Rusted Rolex Resurrected from Ruin

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: cspinnerwatchrepair@gmail.com

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
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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
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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
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Buffing and Polishing:
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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

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