My first attempt at Hamilton watch cleaning and assembly

[Triacon]

I want to think that I will enjoy this new hobby of mine but I must say this first attempt of a total tear down cleaning and re- assembly has been arduous at best! I lost a number of screws throughout the process because they would fly out of my brass tweezers when I was working with them. I spent the time to find them and continued on with the process. Had a hard time reassembling the watch. The largest metal plate that has four stones it it was difficult to reposition. But I got it done. I installed a small brass lever backwards and could not get the crown post back into the movement. So I studied more images and realize that I had flipped the brass lever. I now have the watch reassembled and I am able to adjust the hands without any problem, however, I am having a problem winding the walk. I was able to wind the watch completely , one time, but since then it doesn't want to engage so when I turn the crown I noticed that it is spinning freely, completely freely. I am wondering if I bent the little brass lever when putting it in backwards?

[vinn3]

"brass  tweezers and  stones"  congradulations  for having the guts for " total  dissasembly".  i would guess you have had  good experience as a mechanic.   but,  the abliity to  hold a very small screw in steel  tweezers is  mastered by experence.  try it,  walk   around  the  shop with a very  small part in tweezers.   good show !!  and welcome to the forum.  p.s.  i use  plastic tweezers  for a battery change,  brass would be good.     vinn

[szbalogh]

I am still practicing with cheap or low-end movements before touching the big ones. Now i dont have the issue with organizing parts or loosing screws 

The brass lever is for the second stop. You could wind it up with or without that installed.

Edited May 21, 2016 by szbalogh

[rodabod]

Does the ratchet wheel turn when you wind up? If so, the main spring may have an issue, such as becoming detached from the barrel arbor. 

[Triacon]

If I shake the watch, I can engage something inside, once in a while and get the watch to wind....  I took the back off and pressed lightly on that brass piece.  Thought that that helped engage the gears...

[Triacon]

The ratchet wheel seems fine.  The Crown wheel seems to have some play.  If i poke at it, I am able to turn it a little bit...

[Triacon]

This wheel has a little play.

[bobm12]

I believe there is a bushing for that wheel and if it is (the wheel) upside down you get winding problems.

[Triacon]

bobm12 , I think you are correct about the crown wheel.  I had it in, upside down.  I replaced it last night.  The Watch is letting good time.  I will try winding it in a little while.

 

By the way, I received a used copy of The Watch Repair's Manual.  4th Edition...

 

My next watch will be a Seiko Automatic that has a 7006A movement...  I took out apart weeks ago.  Need an exploded view to help in reassembly!

Edited May 22, 2016 by Triacon
Typo

[jdm]

Attavc

1 hour ago, Triacon said:

My next watch will be a Seiko Automatic that has a 7006A movement...  I took out apart weeks ago.  Need an exploded view to help in reassembly!

Attached. And check http://people.timezone.com/msandler/Articles/Workbench/Seiko/Seiko7005.html

7006A.pdf

[Triacon]

Thanks for the links.  I did find the pdf earlier, but was looking for more!. I will read the article today...