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Balance is starting and stopping


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Hey guys! I just got this Customtime Anno-matic "2000 year" by Agon Chromatic Watch Corp. Upon my first inspection, I have noticed the balance will only run reliably when the watch is face down. I can get the balance running, but if I turn the watch sideways or upside down it halts almost immediately. Do you guys have any ideas as to why this is happening? Perhaps the balance is catching on something in a certain position? Any help would be useful, thank you so much! I can also add more pictures of the movement, if you request it.

20221116_190226.jpg

20221116_190730.jpg

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6 hours ago, Klassiker said:

Most likely your balance staff has a broken upper pivot. If you delicately lift the rim of the balance wheel, does it tip to one side, or is it constrained on its axis? How much play is there?

It doesn't feel or look broken, it's stable in its pivots and it doesn't tilt at all when I try to move the rim. 

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If it hasn't been cleaned and oiled it's a fun guessing game but you will never know. The horizontal positions are the "easiest" for the watch to run in. Now, if the balance is swinging at 270 degrees dial down and then stops in other positions there probably is a fault other than dirt and lack of lubrication. Judging by the thumbprint on the ratchet wheel I'm going with dirty and lack of lubrication 🙃.

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    • Don't forget Mark is a hard working watch maker so he is also tied up with work. I'm sure he is keeping his eye on this forum making sure it is running along nicely. 
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