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Pocket Watch Keeps Stopping

Ewan32

By Ewan32
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

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Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

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Posted (edited)

Hi folks,

 

I bought a generic Swiss movement pocket watch (no makers name  - just the "15 jewels" on the movement).

 

The seconds hand was missing when I bought it but other than that it seems to be running fine.

 

I found a seconds hand which seems to fit the fourth wheel but since fitting it the watch intermittently stops dead every hour or so with the seconds hand also in various positions.

 

I thought I had pressed to too hard causing it to stick on the dial so I removed it and refitted it - seems to have improved but the watch still keeps stopping every 4 or 5 hours.

 

If I remove the seconds hand completely the watch runs fine (and accurately) until it stops due to it needs winding.

 

Any ideas please ?

Edited by Ewan32
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Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

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That could be a possibility - I never thought of that !

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll remove the hand and look for a thinner one.

 

Or perhaps, could I enlarge the aperture with a round file used lightly perhaps ?

Edited by Ewan32
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Geo Distinguished Member

Geo

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Or perhaps, could I enlarge the aperture with a round file used lightly perhaps ?

You would need a small round diamond file if it in an enamel finish on the dial. Also be very careful, enamel dials crack very easily. Edited by Geo
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  • 2 weeks later...
Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

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Hi Geo,

 

Well, the watch has been running without interruption now since 19th December so I think we can safely say its fixed !

 

I (think) it was a combination of the fourth wheel pivot being slight off centre in effect causing the seconds hand to move in an ellipse and I also gave the dial aperture a light smoothing with a diamond file just to be on the safe side.

 

Thanks again for the great advise Geo.

 

Merry Christmas all !

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