This Vacheron & Constantin pocket watch was running quite poorly. Timekeeping was erratic and the watch would randomly stop. At first, I thought a basic service and overhaul would take care of it, but I eventually learned that the balance staff was the main culprit. Unlike past repairs, I was unable to find a replacement staff online. My only option was to make my own. With specifications in the fractions of a millimeter, I questioned whether I had the skills needed to complete the task. The video documents the full approach I took to restore this beautiful watch, including the process of making the new balance staff on the watchmaker lathe.
Join me on this journey through the intricate process of restoring a Vacheron & Constantin pocket watch that was in dire need of repair. The timepiece was plagued by erratic timekeeping and would randomly stop, making it a challenging project from the start. Initially, I thought a basic service and overhaul would solve the issue. However, I soon discovered that the real problem was a damaged balance staff.
Finding a replacement balance staff online proved impossible, so I had to take matters into my own hands. With specifications measured in fractions of a millimeter, I questioned my ability to craft a new balance staff myself. This video documents every step of this fascinating restoration, showcasing the detailed approach and precision required to bring this beautiful watch back to life. I cover all the complexities of creating a custom balance staff on a watchmaker's lathe, all while overcoming the challenges of the process.
Whether you're a seasoned watch enthusiast or simply curious about the world of horology, this video offers a captivating glimpse into how an amateur like me is trying to master the art of watchmaking.
#restoration
#watchrepair
#pocketwatch
#vacheronconstantin
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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:
I am pleased to be part of Chronoglide's affiliate program. If you are not familiar with the company, Chronoglide is a professional watchmaker in the Netherlands. They have an excellent YouTube channel by the same name. I'm excited to share their team has written a book called "Watchmaking Explained" - Everything you need to know as a watchmaker, but no one is telling you. A practical guide for all watchmakers and enthusiasts! Their book is designed to be interactive, loaded with QR codes linking to additional videos and content. Pre-order the first edition here: https://www.chronoglide.nl/boek/aff/3/
Other texts:
Watch Repairer's Manual: https://amzn.to/3knrwdG
Watchmaker's Lathe: https://amzn.to/3D02WGb
Tools:
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Micrometer Stand: https://amzn.to/3vPPuUy
Microscope: https://amzn.to/3ZrQ3Pn
Movement Holder (pocket watches): https://amzn.to/3H9JBUv
Movement Holder (wrist watches): https://amzn.to/3JeG2iv
Ceramic Tipped Tweezers: https://amzn.to/3QP1qMH
Finger cots: https://amzn.to/3CXbXzJ
Micrometer: https://amzn.to/3QNGN3C and Stand: https://amzn.to/3iIyF86
Rodico: https://amzn.to/3kr5RBb
Tweezers: https://amzn.to/3GNFEVi
10X Loupe: https://amzn.to/3iLfome
Levers: https://amzn.to/3XB4RZG
Demagnetizer: https://amzn.to/3ZINUhS
Screwdrivers: https://amzn.to/3Xr7gqo
Cleaning:
Mesh Baskets: https://amzn.to/3ITqikE
Ultrasonic: https://amzn.to/3wcO7wg
Mason Jars: https://amzn.to/3WkUfgB
Cleaning Solution: https://amzn.to/3XwQ16I
Rinsing Solution: https://amzn.to/3wdgAlA
Cleaning Brushes: https://amzn.to/3QPnSp8
Lubrication:
Oilers: https://amzn.to/3Xi8LXR
DX Grease: https://amzn.to/3ZO0kVU
Moebius 941: https://amzn.to/3Hf6g2X
Moebius 9010: https://amzn.to/3CVGM7Y
Moebius D5: https://amzn.to/3ITqikE
Buffing and Polishing:
PolyWatch: https://amzn.to/3XlVTja
Polishing Compound: https://amzn.to/3QQ1r33
Bench Buffer Polisher: https://amzn.to/3OlcW2E
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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:45 Disassembly and Inspection
8:48 Cleaning Sequence
9:53 Begin Assembly
23:25 Making a Balance Staff
42:25 Come Alive and Regulation
45:48 Case Work
47:29 Final Steps