I Shoot Watches

chapter index: 00:00 finding a Rolex Service Bench at the CSP Brocante (thrift store) in Plan-les-Ouates 03:17 back in my studio I examine the small parts found in the work bench 10:24 showing off the work bench back in my studio - this is going to require an entirely new camera system and way of working, which is why I bough it 12:12 clearing the small parts from my desk I have some trouble with my tweezers 13:49 showing the parts I'm going to send to subscribers 14:38 removing the bezel from my scrap Tissot T-Touch II case 19:43 I return to the brocante to find a surprise! My wife and I donated the most expensive item I've ever seen them sell! A Swiss-Form desk from the 1960s. In this video I remove the bezel from a Tissot T-Touch II case after examining the tiny items that I found inside of a Rolex SAV ("service après-vente", or "after sales service") watchmaker's bench that I bought for 250 Chf (approx. US$ 250) at the Renfile Centre Social Protestant in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland. https://renfile.ch/brocante-renfile-tourbillon/ In the process of removing the bezel I damage the titanium Tissot watch case. I don't care because the case was a spare part and was already damaged when I removed the pushers, but it's a good lesson in what not to do like so many of my getting started videos. Here's an affiliate link to actual bezel removal tool on AliExpress. This works a lot better! https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDNYda1 #Tissot #T-Touch #T-Touch II #ishootwatches

In this video I describe how a ~1966 Omega Seamaster Cosmic 18K gold prototype watch case became the design reference for the iconic Swatch case design and evidence that the designer of the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Gérald Genta, designed it. https://ishootwatches.com/gg/ There's an update to this video here: https://youtu.be/UHYogJZY-yY Here's a link to the playlist about this watch: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv4--9sRsFuIzcfSA8zvN_CQ8VFn0lThz Here's a link to the 1982 Swatch case patent attributed to Elmar Mock and Alphonse Bron: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q5CtiFmF6VouY4Q9J7vig_RglqklpWRF/view?usp=sharing Here's a link to an English translation of the text of the above patent: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v-h7RqPj1cy4soCKrjMzbUm3zBr4AGbd/view?usp=sharing Here's a link to a US continuation patent based on the above patent (in English): https://drive.google.com/file/d/10ZMxzqZcj6W_qGsnhZwZ23RC0OvZNd0f/view?usp=sharing With nearly three quarters of a billion Swatches sold to date, if this watch dates to 1969 or earlier it changes the history of Omega, Swatch, and the Swiss watch industry. If is confirmed to have been designed, made and signed by Gérald Genta then it's arguably even more historically significant. Before opening any vintage watch or clock for the first time I recommend checking it for radium paint. I didn't do that in this video because it wasn't the first time that I opened this watch. For more information on radium and how to check for it using a geiger counter see either of these two videos: Which One is Radioactive? https://youtu.be/eo1m1OQD-2I How to Re-lume a Vintage Watch https://youtu.be/0fFX1LkpjMU?t=829 The NetIO GC10 that I use is no longer made. It uses an SBM-20 geiger muller tube, which is also used in the GQ GMC-300E and other geiger counters. If you find one of those it should perform similarly. My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #Omega #Swatch #GéraldGenta

This is the second video in my series of videos describing the evidence that I have found that a 1960s Omega Seamaster Cosmic 18K gold prototype became the design for the Swatch and that Gérald Genta designed it. Here's a link to the .pdf in the video (with updates): https://ishootwatches.com/gg/ Here's a link to my playlist of videos all about this watch: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv4--9sRsFuIzcfSA8zvN_CQ8VFn0lThz Here's a link to Andreas Wiethoff's Stay Tuned To Swatch website: https://www.stay-tuned-to-sw.de/swatch.html Here's a link to Pierre Moinat's 1965 patent for Omega on an integrated bracelet design using four lugs and dual coaxial screw bars to secure the bracelet to the case: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X_r56eKudhqSJyuh4-x5xJNdjEhly_zI/view?usp=share_link Here's a link to the 1982 Swatch case patent attributed to Elmar Mock and Alphonse Bron: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q5CtiFmF6VouY4Q9J7vig_RglqklpWRF/view?usp=sharing Here's a link to an English translation of the text of the above patent: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v-h7RqPj1cy4soCKrjMzbUm3zBr4AGbd/view?usp=sharing Here's a link to a US continuation patent based on the above patent (in English): https://drive.google.com/file/d/10ZMxzqZcj6W_qGsnhZwZ23RC0OvZNd0f/view?usp=sharing With nearly three quarters of a billion Swatches sold to date, if this watch dates to 1965 it changes the history of Omega, Swatch, and the Swiss watch industry. If is confirmed to have been designed, made and signed by Gerald Genta then it's arguably even more historically significant. Before opening any vintage watch or clock for the first time I recommend checking it for radium paint. I didn't do that in this video because it wasn't the first time that I opened this watch. For more information on radium and how to check for it using a geiger counter see either of these two videos: Which One is Radioactive? https://youtu.be/eo1m1OQD-2I How to Re-lume a Vintage Watch https://youtu.be/0fFX1LkpjMU?t=829 The NetIO GC10 that I use is no longer made. It uses an SBM-20 geiger muller tube, which is also used in the GQ GMC-300E and other geiger counters. If you find one of those it should perform similarly. Here's a link to the AliExpress Eakins microscope that I use product page (affiliate link): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBXf2mt My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #Omega #Swatch #GéraldGenta

In this video I show how to synchronize the hands on a Swatch Chrono from 1992 and then I disassemble it. This is part of my series of videos on the watch I call the GG. Each small detail about Swatch and Omega designs helps draw a more accurate picture of what the GG is not, and in turn points the way to what it may be. One thing it is not is a prototype for the Swatch Chrono! With regard to this 1992 Swatch Chrono, I noticed in this video by @watch-repair that the Chrono Irony in their video is a completely different movement. I believe this movement can be identified because it has a 10ths of a second register rather than a 12 hour register. In any case, if you're shopping for a used Chrono you might want to note the difference. https://youtu.be/pQ5xdpFSEBs Here are links to the two main videos about my mystery watch: A Mysterious Gold Watch Speaks! What Secrets Does It Reveal!? https://youtu.be/jMdTjj_O_YA Disassembly of Vintage Omega Seamaster Prototype Reveals its Hidden Secrets https://youtu.be/t6Ov_eGKOkw Here's a link to the .pdf in the first two videos (with updates): https://ishootwatches.com/omega_swatch_prototype/ Here's a link to the 1982 Swatch case patent attributed to Elmar Mock and Alphonse Bron: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q5CtiFmF6VouY4Q9J7vig_RglqklpWRF/view?usp=sharing With nearly three quarters of a billion Swatches sold to date, if this watch dates to 1965 it changes the history of Omega, Swatch, and the Swiss watch industry. If is confirmed to have been designed, made and signed by Gerald Genta then it's arguably even more historically significant. Here's a link to the AliExpress Eakins microscope that I use product page (affiliate link): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBXf2mt My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #vintage #watch #restoration #swatch #omega #GéraldGenta

In this video I review a number of recently purchased used vintage watchmaking tools, including: a Star staking tool, a Horia jeweling tool, a balance posing tool, a Jacot tool, and a micrometer. chapter index: 00:00 introduction - IWC Cal 44 Albert Pellaton automatic - history 05:50 Bergeon Star staking tool, potence à river, riveting tool, riveting punch - $182 with lots of other tools 11:41 Horia micrometric jeweling tool - $131 with staking tool box full of punches and hammer 13:56 horizontal micrometers - $12 16:45 balance posing tool, equilibre aux balanciers - $44 23:21 Bergeon hammer - came with Horia tool and staking tool box with lots of punches ($131 for the lot) 23:50 Jacot tool, Zapfen-Rollierstuhl, Tour à pivoter, watchmaker's pivot polishing lathe, lantern disks, burnisher, runners, fork, bow - $41 for one and $89 for the other with a bunch of watch parts 31:31 review of prices paid (in this section you can see exactly what was in each of the different lots that I bought) Horia 2023 price list: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bEgaSXAyzGakBlj8p919W7Ti-qNna7oE/view?usp=share_link Vintage tools are great, but their supplies are limited, they can take time to source, and they may be damaged or missing parts. Links to products and suppliers discussed in this video (including inexpensive versions) follow below: The microscope I use is from Eakins on AliExpress (essential): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnNw4I7 Inexpensive Staking Tool Kit: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlUBpn1 Inexpensive Jeweling Tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdLMMJz Balance Wheel Balance Staff tool (I ordered this for roller removal - haven't received as yet): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmVQkfz The Timegrapher I use was not demonstrated in this video but is an essential tool (more so than the more advanced tools in this video): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCe9uyb The AliExpress links above are affiliate links. By using the affiliate links I earn a small fee of your purchase at no extra cost to you. These products are very inexpensive compared to their Swiss counterparts. Of course you can also buy original products new from Bergeon, Horia, and Cousins. https://cousinsuk.com https://www.horia.ch https://www.bijoutil.ch https://www.bergeon.swiss

I purchased this used Elma Vacmatic watch part cleaning machine a few days ago and made a video about picking it up from the seller. Today I'm going to turn it on for the first time and see if it works! #watchcleaning #ishootwatches

I started this channel because I wanted to explore the historical effects of technological development on the watch industry, particularly in Switzerland where I live. I decided to learn what I could about traditional watchmaking so that I could analyze vintage watches from a forensic perspective to better understand that history. Swatch Group was the perfect starting point for my journey, and this historically important watch with its unique and dramatic story turned out to be the perfect watch. Here's a link to the .pdf in the video (with updates): https://ishootwatches.com/gg/ Here's a link to my playlist of videos all about this watch: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv4--9sRsFuIzcfSA8zvN_CQ8VFn0lThz I also discussed the ETA patent a bit in this video about the precious metal responsibility mark: https://youtu.be/Xl4BTGPlNvQ In this third major video about the GG I focus on the historical evidence for its origin that can be found in patents -- not only patents relating to the Swatch, but also watches patented by Omega around the same time as the patenting of the Swatch case hinge design by ETA. Here's a link to the 1982 Swatch case patent attributed to Elmar Mock and Alphonse Bron: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q5CtiFmF6VouY4Q9J7vig_RglqklpWRF/view?usp=sharing With nearly three quarters of a billion Swatches sold to date, if this watch dates to 1966 it changes the history of Omega, Swatch, and the Swiss watch industry. If is confirmed to have been designed, made and signed by Gerald Genta then it's arguably even more historically significant. Before opening any vintage watch or clock for the first time I recommend checking it for radium paint. I didn't do that in this video because it wasn't the first time that I opened this watch. For more information on radium and how to check for it using a geiger counter see this video: https://youtu.be/8FlwNAjIgA8 My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #Omega #Swatch #GéraldGenta #history #watchrestoration

In this video I compare the GG and the dial of a 1980s Omega Constellation Manhattan designed by Carol Gygax Didisheim. I already know that the indices of the GG dial are 9K gold. I want to find out if the indices on the Constellation dial are also 9K gold. Here the link to the playlist about the GG: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv4--9sRsFuIzcfSA8zvN_CQ8VFn0lThz Here's a link to the .pdf about the GG: https://ishootwatches.com/gg/ Here's a link to the 1982 Swatch case patent attributed to Elmar Mock and Alphonse Bron: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q5CtiFmF6VouY4Q9J7vig_RglqklpWRF/view?usp=sharing With nearly three quarters of a billion Swatches sold to date, if this watch dates to 1965 it changes the history of Omega, Swatch, and the Swiss watch industry. If is confirmed to have been designed, made and signed by Gerald Genta then it's arguably even more historically significant. Before opening any vintage watch or clock for the first time I recommend checking it for radium paint. I didn't do that in this video because it wasn't the first time that I opened this watch. For more information on radium and how to check for it using a geiger counter see either of these two videos: Which One is Radioactive? https://youtu.be/eo1m1OQD-2I How to Re-lume a Vintage Watch https://youtu.be/0fFX1LkpjMU?t=829 The NetIO GC10 that I use is no longer made. It uses an SBM-20 geiger muller tube, which is also used in the GQ GMC-300E and other geiger counters. If you find one of those it should perform similarly. My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #Omega #Swatch #vintage #geraldgenta

In this video I replace the case on my Cal. AS 5008 Technos Alarm watch from the 1970s with a NOS case. It's a fairly easy operation but I manage to mess it up anyway. Merry Christmas! #restoration #vintage #Technos

Sadly Dr. Roland Ranfft passed away in March of 2023. His passing is a huge loss to the watchmaking and watch restoration community. May he rest in peace! In this video I swap out the movement in a vintage pocket watch case. Both parts (Adolph Schild ASSA movement and watch) were purchased from a Geneva, Switzerland Salvation Army thrift store for a total of Chf 8.80 (~$9 US dollars). According to Hartmut Richter on Watchuseek the ASSA movement is likely an AS 793. https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/renovation-of-old-assa-watch-few-basic-questions.5228013/ http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?00&ranfft&0&2uswk&AS_793 (the Ranfft Pink Pages website is sadly down following Dr. Ranfft's passing - it was an incredible resource for both inexpensive vintage watches and movement information) #vintagewatches #restoration #vintage #rolandranfft #ranfft #pinkpages

I purchased a used Elma Vacmatic watch part cleaning machine and went to pick it up from the seller an hour and forty minutes away from where I live in Switzerland. What a treat! His shop was full of vintage watches, tools, and watch parts, all for sale, and he let me film his work bench. I should stop using the Swiss postal service and make more videos like this!

In this video I open a stubborn case back on a Technos Automatic Day Date Alarm Adolf Schild AS 5008 from the 1970s and regulate it. I recently purchased this watch on ricardo.ch for 171 Swiss francs. Here are links to my other two videos about Technos watches: https://youtu.be/r1n_qCxFBsk https://youtu.be/QV4fb9YhJ3o Below are affiliate links to the tools I used in this video. If you purchase from these links I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Many of the less expensive items are from the AliExpress store WRTOR, which I use a lot, has good prices, and a good selection. WRTOR Official Store on AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdlWlrN The microscope I use is from Eakins on AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkBfwLZ The Timegrapher I use is also from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCe9uyb Inexpensive screwdriver set: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFsgdUB Polystyrene probe: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnPBD6L 8 ball type case opening ball: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmKT7GX 45mm Adjustable Watch Back Cover Holder Case Holder: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnLFrlZ 2 point case back opener tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkIJENl 3 point case back opener tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dn2Y6HV Watch Case Vise: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DextLKb Watch Snap-on Case Back Opener: * not used in video but looks interesting https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBk7n9D Bezel Remover Tool: * not used in video but looks interesting https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeM6Ppt The tools I use are discussed in greater detail in these videos: $400 Worth Of Bergeon Tools And Supplies https://youtu.be/lr0cmsUerps Everything I Know About Watchmaking in Five Minutes https://youtu.be/65mmQt5o0Cg Trinocular 4K Microscope Meets 1976 Patek Philippe 16-250 Meets Crazy Person With Rodico Fetish https://youtu.be/morbHp7GHHA The stand on my desk that I use to elevate my work area is an IKEA SIGFINN monitor stand. Before opening any vintage watch or clock for the first time I recommend checking it for radium paint. I didn't do that in this video because it wasn't the first time that I opened this watch. For more information on radium and how to check for it using a geiger counter see either of these three videos: Which One is Radioactive? https://youtu.be/eo1m1OQD-2I Everything I Know About Watchmaking in Five Minutes https://youtu.be/65mmQt5o0Cg?t=112 How to Re-lume a Vintage Watch https://youtu.be/0fFX1LkpjMU?t=829 The NetIO GC10 that I use is no longer made. It uses an SBM-20 geiger muller tube, which is also used in the GQ GMC-300E and other geiger counters. If you find one of those it should perform similarly. My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #restoration #watchmaker #comedy #watchrepair #watchrestoration #Technos #AS5008 #AdolfSchild

Here's a link to my .pdf about the GG gold prototype watch in which I discuss the history of the Swatch Group and my hypothesis about the origin of the GG (with updates): https://ishootwatches.com/omega_swatch_prototype/ And here's a link to the playlist about the GG: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv4--9sRsFuIzcfSA8zvN_CQ8VFn0lThz 1990s CBC Interview with Nicolas Hayek. Nicolas George Hayek (19 February 1928, Beirut – 28 June 2010, Biel/Bienne), was a Swiss-Lebanese entrepreneur, co-founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Swatch Group, with principal headquarters in Biel/Bienne. Hayek was born, the second of three children, to a Lebanese mother and a Lebanese-American father, both from Greek Orthodox Christian Lebanese families with roots in Lebanon's Northern Governorate of El-Koura. His father was trained as a dentist at Loyola University Chicago. In 2010, Hayek was ranked the world's 232nd richest person with an estimated net worth of $US3.9 billion. Hayek started his business career working as an actuary for Swiss Re. He then assumed briefly the management of the engineering firm owned by his then ailing father-in-law, Eduard Mezger. He soon relinquished this position to search for an opportunity "to learn something new every day". Hayek Engineering In 1963, Hayek founded his own management consulting firm, the Zurich-based Hayek Engineering. Hayek made his mark quickly on the Swiss and European business scene by consulting and effecting successful turnarounds at several of the largest European multinationals. One of his management credos was: "The rarest resources are entrepreneurial types in top management." By 1979, Hayek Engineering had over 300 clients in 30 countries. Hayek was Chairman of the Board and CEO of Hayek Engineering from its founding until his death. Swatch Group In the early 1980s, Hayek was asked by a group of Swiss bankers to oversee a liquidation of ASUAG and SSIH, two Swiss watch-making firms which were in turmoil due to heavy competition from Japanese watch manufacturers such as Seiko and Citizen Watch. Hayek believed that the Swiss watch manufacturing industry could remain competitive and that ASUAG/SSIH could recover after a restructuring of operations and a repositioning of the different brands. Hayek identified problems in products, policies and distribution as well as outdated leadership that needed to be changed. "ASUAG for example owned more than 100 separate companies - some big, some small, some modern, some backward. Most of these companies did their own marketing, R&D and assembly. It was crazy." Hayek invested heavily in automation and the standardization of parts and tooling. This produced economies of scale and improved quality. Production was centralized, and parts were designed to be interchangeable. The restructuring of the companies coincided with the invention of the Swatch watch which used only 51 parts, as opposed to the nearly 100 parts needed to make a traditional wristwatch without compromising on accuracy or quality and thus was cheaper to manufacture. The Swatch watch helped the Swiss watch industry reconquer a large share of the lower end of the watch market which it had lost to Japanese makers. Although the colorful plastic watch became quickly known for its flamboyant marketing, Hayek always emphasized that the Swatch watch was first and foremost a technological breakthrough.

My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. The microscope I use is from Eakins on AliExpress. Costs range from $200 to $400. If you purchase one yourself please consider using this affiliate link: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkBfwLZ The Timegrapher I use is also from Aliexpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCe9uyb Inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner ($43): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE3NfEn 3 piece Bergeon screwdriver kit ($40): https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/bergeon-screwdriver-sets-plastic-wallets 5 piece screwdriver kit - China ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC1yrLD Magnifying loupe with headband ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmo97BD Movement holders - base metal ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCueLc7 Rubber bulb dust blower ($2): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkKWzNH Casing cusion ($3): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeRm1OJ Crystal lift ($26): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCKoMGr Gasket greaser ($2): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDTnxZl Screwdriver sharpening tool (can be used with sandpaper) ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkjBul1 Screwdriver sharpening stone ($47): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_De0ThPp Plastic tweezers for handling watch hands ($3): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dehlz5l Hand lifter tool set ($3): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlIrEZ1 Oiler set ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDum6jl Hand presser tools ($2): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCUpMtD Mainspring barrel cover closing tool ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC70tzV Rubber ball type case opening ball ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmKT7GX Dumont #4 tweezers ($25): https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/dumont-no4-extra-fine-tips 30 Hole staking plate ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEWfEZ1 Bergeon Rodico ($8): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dcvdt4x 3 point case back opener tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dn2Y6HV Digital caliper ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dkjxdz9 45mm Adjustable Watch Back Cover Holder Case Holder https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnLFrlZ 2 point case back opener tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkIJENl Watch Case Vise: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DextLKb Watch Snap-on Case Back Opener: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBk7n9D Bezel Remover Tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeM6Ppt Polystyrene probe: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnPBD6L Professional Demagnetize Tool for Watchmaker EU Plug: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBYMMdN Leather watch bands: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBrzyb1 Watch band buckles: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF4G9Cn MOST OF THE LINKS ABOVE ARE AFFILIATE LINKS By using the affiliate links I earn a small fee of your purchase at no extra cost to you. #watchmaker #comedy #watchrepair #watchrestoration #ishootwatches

Most of my restoration videos are shot live in realtime with up to eight cameras. While some of them are cut down to make them more watchable, the uncut versions show everything for a reason: to quote Ernest Hemingway, “Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.” The same is true of watchmakers, and of watches. Here's a list of affiliate (and non-affiliate) links to most of the items shown in this video: 3 piece Bergeon screwdriver kit ($40): https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/bergeon-screwdriver-sets-plastic-wallets 5 piece screwdriver kit - China ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC1yrLD Magnifying loupe with headband ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmo97BD Movement holders - base metal ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCueLc7 Rubber bulb dust blower ($2): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkKWzNH Casing cusion ($3): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeRm1OJ Crystal lift ($26): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCKoMGr Gasket greaser ($2): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDTnxZl Screwdriver sharpening tool (can be used with sandpaper) ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkjBul1 Screwdriver sharpening stone ($47): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_De0ThPp Plastic tweezers for handling watch hands ($3): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dehlz5l Hand lifter tool set ($3): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlIrEZ1 Oiler set ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDum6jl Hand presser tools ($2): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCUpMtD Mainspring barrel cover closing tool ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC70tzV Rubber ball type case opening ball ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmKT7GX Dumont #4 tweezers ($25): https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/dumont-no4-extra-fine-tips 30 Hole staking plate ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEWfEZ1 Bergeon Rodico ($8): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dcvdt4x 3 point case back opener tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dn2Y6HV Digital caliper ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dkjxdz9 Other useful tools not featured in this video: The microscope I use is from Eakins on AliExpress. Costs range from $200 to $400. If you purchase one yourself please consider using this affiliate link: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkBfwLZ The Timegrapher I use is also from Aliexpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCe9uyb Inexpensive Geiger counter ($28): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlMY93p Inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner ($43): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE3NfEn 45mm Adjustable Watch Back Cover Holder Case Holder https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnLFrlZ 2 point case back opener tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkIJENl Watch Case Vise: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DextLKb Watch Snap-on Case Back Opener: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBk7n9D Bezel Remover Tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeM6Ppt Polystyrene probe: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnPBD6L Professional Demagnetize Tool for Watchmaker EU Plug: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBYMMdN Leather watch bands: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBrzyb1 Watch band buckles: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF4G9Cn *SOME OF THE LINKS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION ARE AFFILIATE LINKS By using the affiliate links I earn a small fee of your purchase at no extra cost to you. This will support the channel so I can increase the quality of my videos. #restoration #vintage #watchmaking

I try to remind folks as often as possible to check vintage watches for radium before opening them. Radium was used in the luminous paint pre-1960s and is carcinogenic (it can cause cancer). You do not want to accidentally inhale or ingest radium dust or radon gas. The dust has a half-life of 1600 years and however it enters your body, your body may metabolize it at calcium and store it in your bones! You don't want that! In this video I show how to test watches with two different types of geiger counters, and where to buy the cheaper of the two (which works fine if all you want to do is determine if a watch has radium lume on its hands or dial or not). Here's a list of affiliate (and non-affiliate) links to the Geiger counter featured in this video as well as a variety of other beginner watchmaking tools: HFS-P3 Handheld Pen Geiger Counter ($30) https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdeIQuZ The microscope I use is from Eakins on AliExpress. Costs range from $200 to $400. If you purchase one yourself please consider using this affiliate link: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkBfwLZ The Timegrapher I use is also from Aliexpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCe9uyb Inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner ($43): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE3NfEn 3 piece Bergeon screwdriver kit ($40): https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/bergeon-screwdriver-sets-plastic-wallets 5 piece screwdriver kit - China ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC1yrLD Magnifying loupe with headband ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmo97BD Movement holders - base metal ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCueLc7 Rubber bulb dust blower ($2): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkKWzNH Casing cusion ($3): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeRm1OJ Crystal lift ($26): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCKoMGr Gasket greaser ($2): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDTnxZl Screwdriver sharpening tool (can be used with sandpaper) ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkjBul1 Screwdriver sharpening stone ($47): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_De0ThPp Plastic tweezers for handling watch hands ($3): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dehlz5l Hand lifter tool set ($3): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlIrEZ1 Oiler set ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDum6jl Hand presser tools ($2): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCUpMtD Mainspring barrel cover closing tool ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC70tzV Rubber ball type case opening ball ($5): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmKT7GX Dumont #4 tweezers ($25): https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/dumont-no4-extra-fine-tips 30 Hole staking plate ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEWfEZ1 Bergeon Rodico ($8): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dcvdt4x 3 point case back opener tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dn2Y6HV Digital caliper ($4): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dkjxdz9 45mm Adjustable Watch Back Cover Holder Case Holder https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnLFrlZ 2 point case back opener tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkIJENl Watch Case Vise: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DextLKb Watch Snap-on Case Back Opener: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBk7n9D Bezel Remover Tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeM6Ppt Polystyrene probe: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnPBD6L Professional Demagnetize Tool for Watchmaker EU Plug: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBYMMdN Leather watch bands: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBrzyb1 Watch band buckles: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF4G9Cn MOST OF THE LINKS ABOVE ARE AFFILIATE LINKS By using the affiliate links I earn a small fee of your purchase at no extra cost to you. #restoration #vintage #watchmaking #ishootwatches

For a "complete" (almost) restoration video check out my ETA 2472 video: https://youtu.be/mmUZOX9nwKk Four beat-up vintage Technos watches to examine and restore! The automatic day date with alarm (AS 5008) is the coolest (in my opinion), but the other three will hopefully also have some surprises inside besides radioactive radium! For more information about radium check out these videos: How To Buy (And Promote) Cheap Geiger Counters On AliExpress! https://youtu.be/8FlwNAjIgA8 Which One is Radioactive? https://youtu.be/eo1m1OQD-2I Everything I Know About Watchmaking in Five Minutes https://youtu.be/65mmQt5o0Cg?t=112 How to Re-lume a Vintage Watch https://youtu.be/0fFX1LkpjMU?t=829 The NetIO GC10 that I use is no longer made. For an inexpensive alternative see the top link above. My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #restoration #watchmaker #comedy #watchrepair #watchrestoration #Technos #AS5008 #AdolfSchild

As value of the US dollar collapses the price of gold is going up. How much is the gold in your vintage watch worth? And is it solid gold or just gold plated? In this video I use the Agusta Technic precious metal acid testing kit sold by Bijoutil in Geneva to test four solid gold watch cases for gold purity. One of the watch cases (the Lanco) is 14K and the other three (IWC, Eterna, and the Omega prototype) are 18K. All of the gold samples respond to the acid tests exactly as expected. I purchased the test kit from bijoutil.ch Here's a link to the AliExpress Eakins microscope that I use product page (affiliate link): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBXf2mt My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #restoration #lanco #iwc #eterna #omega #goldjewellery #goldpricetoday

In this video I unbox and review a used Omega Tool 107 crystal lift and insertion tool and compare it with a Bergeon 6400. The Omega Tool 107 is the correct tool for insertion and removal of the GG's 32.95mm diameter crystal. If you don't know what the GG is and are interested see this pdf: https://ishootwatches.com/omega_swatch_prototype/ Or this playlist about it: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv4--9sRsFuIzcfSA8zvN_CQ8VFn0lThz Omega made seven or eight different tools that are all similar to this for different sized crystals. The Bergeon 6400 is more of a universal solution but slightly less precise (and therefore risky) because it can over compress and shatter crystals as I show in the video. Bergeon also makes crystal lift No. 4266 for round crystals (only) which doesn't have the compressible rubber ring that the 6400 has. If I had a choice I would purchase the Bergeon 4266 because it doesn't store energy in the compressed rubber ring and should be less likely to shatter round crystals if used carefully. I'm not aware of any of the Omega tools being available for purchase from Omega or from watch parts suppliers like Cousins UK. If you know otherwise please leave a comment. I bought the Omega Tool 107 in the video used on Ebay for US $99. The microscope I use is from Eakins on AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnNw4I7 The Timegrapher I use was not demonstrated in this video but is an essential tool: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCe9uyb The AliExpress links above are affiliate links. By using the affiliate links I earn a small fee of your purchase at no extra cost to you. Of course you can also buy products from Bergeon and Cousins as well at the links below: https://www.bergeon.swiss https://cousinsuk.com #restoration #vintage #watch #tools

This video is a follow-up to my recent video entitled Salad Days: https://youtu.be/IpVE5UyZ9qA The watch is a Mercury 25 Jewel incabloc automatic with power reserve indicator. Inside is a Felsa F760 movement, and its case is gold plated with antimagnetic waterproof stainless steel back. The tools I use are discussed in greater detail in these videos: $400 Worth Of Bergeon Tools And Supplies https://youtu.be/lr0cmsUerps Everything I Know About Watchmaking in Five Minutes https://youtu.be/65mmQt5o0Cg Trinocular 4K Microscope Meets 1976 Patek Philippe 16-250 Meets Crazy Person With Rodico Fetish https://youtu.be/morbHp7GHHA The stand on my desk that I use to elevate my work area is an IKEA SIGFINN monitor stand. Before opening any vintage watch or clock for the first time I recommend checking it for radium paint. I didn't do that in this video because it wasn't the first time that I opened this watch. For more information on radium and how to check for it using a geiger counter see either of these three videos: Which One is Radioactive? https://youtu.be/eo1m1OQD-2I Everything I Know About Watchmaking in Five Minutes https://youtu.be/65mmQt5o0Cg?t=112 How to Re-lume a Vintage Watch https://youtu.be/0fFX1LkpjMU?t=829 The NetIO GC10 that I use is no longer made. It uses an SBM-20 geiger muller tube, which is also used in the GQ GMC-300E and other geiger counters. If you find one of those it should perform similarly. My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #restoration #watchmaker #comedy #watchrepair #watchrestoration #Felsa #Permutator #F760

In this video I discuss my Junghans Mega1000 electronic LCD quartz radio controlled wrist watch that I purchased on ricardo.ch in Switzerland in May 2021 for 150 Chf. I also change the watch's CR1620 battery. Here's a link to the official user guide .pdf for the Junghans Mega1000: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KEP7sqohkmxORDgaPRl2OpabqiPcc0VP/view?usp=share_link Specifications: Dial Markings: JUNGHANS MEGA Case Material: stainless steel Year of Manufacture: 2006 (dated by firmware) Caliber: J604.64 Jewels: 0 Case Width: 36mm Lug-to-Lug: 38mm Lug Width (for strap): 24mm Thickness: 10mm Weight with Strap and Buckle as Shown: 51g Buckle: stainless steel (third party) Strap: leather (not original) When I Purchased it: May, 2021 Where I Purchased it: ricardo.ch How Much I Paid For it: 150 Chf How Much it Sold For New: not sure How Much it's Worth Now: $150 - $300? The tools I use are discussed in greater detail in these videos: $400 Worth Of Bergeon Tools And Supplies https://youtu.be/lr0cmsUerps Everything I Know About Watchmaking in Five Minutes https://youtu.be/65mmQt5o0Cg The stand on my desk that I use to elevate my work area is an IKEA SIGFINN monitor stand. Before opening any vintage watch or clock for the first time I recommend checking it for radium paint. I didn't do that in this video because it wasn't the first time that I opened this watch. For more information on radium and how to check for it using a geiger counter see either of these two videos: Everything I Know About Watchmaking in Five Minutes https://youtu.be/65mmQt5o0Cg?t=112 How to Re-lume a Vintage Watch https://youtu.be/0fFX1LkpjMU?t=829 The NetIO GC10 that I use is no longer made. It uses an SBM-20 geiger muller tube, which is also used in the GQ GMC-300E and other geiger counters. If you find one of those it should perform similarly. My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #restoration #watchmaker #comedy #watchrepair #watchrestoration #Junghans #Mega1000

In this video I discuss who I am and my sentimental and practical connections to my favorite watches: 00:17 My Dad's Rolex Datejust 1603 stainless steel with Jubilee Bracelet (1962) 01:45 IWC Ingenieur Ref. 666 stainless steel Cal. 853 (1962) 02:51 IWC Automatic Cal. 853 and Cal. 44 stainless steel (1960s, 1959) 03:46 IWC Cal 8531 18K gold 1959 04:29 About me: watchmaking as it relates to creativity and engineering 04:39 How I made a camera system that is now in the Smithsonian Museum of American History Photographic History Collection 06:00 Overview of my current electronic camera control systems 10:30 Quick review of ricardo.ch - Swiss auction website where I purchase a lot of watches, tools, and parts 12:19 What I look for in a vintage watch purchase 12:31 Micosa Helvetia automatic stainless steel 13:31 ETA 2472 World Time stainless steel and base metal and discussion of case back opening tools (passive calculator bezel, not GMT) 15:03 Fleurier ETA 2472 stainless steel, with and without dial, more discussion of case back opening - and also the benefits of working with inexpensive identical watch movements like the ETA 2472 16:29 Datum Geneve ETA 2452 stainless steel with polygonal (12 sided) caseback and discussion of tools for opening this kind of case back 18:13 Consul Automatique 1440 (Adolf Schild 1701) stainless steel 19:05 IWC Cal 8531 18K gold 1959 (in the context of snap backs on gold watches) 19:39 IWC Automatic Cal. 853 (in the context of snap backs on stainless steel watches) 19:54 Rolex Datejust 1603 stainless steel (in the context of Rolex case back opening) 20:40 Omega Seamaster stainless steel with Novolink 1168 stainless steel bracelet 21:11 Consul Automatique 1440 (Adolf Schild 1701) stainless steel (in the context of my stamping "Love God" on the strap: Steve Martin SNL, NYC Pay Phone graffiti, etc.) 23:58 Seiko Bell-Matic Alarm (1960s) 25:40 Junghan's Mega 1000 Quartz with four channel radio reception for automatic time setting around the world 27:40 another Seiko Bell-Matic Alarm (1960s) - this one with lumed hands 28:47 Datum Geneve ETA 2452 stainless steel 30:29 Lanco-Rotor Super-Automatic Incabloc 14K gold 33:28 Eternamatic 18K gold 34:51 Rolex Datejust 1603 stainless steel (in the context of not having quick set date) 35:17 Davis red LED watch 35:52 Storm Faze red LED watch 36:31 Seiko World Time (passive calculator inner disc, not GMT, bezel doesn't rotate) 38:15 Tissot T-Touch II 39:43 Apple iPod Mini in Chinese-made Watch case frame - pre-bluetooth / wifi (dumb and wonderful) 40:34 Panerai Luminor Base PAM 010 Series A (1998) 41:59 Christopher Ward C1 Worldglow Sellita-based world time GMT 46:40 conclusion / sign-off When the journalist Parvulesco in Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless is asked, "What is your greatest ambition?" he answers simply, "To become immortal, and then die." Watches remain alive so long as they have someone to care for them. They become immortal when that care transcends generations. "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation." The same is of course true of any watch of sentimental value. Steve Martin's Love God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN-SJ71VAJ4 #watchmaker #comedy #watch #vintage #restoration #rolex

In this video I change the hands on my dialless ETA 2472 Swiss watch movement from the 1960s. chapter index: 0:00:00 introduction - my plan is to change the hands on this ETA 2472 0:00:30 note about the 1TB microSD card inside the case back, steel and leather bands 0:01:07 overview of hands I ordered from Cousins UK 0:01:20 importance of Ranfft for figuring out what size hands correspond to a particular movement 0:02:01 going over the receipt for the hands from Cousins - they're not expensive at all and neither is shipping 0:03:20 showing why new hands are needed for contrast 0:07:12 mention of how easy it is for me to make videos and that I've made over 350 already, only 70 of which I've posted (not including shorts) 0:07:45 opening the case back with case back wrench 0:08:04 1TB microsSD card reveal 0:08:10 removing the movement from the case 0:09:19 replacing the stem and crown and securing the movement in movement holder 0:10:10 removing the old hands 0:10:55 showing how damaged the old hands are under the microscope - that damage was done over the dozens of hours I've worked on this movement 0:11:50 the first complication: I forgot that I had installed a tiny hand-made washer under the seconds hand (made from another seconds hand) 0:13:07 discussion of how the hands stacking is necessary for the watch to work without a dial (otherwise the hour hand gear will pop up and spin freely, changing both the time and the time that the date change occurs - not fresh!) 0:13:18 second complication - removing the minute hand without pulling the cannon pinion off the driving gear (this is again a problem that results from it not having a dial) 0:14:32 carefully removing the hour hand with the hour hand gear attached - only possible because there's no dial on the watch, and safer to do it that way then try to remove the hour hand from the gear in place to avoid using the hand levers against the bare gear 0:15:18 visual discussion of how the cannon pinion is attached to the driving gear 0:18:25 reattaching the stem and crown which is necessary for setting the date changeover to midnight after the new hands are fitted 0:20:20 placing the hour hand gear back on the movement 0:22:00 fitting the new hour hand - new hands are much more difficult to fit than old hands because they haven't been "opened" up to the slightly larger diameter of their fittings 0:28:47 placing the hour hand gear with the hour hand already attached on the movement 0:29:26 prematurely placing the minute hand before setting the hour hand to midnight 0:30:20 removing the minute hand and repositioning the hour hand for date change at midnight by rotating the hour hand gear - this is only possible because the absence of a dial allows the free rotation of the hour hand gear to find the right position 0:32:00 refitting the minute hand now that the hour hand is (hopefully) in the correct position for date change at midnight 0:33:20 refitting the spacer washer and the new seconds hand 0:42:40 finally getting the seconds hand attached then damaging the minute hand trying to get all three hands aligned in stacking space 0:48:24 third complication - I accidentally bent the new minute hand 0:48:35 repairing the bent minute hand (15 minutes) 1:03:10 refitting the stem and crown and setting date change at midnight again 1:05:00 refitting the repaired minute hand 1:06:32 fourth complication - the second hand is too long 1:09:40 now bent second hand needs to be straightened 1:14:00 final fitting and recasing Ranfft Watches website for watch hand mounting diameters: http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&&2uswk&ETA_2472 Cousins Wholesale in the UK for the hands: http://www.cousinsuk.com Watch Specifications: Dial Markings: none (no dial) Case Material: Stainless Steel Year of Manufacture: 1960s (dated by movement type ETA 2472) Caliber: 2472 Jewels: 25 Case Diameter without crown: 34mm Lug-to-Lug: 40mm Lug Width: 17.5mm Thickness: 11mm Weight Watch Head Only: 29g When I Purchased It: December 2021 Where I Purchased It: ricardo.ch How Much I Paid For It: 25 Chf Before opening any vintage watch or clock for the first time I recommend checking it for radium paint. I didn't do that in this video because it wasn't the first time that I opened this watch. For more information on radium and how to check for it using a geiger counter see these three videos: Which One Is Radioactive!? https://youtu.be/eo1m1OQD-2I Crimes Against Horology: Radium Removal and Other Disasters https://youtu.be/2D8uoX2U1-4 How to Re-lume a Vintage Watch https://youtu.be/0fFX1LkpjMU?t=829 The NetIO GC10 that I use is no longer made. It uses an SBM-20 geiger muller tube, which is also used in the GQ GMC-300E and other geiger counters. My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome. #restoration #watchmaker #comedy #watchrepair #watchrestoration #ETA2472

I recorded this back in July. I was so embarrassed by it at the time that I never edited it. Now I think it's funny and instructive. Tomorrow I'll probably be embarrassed by it again. I did completely polish out the scratches on the case, cleaned up the hands, got a seconds hand on it, and this watch is now on my list for a full revision and hairspring / balance assembly repair. Don't bother commenting that I need to purchase a 1,006 Chf Bergeon 5700-BP case back opening tool. I'm not going to do that. The problem with this case is I had the front and back reversed - and being a very cheap case, they are slightly different diameters. And of course not looking closely enough and finding the pry point. restoration, watchmaker, comedy, watch repair, watch restoration, ETA 953

This video is to accompany my video Vintage Watches with Stories: Rolex, IWC, Panerai, Tissot, and more. If you have time take a break and watch it. I promise you won't be disappointed! Carl Jung was born in 1875 in Thurgau, Switzerland. When he married Emma Rauschenbach in 1903 he married into the Rauschenbach family that owned IWC (The International Watch Company, in Schaffhausen) and became one of its owners. He and Emma had five children together, Agathe, Gret, Franz, Marianne, and Helene. Emma died in 1955. Carl Jung died in 1961. Interviewed by John Freeman, Face to Face, 1959 https://www.cgjunghaus.ch/en/ https://schaffhausen.ch https://youtu.be/cr8eK9JQGBc