff is what separates the men from the boys. Screws such as you make already set the stage for you to advance & elevate you to a master. From what I have seen in your videos, I have every confidence that you can take & pass the AWI Certified Master Watchmaker examination; go for it.

[Jyarber]

Hahaha I got confused when you put the main spring back in I thought I was watching one of Marshall's videos 😂.. The most satisfying sound!!😂

[jaylevine]

Wow, you clearly are entering the realm of watchmaker vs just a watch technician. Super impressive.

[nyckhampson]

At 23:26: 'Making a balance staff', we feel your pain. However Chris, "no pain, no gain" in your already excellent skill set 📐
Awesome channel btw 👌loved the edits, plenty of nods of approval as one gazed out the window 🪟 in contemplating the task ahead...nice touch

[gabrielcupertino]

"Feel free to skip if you don't want to watch me do the staff"... My man, I came here just for that! Nice work! 😂

[ShiroArctic]

These old Vacheron Constantin movements were so far ahead of their time.

[jlinkels]

I did not see videos in previous style, narration or with added music. This current style, no high speed playback, interesting and relaxed narration, tool sounds and no music is just perfect.

[fieldie]

24:10 😅 OMG I loved this scene! So good!!

[LtDan-fylc]

That bit at 24:10 was totally unexpected and had me gasping for air xD nicely done

[JoshHefnerX]

Watch is really beautiful, inside and out. And you made a balance staff from scratch!! I have a large metal lathe and watching you use the cutters by hand like a wood lathe is interesting and amazing on something that small. Fantastic job!

[todds]

Masterful work! You are giving me some courage. I have a V&C pocket watch that was gifted to a Great Great Uncle for his retirement from the Aluminum Company of Canada. The catch is, the entire watch, everything possible, is made of aluminum! The case and even the watch chain are aluminum. Apparently, only a few hundred were commissioned and only given as gifts to aluminum manufacturing employees. The movement looks very similar to this one. It's a terrifying experience to even open the case for fear of scratching the soft aluminum. The watch does not run and has been wound tight, probably for decades. There is no sign of anyone ever having serviced it. I tried to at least let down the mainspring, but it will not release (has that same style click). The prospect of disassembling a fully powered super rare watch with unobtanium parts is frightening to say the least. It is spotless inside and I'm assuming the 90 year old lubricants have turned to glue. I really want to get it running but sending it to V&C is financially out of the question. Hopefully as I gain more skill and knowledge from great videos like this one, I will be able to tackle it someday.

[maggs]

Thank you for providing a new addiction. Just found your channel a few hours ago and alread binging as a loyal new subscriber

[littlecncshop]

Wow. That movements amazing, and super watchmaker friendly. Great job making that balance staff. Always impressive to watch you work.- tyler

[sealofthesea]

Beautiful movement, love the click and rachet wheel system, reminds me of the modern Laurent ferrier classic, as well as the three screw 4th wheel cap jewel, incredible watch and incredible work by you!

[kimwilliford]

I'd love to see you restore vintage and antique clocks. Maybe some history of sun dials and how to work one

[YZoxKm]

Great video, thanks for showing the process of making a balance. The nodding sequence was funny. It's good to have a mix of technical details and humor.

[Jack_Connan]

Hi Chris . First off, thank you for sharing your passion with us .
That is a stunning time piece and i too have a passion for pocket watches, i just think they are so much more elegant !
Then i would like to give you a little bit of advice, having been a goldsmith for 15 years and now a knife maker for the last 15 years, i am quite used to polishing things, and you make the same mistake i see most watch repair guys make . when polishing something, use a soft wheel and don't over load it with your polishing compound . then, when you are polishing something, always move against the wheel (the wheel facing you is moving downwards, so when polishing, move the piece up), that way you will get much less buildup of compound and you will get a much cleaner polish .

Hope this is of help in the future and adds another tool in the tool chest .
Keep up the beautiful work