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To glue or not to glue?

rossjackson01
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rossjackson01 Super WRT Addict

rossjackson01

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To glue or not to glue?

I've obtained quite a few movements and watches where a previous watchmaker has used glue to secure a part. I have been appalled at the way that the glue has been liberally applied, and in many cases glue affected the running of the watch. Often seen a part just glued so that it looks as though all is correct.

However, I have seen many top class watchmakers secure a part with a glue dot or similar to great effect, and at no visual determent.

Therefore, I have hopefully taken their format.

I have a Seiko Bellmatic 4004a that I have been working on. I did feel that at my skill level I could service a watch of this standard. It has been a trial of attrition and a great learning  curve. Mark's video and others have helped enormously. I am nearly there. Just the automatic winder and casing to be done. I have really enjoyed the build done up to this level, but I will admit errors. ,At least four times rebuilt due to wrong spring in wrong  places. (There are 4 very similar springs, but dissimilar enough to do there own specific jobs. Hence the learning curve). 

I am nearly there. Would that it were so.

On the placement of the alarm wheel I needed to replace a holding plate. I had noticed on purchase that the plates and the screws were missing. I obtained a set from a donor. No problem. 

First holder and screw attached. Second plate OK. Screw thread too small. Using the microspore. No flaming screw thread. Aaaagh!

The holder is attached to the base plate. Two options?

Start again and use another base plate. I do have one that has good threads.

Or

Move on and secure the holder and screw. I have chosen the latter. My selfish reason? I would like to wear this watch soon. I will of course re-do the service at a later stage with a replacement base late.

So, To glue or not to glue?

This has been done with the smallest amount on the holder and into the thread.

IMG_20231029_105136a.thumb.jpg.59f2d9582efd75c7b4bcbeddc1d84a47.jpg 

 

Should be wearing the watch by the end of the week. Looking forward to showing it in the 'What's on your wrist' section.

Regards

Ross

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mikepilk Distinguished Member

mikepilk

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1 hour ago, rossjackson01 said:

However, I have seen many top class watchmakers secure a part with a glue dot or similar to great effect, and at no visual determent.

Really, who (name names Ross), and what parts did they glue?

You could drill and tap it to the next size screw.  I haven't tried tapping such small screws, but the screws will just about self-tap in brass plates.

Which plate is it?  Will there be any load on the screw? Loctite thread lock is OK to hold a loose screw in place, but not great if there's a load which may pull it out.

1 hour ago, rossjackson01 said:

First holder and screw attached. Second plate OK. Screw thread too small. Using the microspore. No flaming screw thread. Aaaagh!

What's microspore ?

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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Back in my days I'm referring to the 70's & 80's only two things would I ever use a glue, the first would be the proper cement for the crystal and that would be the recommended stuff, the other was on the tip of the stem to secure the button to the stem, but I never did that to all watches, if the button was a snug fit to the stem glue would not be used.  I don't recommend gluing in screws that is bad practice. 

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rossjackson01 Super WRT Addict

rossjackson01

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2 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

Back in my days I'm referring to the 70's & 80's only two things would I ever use a glue, the first would be the proper cement for the crystal and that would be the recommended stuff, the other was on the tip of the stem to secure the button to the stem, but I never did that to all watches, if the button was a snug fit to the stem glue would not be used.  I don't recommend gluing in screws that is bad practice. 

Yup! I agree.  As my comment in answer to Mikepilk above 

Update.

Decided to do a complete re-service. Doesn't feel right when I have all the correct parts.

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rehajm Super WRT Addict

rehajm

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7 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

don't recommend gluing in screws that is bad practice. 

IMG_0909.thumb.jpeg.952d6515d63cab05b64c2887c5615f1b.jpeg

Yes, short of some kind of outer space vacuum cold welding these case screws were bonded in. The next service the screw heads were sheared off…the next service it’s up to me

Edited by rehajm
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mikepilk Distinguished Member

mikepilk

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2 hours ago, rossjackson01 said:

At least four times rebuilt due to wrong spring in wrong  places. (There are 4 very similar springs, but dissimilar enough to do there own specific jobs. Hence the learning curve). 

Ross, take lots and lots of pics as you disassemble - before you remove a part, then each time you remove something. Here's just one of about 30 I took when I first did a 4006A, to show spring positions, and one with notes added. If you take enough pics, and make notes on the pics if necessary, you can't go wrong.

Image-201112135939.thumb.png.5ac345b47e3209d44d272a4e4e9c2f80.png

Movement-00008.thumb.jpg.9432cb43b1209ae9487cdfb902b08927.jpg

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ColinC Watch Enthusiast

ColinC

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Has anyone ever tried epoxy metal in watches? - Something like QuickSteel or Quick Metal Putty

I have done this on larger things (vintage bicycles) 

There you fill the hole with the putty and then stick a bit of grease on your screw and then push it into the putty while turning slightly as if actually turning the screw in.   Once the epoxy has cured you should be able to remove and replace the screw.

This trick works well for screw holes where there isn't space to drill and tap to the next size.
 

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