Title: ETA 2836-2 Not Ticking After Pallet Fork Replacement – Need Assistance

[TimepieceTinkerer]

Hi all,

I’m currently working on an ETA 2836-2 movement. I replaced the pallet fork with a new one (ETA2801710, sourced from CousinsUK). After full reassembly and lubrication, I’ve encountered a strange issue:

The movement is fully wound and has power.

When I fit the balance assembly, the movement does not tick at all—completely dead.

When I remove the balance, the gear train suddenly releases and spins freely, indicating power was present.

The pallet fork just “floats” without snapping side to side—almost as if it isn’t even there. No interaction with the escape wheel is visible at that point.

However:

Before fitting the balance, I checked the pallet fork manually — it was working as it should, clearly interacting with the escape wheel.

I’ve inspected the pallet bridge jewel (where the pallet fork sits) and everything looks normal. No signs of misalignment or obstruction.

I’ve rechecked everything I can think of and I’m completely out of ideas. Has anyone seen this behaviour before? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

TT

[AndyGSi]

Is the pallet fork aligned with the roller on the balance.

Can you post photos how the pallet fork sits in relation to the escape wheel.

[Neverenoughwatches]

Why did you change the pallet fork ?

[LittleWatchShop]

Did you install the fork upside down? 

[RichardHarris123]

5 minutes ago, LittleWatchShop said:

Did you install the fork upside down? 

Good question but why does the power release without the balance? 

[Nucejoe]

‌Are you sure the fork still has 2 pivots? 

Pallets haven't moved?   Or as  said  installed upside down? 

 

[TimepieceTinkerer]

Hi all,

Update:
Thanks to everyone who responded — I really appreciate the help!

It turns out the issue was caused by a loose cannon pinion on the main plate, which prevented the train wheels from sitting correctly. That’s why the movement wouldn’t tick with the balance in place, and the pallet fork appeared to "float" without engaging. Once that was fixed, everything snapped into place and started working as it should.

I had replaced the pallet fork because I accidentally broke the pivot on the original one. @Neverenoughwatches

P.S. I definitely need to upgrade my photo setup for situations like this — it's really difficult to capture clear views of small parts with a normal phone camera.

[HectorLooi]

Pretty decent close-up photos can be acheived with a clip-on macro lens attached to a handphone.

15x Micro Lens Pink Phone Camera Lens Clip Light for Manicure Beauty Eyelash Nails Macro Photography Lighting Tool Adjustable
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mP5iKcR