Restoration of a Rolex Watch - Seriously Water Damaged

Рет қаралды 497,038

3 жыл бұрын

This Water Damaged Rolex came to me for restoration with multiple internal issues. The aim was to get the watch working again with acceptable performance whilst replacing as few parts as possible. This being the case you will see quite a lot of formerly rusty, cleaned up components going back into the watch. I was interested to see if I could make the watch at least run with the original escape wheel albeit cleaning up. I did also try with the original pallet fork but these are notoriously tricky to clean so I was not too hopeful of success. Anyway this was a tough restoration job on a badly water damaged but potentially attractive Rolex watch. Watch it to find out how I got on and please share this with your friends if you like.
As I say at the end of this video .... if you are not subscribed, then you should be! It's free and it will help ensure you do not miss my future uploads.
I do not do much talking in this video leaving, for the most part, the action on screen to tell the story.
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Music: Bitters At The Saloon by Bird Creek (from The KZfaq Audio Library)

Пікірлер: 623

@mickeyx6746 3 жыл бұрын

Ho boy.... I’m glad I was subscribed! 😮 Nice work Richard! Good video! Always a pleasure! It was interesting to see the effects a dirty pallet and escape wheel can have, even on a high quality movement! Cheers!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mickey X ... great feedback thank you! Yes the tolerances are pretty fine and 20 microns of rust really gums things up" Thanks again. Richard

@AdventureCoupleUK 3 жыл бұрын

So now when people mock me for paying what I did for a Rolex, and they say 'it only tells the time like my Casio digital', I'll send them the link to this video. Amazing craftsmanship and patience. Great to watch.

@modergav 3 жыл бұрын

Non watch people think that "premium watches" are just fashion items or things to show how much you can afford for overpriced trivial stuff. But is more than that. Mechanical watches are just fascinating the amount of skill and engendering on thise things are just amazing. The Heuer Mikrograph for me is the perfect example of the art of watchmaking. Just brilliant stuff.

@jimsteinway695 2 жыл бұрын

They only mock you because they won’t make the same commitment to quality you did

@Yoriichi_Tsugikuni___ 2 жыл бұрын

How unaware of the watch industry they must be to say such things

@MakerInMotion Жыл бұрын

@@modergav Yeah but don't you think Rolex in particular leans into that perception? Its how they survived the advent of quartz movements. They made it into a status symbol instead of a timepiece. Nobody there in Geneva is upset that the rapper showing off his Rolex on instagram doesn't know or care about movements and craftsmanship.

@alst4817 Жыл бұрын

I love watches, but Rolex is pretty much everything wrong with the watch industry.

@upupandaway4444 3 жыл бұрын

Never get tired of a beautiful 3135 being brought back to life. Glad to see another one ticking again.

@robinosborne266 3 жыл бұрын

I have just found your channel and have subscribed to it immediately Richard. Wonderful video that brought back many childhood memories for me. I am in my 60s now and my late father was watchmaker at what was then called The Northern Goldsmiths, based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Watchmakers were certainly undervalued in those days and received pathetic wages so my father used to supplement his income by servicing and repairing Rolex watches at home and I remember sitting for hours watching him “doing his stuff” on them, totally in awe of how he knew how to put everything back together. I do remember that he charged 30 “Bob” for servicing a Rolex (£1.50p!!!). Unfortunately I didn’t follow in his footsteps as a watchmaker, probably because my father convinced me that the age of mechanical watches was coming to an end and there would be no work available. What all of those hours of watching Dad has given me though is a lifetime love of mechanical timepieces. Sorry for the long post but I thought that it might be of interest to you.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

HI Robin ... welcome aboard! Your father and I have much in common. I supplement my Army pension doing this work but happily for a little more than 30 Bob! There is much enjoyment to be had in this interesting pursuit and your appreciation of it is heartening. It's great to have you along. Richard

@robinosborne266 3 жыл бұрын

@@richardperrettwatchmaker Thank you for taking the time and effort to acknowledge my message. Looking forward to viewing all of your uploaded videos and am in anticipation of new content. Thanks

@simonmiskin9886 3 жыл бұрын

Sunday morning, a mug of freshly brewed coffee , a home made Welshcake & the latest video from Mr. Perrett. Your filming & macro work are superb Sir. You have inspired me & given me the confidence to dabble inside a few vintage clocks which have now sprung into life, maybe I'll investigate the innards of a Waterbury pocket watch 1893. I've learned so much from your videos, glad I subscribed this time last year.......now to become a member & access the premium content. Thankyou so much Richard

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Morning Simon! Very pleased my videos have been enjoyable and helpful. Just think of the pocket watch as a small round carriage clock and it may help a little. Most importantly just have fun with it! Thanks for the feedback. Richard

@christoskokkolis5110 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video..!! I can't believe with so many watch parts around how you can always remember what goes where, and in what order...massive respect!

@j81851 3 жыл бұрын

Richard I got out of bed on a Saturday and lo and behold a video! I was so excited and watched it all the way through during breakfast. Please make more I so much enjoy your cool ways about you and the skill of mastering these high end watches. Wow why do people abuse a lovely piece like this. Maybe an accident but never fear we have the master watchmaker making it right! Thanks so much for your work! It encourages wanna be's like me to keep learning watchmaking. Best of day to you God bless!!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi John ... great feedback thank you! The water ingress is something that can happen to anyone figure, it just takes a momentary lapse in concentration and the crown does not get screwed down. Keep going with the watchnaking! Richard

@rodvickery9169 3 жыл бұрын

I think the lesson here is the minute you notice any water ingress in your Rolex get it sorted ASAP to avoid too much damage but I am amazed how well all the parts cleaned up. Nice job Richard.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Rod... Yes, definitely best to address this type of issue soonest. The internal design is actually pretty resilient. Thanks for the feedback. Richard

@papatriot9882 3 жыл бұрын

Well done Richard.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much PA Patriot! Richard

@mdamdtraveldoc7183 3 жыл бұрын

Love your videos. Almost hypnotic. I can really appreciate the artisan skill set required to fix such a complex device.

@alisonjordan4235 3 жыл бұрын

Great job Richard

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much alison! Richard

@abogadocarlosmorthera Ай бұрын

Truly a mechanical surgery! Great MAJOR watches (Rolex-like). Carry on. Regards from México.

@jerryhobbs8187 2 жыл бұрын

Such awesome craftsmanship you are doing

@richardperrettwatchmaker 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jerry. Richard

@johncunningham5435 3 жыл бұрын

What a job! "well done Richard", I can't imagine the time it took you to restore this magnificent piece.

@alwyn1410 3 жыл бұрын

A truly dedicated craftsman at work, a pleasure to watch.

@ragiereddy5087 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome craftmanship!

@Sergeant_Fury 3 жыл бұрын

I guess the only criticism I can make is that you don't indulge the repair work with your personality and bits and bobs of chit-chat about the lore of wrist watches, what you like or dislike about a given brand, your favourite make and on and on. Aside from that, your camera work is impeccable.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Eugene... The alarming reality for me is that the analytics clearly show that the more I talk the less folks watch. Harsh but true! I have to stop myself talking... but then I am maybe talking about the wrong stuff. I will give it some thought. Thanks for the feedback. Richard

@Sergeant_Fury 3 жыл бұрын

@@richardperrettwatchmaker Thanks for indulging me. What you could do are two versions; one with chit-chat and the other in total silence with the occasional tut-tut about the state of a given watch. It's like going to your mechanic. Mine will always take me by the elbow and say, "You see this piece? Okay, it needs replacing because it's burned out." He once gave me a scratched, plastic magnifying glass of the kind sold to kids in a detective set, to show me something that was letting oil and petrol mix in some tube. It's about letting your personality come across.

@goggolec 3 жыл бұрын

Suuuuper. Good Richtie!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir! Richard

@bratisme121 3 жыл бұрын

I am absolutely amazed at the steadiness of your hands! Very well done!

@edgardojaviercanu4740 2 жыл бұрын

beautiful job.

@daveh5625 3 жыл бұрын

Thank was relaxing... thanks

@billquillin1952 Жыл бұрын

Good evening, King Richard! Quite frankly, I'm surprised the items that Didn't corrode in this Rolex! Fine job, Sir, Fine Job! Carry On.

@memyselfeyetallent7149 2 жыл бұрын

Most excellent work !

@yurisips 2 жыл бұрын

Epic master Rolex expert > I want you for the Rolex team !!!

@georgeoshea9961 3 жыл бұрын

Alright Richard, I’ve subscribed - you’re right, I’ve been watching your videos for ages and never bothered because they kept coming up. Keep them coming!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Haha! Welcome aboard George ... good man! Richard

@Ecoat65 3 жыл бұрын

Love watching these videos

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks James! Richard

@peterr.7429 3 жыл бұрын

Just superb work, thank you so much

@francescoa932 3 жыл бұрын

Nice work! Well done!

@edwardroman6844 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic videos every time. Thanks Richard.

@lucafwn 3 жыл бұрын

My grandfather's pocket Zenith got flooded once. Now I understand why a) restoring it was so expensive and time consuming, and b) after the restoration its time keeping is not great. Thank you for a great video.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Luca ... yes getting spare parts for your grandfather's Zenith may has been impossible so the parts may have been cleaned up and replaced. Whilst a pocket watch is likely to tolerate this better than a Rolex 3135 it would still adversely affect the performance. Great feedback. Thank you. Richard

@mazshah1534 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you major, love it

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Maz! Good to hear from you sir! Richard

@catalinstan6970 3 жыл бұрын

So nice, so amazing!

@paullewis266 3 жыл бұрын

In credible Richard , what a great watch to work with . Thank you showing us , see you next time .

@markirvin2809 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoyable as usual. Not as grotty as the previous rust bucket you completely fixed. Beautifully done. Thanks

@johnburgess6572 3 жыл бұрын

Fabulous !!! Loved it...would have liked to have seen the case and bracelet polishing !!!!!!!!!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi John .... thank you so much .... I didn't do any real heavy duty polishing. I tend not to unless specifically requested to by the owner. I will try and work it in to future videos. richard

@KRColson 3 жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoyed this restoration Richard. Looking forward to more. Thank you so much for sharing. A very satisfied Canuck! Cheers.

@nickjanssens Жыл бұрын

Coincidentally I fitted an electrical plug today, I have a problem holding things, the screwdriver nearly floored me, great video and an antidote to my frustrations today.

@gilbertoantoniodealmeida954 3 жыл бұрын

Work of arts. Congratulations

@mwade6982 Жыл бұрын

Great work sir 👏👏

@rayng4336 2 жыл бұрын

Subscribed! Great work!

@willamcombs1106 3 жыл бұрын

You truly are an artist, Sir. I enjoy your video's immensely. Superb Restoration. 👍

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much William. Richard

@steftedja 2 жыл бұрын

Keep it up Richard👍

@ricardo_chile9351 3 жыл бұрын

Just Thank You. Ricardo.

@geoffquickfall8424 3 жыл бұрын

Another gorgeous service, thanks for the work!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Than you so much Geoff! Richard

@erindprifti9323 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome work !!!

@burtwaldermann7545 3 жыл бұрын

Nice accent. Clear. As a true Canadian. Nice lilt!!! You know what you doing

@fvazquez64 Жыл бұрын

the art of patience .. Thanks for sharing!!

@FloridaClay 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video clarity now.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi FloridaClay... Very good to hear from you sir! I have been trying to up my photography game so this is good to hear. Hope all good with you. Richard

@saintATM 3 жыл бұрын

great work

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Allen! Richard

@valexband 3 жыл бұрын

Спасибо за видео, Ричард! Как всегда очень интересно смотреть! Съемка замечательная! Привет из России!

@jamessmith6402 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely wonderful to “watch” 👍 thanks Richard

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Haha! Thank you so much James and for taking a moment to say so. Richard

@fredscratchet1355 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful job Richard. I watched a certain KZfaqr "restoring" a rusted Rolex Perpetual the other day. Granted it was worse than this one but he just binned everything with the slightest bit of rust on and fitted new parts with no attempt to restore anything. Someone commented that it was more of a replace than a restore to which I agreed. The KZfaqr gave him a load of abuse and all the fanboys joined in. I was surprised and will not watch any more of his videos. I've always enjoyed your work Richard and yes I am subscribed 😁

@richardperrettwatchmaker 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Fred... Yes I like to try and restore rather than replace and I am not a very reactive person so very unlikely to react strongly to comments. I actually really like criticism because very often it is really useful. This is especially true when a trend appears in the comments and several people's are all saying I could do something better. When this happens they are often correct so i try to listen and act. Thanks for the feedback. Richard

@Pelefan1970 2 жыл бұрын

You sir are a genius. Absolutely amazing workmanship.

@lahm9690 3 жыл бұрын

great job sir 👍I am learning a lot from you because I want to repair watches as a hobby. your channel is very interesting and helpful to me.

@peterr7437 3 жыл бұрын

nice work richard

@Supercruze 3 жыл бұрын

Love watching your vids and restorations Richard. That escape wheel and some of the other components looked like toast. Want to see the time grapher line with that escape wheel. Nice of you to bring this one back. Well done. John S

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Supercruze ... good to hear from you and thanks so much for this feedback. Much appreciated. Ricahrd

@bobbyjocowpoke1057 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome Job👍🏻

@enzoenzo7032 2 жыл бұрын

Wow great job!!!

@paulscot9417 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent work as always Richard 👍

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Paul! Richard

@davidshaw5979 3 жыл бұрын

I have to say that was brilliant. Thanks Richard. all the best.

@demmertp 3 жыл бұрын

Nicely done Richard. I was surprised that the gold colored bridges shined up without any pitting. Describing an action as tricky is bound to make it jump out of place! Loved the high magnification shots--no tremors in your hands.

@bonynieto8541 2 жыл бұрын

Dear and admired Richard, I am writing to you from Peru, a few years ago my father gave me an old Rolex in very bad condition that I did not give the importance to; I found out a few years later that it is a very valuable watch and for this reason I discovered and am learning about this fascinating world of watchmaking. I really like the idea of replacing as few pieces as possible in a restoration that is not shared by other watchmakers. I would like you to advise me what things I should consider to restore my watch successfully. Thank you. Salvador Nieto

@richardperrettwatchmaker 2 жыл бұрын

Hi bony Nieto! Thank you so much for this message and please contact me via www.richardperrett.com/contact/ if you wish. Thanks again. Richard

@dominikrohde1561 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Really enjoyed watching.

@kscottw1970 Жыл бұрын

The slow motion shot at 23:20 was brilliant. I enjoyed that.

@majedalhamadi558 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video

@dr.omar.insights2000 3 жыл бұрын

Outstanding work of art. Like the new look .

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Than you so much Dr Omar! Yes I like this style of film much better and it seems pretty popular. Thanks again. Richard

@philspencelayh5464 3 жыл бұрын

Great job!

@eloygagogonzalez7330 3 жыл бұрын

As always it's a pleasure see you working. Thank you for the video, great job!!!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Eloy! Great to hear from you! Thanks so much for the support. Much appreciated! Richard

@albertmeyer8983 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice Richard! Thanks for posting this video!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Albert! Richard

@huaiqingwang507 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job. It’s a peaceful work

@fasteddy60 2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding!

@johncoyle8191 3 жыл бұрын

Well saved Richard . Great work as usual . I know people like to use original parts, but sometime it's not feasible. Thanks for content good job

@blakefrost8303 3 жыл бұрын

What a stunning watch! Another great video, thanks for the entertainment.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Blake! Good to hear from you. Richard

@MagWatchTime 3 жыл бұрын

Great work Richard, I needed a pick me up and always look forward to your fantastic work you kindly share with us. Another Rolex saved , you are the man. 👏👏👌

@andreanicolas9363 3 жыл бұрын

Very enjoyable and easy to watch , almost therapeutic and calming! Professional as always and great fun

@robertsart 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful, Richard. Time is safe in your hands!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Hound About! Haha! It only that were true! Thanks so much! Richard

@antoniooliva8948 3 жыл бұрын

Im a fan of your videos. I like It to watch them, specially Rolex. Big up from Spain.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Antonio ... greeting to you in Spain from wales and thank you so much for taking the trouble to give this feedback. Very much appreciated. Richard

@hardxcrew 3 жыл бұрын

beautifull work!

@tahirgul9010 3 жыл бұрын

Great job

@nejikanbonsai 3 жыл бұрын

Pour le référencement, un petit commentaire . bravo, c'est vraiment une superbe restauration. 👍😉

@ziloom11 2 жыл бұрын

Good evening richard, hope all is well. A question if I may: What would you use to remove rust from watch parts, and also, what do you use to remove the tube from a rolex? If you have links it will be more then wonderful. Thank you for your help and knowledge Gal

@T3DSK1 8 ай бұрын

well it beats fixing tanks in the field , thanks for your service 👍🙏

@breaktime3269 3 жыл бұрын

Just as usual an amazing video, showing how you skillfully restore a lovely time piece, thank you for sharing! Stay Safe 😷

@cristobalosuna3106 3 жыл бұрын

Such a treat watching your restorations...! Thank you

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Cristobal and great to herafrom you! richard

@dunderhay9169 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting as always 👍 . I liked the way you showed the movement trying to run with the rusty palate fork and escapement wheel. It must have been a lot more work, and I am sure you knew they would have to be changed. But the effects on the timegrapher plot really show how important these components are to accuracy. Thanks!

@randyallen2771 3 жыл бұрын

Great job Richard, my vote for your best video both in terms of content and filming (The tea break was interesting too). I would have been scared to death of twisting the head off one of those tiny rusted screws. I would also have been scared of the price of a new escape wheel and pallet fork from Rolex. Amazing so many parts were usable after cleaning. First class show all around, thanks.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Randy ... great to hear from you and very pleased on your take as I figure too that this one was not too bad. No sweat with the screws as I can always extract and replace if necessary. Thanks for the support. Richard

@orchardwatchandclockrepair8346 3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree

@sergei59889 3 жыл бұрын

Good job, right tools. Like!

@kurtnunn6116 3 жыл бұрын

An adventure with a satisfying ending.

@minicooper2572 3 жыл бұрын

Wow another miracle preformed congratulations on your skill , how can anyone leave a watch get into that kind of neglect. Well done sir

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mini Cooper... Good to hear from you! The watch was in good condition before it's mishap and I guess the mistake of leaving the crown unscrewed down could happen to anyone. Just bad luck I figure. Thanks for the feedback. Richard

@emilygooner9697 4 ай бұрын

Is that the bit on the side you twist and wind?

@pablods2587 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pablo DS! Richard

@Jonathanpaulm 3 жыл бұрын

Stunning video - thank you Richard!

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Jonathan! Richard

@swissmade1497 2 жыл бұрын

Keep the content coming!

@Watcheyes 3 жыл бұрын

This is how it should look like, crisp clean desk!

@carloscanales9686 6 ай бұрын

well done! it can be seen your truthly love and pasion for your profession

@nenadcubric2663 2 жыл бұрын

Well Done👍👍

@tinkeringforfun 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic job as usual Richard. It was really interesting seeing you try out the original parts before having to replace them. It just shows to the layperson how precise these instruments are and even slight damage has such a huge impact on the mechanism.

@richardperrettwatchmaker 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Vienna! Your Slingshot toady (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/btyChNSiqs_Un2w.html) trumps this Rolex I figure ... especially in a riot! Black Widow! That's funny! Really nice job on the leather holster for it. And thank you for this feedback which is too kind! Richard