Restoring a Vietnam-Era Military Watch I Purchased on eBay as "For Parts or Repair"
Marshall restores another vintage watch, this time it's a 1960s military watch that was probably used in Vietnam. He picked it up off of eBay as a "for parts or repair" project, and sure enough it won't run at all. Plus the hands have degraded significantly, so it's quite a project!
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I remember when I first started training in the watch shop on board the USS Bryce Canyon AD36 early 1971 they sent us to the bridge to remove the radium from the pointer on the Lead Helm we removed the pointer scraped off the radium and painted the pointer with a white luminous paint.The inspecting officer asked us what we had done with radium when we told him he called in a decon team secured the bridge and sent us both to sick bay to test for radium poisoning.
What did you do with the radium?
Did you inhale the powder? What happened?
@@richeyrich2203 I guess not sick bay couldn’t find anything,
@@peterking1134 just scraped it off like always. Decon team didn’t find anything I think they wiped down the bridge and put the rags in a lead box not sure what they did with the box. Never heard anything else about it
There are watch shops on some military boats?? also awesome story :)
There's something about a new crystal and an aged dial that's just beautiful.
20:39 I bet that was a heart in mouth moment when that tiny little gear went flying
I'm glad someone else saw it flying out! 😱
Yep I saw it
Setting wheel takes flight.. I saw the same thing. :)
And then it magically reappears in place. Ah, the beauty of editing!
Ha Ha i didn't see your comment till after i had already written mine. Nice, you caught it too!!! God Bless you!
Tearing down all the way, cleaning every part, and then putting back together with the right oils and seals is what I loved about rebuilding truck engines. Basically the same thing, just everything is bigger, haha.
As you were talking about skills, knowledge, and technique, at about 17:10, I noticed you do something that was likely automatic for you and yet something many people don't know. As you were trying to install the screw and get the threads lined up, you gave it a partial turn in the opposite direction. You can see, and feel, the thread drop into place, then it is lined up when you turn it forward. I particularly like and recommend doing this if one is putting a screw into a soft material like plastic, wood, or even soft metals.
Thats so true. I do the same when I need to seat a bolt in tight quarters on one of my tractors... especially when I can't feel it drop in with my hands. A half turn in the opposite direction helps prevent cross threading... from tiny watch screws to valve cover bolts on tractors.
This is very important with the self-tapping screws in plastic. A cross threaded screw can crack the plastic screw posts, leading to a very annoying repair.
Taken a few lenses apart, some with multithreads. They can take a long minute being turned backward before things lineup and fall into place.
This is because the threads on the bolt and the threads in the hole have a definite start, once the end of the threads meets the start of the others the “point” of the od threads drop into the id threads. Keep tinkering boys! There’s something new to learn every day!
I learned of that from a precision shooting channel, 8541 Tactical. Very important when you're installing the screws for scope mounts.
Marshall! I just put my first movement back together :) It took a lot of patience, but the moment that balance wheel kicked up and ran by itself felt like hitting a home run. I'm hooked. Thank you for building my confidence and interest in such a rewarding hobby!
Great job. I actually like this watch better than most of the more expensive/fancy ones you've done.
Absolutely agree.
Yup, this watch has _purpose_ behind it (and perhaps a bit of history); it's not just another 'shiny' to decorate one's wrist.
The mechanical empathy you demonstrate is a joy to view, often turning a screw 1/4 turn anti clockwise to get it seated, then screwing it firmly down clockwise, just wonderful...
Watch your videos whenever I wanna just relax clock out of life stress and enjoy some classic workbench craftsmanship Thanks again
I was a lucky when I was young I had a grandfather who repaired pocket watches as a hobby I spent a many of hours in my youth watching him. When I got old started doing it myself never tried wrist watches but in the early days of ebay I spent a lot buying pocket watches to repair and resale and picked up a few keepers along the way too. I have a few key winds which I love. I'm sure they could use a good cleaning now. My eye sight now that I'm in my 60s has got so bad I can no longer do it myself. So if you ever feel like you like to tackle one let me know I send them your way love to watch you show off one of my watches.
I have loved watches since I was a kid. I'm in my 70's now. I have Parkinson's so learning how to fix something as small and delicate like a watch would not be a good idea for me, lol. I can see it flying across the room now as I shout out, "WATCH OUT" as it sails out the window, lmao. The world of timepieces would never be the same. My passion is Seiko watches. I bought my first one in Japan during a stopover on the way to war. Excellent watches, and I still have a few in storage. Anyways, I really enjoy watching you do these delicate repairs. Take care and I hope you keep making these videos.
I wish I could send you my mom's favorite watch. She passed away recently, and my dad is now in assisted living. While moving their stuff, I found her little watch. It doesn't work, but I keep it close. I have fond memories of her wearing it. Anyway, I love your videos and how detailed they are. If it wasn't for my hand tremors, I would pick up this hobby. It's fascinating. Keep up the great content. 👍
He does sometimes work on viewers watches , but please don't forget that some watch scalpers have contacted chanel viewers pretending to be him.
What @Poperol said. Ignore any comments here redirecting to a way to get in contact and shoot WWR an email, Instagram or Patreon message (whichever you can manage and confirm his account ownership of). You can always ask this way, if you expect to get no for an answer, acceptance of the job will be a pleasant surprise.
Love these old watches. Great face. They were great daily drivers
Tidy looking military watch nicer than ELGIN ,now you've fixed and serviced. Amazing skillset you possess.
Hi Marshall watching your videos made me want a vintage watch but I didn't think there was anything in the family. Last week I found my late grandfathers watch it's nothing special an old Seiko of a type they actually still make but anyway now it's off at local jewelers for a service. Hopefully it all goes well and I can wear it for daily use.
Marshall. The most striking part of the watch has to be that face. It's so striking to look at, and behind ascratch free crystal it looks even better. That is certainly a watch I'd be happy to wear on a daily basis. Thank you for sharing your work. P.S. If your friend decides he doesn't want it......
The dial is gorgeous, I love these military types watches.
Have faith man from Portugal here 🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹✌️🥂
It is a very handsome watch.
Cool watch. The font for the numbers is interesting, especially the '4'.
I just picked up a Late 60's or early 70's Ball Trainmaster Automatic for $200USD on eBay that is running, but at about -30sec/day. A 25 jewel ETA 2620 or 2821 movement, still not quite sure, but I am leaning towards the former. I really don't feel like messing something up, so I am hoping to work through my pocket watches first to get comfortable. I have been practicing on a beat up 15 Jewel USSR chronograph. One balance reposition on my Grandfather's 1920 Elgin pocket watch and I was hooked after I saw the 30 year dormant movement start ticking. Thank you for the inspiration, knowledge, and courage to move from the obsolescence of smartphone repair to the investment of watch repair:)
I’m not really into watches but your commentary is what keeps me watching. Thanks
The myriad of tools watch makers use is astounding. I was watching a video the other day where an antique rounding up tool was used. Add in the crystal press and you can understand why the hobby can be expensive. But all hobbies can be expensive. Especially if done correctly 😊. Excellent video, thank you.
Great video. Like that closing shot. I look forward in each of your videos to seeing whether or not "born to fly" will spread its wings and take off.
Absolutely stunning watch. Such a simple design and a great strap added! Well done.
Been watching your videos for a while and also listening to Limited Resources and just last episode realized that you do both!! How cool!
We have leveled up to the crystal lift tool, how exciting! ha
You know, not only am i amazed at how Marshell is able to work with such incredible small peices that those watches have. But I would LOVE to see those that actually BUILD those amazingly small screws and springs! I love this channel and wtching Marshall work on these watches! Thank you!
There is a couple of marvelous videos on KZhead of how they make Vostok watches at the factory. Including the machines that make the tiny gears. Jeweled bearings etc.
Well done, Marshall. That Lume looks like it needed a little coffee but it still looks great!
I have watched you and others for a couple, three years and really enjoy the "craft". After watching this and other great success, I think "I'm gonna do this!". Then I think: with recent eye problems and being 82 years old with some short term memory problems, (no more than most old farts) AND the cost of tools AND limited experience using the internet to do research and finding and buying things (that are what they say they are), I think I am better off watching you guys that make it look so easy and enjoyable on UTUBE. Thanks to all of you who make these wonderful videos.🤓
Oh Lord I'm so freaking ready for this!!! What a fun project. Appreciate these videos, I'm not into watch repair and watch making myself, but damn if it's not interesting. People sharing their passion for something is always so infectious. Cheers!
I must say, I haven't worn a watch in decades, but this finished watch is definitely one I would wear! Nothing too flashy about it, just nice and functional... I particularly like the lack of a brand, for some reason 😉
Here I was, perusing for something to watch and you post at this very minute. Excellent 👍
Fantastic job on that old watch. Collecting up old watches and taking watch class.
I would have gone back and re-loomed the hour markers... That would drive me insane not being able to see them glow with the hands.
Gotta love military watches. Coolest designs ever.
20:39 / 20:40
Its back in there after the time stamp, looks like he caught it but edited that out for some reason.
Called intermediate setting wheel. Defo back in as no way to turn hands if it is missing. Ask me how I know....🤔 😎 😁
There is something beautiful about the simplicity of that dial. Great work!
Another excellent service/restoration, Marshall! Well done. I really enjoy watching your videos. They’re very therapeutic for some reason. Thanks!
thanks for posting. always enjoy your videos. i appreciate that you don't hide any mistakes. We all make them.
Its a really lovely utilitarian watch. Reminds me of one my dad had for decades. The brown band really compliments it.
Excellent video Marshall. Thanks for sharing that with us all.
I have no idea why but watching you is really coming for me and seeing you work on this beautiful watch is the berries
The algorithm delivered. I think watches are neat, and I love MTG. Boom. I get recommended this channel. If you know, you know.
It's always a pleasure to watch a passionate masterful craftsman at work - thank you!
Love these types of watches
love this channel, so relaxing and informative
Shellac was (and still is) used to finish furniture, floors, and other woodwork. They come as flakes and are dissolved in pure alcohol, so anything with alcohol will dissolve the shellac.
I just want to thank you personally for taking the time to make up watch repair kits for the average person, looking for your latest video is my happy place, cheers.
I like the 24-hr simple design of military watch faces. You did a nice repair there! Thanks for sharing. ❤😊
For luming clocks I've always used strontium powder and paper glue, I have used nail polish lacquer but it blocks the UV a little so it's never as bright, but the clear paper glue and strontium powder works great and glows for 5-7 hours.
Beautiful restoration. Thank you.
The radioactivity of the lume is what makes it glow and that’s what I want back. Go get my tritium!!! The particles given off interact with the phosphor and glow. When the half-life is done, it’s half as bright... by now it’s probably negligible.
Really cool watch and great, simple design aswell. Would love to own one.
I had that exact watch. It lasted less than a month. There was no screw down crown, and water got into the case. I replaced it with a Zodiac Sea Wolf that I bought at the Da Nang PX. It survived.
Yes knowing the rest of the story is a big plus. More please.
Absolutely stunning restoration. Well done!
- Marshall, ...........you have done another GREAT project. Your watch looks great after work. That was a little unusual , but you cracked it.......... many thanks for sharing Ben
Great job sir . Ive never watched a watch repair video in my life. You make it very interesting. Thank you .
The dial on that time piece is georgeous !
Absolutely gorgeous. I love the dial on this watch! And Arnold Palmers are legit!
Perfect timing😅, no pun intented. End of a hard week and laying down, alarm switched off until Monday, and watching this. Thanks again Marshall😊
Nice job. Somewhere in my collection I have this watch. Mine is marked Benrus on the dial.
A super film demonstrating your watch skills, sorting out the hacking to engage correctly was really good. I actually own one of the fully military version of this watch which was issued to troops in Vietnam. My own has an issue date of March 1968. The military model is DTU-2A/P and a military specification MIL-W-3818B A civilian version was also produced which was made famous by Steve McQueen. He wore one in Bullit and can best be seen on his wrist during the famous car chase.
Cleaning is indeed cathartic, but it’s not only in watchmaking/restoration. My hobby is collecting, making, repairing and modifying folding knives. Completely cleaning and restoring a well used knife is a wonderful experience. A tool to cut things or a tool to tell time, we are both performing a valuable service for sure. Love your channel ❤
Wow that bought back memories. I had that watch or something very similar when I was a child. All the way through I was thinking it was similar, but probably not the same because I remembered green lume. Then when you lit up the lume at the end BOOM, there it was, just as I remembered it in the darkness under the blankets after charging it up with a torch. Thanks for the memory.
I really enjoyed this episode. I like the basic military watch. TY
By far my favorite watch thus far. I liked the Elgin resto you did a couple years back. It turned out beautifully but this one has surpassed it by a mile. Beautiful watch. I'm hoping to be able to afford one of these types one day, properly restored. I'd give watch restoration a try, it looks like a ton of fun, but alas the tremors from my MS mean I can only watch, but I enjoy the heck out of watching!!
Very Cool! I restored 2 of these so far and they turned out great. The only thing I did different was using a nylon military strap instead of a leather strap. It just gives it a little more of that military look. Thank you Marshall for another great video.
Nice work, well done. Thanks for the video.
Thank you very much for sharing this one! It is certainly one of the better looking Military watches I have seen, including the old Kienzle Markant that I wore in the 1960's.
Hey marshall have to say i love your channel, i decided to do a course in horology and retrain as a clock/watchmaker and your channel is a great learning tool and you are very informative. I feel the knowledge ive gained from your videos is definitely going to be advantageous when i start the course. 👍
Another excellent video Marshall. Thanks for your content. I got into this hobby because of you.
Hello,i write from Spain and just to say enjoy a lot with your work a pasion ,thank for share this videos with us.
Your videos inspired me to get a watch so I got a Seiko 5 sport and I love it.
The wonderful art of Problem Solving 💖 what a lovely watch
Great Video! Took a look at the website with the kits and its perfect. Great idea for people to easily get involved in watch making.
Great looking watch. Love the look of these older field watches.
Fantastic restoration ...Thanks !!!
Another great restoration. Always a pleasure to watch you work.
Great videos and excellent explanation of what you are doing!
I've got a Hamilton watch with a dial that looks almost exactly like that but with a day and date complication and Hamilton branding. It's such a clean and functional design
Sounds like a Hamilton Khaki. Really nice watches for not a whole lot of money.
Great video👍...I have so much respect for watchmakers.
I enjoy your videos! I’m thinking about getting into watch repair. Went and checked out your website, that will be the way I go. Thanks for sharing with us, and taking us on the journey!!
I was explaining to the monitor that reluming the hands only will result in a very weird in-the-night experience by having only hands being able to charge and light up. You could've probably covered the other lumed stuff with thinner/lighter cover for night time consistency :) Great work, Marshall, I'll soon buy some more stuff from your online shop, I kinda got tired of disassembling and reassembling the training watch set :)
That watch is SO cool! Great find, great work!
*A good looking watch and good work putting it back into action.*
Thanks!Awesome video.... was amazing watching the "hack issue"
I think you did an awesome job.....Thank you for sharing
4:47 I always enjoy the moment with left-hand screw. In my life I only met it in heavy machinery and trucks.
Love the watch...and another great restoration Marshall.. Great find and super job on getting that one up and running. Looks awesome..and love the strap too...!!
Marshall, I always love your videos! My hands tremble too much for me to ever take on the hobby for myself, but I enjoy it vicariously through your work! I do wonder though, on these kinds of restorations, that is, more practical vs historical, how difficult it would end up being to redo the lume on the face itself? The hand lume was a great success and I can only wonder how much work it would be to get all of that back into working order. Keep up the good work!
Beautiful piece.
Holy cow! I've been working on the follow-on to this, the plastic Timex Camper UK2991211688 watch that became famous because MacGyver wore it. That new replacement one had a truly disposable Timex M116 movement where the click spring would "eat itself up". The movement on your watch is so much more substantial than the Timex Camper follow-on. Great video here!
Wow. Beautifully done!
4:05 Wow! That dial is pristine!
One of my fave types. Great look and very cool tool!
Good job! Well done!
I was looking at this exact model watch the other day. Yes because of you and your channel, I am tempted to get a watch to repair or mess with. I’ve looked more at the Elgin models mainly so if I could get it working I might be able to gift it.
I've been looking for a set of these hands for YEARS. I have my grandpas Vietnam watch exactly like this and it was damaged. crystal punctured, hands gnarled. I had it serviced and they put aftermarket hands on it that I hate and I didnt get the old hands back. Now I want to bring this watch back to what I remembered as a kid
Cool That's all that needs to be said. Thank you Marshall.
Man I love that watch. Utterly lovely. Great job Marshall.
wonderfully simple looking watch... very, very nice