Illinois Sterling Pocket Watch Repair Parts Needed

[mark63]

Well, this is my first post at this forum. I am a watch hobbyist / repairer.

 

The photos attached show an Illinois Sterling pocket watch that is of sentimental value. The movement has the markings:

 

double roller

4338188

Adjusted

Springfield

 

The movement appears to be in good condition (needs a cleanup and oiling).

 

The problem is that it has a broken balance staff (pole). I cannot source this so any help will be most appreciated. I know this is an old movement and I understand that sourcing parts is not easy, but nevertheless I am giving this a go.

 

I am also unsure if the bend at the balance spring indicated with a red arrow A in photo img_0332.jpg is normal or distorted, so any adice is most appreciated.

 

Thank you

[clockboy]

Finding the correct pocket watch balance staff is extremely difficult. The last time I had to replace a pocket watch balance staff I modified one from a batch of staffs I had purchased off eBay. You will need a watchmakers lathe or jacot tool to achieve this. The other alternative is to find a donor movement .

 

If you can research & find the company that made the movement then you could try this company:

 

http://www.balancestaffs.com/balancestaffs.php

[mark63]

Many thanks for your reply :)

 

It seems that this is not going to be easy, but I may need to do quite some research on the movement. The website you indicated seems to be the right place :)

 

best regards

[Geo]

I am also unsure if the bend at the balance spring indicated with a red arrow A in photo img_0332.jpg is normal or distorted, so any adice is most appreciated.

I suspect it is a Breguet Overcoil spring, although it is hard to be certain looking at the photograph. Have a close look at the hairspring and see if the shape complies with this shape http://www.faqs.org/patents/imgfull/20110199866_02 It probably won't have the link indicated at 9 on the diagram.

[Rafal]

According to S/N number in database its grade 405, 12s from 1923, so look for staff on ebay for this model, also some details are in Swigart catalog, like part number. Im not Illinois watch specialist, but maybe we have someone who is. You could also check nawwco forum and ask for help with that.

[mark63]

Thank you so much.....now I have some interesting information on which to base my research. I believe it is a Breguet overcoil :) So no problem with the hairspring - thank you Geo. 

 

Many thanks also to Rafal......I'll try using your information. I have no such detailed catalogues :)

 

I'll write again and let you all know how things proceed - my watch work is my hobby, my free time at the moment, is rather limited but I'll post again as a follow up on this :)

 

Regards to all

[oldhippy]

Without fiddling around I can tell you the hairspring is correct. If you have no luck with the balance staff see if there's a watchmaker near you who could make one.

[mark63]

Thank you "oldhippy" :) Your advice is noted :)

[mark63]

Well, I'm not sure if I can find a watchmaker, here in Malta, who can produce watch parts. I may have to send the watch abroad for that kind of work. However, I'm trying to leave this option as my last resort :)

[clockwatcher]

Good luck with your project Mark.

[mark63]

Thank you "clockwatcher"  :)

[Rafal]

here is Swigart pages regarding 12s models:

Swigart illinois 12s.pdf

[mark63]

Thanks Rafal.....it seems my movement is the one on the right (5th model). Now this is confusing because on this site:

 

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/illinois/4338188

 

it is listed as model 3. I don't know if these two numbers should be equal or not.

 

Anyone knows anything about this please? Thanks

[Rafal]

on 2nd page catalog I posted you have listed diferencies from other models, and balance staf is not there. I dont have much experience with Illinois watches so, maybe someone could confirm if thats ok (if that would be South Bend - thats a different story :) )

Edited September 4, 2015 by Rafal

[mark63]

Hello again....I have shelved this work for a while. But somehow I found some motivation and established contact with this guy:

http://www.daveswatchparts.com/

He seems to know the type of balance staff that I need for this watch. I bought the staff and its on the way now. I will measure and compare it with the original and see if he got it right or not.

I will write again after receiving it.

Regards to all