Hello

[tammons]

Novice here. And thanks in advance for any advice.

Recently entered the world of watch making, and since I know little of nothing, I have a question.

I decided to start with pocket watches, and I have an old Waltham pocket watch I am working on.

It is running super slow (around -250s/d with the regulator in the middle)

The two balance wheel timing screws are turned all the way out. And the main spring is apparently gunked up. It winds stiff, and unwinds like it is caked with old grease.

So, I am going to tear it all the way down for a thorough cleaning.

But the question is - what happens when I adjust the regulator. 

I had the regulator maxed out to the + side so running about -40s/d.

But when I barely move the regulator, IE just nudge it, The s/d may go to +200 for a short while then settle back down.

I have other pocket watches that don't jump to this extreme.

So, I am wondering if this is a problem with the regulator pins or something else?

 

 

[jdm]

10 minutes ago, tammons said:

So, I am wondering if this is a problem with the regulator pins or something else

Whatever strange behavior happens in its present state means little or nothing. 

Only after it has been cleaned to perfection, all parts inspected and found to be good at least, then put back and lubricated correctly, you will be able to make meaningful observations about its performance. And It will be better that you use a timegrapher to make calls at that point. 

BTW if you really care about this watch it would bw better that you practice first on something else of no value whastoever, especially about hairspring and balance handling. 

[tammons]

Thanks.

I have a few pocket watches to start with. This one is nothing special.

And I have been into a couple deep enough that I feel fairly comfortable doing a complete tear down on this one.

I do have a timegrapher.

 

[grsnovi]

Welcome to the forum!

[Nucejoe]

Welcome to WRT forum. 

Timegrapher results be nice.

 Release barrel power through the click so oscilator wont run, then hairspring should not come to contact with neither the boot nor pin, as you move the regulator arm throughout the entire terminal curve.

The transiant state you see can be due to such a contact momentarily throwing the oscilator out of beat.