Jump to content

Problem Regulating Vintage Watch

VintageWatch999
 Share

Recommended Posts

watchweasol Distinguished Member

watchweasol

Posted
Posted

As you will appreciate the rate is controlled by the balance spring and as you have already adjusted the regulator and still have a problem, as mentioned careful inspection of the spring is called for. Is the spring beating evenly between the regulator pins, are all the coils breathing evenly and not touching and also is it flat and not touching the balance cock all these points can cause you problems.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Neverenoughwatches Distinguished Member

Neverenoughwatches

Posted
Posted
4 hours ago, VintageWatch999 said:

Hello to all. I have a 17 jewel  Waltham automatic wrist watch that runs way too fast and I cannot regulate it. I have adjusted it gradually both ways, I have demagitize it, but at the the farthest minus setting it runs a minute or more fast and I can't slow it down. 

I would appreciate any advice. 

Did it already run fast when it came into your possession ? What work if any have you done on this ? It may have had the hs swapped and be incorrectly timed to the balance wheel. The balance wheel may be too light for the hs strength. So either of them changed and not set up correctly. But more likely after all other simple visual checks ruled out such as hs contamination,  this is an old watch and it may have had the hs break at the stud which is easily done on an old weak spring, while carrying out  a service and lifting out the balance assembly.After repinning, the spring is now too short to be within correct regulation  It may be possible to add weight with timing washers to the balance wheel if there are timing screws or lesser a task maybe enough to bring the timing screws out to decrease the balance wheel's speed. You would need to poise the balance at the same time, bit of a faff though. Now shorter the hs may act more aggressively making timing more difficult on a t/g . Post a photo to help with this. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Neverenoughwatches Distinguished Member

Neverenoughwatches

Posted
Posted
39 minutes ago, VintageWatch999 said:

Should I leave the watch in it longer? I have only placed it there for about 15 minutes.  

What is this de magnetiser you are using ? The only ones i am aware of, the demag proceedure is , hold the item  above the demager then draw the item  away up to a foot or so, it should only take a few seconds. Another one is just a simple lay the item on a surface pad on the device and then press a button to activate the demagnetiser again just few seconds. Are you sure that yours isn't actually magnetising items ?

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Shane WRT Addict

Shane

Posted
Posted
10 hours ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

Are you sure that yours isn't actually magnetising items ?

This sounds like it's possible.  Not because you're leaving your watch within the motor coil's field for 15 minutes but because you think you need to.  You must draw the watch or whatever you're demagnetizing out of the A/C magnetic field for it to work not just shut it off.  The stronger the field the farther away you need to move from the coil for it to work.

As mentioned before, incorrect or parts parts from different movements may have been incorrectly installed.  Even parts of the same movement just from a variation of a different beat rate could be your problem.  Photos of the movement would probably help someone here guide you in some direction.

Good luck.

Shane 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • rjenkinsgb
      Any tips to correct a sloppy error?

      By rjenkinsgb · Posted

      Two pins or screwdrivers angled out slightly, pressing through from the barrel centre from the opposite side so they contact just clear of the hole in the lid? eg. Strap pin driver needles or similar.
    • Geotex
      Any tips to correct a sloppy error?

      By Geotex · Posted

      That's a good idea - shrinking down the nut and wrench size from the old casebook trick!
    • GuyMontag
      Movement holder made with 3D printer

      By GuyMontag · Posted

      I missed this earlier. The dial isn't going into the holder, it should sit proud of it. This is what I am currently using which I print for each different movement.    
    • Neverenoughwatches
      Setting lever spring

      By Neverenoughwatches · Posted

      I didn't think pulling to set position would work harden the spring, in that position it is stressed where the arm starts. By work hardening i meant rapid polishing at that point, a bit like polishing a pivot work hardens as it compresses the steel. I doubt polishing by hand would achieve much in that respect though. Its finished, arm polished up mostly at the join to the bridge's main body. I'm ok with it, the screw holes aren't great as i had to open them up by redrilling and positioning it was difficult, I'm not much use with a loupe, opening up with a file might be a better option for me or i could just use the correct drill size 😅. And the detent is way too deep, i had to guess that with the stem release out of position and sat on top, but i only took one measure and went for it, no slowly slowly catch your monkey 😅. First go I'm happy , well sort of, it works and thats a big thing for me, next one will have a bit more finesse.  Anyone thats interested, after filing, i used a 2000 grade home made diamond  micro file and then 20 micron film, the film is much better than wet and dry, more stable to use and doesn't shed cheap grade grit everywhere , then auto polish on a sponge pad.
    • RichardHarris123
      Setting lever spring

      By RichardHarris123 · Posted

      I'm assuming that every time you set the watch you are work hardening the detent spring, maximum hardening is  where it meets the plate due to maximum deflection.   That's why it snaps there.  The Young's modulus may be the same but after it's reached its maximum yeid strength it breaks.  My mechanic engineering is very rusty, correct me if I'm wrong. 
×
×
  • Create New...