The Worst Timegrapher Reading?

[haratua]

1. Could this be the worst reading possible on a timegrapher?

2. Where do you start in fixing this watch that has just came in for a repair?

 

Thanks

[Mark]

Check the Hairspring. Is it magnetised? Is it sticky? Is it touching the centre wheel?

[haratua]

Any advise on what de-magnetiser to use? I don't have one, looking to get one.

[Mark]

A de-magnetiser is an essential tool in your workshop. You should de-magnetise every watch after service and before regulating.

 

But I am not entirely sure magnetisation is the fault here. Check that the coils of the hairspring are not touching each other. 

 

To illustrate this I have made a quick video which shows readings for both faults and you will see what I mean.

 

I will upload it today and update you when it's available.

 

:)

[haratua]

Thanks. Looking forward to view the video.

 

Regardless of the issue to this watch I received, I've been wanting to get demagnetizer, so could you recommend one or two demagnetizers?

[Mark]

The Etic 340.400 is a good demagnetiser and this is quite cheap. You can get cheap Chinese clones of this tester which I have and it works fine.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/catalog/equipment/demagnetizers/demagnetiser-etic-swiss

 

I also have an Elma Anti-Mag and this is an excellent tool but quite a bit more expensive.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/catalog/equipment/demagnetizers/demagnetiser-elma-antimag

 

I have done a demonstration in the video I am uploading so you can see how they both work.

[Mark]

[haratua]

Thanks. I have ordered the Etic demagnetiser. Will update once I received it.

[haratua]

I have purchased a demagnetiser and it doesn't fix the issue.

Now, I am still trying to find the fault on the watch. Thankfully the watch owner is patience and let me have as much as time required to fix it :)

[Mark]

Well that's disappointing.

 

You are best to focus around the escapement.

 

Check the hairspring carefully. are the coils touching at all? - it is in the index?

take the balance out - is the spring flat?

check the balance roller - is the ruby pin loose? is the roller loose on the balance staff?

Check the pallets - is the guard pin loose? Are the pallets secure on the pallet arbor?

Check the balance jewels - end shake and side shake.

Has the balance got timing screws on the rim? Are these touching?

Is the balance wheel true? Is the balance wheel touching the pallet cock in certain positions?

 

On the timing machine do you get this reading both dial up and dial down? and how about pendant down?, pendant up?

 

Check the hairspring point of attachment to the hairspring collet - is it loose? What about the hairspring stud screw - is it tight?

 

I hope I didn't miss anything out :)

[autowind]

Another excellent video Mark,  clear and to the point.  With some faults you need to be a Sherlock Holmes.  :rock:

 

RogerC