Trouble installing date jumper and spring

[Lc130 27]

I'm a beginner.  I've been trying to install this jumper and spring for a few days now.  This is an AS 1950/51.  Using a technique from one of Mark's videos , I'm able to get the spring in but the jumper then springs under the date wheel (it doesn't in the video).  The date wheel is up against the raised outer edge of the plate.  Doesn't stop it though.  I've tried holding the date wheel in place with rodico but that always leaves a bit stuck under the date wheel.  Is there a better technique?  I've lost two springs and have one remaining.

Thank you

Charlie

 

 

[watchweasol 315]

Hi  Charlie   Under normal circumstances this should not happen, Once the spring is installed the pawl should snug up to the date wheel, Saying that is the date wheel in place correctly and sitting flat. Also when fitting the spring hold it down onto the stud with a piece of rodico that way if the spring slips you still have it captive.  Check the rotation of the wheel without the spring installed so as to acertain it flatness and freedom.  are all the guide plates in place to hold and guide the wheel smoothly.  hope all  this helps somewhat  for you to achieve your goal.

[WatchMaker 171]

Until you get more experienced I suggest you always do this operation in a clear plastic bag. You can then work on the movement through the opening of the bag or, for even more security, make small insertions in the bag for your tools to fit through whilst the movement is at the end of the bag. This technique massively reduces the chance of losing a spring as if it does become airborn it should at least be contained in the bag! 

As @watchweasol says, once the spring is set the date jumper should just stay in place until you get the plate on to hold things in place permanently. There shouldn't be enough force to be lifting the date ring ... unless the ring wasn't seated correctly (or there's perhaps an incorrect spring).

I personally don't use Rodico as mentioned by ww; my preferred technique is with tweezers and a spring bar tool (that has the 'V' shaped notch in its blade). I position the jumper just like you have in your photo and place the 'V' over the spring (just before the spring kink that's nearest the jumper). This is now securing the spring before we load it. With my other hand I use the tweezers to gently push the spring inwards to load the jumper as expected. I then keep that spring bar tool in the same place just as a precaution whilst my tweezers get the plate to put in position.

[anilv 690]

Put the spring on a flat surface... it should lay flat. If it is slightly twisted one end will stick up a bit and the spring will move if you press on the end that's off the surface,

The spring needs to be flat otherwise it will always want to escape.

Good luck.

Anilv

[anilv 690]

Hi LC,

I also notice that there is some wear to the plate (circled below). If the springs slips off here because of the worn portion, it would need to be filed so that it presents a level face to the spring.

Anilv

 

Edited Tuesday at 03:33 AM by anilv