Jump to content

Pocket watch stem clasp issue


ASN

Recommended Posts

Have current issue with my fathers pocket watch in regards to the stem. Not the stem thsts the issue but the clasp that hold it down.

When the watch is closed back up after fixing it (or thinking I have) it lets me wind the watch without lifting the stem; then the stem comes right out when i do try to lift it up...any ideas?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

IMG_20190621_211935__01.thumb.jpg.d8310a7c54dcddbd2c662fb19e82cb58.jpg 

IMG_20190621_211903__02.jpg

IMG_20190621_211728__01.jpg

Edited by ASN
The 1st photo is before taking off the last piece, 2nd is the stem closed which when battery is in it allows the watch to be wound. The 3rd one is when the stem is up and it won't wind when the battery is in...not sure what I'm doing wrong with it?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

@nichod do you need more detailed explanation and photo of the issue?

In the red box it shows where the issue is... in the blue box it shows the stem down in one photo and up in another.

When the stem is up the clasp/connector comes loose and the watch doesn't wind or work with battery in. When the stem is down it lets you wind and the watch works on and off.

Anyone with actual helpful comments would be appreciated. @vinn3 hopefully the photos are a help.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, it being a movement that has metal parts attached, and riding in, plastic parts, and not having easy access to the under-dial parts, I agree with Vinn3 on fixing the movement.

That said, if you can pull the dial and movement, and replace the movement, you might get more life out of the package. My feeling is that there is probably excessive wear at the point the stem detent attaches to, or through, the plastic. It also looks like there might be rust on the spring that is underneath the set-lever. If so, movement replacement is by far the best option if you want to get it working. Good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/22/2019 at 1:17 AM, ASN said:

@nichod do you need more detailed explanation and photo of the issue?

In the red box it shows where the issue is... in the blue box it shows the stem down in one photo and up in another.

When the stem is up the clasp/connector comes loose and the watch doesn't wind or work with battery in. When the stem is down it lets you wind and the watch works on and off.

Anyone with actual helpful comments would be appreciated. @vinn3 hopefully the photos are a help.

I perhaps misunderstood the entirety of this question.  This movement should be replaceable if you can identify it.  Ebay is one source.

Link to comment
Share on other sites



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Put the movement in a movement holder and it will be supported as you push down on the setting lever post to release the winding stem. Make sure the post is over the shoulder of the movement holder so what you are pressing down on is supported. As a general rule, hold the movement and not the movement holder. Replace the hands when the movement isn't in the case and support the centre jewel (if it has one) on a hard surface or staking block when replacing the hands to stop the jewel accidentally moving or even coming out. A dedicated movement holder with a central jewel support is even better, but pricey
    • It might help us if we knew which watch like model number.
    • Hi, guys I have a bit of a predicament and hopefully, somebody can advise. I'm working on a Roamer MST 521 where the movement is extracted from the crystal side. I'm now at the final hurdle where I need to replace the movement back into its case but I'm not sure of the correct procedure. I still need to fit the hands but that's where the problem lies. If I insert the winding stem to test the hands for correct alignment I will need to turn the movement over to release the stem again it's the spring-loaded type and needs a small bit of force to push down but with the hands fitted, I don't think I can do this on a cushion without causing some damage to the hands and that's the last thing I want to do, this watch has already been a love-hate relationship and I'm so close to boxing this one off which I'm counting as my first major project.  The other option is to case the movement then fit the hands and hope everything is okay. I've already broken the original winding stem but managed to find a replacement, the last one in stock, so I'm a bit reluctant to keep removing it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 
    • I would go for the dearer spring. You won't need to remove the spring from the carrier ring and then use a mainspring winder to get it into the barrel, for a start. Also that spring is closer to the needed dimensions, especially the length. The length plays a part in the mainsprings strength. If you double the length you will half the force (strength) of the spring and vice-versa. A spring with 20 mm less length would be about 7% shorter, so technically would be 7% more strength, but I find halving this number is closer to real-world findings, so the spring would be about 3 to 4% more strength/force. On a mainspring that ideally kicks out 300 degrees of amplitude, a 3% increase in amplitude would be 309 degrees. Increasing or decreasing the length of the mainspring will affect the power reserve to a greater or lesser degree. It depends how much shorter or longer it is. I've attached a lesson regarding mainsprings, focussing on the size and strength of the spring within the barrel, you might find helpful. Unfortunately it is a PDF converted from a PowerPoint presentation, but only a slide was lost that was originally a video of fitting a mainspring   Lesson 5 The mainspring.pdf
×
×
  • Create New...