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ROLEX REJECT? Saving a $1000 Tudor Rust Bucket

Nekkid Watchmaker

1,140,218 views

This 1940s Tudor was found in a shocking state of neglect, but beneath the scratched crystal and rusted case lies a beautiful piece of watchmaking history. In this ultimate restoration guide, I take you through every step of bringing this "battered" relic back to life—from cleaning the delicate dial and servicing the movement to sourcing the perfect replacement for that decayed original strap.

Whether you're a seasoned watchmaker or just love seeing a piece of history saved, this deep dive shows exactly what it takes to restore a vintage Tudor to its former glory.

In this video:

Initial assessment of the damage
Complete movement teardown and ultrasonic cleaning
Restoring the dial and hands
Case polishing and crystal replacement
The final reveal: From "Trash" to a timeless classic

CHAPTERS
00:00 The "Rust Bucket" Challenge
00:47 Why I (usually) don't polish movements
01:35 The £2,000 eBay Gamble
01:50 The Restoration Begins: Evapo-Rust Reveal (Mark this clearly!)
04:15 Deep Cleaning the Caliber 390
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20 Comments

@2degucitas 5 years ago

My father was a watchmaker. I would watch him work, taking apart watches, his loup on his glasses. He'd fit all the parts into the baskets and clean them in the ultrasound. Then came putting them back together. I love the smell of watch oil. He's been gone 16 years now, long since retired in the 80's. I miss him. I took as much of his equipment as I could. I use them to make jewelry.

@patrickiredale4359 4 years ago

I never thought in a million years, I’d find watching someone disassemble, clean, repair and re-assemble a watch, so entertaining and relaxing! The Nekkid Watchmaker is the perfect antidote to today’s hectic lifestyle. Long may he reign as the King of Watchmaking on YouTube. 😎

@kinklesstetrode 5 years ago

Does anyone else hold their breath when watching the hairspring reassembly????

@Netbug 1 year ago

I used to work at an artisanal glassworks, mostly grinding and polishing crystal ornaments, vases, and glasses. I know how much patience it requires... well done fixing that crystal without snapping it.

@trademarkuk7504 5 years ago

The only restoration channel I have unmuted......

@amphibiousone7972 3 months ago

Revisiting, I still can't get over how great this watch turned out. Yes it was worth watching all the way through again. 👍

@richards7909 5 years ago

Hooray, you’re back with a new episode!

@perrymalcolm3802 1 month ago

I think u did an absolutely masterful job with this whole restoration!! It IS among ur finest hours! 👏👏👏👏

@doncorleon9 5 years ago

My next 25min are gonna be awesome.

Thanks Nekkid, evening made.

@bernielowe3709 4 years ago

You are absolutely amazing. It’s such an honour to be able to see you at work.

@gragrn 5 years ago

It's 4 am here in Australia and I was about to go to bed when your video appeared. I had to watch it of course. It's always a pleasure to see the love you put into your work, you're a true master. Many thanks!

@bryanmower2703 5 years ago

In between global economic meltdown and the slowest plague in history, you are a shining beacon of calm and relaxation

@paulpeterson2110 5 years ago

Your videos give me a sense of peace and a new perspective on life. Thank you!

@mdelgado1001 4 years ago

Thank for sharing those moments of interaction with your little one. His little voice and laughter is a Blessing to me. Its been years since I've had that in my life. Thank you.

@armin.hierstetter 5 years ago

Watching your videos is like a 25-minute-holiday.

@juleesadventures7925 2 years ago

You are a Craftsman at what you can do with a watch you’re work is second to none amazing ❤

@TillOverHill 5 years ago

Hey man, you had been gone a while :-) Hope you, the accountant, and the little assistants are all healthy and well. Thank you for documenting another beautiful work of yours for us. All the best.