Waltham Pocket Watch 1883 Vntage

[Timezone]

I'm working on two Waltham 1883 size 18s pocket watches and can't seem to find the problem with either one; which is they wind but do not run.  The balance and staff appear to be okay.  Since I'm a newbie I thought someone might know a common problem(s) with these vintage watches.  How do I check the mainspring because I hear that might be a cause.

 

Thanks,

 

Timezone

[Alaskamick]

When you wind them up do they wind until you are unable to wind them any further or do they just carry on winding.

[Timezone]

Hi:

 

Thanks for replying.  They keep on winding as far as I can tell.

 

Timezone

[Alaskamick]

If the crown ( Winder ) keeps going round and does not come to a stop then there is either no mainspring in the barrel or it has snapped. 

 

I would start by dismantling the winding wheels and then then remove the plate, get the mainspring barrel out, check inside to see what is going on with the spring.

 

Quite a simple procedure but if you search online for " fitting a pocket watch mainspring " you will find several videos. There may even be one here. 

 

Let us know how you get on.

 

Mike

[Timezone]

Hi Mike:

 

Thanks for the help.  I'll check out the mainspring as you instructed.  I have a lot to learn yet as you can see.  I'll let you know how I make out.

 

 

Thanks so much!

 

Rich   (Timezone)

[WillFly]

Yup - sounds like a broken mainspring. The other problem that occurs with winding is when the click is bust - winds and then winds down immediately - but yours sounds like a snapped mainspring.

[Timezone]

Mod:

 

Thanks for your reply.  The consensus seems to be the mainspring. The clicks are both good.  I'll investigate and let you guys know the outcome.

 

Cheers,

 

Rich

Timezone

[Timezone]

I'm working on two Waltham 1883 size 18s pocket watches and can't seem to find the problem with either one; which is they wind but do not run.  The balance and staff appear to be okay.  Since I'm a newbie I thought someone might know a common problem(s) with these vintage watches.  How do I check the mainspring because I hear that might be a cause.

 

Thanks,

 

Timezone

[Timezone]

To Mike & WillFly:

  

Follow up on the above, the mainspring was the problem in both cases.  Thanks so much for your help and info.

 

Gratefully,

 

Timezone

(Rich)

[Alaskamick]

Glad you've found the problem.