Verge Fusee Almost Defeated Me - King George III era Antique Watch Restoration

In this video, I’m working on something a little bit different. I will be repairing a verge fusee pocket watch in a sterling silver case. Fusee’s are scary as hell to work on, and I’ll show you why. I’ll also try to explain what a verge fusee is, and how it’s supposed to work. This watch was produced in the late 1700's, by far the oldest one I've worked on so far. King George III was still the king of Great Britain, where they were in the upswing of the industrial revolution. American had won its independence only 11 years ago. The French revolution was well underway.

#restoration
#watchrepair
#pocketwatch

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:

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:16 Disassembly
17:31 Making new teeth
20:12 Pivot restore on Jacot
23:17 Making a bushing on the lathe
27:28 Making a new screw
31:20 Cleaning
32:44 Begin Assembly
38:48 Making new brass pins
39:18 Installing the chain
41:25 Installing the verge balance
43:35 Repairing the crown wheel
46:29 Regulating the watch
47:05 Final results

[bobbolly]

You should mark down on the yellow paper the current date of your repair so it can be found in 300 years from now and show it was repaired in 2024. You were part of the history of this watch as much as the previous watchmaker who repaired it last and the one before him and the one who first made the watch. Continue its legacy. Loved the video!

[FosterFarmsOk]

watching you do this now is impressive. knowing a watchmaker 200 years ago built it without all the modern tools is incredible.

[chrisl]

Honestly, you are much too modest using the term "watch restorations." You are a watchmaker in the truest sense of the word! The chamfering, black polishing and bluing of the screws, making your own bushings and screws using a lathe, and soldering and filing new teeth on to the wheel! It was all superb examples of craftsmanship!

[chronocommander]

The precision of the watch parts is astonishing considering the 18th-century state of technology and handmade parts. The chain alone is an incredible achievement.

[dixonqwerty]

It is hard to imagine watchmakers being able to make those parts that long ago. Amazing.

[GentlemensWatchServices]

At first I was thinking I’m not that interested in working on old fusee and verge watches…but as soon as I saw the depthing marks on the main plate I was hooked. To have that connection to the maker from over 200 years ago…unpicking their skill, problem solving, even occasional laziness. Fascinating. Your videos keep getting better, brilliant!

[thomasgibson]

I'm a mechanical moron and am in absolute awe at the skills, empathy and patience you brought to this project.
Also, your watchmaking prowess is matched by your photographic brilliance, without which quality ofthis video would be significantly diminished.

[kodywillnauer]

Lot of history stored inside that timepiece.

[semperfidelis]

holy cow. 1700's craftsmanship! Amazing repair skill.

[anthonycaryl]

Impressive work, you should add a service paper to the case

[tempus_fugit]

This is EXACTLY why I have hesitated on purchasing a verge from this era! A consistent, running watch is out of my budget, I don't have the tools or experience to fabricate or repair anything and I can't afford to pay someone to perform any repairs. All that said, I'm grateful for this video as I always enjoy watching the entire process.

[jeffreytan]

You sir are not just a watch restorationist but a pure craftsman.

[philparkinson]

This is the most impressive horological post I've seen in a very long time. Very well done sir!

[SUB-IN-SUPER]

This, ladies and gentlemen. Is watch-craftmanship at it's finest.
No words needed.

[sdcoinshooter]

I wish I had this man’s talent and ability to bring life to such a wonderful timepiece

[peterboyle]

I have never said "Wow" more times during one vid than this one. Very very cool.

[muss]

From the 1700's and you now having a bit in its history as a repairmen of 2024. You are now part of that piece! Amazing meticulous work mate😎🇦🇺👌

[javedfazil]

I am a little mechanically inclined person myself and usually do all the work on my motorcycles and car from rebuilding the engines and transmissions to maintenances. For the first time i saw this video and i am so impressed that i subscribed to this channel

[samnova]

Fantastic job done on that very old watch. It was great to see a fusee movement being serviced.

[nicolefrohlich]

What fascinates me the most is how you tear so many tiny little pieces down and remember where and how it goes back together.