Rusted Rolex Resurrected from Ruin

Video Description

This rusted 1978 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref 1603 is in dire need of repairs. Inside the watch is the 1570 caliber 26 jewel movement, which features automatic winding and a date complication. The watch has much sentimental value to its owner, Octavio. It was gifted to him by a family friend who was WWII bomber pilot and who employed his father for 30+ years. I knew there was going to be some water damage since the watch had been missing it's crown for quite some time. To be honest, it was in awful condition and I had my doubts whether it would ever run again. If you're looking for an incredible watch repair or antique restoration project, be sure to check out my video! I'll show you how to fix this vintage watch and get it back to working order. #restoration #watchrepair #wristwatch #swisswatch #rolex Contact info: [email protected] 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: Micrometer: https://amzn.to/4pcvBNv 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 Budget Screwdrivers: https://amzn.to/3Xr7gqo Better Screwdrivers: https://amzn.to/3SZRGkY 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 Otto Frei Tools and Parts: https://www.ofrei.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Disassembly 14:05 Balance Staff Replacement 18:56 Building a Frog Polisher 21:54 Screw Head Polishing 23:22 Pinion and Pivot Restoration 25:25 Cleaning Sequence and New Parts 27:42 Begin Assembly 39:34 Balance Installation 40:29 Initial Timegrapher Readings 41:44 Light Case Work 45:45 Casing the Movement 46:50 Rotor Axle Replacement 49:04 Final Assembly And Microstella --