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What type of shock spring is this?


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I’m servicing an ST69 movement from 1962 and of course the jewels and shock springs are tiny.  While I thought I was being careful in the removal process, one of them broke. I’ve attached a picture below of the two halves roughly laid next to each other. Can anyone identify whether this is Inca or KEF or some other brand and possibly a part number(s)?

Also, the other one flipped up as it was supposed to but as I was removing the chaton and jewel it came completely loose of the mount. Curious what the best technique is to get the hinge side back in place.  😕 Hold vertical? Lay flat, or what? I’m guessing vertical since that’s how it came off in the first place.

494070B3-870F-4BF0-A28C-A81488574EC1.jpeg

Looks like a KIF 4-2 or 4-3, I have to go measure it. According to Cousins the 4-2 is disco’d but the 3-2 is an alternative. Could still use some reinstallation advice, though.

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Agreed. I was able to locate them at Esslinger even though their listing was initially confusing (looked like they only carried the three-lobed ones until digging into the item options.). This particular one is the 1.5mm length.

Edited by AndrewSi
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These shockproof springs are used on Rolex watch movements. not sure if they are Elastor or Satellor springs. I know Rolex use Duofix springs on their escape wheels cap jewels.

I just serviced a Rolex 1030 with Duofix and  Satellor springs on. Might have been Elastor; I can never tell the difference, as it is very slight.

Bit of a bugger getting back into place if they detach, but doable. I made a video of it if anyone needs advice getting them fitted, especially if you break one!

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 3/25/2023 at 12:37 AM, AndrewSi said:

Where can I find the video? I would find that quite helpful.

Which spring is it you need the video for, as there are several types of Kif springs?

image.png.aceae5d5686349c88695bee27b91adae.png

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4 minutes ago, AndrewSi said:

It's the 4-2. I've been successful since I wrote this in clicking it into place by resting it on top of the cap jewel and pushing forward against the horizontal cross-member at the hinge end of the spring.

Here's a link to my cloud storage, where you'll find what your looking for. Be really careful not to force the arms to much apart otherwise it'll break

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EcMQ_y3krYj3sj_M6a19OoXHU5RAnsCP/view?usp=sharing

 

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That was helpful - the setting on this particular watch did not require forcing the arms quite as wide as in your video in order to clip into place, so that's probably why I was able to do it with just forward pressure and not having to pull the arms sideways.  Thank you!

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