Restoration of Rusty Rolex - Water damaged 1996 GMT Master II│ Nicholas Hacko Master Watchmaker

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  • čas přidán 2. 11. 2020
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    RUSTY Rolex Restoration - 1996 GMT Master II
    A full 3 weeks of restoration, recording, and editing. The upload to CZcams
    itself took almost two days.
    You will notice the difference: Michael's videography is simply next level.
    A bit of background: this 1996 Rolex GMT Master II suffered badly. Soaked in water, it spent two years in a drawer. The amount of rust was unbelievable. Actually, apart from the case and bracelet, only 8 of close to 100 internal parts were preserved.
    But the core challenge was to preserve the mainplate: the very base of the
    watch that holds all components together. The main plate bears the Rolex serial number and preserves the very identity of the watch. If the mainplate is replaced, that GMT Master II is no longer the same watch.
    Of course, Rolex would not bother with any of the restoration that I
    undertook. They would simply replace the entire movement. Even a
    half-brained monkey can do that kind of 'restoration'. Instead, I've spent a
    whole week soaking the mainplate in vinegar, dissolving and removing the
    rust, brushing it off, reaming out broken screws, inserting new jewels and
    posts. Finally, the mainplate was rhodium plated and you, the viewer, will
    have a hard time believing it is the same component.
    Would I and could I do it again? That depends on the availability of Rolex
    spare parts. The current state of supply of parts to Australian independent
    watchmakers is unchanged since 2013: none, zero, and no chance. My parts box is now almost empty and new replacement parts are now so expensive that any restoration work is next to impossible.
    In a way, this video should be simply titled: "The last Rolex restoration".
    ====================================
    *** What is RESTORATION?
    ====================================
    Before we go any further, let's consult a Cambridge dictionary:
    Restoration: the act or process of returning something to its earlier good condition.
    Hardly any room for misinterpretation: fixing a broken watch and returning it to an 'earlier good condition' is essentially a restoration. What is not defined as a restoration is regular maintenance: ensuring that a watch which is already in good working order continues to perform for another period of time - until it's due for next scheduled maintenance. We call this kind of work regular servicing.
    The recent CZcams video opened a floodgate of comments: "Oh, that video is not a Rolex restoration, it is just a video showing a lots of parts being replaced, not restored." Those comments unfortunately come from ignorant viewers who simply lack the basic understanding of the restoration process.
    Was the watch broken at the beginning of the restoration process? Yes. Actually, it was at the point of a total write-off. Has it been returned in working order? Yes. The end of the story.
    However, what may confuse some viewers is the misplaced hope that almost all 100 of the rusted out parts will be restored themselves, individually, one by one. Well, if that was the case, the video would be titled: "restoration of winding stem" or "restoration of barrel arbour" and would have taken 6 months.
    But the end result of such lengthy 'restoration' would be a total disaster. Finely machined then rusted out watch parts are not designed to be restored. A rusted escape wheel cannot be restored. Ditto to the rest of them. Except for some bridges and in some rare cases, the base plate which holds all components together. We call that part the 'mainplate'. Due to the fact that it is made of brass which is non-ferrous (not containing iron, therefore no rust) metal, the mainplate can be restored. Since the mainplate contains pressed in steel pins, jewels, and internally and externally threaded steel posts, which are not meant to be removed because they are factory set and adjusted, restoration of the mainplate is time consuming and has to be undertaken with great care. This is a very difficult job and could take days - if not weeks.
    Restored by Nicholas Hacko, Master Watchmaker
    Recorded and edited by Michael Johnston
    November 2020.
    Email: nick@clockmaker.com.au
    Music:
    0:10 Back in a jiffy - Nocturnal Spirits
    3:31 Got that feeling - Peter Sandberg
    9:30 All the good things - Nocturnal Spirits
    13:03 Under a smiling moon - Peter Sandberg
    17:25 Thats how i like it - Oakwood station
    20:38 Midnight call - Magnus Ringblom quartet
    21:42 Whisky on the rocks - The flax
    24:54 The prophecy - Dream cave
    www.nicholashacko.com.au/
    clockmaker.com.au/
    / nicholashackowatch
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Komentáře • 4,4K

  • @Luisdefunes1
    @Luisdefunes1 Před 2 lety +135

    How much did you charge for this job?

    • @MasterWatchmaker
      @MasterWatchmaker  Před 2 lety +272

      not enough

    • @Luisdefunes1
      @Luisdefunes1 Před 2 lety +63

      @@MasterWatchmaker Charge enough then.

    • @BobutBrody
      @BobutBrody Před 2 lety +44

      @@MasterWatchmaker You have given life to a thing that was dead. Awe inspiring work.

    • @MyweathernetreportsBlogspot
      @MyweathernetreportsBlogspot Před 2 lety +23

      @@MasterWatchmaker the parts alone had to be over a thousand dollars. I could not stop watching. I have a similar time piece.

    • @youngwisemangmail
      @youngwisemangmail Před 2 lety +8

      @@MasterWatchmaker What was the cost of parts? Can hobbyists buy parts from rolex?

  • @yeaabuddy8929
    @yeaabuddy8929 Před 3 lety +523

    i just spent 30 mins of my life watching someone restore a rolex. absolutly beautiful

  • @Voodoo3313
    @Voodoo3313 Před 2 lety +156

    As a Rolex trained horologist myself, I would have done exactly the same. Congratulations on saving the main plate. That, in itself, makes this an epic restoration. Any time a Certified Master Watchmaker pulls out a staking or jewelling tool, many parameters must be met. Generally, people do not understand the tolerances involving end shake and depth of set required Microns! The staking of posts is rather straight forward, simply because posts have shoulders. The same cannot be said of plate jewels. I have replaced plate jewels. It is time consuming and nerve racking. Especially when the repair is for a high end chronograph.
    By the way, I agree that the silicon crystal sleeve was the cause of the water issue. I believe the severity of the rust issue was caused by someone who simply put off taking the timepiece in for service in a timely manner.
    Why would one who drives a Rolls Royce fail to have it serviced promptly when a known issue exists?
    Great work! I subscribed.

    • @john-paulsilke893
      @john-paulsilke893 Před 2 lety +6

      A fool with their $20,000 prized possession. Or perhaps they were wealthy enough that it wasn’t such a prize and when they passed their child(ren) wanted dad’s watch to run again.
      Let’s hope it was his wife getting his watch fixed as an anniversary present. I too am very, very impressed. In fact I would have bet $5,000 it couldn’t be done, (since before it was completed I never imagined it could be done for less then that amount). I’m guessing this is at least a $7,000 restoration.

    • @waringrob
      @waringrob Před 2 lety +2

      @@john-paulsilke893 "Why would one who drives a Rolls Royce fail to have it serviced promptly when a known issue exists?" Because they don't have time. Repairing a Rolex is not important enough in their life??

    • @john-paulsilke893
      @john-paulsilke893 Před 2 lety +4

      @@waringrob look on the used car market. Many high priced cars who simply haven’t been maintained. 30 years ago I bought a poor condition Ferrari Dino for $20,000. I did about $4,000 worth of work and flipped it for $35,000. They are currently for sale at over $300,000. People are human and this is a real problem.

    • @andreassvensson1038
      @andreassvensson1038 Před 2 lety +3

      "... an epic replacing" that should be.

    • @Voodoo3313
      @Voodoo3313 Před 2 lety +1

      @@andreassvensson1038 Yes, it is. Practically every part was destroyed by rust. It isn’t practical to remanufacture parts when replacements are available. Many movement manufacturers are represented across many brands. In the case of Rolex, they manufacture their own movements and do not share them or the parts for them across brands.

  • @gordonmooring1751
    @gordonmooring1751 Před 2 lety +17

    As a heavy diesel mechanic I am amazed at the precision and dexterity you show in this video and the way you handle the components is amazing .. and that is by far the cutest little arbor style press I have ever seen . Love your work mate

  • @wadehampton1534
    @wadehampton1534 Před 2 lety +21

    Incredible workmanship and attention to detail! This thing was a total wreck, and I was thoroughly impressed with the refurbishment of this watch. I stopped by on a whim, and left as a subscriber. I'm sixty-one years old, and I've been an electrical engineer most of my life. I had to retire this year due to health issues, and if I had to do it all over again, I would like to have been a Watchmaker. I've had a passion for mechanical movement watches since I was a boy, and I received a wind-up Timex watch for my sixth birthday. It sparked my early interest in "how things work", and I've been investigating how things work ever since. Since retiring, that passion for mechanical watches has been rekindled with a vengeance, and I started buying tools from eBay and a few other places, and I set up a watch repair station on the end of my electronics repair bench.
    I am learning how to be a watch repairer, and so far and I can take a pocket watch and basic wristwatches apart and put them back together again. This my friend, is a level of complexity that is miles ahead of my skill set. This is a very beautiful and expensive watch, that suffered catastrophic water damage. My first thought was "it's not repairable", and least not without replacing most of the internal parts. It looks like I was right, the parts list was long and expensive, but in the end, it was all sorted out and made whole again. I don't have enough experience with wristwatches to be able to deal with a disintegrated movement, and have any hope of putting it back together. I need to see how it's taken apart first, but even then this watch is above my head for now. As my skills increase, I'll be taking on projects that are more challenging than a pocket watch or basis wristwatch. I have a small box of about a dozen non running wristwatches, that belonged to my maternal grandparents. There are even a few ladies watches in the box, and it's a real treasure trove for a budding watch repairer like myself. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it! I'll be following along with you, and gleaning what I can from your excellent videos.

  • @Moiso25
    @Moiso25 Před 3 lety +7

    The work, the music, the sad idea that this may be the last restoration of a Rolex. So many emotions.Thank you

  • @carlosmitchell6625
    @carlosmitchell6625 Před 3 lety +38

    "due to extensive damage the whole watch had to be replaced in tiny parts one by one" :) very relaxing !

  • @mr.snowfoam1542
    @mr.snowfoam1542 Před 2 lety +9

    Such an epic display of talent, detail and steadiness of hand. I’m so blown away. Bravo!

  • @juliodelrio1737
    @juliodelrio1737 Před rokem

    I've always been fascinated with how small things are in a mechanical watch let alone a beautiful rolex....and the fact it works when it's all put together..just simply amazing works of art!! Good job people!!

  • @andykenny5674
    @andykenny5674 Před 3 lety +42

    As a mechanical engineer myself, the amount of labour and effort to restore some of the (? repairable) parts, plus the risk of an unfavourable outcome following all the labour expenditure means replacement of those parts is a far more logical choice. He’s an experienced chap, and knows this. I’m absolutely sure he’s tried to restore bits of damaged mechanism during his career with questionable results, hence his assertion about part replacement.
    He also knows about cost effectivity and would have assessed repair vs buying new prior to the work and advised the customer accordingly.
    Great work IMO.

    • @MasterWatchmaker
      @MasterWatchmaker  Před 3 lety +28

      Thank you Andy - you are spot on. Unfortunately most viewers are unable to grasp the complexity of micro components, the way they are made, polished, burnished and finished as well as engineering behind them. Also, only a few would have any understanding of what a tolerance of 2 micron really is; or what it takes for a mechanical oscillator to perform / keep time with an accuracy of 99.9992% in 5 position. Watch parts are simply not design to be 'restored' , Our workshop is setup for watch parts manufacturing (see www.NicholasHacko.com.au ) and we make our own internal components, but to setup tooling for just one gear cots thousands of dollars. Thanks for watching. Nick Hacko

    • @ronaldcrenfro4637
      @ronaldcrenfro4637 Před 3 lety +2

      @@MasterWatchmaker Great Work on the WATCH and Great Choice of Relaxing Music. I enjoyed the entire Video.

    • @rodneyemmerich8828
      @rodneyemmerich8828 Před 3 lety +5

      How can you tell a person is an engineer?? Because he NEVER fails to announce it 😜😜😜

    • @edwinperez1506
      @edwinperez1506 Před 3 lety +1

      Its better than the dentist

    • @edwinperez1506
      @edwinperez1506 Před 3 lety +1

      @@shiweixu7328 forgetabouit buy me so i can put it in the trunk of my car?

  • @danward48
    @danward48 Před 3 lety +67

    Blows my mind that anyone could figure out how to put this thing back together. Amazing.

  • @jasonkelley3197
    @jasonkelley3197 Před 2 lety

    It's refreshing to be able to see someone do highly skilled work with such care.

  • @richardokeefe3943
    @richardokeefe3943 Před 2 lety

    As an owner of two Rolex watches I was very glad to see that GMT come back to life. Well done.

  • @davidnickson7034
    @davidnickson7034 Před 3 lety +26

    Fascinating and impressive escape from disaster. Reminds me of the farmer and his best axe, he only had to replace 4 handles and 2 heads. The music is also superb, thanks.

  • @SRelectengineer
    @SRelectengineer Před 3 lety +264

    It is unbelievable to see how the watchmaker can remember every single piece of the watch to be restored.

    • @edwinperez1506
      @edwinperez1506 Před 3 lety

      That's like when i go 2 the doc but with out. The talking 👄

    • @enzodebredo
      @enzodebredo Před 3 lety +11

      That’s why they make a video!

    • @changeeyecolor3891
      @changeeyecolor3891 Před 3 lety

      👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

    • @dopeytripod
      @dopeytripod Před 3 lety +6

      usually if there were parts left over he wouldn't get paid

    • @SylvesterStaline.
      @SylvesterStaline. Před 3 lety +1

      Firstly they have good memories, secondly I saw they have lots of little box they fill one operation after another so they can have a chronology of what they did.

  • @theclash181
    @theclash181 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for sharing this experience. This is one of if not my favorite watch restoration channels out there.

  • @DannyOhana
    @DannyOhana Před 6 měsíci +2

    The background music makes me want to order a martini. 😄

  • @adamking4948
    @adamking4948 Před 3 lety +3

    Never thought I’d get choked up watching a watch getting restored....beautiful work my friend.

  • @zacholson3429
    @zacholson3429 Před 3 lety +20

    this is just so rediculosly intricate. I can't even imagine having that kind of finesse

  • @masudaharris6435
    @masudaharris6435 Před rokem +1

    I have a similar model and I'll be sure not to let it get to this state. But I take comfort in the fact that if it should, there are people out there who are able to restore it. It's incredible how you remember where everything goes!

  • @jon131
    @jon131 Před 2 lety

    wow, this felt like a complete rebuilding of the rolex. thats incredible that you were able to fix it.

  • @ahmedalagooz6381
    @ahmedalagooz6381 Před 3 lety +283

    Sorry but this isn't a restoration anymore, that's literally building a watch from scratch! Having said that great skills and supreme craftsmanship 👏🏽

    • @jsm5898
      @jsm5898 Před 3 lety +6

      True, a lot of important pieces were replaced. I was waiting for a restoration of all the mechanism of the watch but still a great job. It’s just art.

    • @pd220783
      @pd220783 Před 3 lety +15

      It's like Trigger and his broom from Only Fools And Horses 🤣

    • @MatDek88
      @MatDek88 Před 3 lety

      True

    • @nestopoeta
      @nestopoeta Před 3 lety +4

      He saved the baseplate the case and case back which are the most important for posterity the serial number

    • @donaldkgarman296
      @donaldkgarman296 Před 3 lety +13

      The Parts He replaced were far beyond saving........He did an excelent job,well deserving of recognition.

  • @belledetector
    @belledetector Před 3 lety +6

    Beautiful and well documented restoration. Like a wooden boat, replacing every frame, plank and rivet, but as long as some part of the original remains, it is still a restoration - not a newbuild! Thanks for sharing

  • @tammysharonlorettastafford3376

    Perfect Saturday viewing.A masterclass in watchmaking by a true watch surgeon!

  • @rameshsonwal3916
    @rameshsonwal3916 Před 2 lety

    Thank you brother for refreshing my 22 years old memories, because 22 years ago I used to repair watches.

  • @Theuncommon33
    @Theuncommon33 Před 3 lety +4

    You do amazing work, that's inspiring. I am a mechanic, from the northern states where rust can be king. This restoration is stunning. It's a shame that you can no longer get the parts. Your videos are awesome. I could see doing what you do, just turning on the music and working on a movement. Awesome. Thank you.

  • @johnghatti5435
    @johnghatti5435 Před 3 lety +9

    Very impressive. I’ve worked on electrical motors, small engines, and just about everything in between and this has to be the most tedious and detailed restorations I’ve seen. Thank you for sharing

  • @bjw4859
    @bjw4859 Před 8 měsíci

    I have watched many watch restorations on quite a few different channels over the past year & that is by far the most wrecked watch I have seen brought back to life, that in it's self must make you fulfilled, well done.

  • @venkyorg
    @venkyorg Před rokem

    It gives a different kind of high in resurrecting something which isn't just dead, but almost decayed! And only a wizard could do such a thing! Kudos 🙌🙌🙌

  • @williamharris8367
    @williamharris8367 Před 3 lety +21

    This video is surprisingly relaxing -- probably due to the wonderful background music and the absence of narration. Thank-you!

    • @adayofforever
      @adayofforever Před 3 lety +1

      I second that!! I was going to say something similar but knew someone had already said it!

    • @Tigerskunk
      @Tigerskunk Před 3 lety

      I like this and youtuber My mechanic. MM uses no music but you do here the machine work to make parts or repairs to old tools and locks and scales.

  • @thejoeyc
    @thejoeyc Před 3 lety +40

    This person is better at fixing watches than I am at living life.

    • @FSK-bi2sd
      @FSK-bi2sd Před 3 lety +2

      🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @manasseskamau5327
      @manasseskamau5327 Před 3 lety

      Life is far more complex than fixing a watch, unless you get help from the Master Watchmaker Himself.

    • @nme6725
      @nme6725 Před 3 lety

      Hahahahaah

    • @BUSTRCHERRI
      @BUSTRCHERRI Před 3 lety

      Start slow. Find an old watch that needs a new battery and change it. Remember to take your time....you'll be ok.

  • @sandeeppanicker9442
    @sandeeppanicker9442 Před 2 lety

    Just a joy to watch a master silently go about his craft... 👏👏👏

  • @mikeburnett7028
    @mikeburnett7028 Před rokem

    Beautiful restoration. I would never have the patience for something like this

  • @4evalost948
    @4evalost948 Před 3 lety +22

    Man it was a pleasure watching a Master rebuild a legendary Rolex

  • @bobnoblesjr.465
    @bobnoblesjr.465 Před 3 lety +10

    Your restoration is an art in itself. Beautiful work!

  • @DevanTan
    @DevanTan Před 2 lety

    Magnificent restoration! A truly masterwork!

  • @davidbarnes241
    @davidbarnes241 Před rokem

    Nicholas, beyond the call of duty and you deserve a place in the owner’s heart 👏

  • @jap3308
    @jap3308 Před 3 lety +9

    Blew my mind all the moving parts this dude is a professional

  • @andersisacson8262
    @andersisacson8262 Před 3 lety +10

    Absolutley fantastic work. Can't imagine how much experience it takes to do this kind of work. It's very therapeutic to watch how all the parts gets serviced and comes together. If you didn't know what the phrase "works like a Swiss watch" means, you do now. Thanks for a great video!

    • @gulpbiys5705
      @gulpbiys5705 Před 2 lety

      czcams.com/video/MRN38gkXw3U/video.html ,

  • @waynejrice
    @waynejrice Před 2 lety

    A master, no doubt. You restored a small piece of art with work that was every bit as artistic.

  • @jeremypearson6852
    @jeremypearson6852 Před rokem +1

    Brilliant film editing and shots of the before and after. That takes a special talent.

  • @TheRockinGamer98
    @TheRockinGamer98 Před 3 lety +5

    The amount of parts in such a small thing!! it’s amazing to watch you take it apart and assemble it again!

  • @scotth6848
    @scotth6848 Před 3 lety +10

    This was one of the more dramatic restorations I have seen. The cost of new Rolex parts must have raised some eyebrows. Execution on this was nothing less than fantastic. Well done!

    • @couttsw
      @couttsw Před 3 lety

      As he stated the parts came from his parts box, in Australia, you can't get shit.

    • @edwinperez1506
      @edwinperez1506 Před 3 lety

      Like a brain sergeant

  • @yambo59
    @yambo59 Před 5 měsíci

    Only a true watchmaker / repair person with a genuine love for his craft will undertake such an extensively laborious and detail intensive restoration such as this. As one comment put it, Rolex wouldnt even do this kind of work they would just replace the movement - something even many hobbyist watchmakers could easily do - it takes a true craftsman of note to perform a resurrection like this one and get such striking results. Well done-!

  • @ilariekendi341
    @ilariekendi341 Před 2 lety +4

    I believe that restoration, by definition, means restoring an object to its original state, without replacing a part. And if the replacement of some components is inevitable, they should not exceed 5 or 10% of the original product. The more replacement parts there are, the more the restoration becomes repair.
    A beautiful video!

  • @nevrclose
    @nevrclose Před 3 lety +7

    I'd love to see a cost analysis on restoring a Rolex from this condition to new vice just buying another one. Sentimental value can always win.
    Love watching watch restoration videos

  • @knutknutsen6249
    @knutknutsen6249 Před 2 lety +37

    It is painful to see the state of damage to such a magnificent watch.
    To see how the master watch maker brings it back to life again is really something.
    So nice that someone is still able to do work like this in a time dominated by battery clocks.

  • @skauffman74
    @skauffman74 Před 2 lety

    Damaged... a huge understatement; great work bringing it back to life.

  • @WC_Watch_Collector_Club

    Thank you for sharing this timeless classic and beautiful watch

  • @1337fraggzb00N
    @1337fraggzb00N Před 3 lety +208

    It's like restoring an old car by replacing almost every part except one window crank and a single screw from that one part somewhere 😮

    • @swagon4545
      @swagon4545 Před 3 lety +2

      He didn't replace the parts, He restored them.. There is a massive difference...

    • @Ben7seven7
      @Ben7seven7 Před 3 lety +13

      @@swagon4545 were you watching the same video? He literally replaced nearly every single part of the watch except for the baseplate. What he did is like doing an Engine rebuild on a car and only keeping the original engine block and maybe the heads and replacing everything else.

    • @02honeydew
      @02honeydew Před 3 lety +2

      @@Ben7seven7 Lmao I don't think he was.

    • @hvacae6904
      @hvacae6904 Před 2 lety +1

      Most of the parts were being corroded and will not be useful so what you will do, then replace the parts its how simple it is but the skill and patience he did on this watch were superb.

    • @supercomputer0448
      @supercomputer0448 Před 2 lety +1

      You really can't blame him. He didn't have a choice. Those parts were ruined, this is a very precise watch. A single corroded gear could cause the time to be off. Plus it's near impossible to distinguish parts that were replaced from if it was never damaged.

  • @philiplauzon1743
    @philiplauzon1743 Před 2 lety +4

    You are a master at your craft. Truly impressive fine detailed work. It’s always so satisfying to see the balance wheel go in and the gear start turning

  • @cesaralexanderruizcardozo8512

    This is just a beautiful experience to see how a dead watch is been brought back to life! I'm amazed because all those screws were basically damaged by water and how you removed them. Replacing parts and all hand job, I'm completely sure is not that cheap. Just thanks for sharing.

  • @andrewjohnholt
    @andrewjohnholt Před 2 lety

    I love watching train wrecks turned into pristine examples again....also good music for me to play my sax along to. Thanks for both.

  • @myleswillis
    @myleswillis Před 3 lety +202

    The entire watch is essential to the functioning of the watch and must be replaced. 😅

    • @changeeyecolor3891
      @changeeyecolor3891 Před 3 lety +2

      👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

    • @tundetwasvordemk5345
      @tundetwasvordemk5345 Před 3 lety +8

      i get, what you are pointing at. but - you would not make that statement, if you would be aware of the retail prices for spare parts (or even a complete movement)...
      at least he doesnt install shitty parts and at the end of the day, this is the best way of getting both, QUALITY and a REASONABLE price for a restauration; this was very (!) expensive, tho)...
      and just by the way, have you even watched the video? as watchmakers, we rather like to repair stuff, than simply replacing it, sure. but we are no magicians, tho. :)

    • @richardsalinetrojr1957
      @richardsalinetrojr1957 Před 3 lety +3

      @@tundetwasvordemk5345 I literally just said in comment that I wonder what a restoration like this would cost and that im willing to bet it would be more then the cost of a new Grand Seiko.i wish I had the patience and a steady enough hand to even think about going to school to learn this stuff but unfortunately I don't.lol.imo opinion guys like this are truly unique and are artist in their own rite.

    • @autodidact537
      @autodidact537 Před 3 lety +1

      Good point, you might ask what percentage of replacement parts does it take to consider the watch to be 'new' or at least not the same object that it was when the project began?

  • @Lopezer04
    @Lopezer04 Před 2 lety +8

    Amazing work regardless if this was a restoration or replacement. This is masterclass!!

  • @jefflawrence3846
    @jefflawrence3846 Před 2 lety

    If I ever need a watch repaired or restored you will be the man that I will call.. Thanks and regards from Brisbane

  • @gopalakrishnanramaswamy6562

    Wow,marvelous!A dandy job indeed.Master watchmaker deserves all praises.

  • @SalaciousCrmb
    @SalaciousCrmb Před 3 lety +54

    It’s impressive that all of this work was done in less than 29 minutes.

    • @danielpauldebs6526
      @danielpauldebs6526 Před 3 lety +1

      The video is 29 minutes the actual work required is many hours.

    • @SalaciousCrmb
      @SalaciousCrmb Před 3 lety +5

      @@danielpauldebs6526 what do you mean? it took less than 30 minutes.....it’s all on video.

    • @Khan-di1qh
      @Khan-di1qh Před 3 lety +1

      @@SalaciousCrmb hahah

  • @gordon8858
    @gordon8858 Před 2 lety

    Hello Nicholas, what an amazing restoration. You certainly have dedication and commitment to your work.
    Well done and thank you for the video.
    Gordon, Halifax, UK

  • @rymusdash6182
    @rymusdash6182 Před 2 lety

    It is a beautiful work, it is admirable to give life to a work of art once again, one never knows the history of that watch.

  • @richardtaylor5948
    @richardtaylor5948 Před 2 lety +4

    I'm pretty happy with my choice to spend 30 minutes watching something I don't comprehend. Mad skills homie

  • @WorldRaceMVG
    @WorldRaceMVG Před 2 lety +126

    Amazing. I would have preferred to hear the sounds of the restoration rather than music but that’s just me

    • @akarshankastooriya9134
      @akarshankastooriya9134 Před 2 lety +4

      Fully Agreed 👍🏽

    • @nivitoachumi2991
      @nivitoachumi2991 Před 2 lety +3

      I'm with you

    • @eru1156
      @eru1156 Před 2 lety +1

      yeah just like an asmr, it will be good

    • @littlejackalo5326
      @littlejackalo5326 Před 2 lety +2

      @@eru1156 don't bring the aSmR cancer to watchmaking.

    • @wendyandgeoffpattison2610
      @wendyandgeoffpattison2610 Před 2 lety +4

      What is it with Phillistines that don't like music? This man accompanied his craft with some of the best jazz ever, and you don't like it? That is truly sad. I despair for mankind.

  • @WatchmakerErik
    @WatchmakerErik Před rokem +5

    You are truly deserving of your title. Wonderful restoration and the music choices were fabulous.

  • @johnrusselllombard8774

    Absolutely amazing! It reminded me of that famous line from Apollo 13 when Gene turns to one of his engineers and asks “What do we have on the spacecraft that’s good??” Bravo!

  • @itchyfeet41
    @itchyfeet41 Před 3 lety +4

    That was such a pleasing restoration to watch, I just hope my Rolex never needs anything like it, thanks for posting.

  • @Edgy01
    @Edgy01 Před 2 lety +34

    I’m wearing that same model watch as I watched this terrific video. It’s good to know serious craftsmen are still out there! (Bought mine new in 2000) and I can only hope that it looks much better inside! I definitely send mine in for maintenance periodically. Preventative maintenance-worth it!

    • @manny9992
      @manny9992 Před 2 lety +1

      Nice 😎

    • @mundodarelojoaria
      @mundodarelojoaria Před 2 lety +1

      czcams.com/video/Q3BLIvLf8rM/video.html

    • @john-paulsilke893
      @john-paulsilke893 Před 2 lety

      Which dial? I absolutely love the Pepsi myself.

    • @Edgy01
      @Edgy01 Před rokem

      Mine is the gold and stainless with the black bezel and numbers in gold. My second GMT!

  • @virgiliotoledano-ud6hp

    Magnificent. A work of art. Availability of parts transformed and intricate assembly.

  • @jamesjoyce5136
    @jamesjoyce5136 Před 2 lety +1

    Congratulations for the work! This is one of the best videos i have seen for a while. The video is perfect. Perfect in colors of the work space, perfect in sharpness and definition, perfect in light solution - and one of the best points in my opinion is the background music, a very stylish modern jazz music , which is absolutely in the mood to this work. Classy, fantastic und a big reason, why i gave you my LIKE and why i had to make the abonnement. Thank you for this outstanding work!

  • @1hitwonderfan
    @1hitwonderfan Před 3 lety +7

    What an Awesome labor of love and the background music is so relaxing and pairs so well with what you're doing keep up the good work and the videos coming! it is so enjoyable and relaxing to watch & listen to your videos!

  • @KathrynLiz1
    @KathrynLiz1 Před 3 lety +3

    I love that moment when you fit the escapement and the watch's heart begins to beat again!
    I think that the water that got in was probably sea water, the corrosion was so bad.... Wonderful work to restore this beautiful mechanism back to perfect working order. Your skill is mind-boggling.....

  • @ol6309
    @ol6309 Před 2 lety

    This is the most amazing video, it provides total focus and relaxation

  • @tchevrier
    @tchevrier Před 2 lety

    amazing job. Personally I think a Rolex looks better on the inside than it does on the outside. Amazing craftsmanship

  • @geegnosis8888
    @geegnosis8888 Před 3 lety +4

    Truly complicated engineering - no wonder watchmakers are amazing master crafters.

  • @xav3698
    @xav3698 Před 3 lety +91

    CZcams algorithm feeding me things I didn’t even know I wanted...

  • @dalistuff
    @dalistuff Před 10 měsíci

    Outstanding! Thank you for the talented craftsmanship & great choice of music.

  • @JohnBarrow1961
    @JohnBarrow1961 Před rokem

    Amazing work and restoration but I can't imagine the cost of such a repair given all the replacement parts. Great job.

  • @addeats
    @addeats Před 3 lety +18

    I feel richer after watching this

  • @Happy357mag
    @Happy357mag Před 3 lety +4

    Just like a classic car it is nice to have the numbers matching and makes it more valuable too.
    Great work. I see why you're a master!

  • @wilson9677
    @wilson9677 Před 2 lety +1

    Esse sim é uma verdadeira joia valeu a pena o trabalho de desmontagem e montagem novamente e é lindo.

  • @ryanolden5304
    @ryanolden5304 Před 2 lety

    perfection is now restored! royalty of all watches, a very nice time piece.

  • @Teebi928S
    @Teebi928S Před 3 lety +7

    Being a happy owner of a GMT Master II I am in total awe of that repair and the skills required, at the same time I'm aghast at the myopic stance taken by the Swiss juggernauts to strangle those gifted artisans that we depend upon.

  • @ChrisLee-UK
    @ChrisLee-UK Před 3 lety +4

    Absolutely stunning work! I could have cried when I saw the amount of destruction inside this beauty but gave it new life. I dread to think what a restoration of this level would have cost, obviously far less than trying to buy a new piece. Thank you for a very satisfying 29 minutes...

    • @MrLaTEchno
      @MrLaTEchno Před 2 lety +1

      ....mate no worry most was just oils...............and iron, rest are Precious metals and do not rust but can have a tarnish.
      Costs are very high but not from damage...that's for the name 100% fact. Please do not be fooled.
      A muffler for a simple car but a 1é class type cost let's say 400 dollar....for Rolls same materials ! 2500 dollar same materials same hours to install only I got a Honda, ...........he got a R. Royce.
      Just a name ..............

  • @meganwyatt1607
    @meganwyatt1607 Před 2 lety

    You are a master! Mpst people wouldn't have even tried attempting that. Hats off mate that was awesome to watch.

  • @GOESCH77304
    @GOESCH77304 Před 2 lety

    Wow! Thank you…And the music was impeccable as was the restoration.

  • @Investor_2000
    @Investor_2000 Před 3 lety +10

    Wow, truly wonderful filming and editing and that’s before you even consider the work of the Master Watchmaker.
    Really rewarding and enjoyable video to watch.
    One can only marvel at the skill set displayed. I wonder how many people in the World can operate at this level?
    Thank you and a well deserved subscription from me. 🇬🇧👏👏👏

  • @mzeemombasa.3456
    @mzeemombasa.3456 Před rokem

    Am in love with the workmanship of watches .

  • @fiddlyniknax6449
    @fiddlyniknax6449 Před rokem

    Brilliant. I love how you use reeds from wind instruments as pushers and shifters.

  • @bryan6192
    @bryan6192 Před 3 lety +5

    Watching this really puts into perspective as to why these watches cost so much. It's a working piece of art inside these timepieces...

  • @kaanavar7662
    @kaanavar7662 Před 3 lety +4

    This is what Nicholas Hacko touch looks like. Awesome job!

  • @sphericalempirical9359

    Masterful. The force is strong with this one.

  • @markmoyer
    @markmoyer Před 2 lety

    Came for the watch restoration, stayed for the Jazz. Great video!

  • @skygrey7237
    @skygrey7237 Před 3 lety +11

    The gmt is the only thing I’ve ever owned that actually appreciated in value after 16 years. Bought one for $4400 in 2004. It’s now worth over $10k.

    • @nomanslee1
      @nomanslee1 Před 3 lety

      What do you do for a living if I may ask?

    • @nomanslee1
      @nomanslee1 Před 3 lety +1

      @@silverghost4206 other than the fact a GMT costs money? You have to work to be able to afford nice things.

    • @nomanslee1
      @nomanslee1 Před 3 lety

      @@silverghost4206 I don’t care about his personal finances I care about how he obtains those finances guy. I asked for his profession, I didn’t demand it so no I don’t “need to know” try reading the comments you’re responding to. He’s a grown man, he can say he doesn’t want to air his career out to CZcams or he can have a conversation. Where do you come into this equation?

    • @nomanslee1
      @nomanslee1 Před 3 lety

      @@silverghost4206 no, telling me his net income would be airing his finances. Or revealing his expenses... like maybe idk.... purchasing a Rolex 🤣

    • @nomanslee1
      @nomanslee1 Před 3 lety

      @@silverghost4206 you act like the world will end if I have a conversation with this guy about his work.

  • @walterpatrice1274
    @walterpatrice1274 Před 3 lety +8

    Thank you very much for the Jazz music, my favorite music, and thank you for your professionalism as well Warmly Patrice

  • @stevepearson6316
    @stevepearson6316 Před 2 lety +3

    I have seen lots of video of watch repar and it seems like all have truble manipulating tweezers this guy seems to be very good at it , it looked like those tweezers and wood thing was an extension of his fingers , didnt fumble around with the little screws didn't drop any just the pricison of how well he used the tools was amazing

  • @bubaa1218
    @bubaa1218 Před 2 lety

    Beautiful job. That guy pretty munch got a new watch. It’s some what relaxing to watch with the music

  • @TerryMcKean
    @TerryMcKean Před 3 lety +5

    Bravo, Nicolas!... that was a definitely a masterpiece of a restoration. Thank you for sharing.

  • @maxkagi1297
    @maxkagi1297 Před 3 lety +15

    Sir? You basically made a new watch. However? .. I'm not complaining! .. this was an exceptionally gratifying 30 minutes spent here! Thank you very much! ..and I will never complain again about what I thought was an outrageously expensive timepiece. Magnificent! Bravo!

  • @rodcarr3119
    @rodcarr3119 Před rokem +1

    Brilliant film - felt a little ill when the case back came off, but properly elated at the end!! thanks.

  • @hermannortiz2707
    @hermannortiz2707 Před rokem

    Que gran maestro, hermosa restauración de un lindo y muy fino reloj, una obra de arte.

  • @PierreWheaton
    @PierreWheaton Před 3 lety +138

    Considering the number of parts that needed to be replaced and the cost of those parts being a Rolex, you should have just told the customer to buy a new watch!! But it was a challenge and said challenge was met. Nice work and great jazz.

    • @LucDesaulniers1
      @LucDesaulniers1 Před 3 lety +12

      But I understand the reason why. I got my Omega fixed at a cost of 500$ because you get personnaly attached to a watch. For the same reason I can’t see myself buying a used watch.

    • @captlove8788
      @captlove8788 Před 3 lety +13

      I recently took a GMT 116710LN to a credible independent service to replace one single broken GMT gear(the one that allowed jumping hour GMT setting) Cost $500 USD for one little gear replacement.
      Now.. seeing this video. Sentimental value or not.. must have cost more than a watch itself if parts procure new directly from Rolex. Otherwise it would’ve cost no less than getting one identical parts donor watch in decent condition.

    • @DerpEye
      @DerpEye Před 3 lety +12

      @@captlove8788 The cheapest specimen of this watch i can find on Chrono24 in my country, is about 8700euros. Same build, same year. Even if the cost of repair was 5-6k it would've been worth it.

    • @ziplepingouin1186
      @ziplepingouin1186 Před 3 lety +2

      @@captlove8788 I believe cost of labour is the most important, and in your case, the disassembly must have been quite extensive... If you have the watch already open for a single part, it would just cost the price of the extra parts but not much more labour...

    • @haidweng7948
      @haidweng7948 Před 3 lety +16

      A new movement is around 3000 dollar, a new Rolex gmt is around 20000, this is worth the serve