Jump to content

Pocket Watch Keeps Stopping

Ewan32

By Ewan32
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

 Share

Recommended Posts

Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

Posted
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
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

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
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Geo Distinguished Member

Geo

Posted
Posted (edited)

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
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 2 weeks later...
Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

Posted
  • Author
Posted

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 !

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • WpgRob
      Regulating an F6922 without a timegrapher

      By WpgRob · Posted

      In 2020,I picked up an Orient Mako II online. It ran at +15 seconds per day and after 3 years of resets more than weekly, it was time to crack the seal and take a shot at regulating it. Not having a timegrapher, I used a spreadsheet to track the time, referenced the Canadian NRC website, wore the watch between adjustments, and used the back end of some tweezers to lightly tap the regulator daily until it ran to within one second per day.   Two months later, it’s still running to within 1 second per day when measured over a week or longer, while daily variations are up to 9 seconds per day. For my purposes, its overall stability is surprisingly good. Is this method of adjustment “better” than adjusting to 5 positions using a timegrapher, since during the adjustment period the watch is already in the environment in which it’ll be used? Rob in Winnipeg 
    • xdandeman
      Introduction: Bob Smith USN (ss) and dadd'y Elgin

      By xdandeman · Posted

      Nice file  Just got old pocket watch in and tools,  can I get it back together or should I give up.  we'll see  thanks for the info
    • Roll1ex
      Greetings from India.

      By Roll1ex · Posted

      @HectorLooi Yes, I would say that Mumbai has the highest liquidity in terms used watches. How was your experience with these used watches and what watch brands did you buy used? I have always found the vintage luxury watch segment in India a bit shady. Quite a few are genuine watches with genuine matching parts but just not from the same one.
    • Marc
      Seiko 6309a diver crown replacement

      By Marc · Posted

      Interesting interpretation of "traditional". I would say that Loctite is definitely the up-to-date and appropriate stuff to use, however, it is a relatively modern solution. Before the advent of such esoteric solutions I believe that the "traditional" thread locker of choice may well have been a sugar solution. Once applied the water would evaporate and the sugar would crystalise, locking the threads tight.
    • Marc
      Pocket watch winding stem sleeve

      By Marc · Posted

      @steve1811uk close but no cigar 🙂 I don't smoke anyway. I checked in my stock of parts and that's the closest I got to your dimensions. Good luck in your search. @RichardHarris123 I have an accumulation of all sorts of odds and ends that I acquired as a result of buying up the tail ends of old watchmakers estates. Usually after all of the great stuff has been stripped out, which means that the sweepings off of the workshop floor can be had for peanuts, but if you have the patience, can often be found to contain gold (both literally and figuratively 🙂 ). These came to me through on of those purchases. I doubt that I will personally be able to make use of even 10% of my accumulated stock, but having it, and knowing what I have, means that I can at least pass bits on to those who can use it whenever possible.
×
×
  • Create New...