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Installing Watch Hands

jdrichard

By jdrichard
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

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jdrichard Distinguished Member

jdrichard

Posted
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I just completed a complete clean and rebuild of a Seiko 7548 Diver and have a question regarding installation of the watch hands. I turned the stem until the date flipped so I would have an actuate 12 O'clock position. Then I installed the hour hand without issue. Upon installing the minute hand I noticed that I can end up in many positions. Nose down, tilted, etc. Is this normal? The second hand is also no issue as it feed over the pivot. I did manage to line the second hand up parallel but it seems like and violent movement and it will be tilted again and the other hands will touch. HELP!41b0a3ad84fa5600b9dc0e08026bf640.jpg

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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

Posted
Posted

Don't overthink it. First I suggest after installing hour hand advance at 6 to install minute, and check alignment at the various hours, and date advance again.

Then just check that the top of the hand is flush with its pinion that should give the correct distance already.

Chek the hand is not tilted, correct as necessary it should be good to go.

jdrichard Distinguished Member

jdrichard

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Thanks jdm. Just seems like the minute hand does not sit in place like the other hands. PS: I over think everything. Electrical Engineer by degree.

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bobm12 Distinguished Member

bobm12

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Maybe you just need to reduce the hole in the minute hand. I insert a pin or something with the approximate diameter of the hole and squeeze the outside, gently with a blunt nail clip I've prepared for this   (I filed an indentation in the middle, easy to make). The idea is not to collapse the hole or making it too tight that you can not insert the hand.

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jdrichard Distinguished Member

jdrichard

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Maybe you just need to reduce the hole in the minute hand. I insert a pin or something with the approximate diameter of the hole and squeeze the outside, gently with a blunt nail clip I've prepared for this (I filed an indentation in the middle, easy to make). The idea is not to collapse the hole or making it too tight that you can not insert the hand.

thanks Bob, great idea in fact.

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ramrod Super WRT Addict

ramrod

Posted
Posted

i run into the same problem. i gotta fiddle with them for a while before i get them to NOT collide.

 

bobm - i gotta see a picture of those clippers. that sounds like a great idea.

  • 2 weeks later...
Peixian Watch Enthusiast

Peixian

Posted
Posted

thank you jdrichard for your post, my watch hands have some problems,and i took it off,but i know how to install them after looking this post,thank you very much :D

Rafal WRT Addict

Rafal

Posted
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so, what you guys use to install watch hands? I suppose you dont use any helpers like staking set or hands press. Problem here might be that hand is not pressed evenly so it tilt. When pushed perpendicular it should install correctly, doing it by hand its easy to tilt it. Im not trying to say you have to use helpers, only that it has to be pushed evenly. Just try if you have access to stacking set or press and you will see the difference. Since I started using my stacking set for this, for balance jewels (I only do South Bend watches) it is much better, but I think you dont have to use it, just get more practice and know what could cause problems  :thumbsu: .

  • 2 weeks later...
jdrichard Distinguished Member

jdrichard

Posted
  • Author
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Don't overthink it. First I suggest after installing hour hand advance at 6 to install minute, and check alignment at the various hours, and date advance again.

Then just check that the top of the hand is flush with its pinion that should give the correct distance already.

Chek the hand is not tilted, correct as necessary it should be good to go.

So did you mean that you turn the dial so that the hour hand advances to 6 and then install the minute hand pointing at the 12 o'clock position ?

From Canada

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