Jump to content

Balance bridge screw failure

ZeKay

By ZeKay
in Introduce Yourself Here

 Share

Recommended Posts

ZeKay New Member

ZeKay

Posted
Posted

Hi My name is Zbig, I am new to this forum. I am recently, very slowly getting to the watch refurbishement hobby. My interest is in pocket watches. I have few of them Walthams, Elgins, Burlington,Ermano, Meda, Doxa, Omega to name few. Its a very small colection I was able to find here and there...

I am trying to rebuilt/refurbish 1947 Omega 37.5 T1 (15 jewels) I thin Cal 140 pocket watch which I've acquired with broken staff balance. Couple of weeks ago I was able to find complete, used balance wheel with the hair spring for it. After removing and cleaning balance bridge, i was ready to attach the hair spring with the balance wheel to the bridge part.

After insertion of the stud in to the tringle shaped hole in the bridge (very tidious operation) next step was to tight the screw to secure both parts together .

  I was just about to make the last turn when the bad lack struck...the tiny screw holding the stud broke...

And here comes my dilemma:

- Should i try to remove this broken part of the tiny screw from the bridge? I removed this screw couple of times from this bridge and it had no issues.

- Look for new (used) balance bridge for this type and continue the process of attaching.

- Look for complete balance bridge - hair spring - balance wheel assembly which, I assume, would not be the easy to find. 

I am curious, what would be your advice how to go forward with this.

Thanks

Z

Broken screw 1.jpg

1 - 37.5 T1.jpg

2 - 37.5 T1.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Nucejoe Distinguished Member

Nucejoe

Posted
Posted

Welcome to WRT forum.

  I would push the stud out and soak the bridge in Cocacola for 48hrs( rinse under tap water), the two little screws would then unscrew with ease. 

Next drop the bridge in a rich solution of alum-water, in day or two, alum will desolve the remainder of the screw. 

Good luck

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

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • RichardHarris123
      Without Our Forum

      By RichardHarris123 · Posted

      In the meantime whilst awaiting a better plan, please drop me a quick hello on my email. 
    • Neverenoughwatches
      Without Our Forum

      By Neverenoughwatches · Posted

      I looked at it like this, I've built a lot of stuff in my time, building structures and furniture,those are my creations and they will still be here way way after I'm gone. Traditional watchmakers felt the need to pass their knowledge on, ideas that they created . I assume with them as it is with me, leaving their mark on the earth, a way of being remembered. This creation of Mark's has brought thousands of people together to pass their knowledge around,  ideas that will continue to be used for lifetimes. Ideas that should continue to be procured. If for whatever reason the forum ceased to exist, not quite like Ranfft's, that didn't disappear but much less usable. Then that is sad, such a massive loss of communication between good people and a wealth of knowledge lost. There should be something in place for when that happens which could be next week, next year or in 10 years. Might not be a topical subject for a lot of folk or boardering on controversy, i did say i talk about stuff other people dont. But if you dont talk about it and something happens then you've lost it and you ain't gonna fix it .
    • Waggy
      Without Our Forum

      By Waggy · Posted

      I've remained silent on this thread, and at the risk of upsetting everyone, the thing that worries me the most the the apparent absence of Mark. The moderators do a great job and the members also pitch in, and the site seems to run itself, but it is a concern for the future of this forum when the owner is absent for all intents and purposes. Like many of the comments above I would hate to log in one day and things be closed down as I rely on this site for ideas and knowledge and also cheer me up. maybe the Moderators could reach out to him, assuming he does not read this thread, and express our concerns and let us know the plans going forward? some kind of WRT ark
    • Neverenoughwatches
      Without Our Forum

      By Neverenoughwatches · Posted

      That was the exact reason for me starting this thread watchie. Still we haven't worked out how the regulars are going to hook up if it goes tits up. I honestly think something should be arranged to stay in contact, we all help each other so much. 
    • Neverenoughwatches
      Setting lever spring

      By Neverenoughwatches · Posted

      Yeah ive watched that a few times before,  i couldnt find my old school dividers to scribe it up 😅 Yep thats the guy i bought a roll from . Thanks Nicklesilver that answers that perfectly and more or less what i thought an experiment over time would prove . The jumper arm is quite thick along its length, i left it that way intentionally, i thought the original was probably very thin, i didnt see that it was already missing. Setting isn't particularly stiff as such just positive, i still need to take it out and polish where it mates with the stem release. 
×
×
  • Create New...