Jump to content

T R Russell Pocket Watch Escapement Issue


Recommended Posts

Folks,

Made a mistake today and removed the bridge from the combined escapement and pallet fork of a Russell movement; without taking the pressure off the mainspring.  Problem is that it ran the train and the lower pivot of the escapement broke off in the jewel. All else was good. This is a really small repivoting job so does anyone know where I can get a spare escapement? Pictures provided.

6E749122-E9A5-4B23-A737-87F6DA3B9E8C.jpeg

B7896AE4-24E7-4D68-A93D-6A4C0317EA93.jpeg

  • Sad 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll be the first to admit: I'm just following to see if anyone posts a decent parts source that's specific to watches of that age.

But I wanted to offer sympathy too.  That's a nice old English lever (unless I'm mistaken) and it couldn't have been an easy thing to watch happen.  We live and learn.  And the moment we get just the least bit cocky or forgetful, fate is more than willing to step in and whack us upside our swelled or dopey heads.  I feel ya, man.  That's harsh.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, KarlvonKoln said:

I think you'll make it work somehow.  In the end, after it's been trimmed and burnished and fitted back into place, and it starts moving and doing its thing, you'll get to breathe that sigh of relief.  

If this does not work, I will cut it back and make a two step shaft and pivot.  I would still like to find a replacement escapement. The pocketwatchparte.com link tell me it’s not secure 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/6/2022 at 1:09 PM, jdrichard said:

Folks,

Made a mistake today and removed the bridge from the combined escapement and pallet fork of a Russell movement; without taking the pressure off the mainspring.  Problem is that it ran the train and the lower pivot of the escapement broke off in the jewel. All else was good. This is a really small repivoting job so does anyone know where I can get a spare escapement? Pictures provided.

6E749122-E9A5-4B23-A737-87F6DA3B9E8C.jpeg

B7896AE4-24E7-4D68-A93D-6A4C0317EA93.jpeg

New pivot on gear ready to install.

 

62DF76F2-6902-4F23-959C-92FAD41A637B.jpeg

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • I remembered that when Lititz Watch Technicum's YouTube channel existed, they had a video about polishing. As I recall, many experts thought that video was among the best on the subject of polishing. It's a real shame that their videos are no longer available and I've been in touch with them regularly to see if they can get these videos back. Unfortunately, it seems that these videos are gone forever. The last message I received from them on 21 January read: "I'm sorry, but not yet. In a nutshell: the school is scheduled to be shut down next year - a new school is bring opened in Dallas, Texas. Because of that all video access is blocked. If a decision is made to not close the school, then at some point the videos will likely be made available. We just do not know that yet. So, just check in again in a month or three; sorry I can't be more specific than that." Well, as I recall, there was a section in the video that was about how to preserve the edges of a watch case, that is, how to avoid rounding off the edges when using a mop wheel. I don't remember all the details but what I do remember is that it's about keeping a high speed on the mop wheel and keeping a light pressure on it. I didn't think of this when I was polishing the case back but the next time I'll try it and see what difference it makes.
    • Good idea, I  was thinking of something similar but using a drill press.  Apologies, all the other comments have just appeared.  I was replying to @HectorLooi , the chain pusher is a good idea too.
    • Now thats a real man's tool press 👍. I have one just like it in my back garden for when just CANT fix a watch . Its not something i have had to do yet, @Waggybut wouldn't any type of press be able to do this ? What about an adapted chain link  extractor work or a micrometer with some sleeve pushers made to slot over the ends. @Waggy Found something that could work Scott, comes with different size pins and pushers. Only bit that would need making is a round former to support the inside of the case, a piece of stout timber, bit of oak or mdf might do it. What i like about this one is the pin is pushed in, its in a sliding sleeve so it doesn't turn while its being driven. This has 4 pin sizes and 3 stumps as well so it will come in for other applications, the pins could be adapted to take other accessories from jewelling tools. I've just ordered one myself for some play time. 
    • So I purchased this one based on my case number being listed. (Unless my case number is incorrect. The last digits are faint)
    • I have the same tool from AliExpress and get the same anxiety when when using it. But you have to admit it looks awesome on your tool shelf. Makes you look like a pro. 🤣 Looking at the photo of the Horotec tool, it looks equally flimsy. It probably comes from the same factory. I was thinking of using the pushers supplied with the tool and making a hand tool from a cranked jeweller's punch. I'll grind off the tip of the punch and drill a hole at the end to fit the pusher in. The cranked shank would be able to clear the watch case give a straight in-line axis to exert force to tap the pendant tube out. Should be robust enough to last several lifetimes. I wonder why nobody makes it. 🤔
×
×
  • Create New...