Engineering Hobbyist

[IanC]

Hi folks, I have been lurking here for a while and realise it is time to introduce myself.   As an engineer I have always marvelled at the manufacture and maintenance of such small mechanisms.  I have acquired a watch movement that is possibly from an Ingersoll but it does not have any clues that I can see to be certain.  I assume it is pretty basic so a good candidate I think to try and get it to run again.  

[spectre6000]

Welcome! The red jewels would make me want to look really close at the balance jewels (make sure they're there). Even if they are there, that style cap jewel can be a PITA. You have to access screws from the underside of the balance cock through the hairspring without borking it. (Voice of experience.)

Might also be on the small side for a first attempt. Not saying it's impossible, but getting the balance and hairspring under that center wheel can be a real challenge. Another great way to borkulate a hairspring up good. (Voice of embarrassingly more experience.)

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to get started, check out the 404 club thread.

[Nucejoe]

Welcome to WRT forum.

 

[watchweasol]

Hello and welcome to the forum,  atached a little reading for starters.

TZIllustratedGlossary.pdf

[IanC]

Many thanks Watchweasol for the reading matter - just what I needed.

In reply to Spectre6000, a trick of the light makes it look as if the jewel for the balance staff is missing, it is in fact there (I just checked) so no borkulating there hopefully.  I bought 4 watches for the princely sum of £8 total so I qualify for the 404 club.   One was a mechanical fashion watch and looks almost un-worn.  I wound it up and it runs, not taken the back off yet to see what is inside.

[spectre6000]

You still have to get to those screws between the hairspring and the bottom of the balance cock to clean and lubricate the balance jewel setting; borkulation risk is still very present. Just a heads up. Everyone borks a hairspring or twenty when they're getting started (and after they've been at it for a while). Deborkulation is possible, but I've yet to succeed without a stereomicroscope. I've yet to fully and properly deborkulate a hairspring [i]with[/i] a stereomicroscope either. I finally have one sitting on my desk, just haven't had a chance to stretch it out. The first deborkulation test subject is in a drawer awaiting its fate.

Depending on what's in the fashion watch, it may be a better place to start if you want to increase your odds and decrease the cost of success (likely a lower grade movement that's less likely to be missed). It will likely have a more modern shock setting that is easier to work with, as well as larger parts.

Post your 404 score in the club thread! We need pics!

[Michael1962]

Welcome to the forum Ian.

[IanC]

I have been looking at various posts in the forum and noticed that in some (most?) of the older posts the photographs are not being rendered but just show as place holders.  Your thoughts on this please.  Ian