Incabloc Spring Installation

[mcoulton]

Hello

My heart went "thump" when the Incabloc shock spring I was working on flew. Luckily I found it using a magnet. Now the challenge is to re-install it without it joining the frequent flier program - again! Does anyone one have any tips, tricks or links to a good video that would explain the process? I'd prefer to watch a video as that's how I learn best. Thanks in advance for any help that can be provided. 

[AndyGSi]

What's the movement and what type of shock spring it it?

[Nucejoe]

1 hour ago, mcoulton said:

 Now the challenge is to re-install it without it joining the frequent flier program - again! Does anyone one have any tips, tricks 

Spread a nylon sheet over the movement, or put the movement in a ziplock bag.

Edited October 5, 2024 by Nucejoe
Typo

[watchweasol]

Hi use a large poly bag with both ends cut off so you can get your hands in each end   Place the watch in the centre and work from both ends, if the clip goes AWOL. It’s captured in the bag.

[Neverenoughwatches]

As suggested use a poly bag over the jewel setting. Genuine incabloc springs are usually contained in the chaton at the hinge. My advice for not losing shock springs is much harsher so i apologise in advance ........get better at removing and replacing them......practice practice practice.....and when you're done practicing.....yes you've guessed it practice some more until you're good enough not to lose them anymore. 

Rodico on some wood is useful to hold and move the spring, the rodico has some flex and tends to give before the spring gives.

[mcoulton]

Thanks for all the responses. The movement is an Valjoux 7750 clone. The shock spring is Incabloc. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

5 minutes ago, mcoulton said:

Thanks for all the responses. The movement is an Valjoux 7750 clone. The shock spring is Incabloc. 

If the movement is clone then the springs usually do come out without removing the chaton.... so not a genuine swiss incabloc jewel setting .

You will find using rodico useful for handling the spring, attach it to a toothpick, pick it up, carry it , place it, i use a fine needle point to click in the tabs of the two sides, after dab the chaton with rodico to pick up any that remains.  Another way is to weakly magnetise the spring itself.

[HectorLooi]

The belief that only Chinese clone shock springs and not genuine Incablocs come loose is a myth.

I worked on a ladies Omega a few months ago and being a genuine Omega, I was a little cavalier when opening the shock springs. The upper jewel was fine but the spring of the bottom jewel took flight when I swung it open. 

There was a little gap between the chaton and the main plate and this was how the spring managed to slip out. Had a real hard time getting it back in, as the gap was so small.

So now, regardless of whether it's a clone or genuine Incabloc, I always use a pegwood stick to prevent the spring from getting anywhere near the back of the hinge where it may slip out.

[JohnR725]

10 hours ago, HectorLooi said:

The belief that only Chinese clone shock springs and not genuine Incablocs come loose is a myth.

actually I think it's only one half of the myth.

10 hours ago, HectorLooi said:

spring of the bottom jewel took flight when I swung it open.

I'm pretty sure the top spring usually on a real one is not coming out but I've had the exact same experience with a different brand of Swiss watch for the bottom. I'm guessing because it's so much then there in the top maybe they changed something but yes I have had them come out the bottom never have come out the top of the Swiss though.

So one half of a myth.

That I was trying to remember of the one I had that was a long time ago whether I was able to sneak it in through the bottom or whether had to take the entire setting just can't quite remember

[mcoulton]

Hello

I wanted to follow up on the post. I managed to get the shock spring back in placed using the advice given and this video at time mark 6:45. I also made this tool displayed at 2:35. 

Thanks for all your help. 

Michael