Waltham 1908 645 16s running issue

[Daniel625]

I just finished cleaning, oiling and resembling a Waltham pocket watch. The watch winds fully but the balance wheel only spins a few times with gentle coaxing... when I apply a tiny bit of pressure on the hour wheel or the mainspring gear the watch runs great until I release the pressure. I didn’t replace the mainspring but it seems ok. Could the mainspring be the problem? I’m definitely a newbie and apologize if this is a silly question. Thanks all!

[Nucejoe]

Weak torque transfered through the gear train is either due to a weak mainspring or something hinders gears.

If it takes a weak pressure on barrel, the mainspring is highly likely to be weak.

If strong pressure to get gears turning,  it is a rare case of no end shake on an arbour.

 

Edited May 15, 2020 by Nucejoe
or barrel lid rubbing on the bridge.

[Nucejoe]

Sorry I didn't read all of your post.  A tiny bit of pressure gets it runing , it is mainspring.

You should also check that barrel lid is sitting level and not rubbing on its bridge.

Good luck.

Edited May 15, 2020 by Nucejoe
And no question is dumb. OH

[watchweasol]

Hi One can only repeat Nucejoe's diagnosis In that the train oe mainspring are at fault, try taking out the balance and the pallet/fork and put a turn on the mainspring and check the train is running free. When it is free re fit pallet/fork and check the action with a turn or two on the spring, If it moves smartly from banking to banking when moved then re fit the balance and check again.

[Nucejoe]

Hi watchweasol,  did daniel get a tech sheet? lol

 

[Daniel625]

Just found the issue... broken/chipped upper balance jewel. Thanks all for helping me troubleshoot.