Restoration of a Waltham Vanguard Railroad Grade Pocket Watch

Restoration of a Waltham Vanguard Railroad Grade Pocket Watch - Family Heirloom

Рет қаралды 43,326

Күн бұрын

This Waltham Vanguard is a family heirloom of a viewer whose father, Raye E. Hughes, A WW2 veteran of the US Navy, used this watch while working as a conductor for the Texas & Pacific Railway. The watch was passed down to Raye from his father. Clearly, it's seen better days and who knows when this watch had last run, BUT my opinion is it can still be restored to working order. I may go as far to say it's a diamond in the rough.
Can I restore this watch close to railroad grade accuracy?
#restoration
#watchrepair
#pocketwatch
Contact info: cspinnerwatchrepair@gmail.com
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:
Watch Repairer's Manual: amzn.to/3knrwdG
Watchmaker's Lathe: amzn.to/3D02WGb
Tools:
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Micrometer Stand: amzn.to/3vPPuUy
Microscope: amzn.to/3ZrQ3Pn
Movement Holder (pocket watches): amzn.to/3H9JBUv
Movement Holder (wrist watches): amzn.to/3JeG2iv
Ceramic Tipped Tweezers: amzn.to/3QP1qMH
Finger cots: amzn.to/3CXbXzJ
Micrometer: amzn.to/3QNGN3C and Stand: amzn.to/3iIyF86
Rodico: amzn.to/3kr5RBb
Tweezers: amzn.to/3GNFEVi
10X Loupe: amzn.to/3iLfome
Levers: amzn.to/3XB4RZG
Demagnetizer: amzn.to/3ZINUhS
Screwdrivers (Bergeon): amzn.to/3RTvGHp
Screwdrivers (cheaper option): amzn.to/3Xr7gqo
Cleaning:
Mesh Baskets: amzn.to/3ITqikE
Ultrasonic: amzn.to/3wcO7wg
Mason Jars: amzn.to/3WkUfgB
Cleaning Solution: amzn.to/3XwQ16I
Rinsing Solution: amzn.to/3wdgAlA
Cleaning Brushes: amzn.to/3QPnSp8
Lubrication:
Oilers: amzn.to/3Xi8LXR
DX Grease: amzn.to/3ZO0kVU
Moebius 941: amzn.to/3Hf6g2X
Moebius 9010: amzn.to/3CVGM7Y
Moebius D5: amzn.to/3ITqikE
Buffing and Polishing:
PolyWatch: amzn.to/3XlVTja
Polishing Compound: amzn.to/3QQ1r33
Bench Buffer Polisher: amzn.to/3OlcW2E
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:00 Movement Disassembly
10:33 Balance Staff Replacement
13:45 Cleaning
15:10 Begin Reassembly
21:00 Burnishing Pivots
23:22 Continue Reassembly
28:16 Balance Installation
28:50 Polishing the Case
29:29 Making a Stem on the Lathe
32:55 Completing Assembly
35:27 Closing Remarks

Пікірлер: 216

@HelloAlysha 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for fixing my grandfather’s watch. Not only did it mean a lot to my dad, it means a lot to the grandchildren and great grandchildren who have a tangible memory of our grandpa. That watch was handed down from my great grandpa Bill to grandpa Raye when he joined the railroad. It has now been a part of our family for 5 generations. We are so grateful for your skill and talent, as our grandpa would be to. Watchmakers and watchsmith’s are a lost art. Thank you.

@csspinner 4 ай бұрын

My pleasure! It’s an honor to be entrusted with the repair of a beautiful timepiece. Knowing how special it is to your family makes it even more meaningful to me.

@sonnymoorehouse1941 4 ай бұрын

This is awesome !!!! Great job Chris !!!!!!

@briancarpenter1255 18 күн бұрын

I can watch these videos over and over again. I really enjoy the narration as the work is being performed. Thanks Chris!

@derekmacieski3992 4 ай бұрын

The making of the stem was truly impressive.

@tiger_bread4 4 ай бұрын

Watched to the end and I found it funny how I was able to see your face in the reflection on the crown and ratchet wheel

@mountainhobo 4 ай бұрын

At 3:00 am, it is therapeutic to watch you work.

@vickiefowler1429 9 күн бұрын

I stayed to the very end... for the history and because I love Waltham watches. Turning that new stem was mighty impressive. Pretty fiddly stuff there. The final result was beautiful... nicely done!

@nolantaylor1760 Ай бұрын

I too watched to the end. I am delighted by the "Gold" etching in the bridges, which is really pretty and tells of the quality. There is a certain elegance with the enumeration of the faces that use the "Dido" style font. Beautiful restoration and lathe work. Thanks for sharing.

@55ATA3 4 ай бұрын

Enjoyed the video, hope to see more soon. The older watches are some of the best to watch, they put so much work in to parts that most people never get to see..

@lawrencedriver623 4 ай бұрын

Dear Chris, What a great video once again Thank you loved it. What a beautiful Railway time keeper. I am in the U.K and am a retired now Train Driver. I own an L.M.S (London midland Scottish) Guards watch that I bought From B.R (British Rail) back in 1979 the watch was made in around 1926, It has been running fine all these years and never missed a beat. Now she wont run very well and keep good time, I think the oils in it have dried up.

@todds2248 4 ай бұрын

Great work on an amazing watch. I never would have thought about a threaded arbor and jeweled barrel! Turning that stem was masterful.

@raymondwilcoxjr.340 3 ай бұрын

I do enjoy watching you rebuild the watches and pocket watches

@Mr.O2183 10 күн бұрын

This is one of my favorite channels to watch and these videos are very calming to watch as well as being very entertaining!!

@fiskeflax4894 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic video of a fantastic watch I have a watch that belonged to my great grandmother, she past away in 1943. She was a very special woman who made a living under harsh circumstances, there has been a book written about her life. My father, who is a journeyman joiner, made a case of oak looking like a miniture floor clock for this watch. He did it while my mother was pregnant with me, but he didnt quite finish so I had to finish it myself when I was grown up. It stands on the mantelpiece of our 220 years old summerhouse. The watch works a while and then stops I think it only needs cleaning and oiling. But our local watchmaker wont do it, as he says it isnt worth it. I think it would be worth it, even though it probably is a simple watch. I watch theese videos to learn how to do it myself, and one day I will, thank you for the teaching!

@jakekaywell5972 4 ай бұрын

American pocket watches are by far the best way to get the best finished movements possible for the least amount of cash outlay. Some of these pieces, such as the subject Waltham, could challenge the best of the Swiss watch industry both back then and nowadays. Lovely example here made all the more charming by the personal story behind it. Excellent work as always and can't wait to see the next one!

@bmen6401 2 ай бұрын

Great video, thanks. A family heirloom, wonderfully restored.

@jackknack4263 19 күн бұрын

Excellent video!!! Bravo! What a beautiful watch and a beautiful story too.

@durstondarden8765 13 күн бұрын

I was enjoying the video, and didn't want to stop it.. how far away every word in all your videos that I've watched. I think they're great - very informative.. I want to add something else to this comment.. I thoroughly enjoy your entertaining and informative content. Very well done!

@deanbrown4083 3 ай бұрын

Another very informative and entertaining video! I'm 73 and have several vintage and RR grade pocket watches. Watching you has inspired me to gather a few tools and supplies to try cleaning and lubricating a few that few of the lesser watches to try and develop a little skill. Thank you and yes, keep the videos coming. This was my first viewing of a jeweled motor barrel. Thanks ahain.

@AmericanPocketWatch 4 ай бұрын

Well Chris, you did it again. Another 5 star repair. You have come a really long way since the beginning, and it is great to see you saving the American pocket watch history. P.S. Funny that you posted this video as I just received an Waltham Vanguard 23J, 6pos from 1937 for almost next to nothing, thanks to ebay. The previous owner could not open it )case was cross threaded on both sides), and put it up for auction. No one over here knew what it was, but I sort of did. Got it for almost next to nothing compared to what they normally run for. Again, thanks Chris for posting these and letting others know about the American pocket watch history. WOuld be a shame to see these amazing time pieces die out due to lack of interest.

@andreymos1153 Ай бұрын

This is not the second life of the watch, but rather a new life. I am a surgeon and our work is somewhat similar. Good luck.

@deanbrown4083 4 ай бұрын

Watched to the end, really enjoyed. The Vangard is a beautiful watch. If my hands did not tremble at times I would live to work on pocket watches. Have a collection of 40+ pocket watches, railroad grade, hunter case watches and standard open face. I had an older watchmaker that did my work. Unfortunately he passed away.

@slim2429 4 ай бұрын

Wow those traces are solid. Running incredibly well for how old it is

@carlrees5574 3 ай бұрын

Hi Chris, What a fantastic restoration, your ability to source parts like specific sized jewels is amazing. the TG readings are a testament of good inspection, cleaning and not skimping on procedure....amazing results!!

@NitroModelsAndComics 3 ай бұрын

I have watched a great many hours of watchmaking and your photography. Voice over and skills are second to none. Well done indeed. Sir.

@mercuriall2810 4 ай бұрын

I did watch this video through to the end. Great work, Chris! I’ve also listened to your participation in JD’s watch chats. Oiling and choice of oils is certainly a controversial topic, with many conflicting or contrasting opinions put forth by many experienced watchmakers. Your choice of lubricants here is fine, but in my opinion could be improved if you do already have the relevant products to hand. Most of my suggestions are from the BHI pdf on watch lubrication (free online, just search if you haven’t already got it) and are the practices that I follow myself. On a movement this size and beat rate, 9020 would be my choice where you used 9010. 9010 will suffice if you don’t have 9020. For all lever escapement watches, and cylinders too for that matter) I now use Moebius 9415 for the pallet stones. When 9415 was introduced it was initially recommended for high beat movements, it’s thixotropic properties helping to keep it in place. Real world use showed 9415 to also be excellent on slower beat movements, an improvement on 941. It is now recommended for use on all lever escapements, regardless of beat rate. 941 will still work on watches like this Waltham, and are adequate. Once you’ve used up your 941, I suggest you only keep 9415 in stock. Keep up the great work, Mark

@maestromecanico597 4 ай бұрын

That was immensely satisfying. And I'm not just saying that because I'm a retired railroader who collects railroad watches.

@user-iv2tu4wq7t 4 ай бұрын

You did a superb job on that watch!! Any railroader would be proud to call that his own!! Well done and please DO keep the restoration videos coming!!!

@petelarsen721 4 ай бұрын

It was nice to see the same watch cleaning machine in use that I inherited from my dad had when he was repairing watches. Thank you

@christopherlyon4946 4 ай бұрын

Beautiful video, I watched it to the end. As well as the sensitivity of the restoration itself and the way you handle each piece, there are lots of other elements that make your videos so engaging: the camera work and editing; your voice, which is exactly the right pitch and pace (have you ever thought of doing radio) and the quiet dramatic tension of the story itself. It's a real moment of joy and relief when that balance wheel starts spinning. My grandfather introduced me to Waltham watches when I was a teenager, over 50 years ago, and watching this video reminds me of watching him patiently re-assembling clocks and pocket watches. But the biggest surprise for me was the moment at 13.46 when we got to see what kind of watch you wear for your own use. I have no idea what make of watch you wear, but bright yellow of the dial was something of a shock! Thanks for another excellent video. Very best wishes!

@TamaraWiens 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for the close-up of the bow-driven lathe - I've seen you use it on so many videos, but without the close shot I never knew how it actually worked. I love watching your videos with the sound off, they are great visual ASMR for me.

@emb9305 4 ай бұрын

Awesome job, I’ve been into watchmaking as a hobby for the last 5 years. I was a hobbyist luthier for 14 years before that. I became very sensitive to saw dust and decided I needed to trade in my luthier tools for horology tools. I’ve taken some classes online. You always end with the statement, “I hope you learned something,” I sure do every time. Especially knowing the challenge some of these time pieces pose. Cheers and continue what you do! You have a faithful subscriber.

@davidaylsworth8964 4 ай бұрын

Remarkable piece of family history. Well done!

@The_DuMont_Network 4 ай бұрын

Wonderful to see this. My Great Uncle was an Engineer with the T&P until '35. I have is original Dollar Turnip he bought when he first marked up, and a similar Waltham he used until he died in service. Also a Company Jeweler's card. Wonderful experience to watch you.

@fredschroyer584 26 күн бұрын

Beautiful work with a beautiful story. I continue to marvel at the craftsmanship in these timepieces and your abilty to restore them like new.

@daffyduxxx 4 ай бұрын

Beautiful watch and movement, that faceted jewel was the icing on the cake. I love your videos, they encourage me to keep going on my watch repairing journey. Thank you.

@WatchWithMike 4 ай бұрын

Wow, I learned a bunch! Beautiful job all around, and I especially appreciate the closeup angles of the Jacot tool and lathe in action. I can only imagine how happy the owner of this timepiece must feel! 😁

@WatchRestorationCottage 4 ай бұрын

Chris - great restoration as always. Pivots look amazing after burnishing and the lathe work is always a treat to watch. Thanks!

@larrykelly2838 4 ай бұрын

Wow, I really enjoyed this video. Great work on a beautiful watch. I'll be sending my 2nd Hamilton Railroad watch in as soon as I get your approval after you see the pictures. Great work.

@jefframsey5863 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for posting this video, I have a Waltham Vanguard Model 1908 made in 1942 and so this video was really enjoyable to watch.

@fluer6049 4 ай бұрын

First time watching. This is incredibly fascinating and satisfying to watch. I stuck through until I fast-forwarded the last few parts put in before you got to the case, but I've always been a tad impatient🙈 I got a giggle from being able to see your tiny face reflecting back at me on the various dials!😅 Keep up your great work!

@williamgunter6801 2 ай бұрын

You guys who can work micro like this are awesome!😯😊

@jatco84 Ай бұрын

A fantastic restoration on a beautiful movement. love the lathe.. Very cool and efficient and delicate at the same time to remove the scorring. Then, doing your own stem by hand...Just facinating work in my opinion..!!

@sandrodunatov485 4 ай бұрын

this cleaned-up beautifully. Thanks for sharing. I missed your soothing background music.

@suzisaintjames 4 ай бұрын

As always, beautiful job. Thank you for polishing the case. It's just the right amount. Not too shiny. Not too dull. 💖🌞🌵😷

@davechandler6884 4 ай бұрын

Nice watch, enjoyed the commentary, it`s nice to know what is going on as you work, something some others don`t understand.

@mlbabineaux 4 ай бұрын

Beautiful watch and restoration, Chris !

@jdmccorful 4 ай бұрын

You get some really tough craft to perform and as always the work is well done. Always enjoy, thanks!

@skybpak4242 4 ай бұрын

As with all of your videos, I watched it to the end. Brilliant work on the crown stem.

@timd5758 4 ай бұрын

My favorite watch. Excellent restoration!! I always enjoy your videos and appreciate your skills!

@FrederikArntzenNeergaard 2 ай бұрын

Amazing job - and really educative for newbies into watch-dabbling like myself. Thanks for keeping a craft alive and passing it on like this. Even if I will never be a real watchmaker, you inspire me to press on and learn more!

@Cleveland.Ironman 4 ай бұрын

I am not sure which looks more magnificent the watch or your tools.😊

@hampdentime 4 ай бұрын

Nice movement, Great work on that stem. One step that I have been doing lately is when replacing a staff is now I set the balance wheel less the roller table and HS in the movement. This is less all the wheels, then check for freedom and endshake. Saves time if I do it then before the roller table and hair spring plus I can really see around the balance without the bridge plate in place. Keep up the good work!

@garylyman4922 4 ай бұрын

Absolutely amazing work. Your dedication to your craft makes me want to keep watching your videos.

@user-ug7ii2gx3i 4 ай бұрын

This is really good. I hope that the parts of pocket watches will be available forever for such services.

@jakekaywell5972 4 ай бұрын

I mean, not forever. Eventually the original parts supplies will dry up, either used in projects like this or simply lost to the sands of time. Hopefully by then we'll have the technology to easily make such unobtainium parts fairly easily and cheaply.

@ygrbooks 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for another excellent video on the expert restoration of a most beautiful watch: 👍👌👏!

@lechmiszkiewicz6778 4 ай бұрын

Always pleasure to watch your work and listen to narrative. Well done mate!

@itsnishantk 4 ай бұрын

This is just so relaxing to watch with addition of all the knowledge you provide during the process. Great work 🎉

@williamrosenthal8144 11 күн бұрын

Beautiful work!

@cartoonfan925 4 ай бұрын

I love what you do and am in awe of some of the skills you demonstrate. This video will be watch again and again by me as I have just taken up the hobby and dismantled an old, non-running fob watch just like this. I need to know how to put it together again.

@brucebarlow6604 4 ай бұрын

Great work as always Chris. As said before you will be busy bringing back to life these wonderful pieces. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

@samnova450 4 ай бұрын

Love pocket watches and trains. 😁

@michaelkeats1313 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for another excellent video, you are a very skilled watch repairman and fascinating to watch. The watch looks beautiful.

@DavidSmith-le3wt 3 ай бұрын

Great restoration! It was a joy to watch.

@jadall77 13 күн бұрын

I'll have to check with my family if we have any of my grandpa's watches. He was a navigator so his list was probably also WATCHES (plural) as no 1 on his list with being like last place being like his flight book. Keep pencils/pens in his pocket because the navigators table vibrated and the pencils would roll away into some nook or cranny you couldn't get them out of and the pens would freeze and explode so keep them in your pocket.

@susanmatteson7421 4 ай бұрын

Splendid job. A truly beautiful watch.

@jonrutherford6852 4 ай бұрын

It's a pleasure to see tangible evidence of advanced technology such as in the indispensable railroad watches that needed to be accurate to within a very few seconds to help prevent catastrophic collisions (which were another result of advanced technology!). We may think today's electronic technology is wonderful, and it is remarkable: but what was achieved by mechanical means before the age of universal electrification is, if anything, even more impressive. It's no wonder that mechanical watches are enjoying a revival of popularity.

@alanpreston3111 4 ай бұрын

Wow , what a great piece of work !! Your attention to detail is amazing, best restoration I have seen for a while .. thankyou 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@bigb0r3 4 ай бұрын

I just got sucked into old pocket watches and hope to service my first soon. I like the circa 1900, 16 & 18 size the most at the moment. I find your videos some of the most informative and just plain pleasant to watch. Having done a little lathe work, I find the use of handheld tool bits for such precise work a trip. The locations to lubricate, and which lubricants you use are a great guide. Thanks for the effort!

@arts.4014 4 ай бұрын

Really enjoy your pocket watch restorations!

@csnelling4 4 ай бұрын

First class work, video and lnfomation👍😊and there wasn’t mention of patina once , great!!!😊

@robbie6666666 4 ай бұрын

I own a mid 40's vanguard which was used on the railroad on Vancouver Island B.C. Canada.... It's a 16s I wish mine was as nice as this one.... good work

@guymustsing 4 ай бұрын

🎉 Absolutelutly inspiring and education. Your precision, eye for detail and mastery is greatly appreciated! Much Gratitude! - Guy 😊😊😊❤

@The1951skylark 3 ай бұрын

Excellent video ...Thanks very much!

@patrickspencer4360 4 ай бұрын

I have also restored a Vanguard up/down wind indicator. I have been very surprised to see how much rust are in these watches. I ended up buying a second Vanguard and taking the best screws from it for my watch. I also polished each screw to restore the shine. I am still working through it but the beauty is stunning. I did really screw up by polishing the plates. Yea I took off some of the finish. This is my watch so until I die no one will know. I purchased it from ebay and the seller was a thief and sent it incomplete but dolled up enough to look great. All the up/down gearing was gone, the spring barrel was severely damaged and the balance was replaced. The serial number did not match so the balance spring has to be vibrated. That is very time consuming work. I am almost there, installing the balance spring to the post has been a challenge but I have been able to install it. I did make a tool to hole the balance spring post. It's been fun but I am almost done.

@A.J.pocketwatchshop 4 ай бұрын

Very nice job! Quality watches are a pleasure to service.

@rondickson1491 4 ай бұрын

Wow! Another amazing restore. Best wishes.

@4Truth4All 4 ай бұрын

Nice work Chris! Always a joy to observe your process.

@Sestorema 4 ай бұрын

Make a new stem like the original one, was amazing. A great watch, a great job👍 Well done 👍👍👍🙂

@mlsproject 4 ай бұрын

And I have screwdriver and oiler envy. Nice work!

@samharper4289 4 ай бұрын

Great watch to restore and you did a beautiful job as always! 😊

@thomasgabriel2213 4 ай бұрын

Another amazing video! And what a beautiful watch to have been able to restore.

@AR-jq1hs 4 ай бұрын

Wow, it is very impressive to see a true Craftsman performing at such a small scale. That timepiece is a work of art and engineering. Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful video!

@markgardiner5150 Ай бұрын

Keep up the good work, very impressive workmanship!

@sonnymoorehouse1941 4 ай бұрын

Fantastic Work !!! and I watched to the end !!! those extra dial washers were an interesting thing to keep.

@tonyvancampen-noaafederal2640 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for letting me know about Whites. I need a crystal for a 6/0 hunter case.

@robertlassiter907 4 ай бұрын

New sub here. I very much enjoyed this restoration. Your channel is the second watch restoration channel I have subscribed to. I’ve checked most of them out and have found only two that I have enjoyed. Yours being the second. I find your narration to be pleasant and to the point. Sometimes when talking, less is more. I actually learned a few things about watches that I previously didn’t know. Well done on this watch in particular and on your channel as well. Greetings from Alabama. P.S I now have some binge watching to do!

@erwinb3412 4 ай бұрын

These Waltham watches are not so simply contructed , but have some nice complexity . I did not know they are higher end .

@georgeofthejungle8341 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for so good watchservice lesson and superb video quality. I enjoyed a lot..

@GentlemensWatchServices 4 ай бұрын

Top notch work on the video, really impressive.

@ibgeorgeb 4 ай бұрын

Wow! Excellent. I remained all the way to the end of your video.Thank you.

@raymondo162 3 ай бұрын

qualiteeeeee: there's various points eg 26:05: where we get to see your face in polished parts @ 26:05 two of you !! that thing has stood the test of time and WON !!

@marka.schlueter9918 3 ай бұрын

Awesome. Love the look of this restoration. Great job

@jozsefizsak 4 ай бұрын

I've seen a lot of watch videos and this one is outstanding!

@mccaine1 Ай бұрын

Beautiful outcome! Well done.

@CaptainJerry- 4 ай бұрын

Great video. I just found the same watch at a thrift store, $3.50. It will need a new balance staff and crystal.

@HorologyHubub 4 ай бұрын

Great restoration my friend, very skilful. 👍

@amme30 4 ай бұрын

Gorgeous restoration

@garryrindfuss5349 Ай бұрын

Hi Chris, another great video, and thanks for the heads up on White watch crystals. I had been buying them in bulk, and that "buy 20 to (maybe) get one" gets old quickly. Also useful was the one vs. three dial washer issue. I have my grandfather's Longines pocket watch, and the hour hand is a bit wonky. Maybe a second (or third) dial washer will fix the problem.