Vic

[Vic70]

Hi I have a Smith’s pocket watch c.1970’s. The watch runs perfectly to time when left on a shelf, but when carried loses time. Recently it seems to randomly stop, but again, only when being carried. 
 

I’ve demagnetised it, but it still seems to run ‘off’. Any ideas what might be going on? 

[Nucejoe]

Welcome to the forum.

 When carried, a watch gets into various positions,  which traditionally is subdevided into following positions, FU which stands for face up, FD,  PU for pendant up and PD.

Collect and report the data in above format so if it stops for instance in FU position we can suspect the pivot shoulder or jewel assembly on the cock side and possible rubbing of hairspring to decide on the next test to further our info to spot the fault by elimination.

Good luck.

[watchweasol]

Hi welcome to the forum,   A random diagnosis based on symptoms suggests it ready for a service and inspection, could be dirty /cracked jewels, lack of lubrication and a lot of other things. As Nucejoe suggests collect the data  and re submit along with a photo of the offending watch movement and then we maybe able to take it forward.   cheers 

[oldhippy]

Thank you for your introduction and welcome to this friendly forum.

If its the type of movement that I think it is. It could be the pivots on the balance, they should be well pointed like a sharp pencil, when worn they become like a used pencil tip, this will cause the movement to be sluggish and even stop. A photo of the movement would be handy.  

[clockboy]

Welcome Vic, Agree with oldhippy the pivots do become worn and a lathe is required to re-polish.