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Engineering Hobbyist


IanC

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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.  

15 Jewel Movement.JPG

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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.

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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.

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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!

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