Rutex 17 Jewel Manual St 1686, I Will Get Better At This But Here Goes Nothing;)

[jeffc83]

PROJECT GREMLIN ATTACK ON RUTEX 17 JEWEL MANUAL WIND;)

This one was a lousy watch to work on, haha.  Sometimes, you just have to walk away and rethink these things over when problems occur.  On Saturday morning, I felt like servicing another military watch.  This particular one was seized meaning none of the hands moved when shaken or by using the crown.  I disassembled, cleaned, oiled and reassembled.  Wouldn't ya know the damn thing would stop after 10-30 seconds.  I spent lots of time troubleshooting and mis-diagnosed the problem at first. (I thought it was the hairspring/balance pivot)  After "walking away" without throwing it, I thought things over.  I went back last night, disassembled it again and carefully looked at each part AGAIN.  Curses to the man that couldn't secure the barrel cover to the mainspring barrel. (me) So, I have a mainspring barrel installation tool on order that will close it PROPERLY from now on;)  In the meantime, I will start re-checking every friggin' part BEFORE I put everything back together, haha.  This project turned into a 13 hour ordeal and I'm glad it is not only behind me, but the problem has been solved;)  Pictures are below, feel free to ask questions....I love questions, LOL;)

[oldhippy]

How did you deal with the rust, why not fit a nice new button it would make it far easier to wind. I can remember that cal would suffer with bad wear in the barrel bridge.

 

Try and remember with every repair to look things over very carefully when you take it apart and putting it back, it's not just dirt that can stop a watch, you will save yourself time and you won't have many sleepless nights.  Nice clear photos and well done.

[jeffc83]

Thanks so much for the advice, I learned a valuable lesson on that one for sure;)  I will replace the crown at one point but after service, it is so easy to wind, I forgot about replacing it. (wanted to in the beginning)  This one is being worn today and is still only a second off. (after 12+ hours too)

 

I used simichrome, then washed with soap and water before putting it through the ultrasonic cleaner.  The crystal I typically replace due to cracks/DEEP scratches and this one was no exception.

 

I have a lot to learn for sure but this was lots of fun! (see, learning CAN be fun, haha)

Edited March 7, 2016 by jeffc83

[Peixian]

the watch looks quite shabby ! you have done a grate job! 

thanks for sharing the way to deal with the rust!