Fitting a new balance staff to a vintage 1940s cyma www military watch. Repair series

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This 1940's Cyma WWW vintage military watch had a broken balance staff, both top and bottom pivots. This video shows how I removed the old balance staff and replaced it with a new one.

The principle tools used on this job are a Bergeon Platax tool for removing the old staff and roller, and a staking set to rivet the new staff onto the balance wheel and re-seat the roller and hairspring.

The method of poising, which is not shown in the video, is "Dynamic Poising" which is done with the balance in the watch working with enough wind to achieve 100 degrees of amplitude, then measuring the rates with the watch in different vertical positions. This allows me to find the heavy point and adjust as needed.

The end result was a +70 year watch keeping time to within 10sec/day.

Discuss watch repair issues and learn more at

Watch repairs and services in the UK

[karinlefevre]

I can't thank you enough for showing all your vids. I was a Nurse aide for 25 years and 3 years ago I broke my leg and had 3 operations on it. Because of that I can no longer be an Aide because of the lifting that's involved. So I had no other job skills but watch restoration was my hobby, but now I am stepping up my game and plan to sell some good quality vintage watches on ebay and some other places. Whenever I have a question about anything I know I can come here and learn what I need to know. Everything I have learned about this has been self taught from books and cd's. My father owns an office building and is giving me an office to set up a shop and leave the limited space of my man cave. But if I was asked who my mentor was I would have to say you. You have helped me a great deal, it has quite literally been a life changer. Thanks again! And yes that is my real name

[markfreedman]

You truly are a MASTER at what you do. I'm amazed at the amount of precision components and work necessary to service them. It is an art. Thanks Again.

[NeedSteam]

When I see how well crafted these videos are, along side of your extensive knowledge, I realize how lucky we are to share in your knowledge. Thank you so much for not only your fine skill in horology but the file portrayal of your skills imparted upon us. Thanks many times over!!

[Jimgress]

I don't know a single thing about watches but these videos are fantastic. Very relaxing, well made, and educational. It's a great way to learn about such a fascinating world of such precise engineering. 

[slam]

I have no training in watch repair, but I am very mechanical. It is a joy to watch you work and makes perfect sense.

[carmelpule]

It is fascinating seeing all being prepared and the new parts sequentially being put back, making sure that the tools are well lined up for such accuracy. Congratulations for your skills .

[berryj.greene]

There's something enormously appealing about the "old" watch & clock maker/repairer. It fascinates me over again to return to this which was one of my very first engineering interests. The snag back then was that you can't let a kid loose amongst expensive movements. The necessary tools cost "loadsa money" - UNLESS you are going to use them to make some money and pay for themselves. Thanks for the superb videos and the honest comentary. You're Mark - right? Lovely job Mark!

[michaelmccarty]

I have been putting it off for far to long to try and learn the PROPER WAY to perform a lot of repair techniques that I really needed to learn how to do. Now that I have seen this Gentleman's videos, I am ashamed that I put this off so long. He makes everything so crystal clear that I am finding it to not be as difficult to do these more difficult repairs as I once thought. A BIG thumbs up for ALL of this Gentleman's watch repair video's. Thanks a lot, Mike

[richardmcmellon]

A great little how to do this video.
My second visit as this is my next job in hand and I needed a refresher!

[brianevans]

I been repairing watches since I was 14 I now I am into my mid 70s first time I've watched a video on watch repairing thank you done a marvellous job showing people how it's done in my day the only way to learn was to be taught by other watch makers well done

[samandbecky]

As a lot of your viewers, I have to take the time to thank you for sharing your knowledge and producing such excellent vides. After watching your videos on cleaning a mainspring I finally did it on my grandfathers 70's gold Roamer that was gaining 2hrs in 24. A tricky process but after 20minutes it is now running perfectly and more accurate than I could ever have imagined. Please keep up the excellent work I thank you for your videos.

[johnmoorefilm]

Superb, absolutely superb. The close up photography is wonderful, and not easy! Thank you

[gesturvalgarsson]

Great camera work, and just the right length and details. Your addvice as when to use the hammer and when not is great, Good woork.

[polarbear]

I have to say that of all the content on you tube this is without doubt my favourite channel .

[coffeeisgood]

Many years ago I operated my own clock repair shop.  Very rewarding work, but I moved on to other things.  However, during the course of time, I have collected lots of watches.  But unlike clocks, I cannot perform maintenance on these watches.  Your videos have motivated me to learn watch repair.  I hope to find a watch-maker who will take me under his wing and show me the trade.

[williamgreen]

You, sir, are a craftsman and a genius. You inspired me to attempt to repair my brother's 1022 calibre Omega Seamaster which had been dead for many years. While I spent many unhappy hours face down and ass up looking for components, I managed to repair the many faults. I just wish my brother had still been around to see it. Thank you so very much.

[geoffreylotz]

A fantastic video, thanks Mark. I can't believe how well you film these videos. I am grateful to have found your channel.

[paulhiggins]

This guy is awesome, just love the professionalism. This watch repairing is just like my job as a motor technician on a micro scale, started buying some tools just slightly smaller than I usually do and might buy a project watch that’s not running next time. Made a cracking pillow from a lorry bearing race. Funny how making hand stitched leather watch straps got me hooked.

[shanejones]

I would love to see a tutorial on how to use the platax tool

[wynkoop]

Your channel is great! I am learning watch repair online and I find your channel the most useful tutorial by far! I especially like the troubleshooting videos. Please keep them coming and thanks!