ESCAPE WHEEL

[Davis]

Finished cleaning my Pandow women's watch and starting to reassemble. I can't get the escape wheel and its bridge plate in position. The wheel is so light the slightest touch with the tweezers moves it out of position. 

Is there any procedures to place a feather weight wheel into place. Tried many times to no avail.

Thanks for your comments and Happy New Year to all, Dave

[HectorLooi]

Hi Dave! So, the escape wheel escapes you.

Are you supporting you hand in any way? You need to support your hand by resting your 4th and little finger on the movement holder or tabletop. You can also use your left hand to stabilize your right hand.

Another method I use is to put the wheel down close to the jewel, then use my tweezers to nudge the pivot into the hole and stand the wheel upright.

Actually, the escape wheel is not that tough. The pallet fork is worse!

Good luck, Dave.

[Davis]

Thanks Hector,  I will give it another try. I think I am not getting the lower pivot into the jewel as you indicate.

Dave

[Davis]

Eureka, installed the escape wheel. Set the escape wheel in place and then set the fourth wheel next to it this stabilized the escape wheel. Supper glue the single jewel bridge to a tooth pick and in it went.  Spent too much time dropping the bridge when using tweezers.

All is good. Dave

[LittleWatchShop]

2 minutes ago, Davis said:

Supper glue the single jewel bridge to a tooth pick

Having a hard time getting my head around that but glad you made it work.  Typically one would use rodico for something like this.

When I am installing a  bridge, I always install the screws into their holes but do not tighten them in.  This stabilizes the bridge.  Then I use a piece of pegwood (tooth pick I suppose) to gently press down on the bridge as I gentle nudge the wheels in place.  I am not a professional, but this method has consistently worked for me.

[Davis]

Just a very small amount to end of toothpick . Gives good control of the bridge . I will try the screws in the bridge next time. 

Thanks for you comment, Dave