My first ETA 6497 build - advice needed

[MartinF]

So.

I finally managed to plonk a gold skeleton-version of the venerable and beginner-friendly 6497 into a black case.

However, given there's no actual dial to hold the hour-wheel in place, it gets dislodged and hour indication is thus random.

The 'dial' is a DIY 3D-printed thing, painted red to go with the gold and black.

Any ideas on how to retain the hour-wheel without obscuring view to the fairly ok looking movement?

[mbwatch]

I don't think it is the ideal method (as opposed to adding some cover to the main plate that retains the hour wheel) but I believe it's possible to put a small dial washer on over the hour hand, then place the minute hand above the washer to push down on the top of the hour wheel hole. The washer would only be big enough to pass over the end of the cannon pinion and be obscured by the base of the minute hand.

Looking at a few listings for skeletonized 6497s on eBay, many of them have a small washer pictured beside the hour wheel and I assume that's it's purpose.

[MartinF]

20 hours ago, mbwatch said:

I believe it's possible to put a small dial washer on over the hour hand, then place the minute hand above the washer to push down on the top of the hour wheel hole. The washer would only be big enough to pass over the end of the cannon pinion and be obscured by the base of the minute hand.

Looking at a few listings for skeletonized 6497s on eBay, many of them have a small washer pictured beside the hour wheel and I assume that's it's purpose.

The curved washer you refer to is definitely designed to go directly onto the hour wheel - i have it here and it fits nicely under the dial face - which isn't there...

However, your idea with a thin washer under the minute hand is great. Only, I have no such washers available. Oh well - 3D-print, an assortment of tiny drills and a bit of patience  had me making my own.

And it worked. The watch now keeps time as intended and has approximately the look I was aiming for.

3D-printed washers & fitting drills:

Washer fitted under minute hand, holding hour wheel down:

Result:

 

@mbwatch Thank you for pushing me in the right direction

Edited August 25, 2024 by MartinF

[mbwatch]

Wow great solution! Impressive you were able to accurately print something so small. Sounds like your movement only had the normal large dial washer. The movements I saw included a far smaller washer that couldn't have been more than 2mm in diameter.

[MartinF]

19 hours ago, mbwatch said:

Wow great solution! Impressive you were able to accurately print something so small.

Sounds like your movement only had the normal large dial washer. The movements I saw included a far smaller washer that couldn't have been more than 2mm in diameter.

3D-printing has saved my behind on so many occasions. As long at whatever doodad I need won't require loadbearing capabilities, it's often quicker to make one up than locate it on Aliexpress and wait for the mailman to deliver. Try have a look on www.thingiverse.com...

Detail level on resin-printing is insane. A cheap chinese 299USD printer will deliver stuff like this 43mm long Honda Blackbird motorbike model, complete with ittybitty brake rotors, handles and grabrail.

I'm now looking for an assortment of watch-sized screws, washers and other tiny bits needed for this hobby. Where do you all source stuff like that?

[RichardHarris123]

Ebay or your local materials house sell assorted screws etc. For example 

[rehajm]

Not to impugn your amazing work, but a few more plastic parts and you’ll have yourself a nice Seiko!

[mbwatch]

55 minutes ago, rehajm said:

a few more plastic parts and you’ll have yourself a nice Seiko!

Print a pallet fork & escape wheel and you've got a Tissot!