Do This Before You Open Any Vintage Watch ! My Most Important Video to Date !

I try to remind folks as often as possible to check vintage watches for radium before opening them. Radium was used in the luminous paint pre-1960s and is carcinogenic (it can cause cancer). You do not want to accidentally inhale or ingest radium dust or radon gas. The dust has a half-life of 1600 years and however it enters your body, your body may metabolize it at calcium and store it in your bones! You don't want that!

In this video I show how to test watches with two different types of geiger counters, and where to buy the cheaper of the two (which works fine if all you want to do is determine if a watch has radium lume on its hands or dial or not).

Here's a list of affiliate (and non-affiliate) links to the Geiger counter featured in this video as well as a variety of other beginner watchmaking tools:

HFS-P3 Handheld Pen Geiger Counter ($30)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdeIQuZ

The microscope I use is from Eakins on AliExpress. Costs range from $200 to $400. If you purchase one yourself please consider using this affiliate link:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkBfwLZ

The Timegrapher I use is also from Aliexpress:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCe9uyb

Inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner ($43):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE3NfEn

3 piece Bergeon screwdriver kit ($40):
https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/bergeon-screwdriver-sets-plastic-wallets

5 piece screwdriver kit - China ($5):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC1yrLD

Magnifying loupe with headband ($4):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmo97BD

Movement holders - base metal ($4):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCueLc7

Rubber bulb dust blower ($2):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkKWzNH

Casing cusion ($3):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeRm1OJ

Crystal lift ($26):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCKoMGr

Gasket greaser ($2):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDTnxZl

Screwdriver sharpening tool (can be used with sandpaper) ($4):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkjBul1

Screwdriver sharpening stone ($47):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_De0ThPp

Plastic tweezers for handling watch hands ($3):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dehlz5l

Hand lifter tool set ($3):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlIrEZ1

Oiler set ($5):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDum6jl

Hand presser tools ($2):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCUpMtD

Mainspring barrel cover closing tool ($5):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC70tzV

Rubber ball type case opening ball ($5):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmKT7GX

Dumont #4 tweezers ($25):
https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/dumont-no4-extra-fine-tips

30 Hole staking plate ($4):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEWfEZ1

Bergeon Rodico ($8):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dcvdt4x

3 point case back opener tool:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dn2Y6HV

Digital caliper ($4):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dkjxdz9

45mm Adjustable Watch Back Cover Holder Case Holder
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnLFrlZ

2 point case back opener tool:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkIJENl

Watch Case Vise:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DextLKb

Watch Snap-on Case Back Opener:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBk7n9D

Bezel Remover Tool:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeM6Ppt

Polystyrene probe:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnPBD6L

Professional Demagnetize Tool for Watchmaker EU Plug:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBYMMdN

Leather watch bands:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBrzyb1

Watch band buckles:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF4G9Cn

MOST OF THE LINKS ABOVE ARE AFFILIATE LINKS
By using the affiliate links I earn a small fee of your purchase at no extra cost to you.

#restoration #vintage #watchmaking #ishootwatches