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I spent two hours yesterday evening trying to replace the pallet stones in a Illinois Bunn Special 18s 21jewel Pocket watch to complete the tear down & cleaning and mainspring replacement . I went to bed because I just couldent get the stones shellacked in. This morning on my first try, Success I always find that taking a break from a job that isn't going well seems to do the trick . whether its watch repair or any other tricky job. Tim

The pivots on these pocket watches need to have a sharp point. I used to re-point them in my lathe using an arkansas stone with a drop of oil. You need to make sure the cups are good as they wear on the inside and can be very rough. You should be able to get an estimate where to pin by refitting the balance and threading the hairspring so the impulse pin is in the centre of the pallet fork.

Do they have names or numbers.

Looks like it might be time for me to raid some of the broken watches at my class to get some hands to have a practice on, although I'm sure my wife will think I'm madder than usual when I tell her I need to make some tea and coffee to paint my watch hands with......

Remember, I said the picture was from before the HS was worked on... it's much improved from that picture I'm pleased to say! Will try and post a pic tonight. Oh, and that HS pic you posted - A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Loos like a pretty good timegrapher reading to me. I think people get a bit carried away with beat error now that it's so easy to measure, whereas the amplitude is arguably more important. You've got a good amplitude, so as long as it's in poise then it should keep good time.

I would take the mainspring out of the barrel and have a look at it. Best to change for new one .. otherwise you'll be chasing smoke! Anilv

Actually, the screw needs to be more closer to iron than a steel alloy for the reaction to be effective. For example if the screw is stainless steel the reaction just will not happen. So the older the movement the better your chances. Chromium, manganese and stainless steels weren’t around in the good old bad old days. Make the solution as concentrated as possible by adding more and more alum to the boiling water until no more will dissolve. The reaction is faster if the alum solution is kept warm. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is why I make my own balance staffs Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

So, found this "K & D Improved Main Spring Winder No. 128" on eBay and I also found a tutorial on how to use it, so I bought it. I'll try to let you know what I think as soon as I've tested it.

Hi, I have just sorted a vintage Zenith chronograph with a similar problem. I gave the watch a clean and serviced it and whilst the balance was out I checked the hair spring. A deft re-alignment was all that was necessary as in the face up position the coil was touching the cock opposite the index pins (curb pins if you prefer). I wonder if this is your trouble. This cured my problem anyway. I hope this is of help. Check the escapement wheel for reliable rotation in steps as you move the lever across the banking pins. The lever should flick from one pin to the other under the influence of the escape wheel drive. Good wishes and best regards, Mike. PS. There are some highly skilled people on this forum who will help. I am not one of them !.

Here it is folks. I'm guessing mid-19th century French based on the pin set and cylinder escapement. Thought I would share with you. Almost looks like a bar movement that made it's way to a finisher. Enjoy, C Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

While asking if paying out $350 to get this watch repaired is practical , is something you would have to decide for yourself . It is probably the first Nautilus electric , being of the 200 series , and it is 14K solid gold , [a Big Plus ] , and it is in great looking shape . The Solid gold Hamilton Electrics Do hold their value . Having said that , I have a few Hamilton electrics in my collection and I have made repairs and serviced both the 500 and 505 movements . The later 505 movement is by far easier to repair and service , and most Nautilus watches had that movement . The 500 is tricky to repair because of the proper and delicate alignment of the 2 contact fingers . I would suggest that you get as much Information on the type of movement in your watch and contact members of the Hamilton Forum with questions as dadistic suggests . Also you may want to contact Ebay seller adamtime with any questions . He always has all things Hamilton Electric for sale . adamtime (758) 100% positive feedback In the past I have emailed Hamilton Electric Guru , Rene Rondeau through his website with questions , and he is a gracious Gentleman that will answer your questions . Good Luck Wetbird , and let us know what your outcome is .

My wife bought me this Official Cosmonauts for me for our wedding 15 years ago. It was my Grail watch before I knew the term. The stem broke awhile ago. Eventually I decided to take it to Right Time in Denver. Fortis finally shipped the parts after a couple months and got it back yesterday. Oh how I've missed it! I am really digging it on this new black nato with matching satin stainless steel hardware (originally got this strap for my Lunar Pilot).