Waltham model 1908 pocket watch Balance slows and stops

[Aethelflaed]

Hello Everyone,

I recently picked up a Waltham model 1908 pocket watch that was not running. I cleaned and lubricated it and reassembled it without any problems, I didn't find any damaged or broken parts. The problem I have is the balance slows and stops, if I start it with a flick of my tweezers it will run for about 10 seconds as it slows and stops. Does anyone have any suggestions of what the problem might be? I'd welcome any advice.

 

Thank you.

Edited November 2, 2021 by Aethelflaed
spelling

[JohnC]

Could be a lot of things, but assuming the balance is OK it sounds like power is not making it though. Looking at your picture, to be honest the movement does not look very clean. I would guess that some dirt or old hardened grease is stuck in a pinion somewhere. How did you clean the movement?

[Nucejoe]

Coil isn't centered which could push the oscilator way out of beat. 

You can shake the movement instead of flicking the balance (less risky) see also how it runs face up and in vertical position.

Add power to center wheel ( big wheel). Observe.

Did oscilator turn freely without the fork in place?  Did you check staff pivots for wear? Sounds like a pivot is worn to a point that lets pivot shoulder rub.

Did you oil the escape teeth? 

Check the end shakes.

Such data somewhat helps diagnosis, report back please.

Good luck

 

[watchweasol]

Hi I would definitly agree with the comments so far. I think its back to basics, Dismantle the watch again, remember to remove any power in the mainspring. Balance out and the pallet/fork out now put  a turn on the spring does the train run down and stop with a little reverse at the end  if so re fit the pallet/fork and apply power. does the pallet snap smartly from side ti side when assisted any sluggish action , dirty jewels pinions etc.

The first thing is to achieve a free running train.  Did you remove the mainspring, change it, Clean and oil the barrel, clean the old spring.  peg out all the jewels, check all the wheel/pinions for hard dirt in the teeth or leaves. All these factors have a bearing on the delivery of power.

The points highlighted by Joe are also relavant to the running of the watch.