Vacheron & Constantin Pocket Watch - DIY Balance Staff! Amazing Restoration

Video Description

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 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/3vPPuUy 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 ------------------------------------ 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