Hair Spring Seems too Tight

[jdrichard]

Here is the situation. I have successfully repaired and cleaned a Seiko 6139A Pogue Chronograph watch and I can't seem to slow it down. I have now de - magnitized the watch and still I can't seem to slow it down enough. In regulating it, I actually need to push the beat over and tighten up the Hairspring to make sure it runs. This does not seem right. If I set the beat error to 2ms for example, there is not enough play to lengthen the Hairspring and thus slow the watch down. I have examined the Hairspring and still think it is a bit gummed up, even though I did clean it and de magnitize it. This watch was a disaster when I got it as I had use a drumel tool to remove mold from the rotor; for example. Should I be considering a new Hairspring?

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[Cad101]

I would remove the hairspring and clean it again as you say you still think it is a bit gummed up even a very small amount of dirt and grime can make a huge difference to its performance. As side note are you sure you've locked the hairspring behind the regulator pin.

[vinn3]

yes,   re do it,  take a photo of the spring

[clockboy]

i would guess that it is the original hairspring so therefore it must be a dirty spring & the coils are sticking together. as stated by CAD give is a really good clean in a de-greaser agent.

[sstakoff]

Agreed - remove and give a good cleaning. Do you happen to know what amplitude you were getting when you timed it? I suspect it was quite low.

[MrBeat]

As others have already suggested the hairspring may just need a clean, id remove the balance and let it soak for 2-3 minutes in some Renata Essence. I find some Seiko hairspring coils sit closer together than their Swiss counterparts so any debris no matter how small can throw things right off, they can be very very fussy ( i actually had same issue recently with a 6139 chrono and i had to clean the balance 3 times before she played ball ).

Also, if after cleaning the watch is still running fast i would verify the mainspring is correct and seated correctly, if it is the wrong spring i.e too strong, then this could be a cause

MrBeat

[jdm]

I actually need to push the beat over and tighten up the Hairspring to make sure it runs.

My experience with Seiko hairspring is that if the movement doesn't run or you have to push here and there, it is not a matter of cleaning or demagnetizing rather the hairsping is somehow distorted. Also if you do not have good amplitude and pattern you would be fighting windmills is trying to regulate it. Please post timegrapher pictures.

[jdrichard]

I would remove the hairspring and clean it again as you say you still think it is a bit gummed up even a very small amount of dirt and grime can make a huge difference to its performance. As side note are you sure you've locked the hairspring behind the regulator pin.

Hairspring is locked into the regulator pin. I will give it another cleaning, in an ultrasonic cleaner

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[Cad101]

Check the hairspring collet is central when placed on the balance clock you'll have to remove it from the staff but the hairspring could be out of shape or twisted is it straight and not catching the clock anywhere.

[jdm]

1 hour ago, Cad101 said:

Check the hairspring collet is central when placed on the balance clock you'll have to remove it from the staff but the hairspring could be out of shape or twisted is it straight and not catching the clock anywhere.

The thing is, Seiko balances are not really made to be taken apart. It's a risky proposition.

[jdrichard]

Check the hairspring collet is central when placed on the balance clock you'll have to remove it from the staff but the hairspring could be out of shape or twisted is it straight and not catching the clock anywhere.

Good advice my fellow guitar player, thanks.

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[jdrichard]

Fixed and words well with new balance and hairspring

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[jdrichard]

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