How to Clean These Types of Balance Jewels?

[12toneman]

How does one go about cleaning and oiling the jewels in this type of balance? 

 

[bobm12]

Depending on skill and experience, you can:

Experience/skilled: Remove the balance complete, unscrew plate, clean, lube and reassemble.

Or,

Newbie/not too skilled/experienced: Clean the whole thing, dry, turn over, carefully lift the balance complete if needed and oil.

There may be other ways, this is my take on it. Always be careful with the hairspring...very delicate...and positioning it is also an issue.

Cheers,

Bob

[oldhippy]

If you go for the second option just be careful you don't damage the hairspring. You could catch it or distort it if you aren't skilled enough. The first way is by far the best and safest. 

[bobm12]

2 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

The first way is by far the best and safest. 

Absolutely, the right way is always...right!?

Cheers,

Bob

[12toneman]

Thanks, all! I'll give way #1 a go. What do you mean 'unscrew plate'? I only see those two studs on either side of the jewel. 

[bobm12]

What you see in the picture you posted is the "other side", so normally you can find the screw heads facing the hairspring so to speak...if not then, you don't have anything to unscrew as far as that plate holding the jewel is concerned, I guess....but I've never found it to be like that in my very limited experience with those movements.

[12toneman]

thanks, bob! 

[12toneman]

truth! 

 

 

[oldhippy]

On 06/06/2016 at 7:06 PM, bobm12 said:

What you see in the picture you posted is the "other side", so normally you can find the screw heads facing the hairspring so to speak...if not then, you don't have anything to unscrew as far as that plate holding the jewel is concerned, I guess....but I've never found it to be like that in my very limited experience with those movements.

Very  common bobm12 in the older type of watch. If you have a cleaning machine the lot would go into the basket.

Edited June 9, 2016 by oldhippy