How to open this barrel?

[gpraceman]

I am working on an Elgin 996.  Got it disassembled except for the barrel opened up.  I tried popping the lid off, but this one looks different from the others I've done so far.  Do I pry it off with something like a case knife?

[JohnR725]

57 minutes ago, gpraceman said:

Elgin 996

normally I think of Elgin as pocket watches 996 is an interesting pocket watch which is why it be nice to have a picture of it. Just in case people don't grasp what you're talking about.

based on the parts list below in real life it's a Swiss watch with the Elgin name on it looks like it's probably a automatic wristwatch.  then the seeing as how there's a barrel arbor available it indicates that the mainspring barrel should be disassembled or can be disassembled.

http://cgi.julesborel.com/cgi-bin/matcgi2?ref=ELG_996

1 hour ago, gpraceman said:

Do I pry it off with something like a case knife?

it would be better if you had the right case knife that unfortunately do not have. as you can see in the attached images there is a special knife with a tapered blade but even without that you should be able to use your case knife if you're careful or perhaps a razor blade but then you be extremely careful.

[oldhippy]

A one sided razor blade is the best thing with this type of barrel.  Most case knife blades are too thick and will damage the side of the barrel. 

Edited April 7, 2023 by oldhippy

[RichardHarris123]

Is there a  name for this type of barrel? 

[gpraceman]

34 minutes ago, JohnR725 said:

normally I think of Elgin as pocket watches 996 is an interesting pocket watch which is why it be nice to have a picture of it. Just in case people don't grasp what you're talking about.

based on the parts list below in real life it's a Swiss watch with the Elgin name on it looks like it's probably a automatic wristwatch.  then the seeing as how there's a barrel arbor available it indicates that the mainspring barrel should be disassembled or can be disassembled.

http://cgi.julesborel.com/cgi-bin/matcgi2?ref=ELG_996

it would be better if you had the right case knife that unfortunately do not have. as you can see in the attached images there is a special knife with a tapered blade but even without that you should be able to use your case knife if you're careful or perhaps a razor blade but then you be extremely careful.

I appreciate the info.

The Elgin 996 is an AS 1902 movement.  While it is an automatic wrist watch movement, this one is missing the automatic works.  The movement is in beautiful condition.  Yet the case is beat to hell.  Got this one along with two others for real cheap on eBay.

9 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

A one sided razor blade is the best thing with this type of barrel.  Most case knife blades are too thick and will damage the side of the barrel. 

I'll see what I can come up with.

Edited April 7, 2023 by gpraceman

[Neverenoughwatches]

6 minutes ago, gpraceman said:

I appreciate the info.

The Elgin 996 is an AS 1902 movement.  While it is an automatic movement, this one is missing the automatic works.  The movement is in beautiful condition.  Yet the case is beat to hell.  Got this one along with two others for real cheap on eBay.

I'll see what I can come up with.

These are what i use to get into anything that has a tight gap. Same as OH mentioned. 

[oldhippy]

33 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Is there a  name for this type of barrel? 

I call them buggers.

[thor447]

Just did one this evening.  I used a razor blade to begin the separation, and from then on it was just standard practice.

[Nucejoe]

2 hours ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Is there a  name for this type of barrel? 

Sealed barrel ???

 

[gpraceman]

I was able to get the mainspring out of the barrel.  I used a utility knife and held the barrel with my cut resistant "no cry" gloves.  Just in case I slipped, I didn't want a visit to urgent care.

I would like to say that it went without incident, but once I opened the seam a bit with the utility knife, I tried popping off the top.  Well, there was an explosion of the mainspring out of the barrel.  Fortunately, I was able to find the arbor.  Glad that I got a chair pad; otherwise, I would have been digging through the carpet for it.  Unfortunately, I don't know which direction the main spring was coiled.

Well, live and learn.  Next time, I'll use the utility knife to get the seam to open up a bit and then a thicker blade (like a pocket knife or case knife) to open it up the rest of the way.

Edited April 7, 2023 by gpraceman

[Neverenoughwatches]

1 hour ago, gpraceman said:

I was able to get the mainspring out of the barrel.  I used a utility knife and held the barrel with my cut resistant "no cry" gloves.  Just in case I slipped, I didn't want a visit to urgent care.

I would like to say that it went without incident, but once I opened the seam a bit with the utility knife, I tried popping off the top.  Well, there was an explosion of the mainspring out of the barrel.  Fortunately, I was able to find the arbor.  Glad that I got a chair pad; otherwise, I would have been digging through the carpet for it.  Unfortunately, I don't know which direction the main spring was coiled.

Well, live and learn.  Next time, I'll use the utility knife to get the seam to open up a bit and then a thicker blade (like a pocket knife or case knife) to open it up the rest of the way.

The hook on the arbor will show you which direction the mainspring needs to be wound