Elgin From the 1880s Vintage Pocket Watch Restoration

Marshall's friend Woodrow inherited an Elgin pocket watch from the 1880s in dire need of some restoration work. Join Marshall as he dives into the dirtiest vintage watch restoration he's taken on yet!

Follow on Instagram for Project Updates in between video releases: @wristwatch_revival
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[isaacwilcox]

First was horse hoof grooming, than it was lock-picking, and now I’m obsessed with watch repairing.

[killdXm]

I had no intention of sitting through a pocket watch revival today, but here we are. Well done and thank you.

[paulschumacker]

Another in your series of outstanding lessons! A few thoughts: These vintage watches weren’t meant to be lubricated by today’s Moebius lubricants, so that might explain why it’s running fast. I was taught not to lubricate the pallet fork pivots; doing so can contribute to running fast. Finally, Adam H is right about closing the case - always depress the stem, close the case, and then release the stem.  Especially with a gold case.
This video is particularly outstanding because you encountered problems along the way and you walked the audience through the diagnosis and the fix. This is the real challenge in watch repairs. There are lots of good videos showing tear down, cleaning, reassembly and everything ends up fine. The really good ones teach us what to think about when things don’t work out as planned.
Kudos!

[phoenixproto]

This video genuinely inspired me to repair a watch of my own, and I embarked on repairing a Waltham model 1888 (dates from 1893). It was an heirloom from my grandparents that was originally owned by my great-great grandfather as his retirement gift. I'm glad to say it now runs better than when I got it. Thank you for inspiring me Marshall!

[innerspaced]

I would love to see the way these mechanisms were made in the 1880s . Such precision is incredible

[KlingbergWingMkII]

I grew up in Elgin and as a youngster, I watched as they blew up the old watch tower. A big chunk of our city history gone forever. Thanks for restoring this piece of our history!

[keithsolloway]

Hi, I'm a watchmaker in my eighties with over 65 years experience in making any part for old watches. I thoroughly enjoyed your video, just a couple of points a bridge is when it is supported at both sides by two or more screws when as in a balance plate it is called a cock supported by one screw, and I would have thought that you would have tightened the bow. But all in all a very interesting video well done.

[odiesclips]

I'm sure that some people may think this is boring, but I am totally fascinated by your skills. I really appreciate everything that you do.

[jpkatz]

"You must learn the fundamentals, then you just do your best." Marshall, YOU have named a prime law of this human journey, thankyou!

[robertdavis]

My brother-in-law is a retired watchmaker working from a bench for56 years. He's paying for it now with lower back pain problems. I use to watch him bending over that bench for hours restoring wrist watches. Many people who knew our family relationship would say, if you had your watch reconditioned by Steve, it would run forever. I'd like to know how many watches were cleaned and repaired in those 56 years? Much respect for the people keeping our world running on time.

[victorstalick]

It amazes me that he can remember where all the parts go in a device that he hasn't seen before.

[robbieroberson]

I’m 66 and way too old to do this but I have done minor things and love watch repair. I admire anyone who can do what you can do. Simply awe inspiring…..a true craftsman.😊

[sketchpalosotherchannel]

oh, and just a heads up, you might want to press the crown down when you close the door. I have an 1859 key wound Arnold Addams and CO with a solid gold case, and I noticed that the lip on the door was so worn out that it doesn't stay closed anymore : / obviously, a gold case will wear out faster, but it is best to keep the delicacy of the watch in mind

[riverwildcat]

Beautiful work. I've been a watch/clock enthusiast and restorer since '62, but never expected to see the kind of work you do presented in such an entertaining fashion. Great fun!

[jonathanswink]

I have been binge watching this videos. It is so peaceful watching you do this restoration. Love them. Beautiful work you do

[brendandrury]

I accidentally landed on this video and watched it through. It was so interesting and educational. You have some skilled pair of steady hands. Very neat.

[BrendanSilent]

Absolutely gorgeous. No matter how modern watches try, nobody has nailed the delicacy and class and fonts of these old American pocket watches.

[laernulienlaernulienlaernu]

Considering it's 140 years old, I think 4 minutes a day is good enough! It's amazing that you've got such a fine, antique timepiece in good working order.

[dwayneharris]

You brought back life from over a hundred years ago! That watch is a work of art.

[stevenkrasner]

Happy New Year, Marshall. I am a rookie subscriber to your channel and am very much enjoying watching you. I am a retired Pawnbroker and GIA graduate Gemologist and have had a love of watches of all types my whole life. I want to share some pocketwatch knowledge I received many, many years ago, from my great-grandfather. You always close the cover the same way you open it. By pressing down on the crown and then carefully with your fingers, push the top cover down to where it meets the case and release the crown. You NEVER want to hear a click as the top closes. Why? I'm glad you asked. There is a very thin amount of metal that holds the cover closed, and every time that metal clicks closed, you will over time that thin metal will no longer hold the cover closed. Which results in the cover springing open unintentionally. Bending or breaking the cover. When you finished your great cleaning of your friends' family, heirloom, and then saw you close the case and hearing that metal clicking closed, I cringed and was compelled to write. I'm a big fan and can't wait to see what's next.