Jump to content

What is this thing - hybrid mechanical/electrical movement?

Waggy
 Share

Recommended Posts

Waggy Distinguished Member

Waggy

Posted
Posted

Picked up a pair of watches (both the same) and just had a look inside and had to do a double take..... what on earth are these??

They are Sovereign "ELECTRONIC", here is the front

signal-2023-07-17-172148_002.thumb.jpeg.df4666bc6d2d554837c14f5553456177.jpeg

Here is the inside:

signal-2023-07-17-172202_002.thumb.jpeg.5117e965b9939277da5536d199c51ade.jpeg

I think the balance has a lug on it which is in close proximity to another lug... I'm thinking that the lug on the outside (see below) magnetically attracts the balance causing it to osculate and drive the mechanical element of the movement? Can anyone confirm this? Also, has anyone worked on this type of watch before, if so any hits/tips/gotcha's?

signal-2023-07-17-172202_002a.thumb.jpeg.f0dcb975dffc69901cad1f0375dd0bd8.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Neverenoughwatches Distinguished Member

Neverenoughwatches

Posted
Posted
6 minutes ago, Waggy said:

Picked up a pair of watches (both the same) and just had a look inside and had to do a double take..... what on earth are these??

They are Sovereign "ELECTRONIC", here is the front

signal-2023-07-17-172148_002.thumb.jpeg.df4666bc6d2d554837c14f5553456177.jpeg

Here is the inside:

signal-2023-07-17-172202_002.thumb.jpeg.5117e965b9939277da5536d199c51ade.jpeg

I think the balance has a lug on it which is in close proximity to another lug... I'm thinking that the lug on the outside (see below) magnetically attracts the balance causing it to osculate and drive the mechanical element of the movement? Can anyone confirm this? Also, has anyone worked on this type of watch before, if so any hits/tips/gotcha's?

signal-2023-07-17-172202_002a.thumb.jpeg.f0dcb975dffc69901cad1f0375dd0bd8.jpeg

Electronic watch. Battery powered oscillator. Common ones are made by Timex and Benrus. If memory serves HectorLooi has worked on them. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
HectorLooi Distinguished Member

HectorLooi

Posted
Posted

I've worked on a few electromechanical Timexes and have a Benrus in my "To do" pile. But I have never seen this movement before.

Still looking out for the grand daddy of all electric watches, the Hamilton Electric and maybe snag a Seiko or Citizen electric if it comes along the way.

I also have a very nice Kienzle electromechanical clock. I have also been toying with the idea of building a 1 second period, temperature compensated, long pendulum electromechanical clock. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Geotex Watch Enthusiast

Geotex

Posted
Posted

The Benrus/Belforte/Sovereign versions of those watches usually use the LIP movement R148, so some of the service info that is available is written in French...But I think I have English manuals from Benrus that I could upload if they aren't readily available online. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
JohnR725 Distinguished Member

JohnR725

Posted
Posted (edited)
5 hours ago, HectorLooi said:

But I have never seen this movement before.

Interesting? It actually seems to be a relatively common Electric movement as it was very inexpensive when it came out. Of course the problem with electric wristwatches is you never quite know what's inside Until you open the case up. Although quite a few of these came with transparent backs where you can see the movement

1 hour ago, Geotex said:

LIP movement R148

Yes that's definitely what it looks like.

 

6 hours ago, Waggy said:

has anyone worked on this type of watch before, if so any hits/tips/gotcha's?

Fortunately somebody already partially answer the question I would get a service manual if you've never done one of these before. Too many mysteries if you're not familiar with what you're looking at

 

1 hour ago, Geotex said:

so some of the service info that is available is written in French...But I think I have English manuals from Benrus that I could upload if they aren't readily available online. 

While I'm sure somewhere around here I have a physical manual if you have a PDF yes it be nice if you uploaded it.

 

5 hours ago, HectorLooi said:

Still looking out for the grand daddy of all electric watches, the Hamilton Electric and maybe snag a Seiko or Citizen electric if it comes along the way.

Why limit yourself to the Hamilton? For instance on this website look at the movement gallery look at all those electric watches you could try to acquire.

https://electric-watches.co.uk/movement-gallery/

 

Edited by JohnR725
  • 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

    • Matty
      Tag Heuer Formula 1 3d printed bumpers

      By Matty · Posted

      I’m in for a set to please
    • JeremyLaurenson
      Good exploded movement posters...

      By JeremyLaurenson · Posted

      I suppose this fits "best" in this forum 😃 Im looking for some wall 'art' that doubles as a reference. Specifically Id like to find an ETA 28xx or Sellita exploded movement view. 2824/2836 would be ideal. Have any of you seen/found such a thing - there seem to be a lot of these for specialized movements, and none of them ready to print or to be had as a poster. Why help is appreciated.
    • praezis
      Deciphering mainspring specifications…

      By praezis · Posted

      The diameter is that of the ring - afaik, will have to look it up. “Wiggle room“ doesn‘t matter as long as the spring length is in the ball park.  Essential sizes of a mainspring are thickness, width and length. Diameter is just a hint if you can push into the barrel directly or will need a winder, it is no property of the spring. Frank
    • Knebo
      Deciphering mainspring specifications…

      By Knebo · Posted

      Hi @Zendoc, I guess you're like me and you don't have a mainspring winder.  I searched GR mainspring for the AS 1686 mainspring and I now understand your dilemma. The exact one is discontinued. To answer you question more directly, I see two good alternatives for you: a) GR4485 with 1.60 x .10 x 280 x 8.5 ( I guess this one is the one you found): https://www.cousinsuk.com/sku/details/mainsprings-by-list-watch-pocket/GR4485 OR b) GR4477 with 1.60 x .095 x 320 x 9. https://www.cousinsuk.com/sku/details/mainsprings-by-list-watch-pocket/gr4477   As you know, the the AS 1686 spring is supposed to be 1.60 x .10 x 300 x 9. - both of the above will fit and you'll manage to insert them from the retention ring without need for a mainspring winder (provided you know how to do it). - GR4485 will give you more power (=higher amplitude), but less power reserve (due to shorter length) than the original. - GR4477 will give you the same power reserve as the original. However, a bit less power.   Personally, I'd take GR4477 for two reasons: 1. Well, the power reserve is better. 2. With modern lubricants and modern mainspring metal alloys, you tend to get a higher amplitude anyways. You'd maybe even end up with too much amplitude (knocking) if you go with the original size and use thin synthetic oils-- see discussion here: https://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/10580-omega-calt17-help/#comment-248101      
    • praezis
      Boley lathe motor silly question.

      By praezis · Posted

      Your setup is correct. The smallest diameter of one pulley must correspond with the largest of the other one, else not speed variation. Frank
×
×
  • Create New...