Leaving screws in when using the cleaning machine

[Stian]

Hi gurus,

I'm curious about this : when servicing chronographs, Mark leaves the chronograph element screws in their holes so as to not mix them up. If this is feasible for these screws, is it feasible for all screws and also for non chronographs? Would make it easier to assemble the watch after cleaning.

Stian

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[Marc]

That is exactly what I do.

Look at any of my walk throughs and you will see the screws returned to their respective holes once the component that they secure has been removed.

And the rational behind that is that it means that the screws don't get mixed up or lost.

So yes, it can be applied to all watch movements and all screws.

The only down side is that it takes a little longer to strip the movement.

[oldhippy]

I always removed all screws, but there is no reason why you should not put them back in providing the cleaning machine is good enough to clean everything in the basket. As far as I can remember on this forum there are some who never clean the screws. Screws themselves can have dirt, dust or even hairs on them which at times aren't visible to the naked eye. If a watch comes in for cleaning then every thing belonging to the movement should be cleaned right down to the screws. 

[chadders1966]

So far I have enough small baskets and compartments in my larger cleaning machine basket that I can keep the screws for the different elements, and the different sizes of those, seperate. If I didn't (and I haven't worked on a chronograph yet) I would do as Marc does and put them back in place as you don't want to get them mixed up. The only one I end up leaving in is the one holding the balance cock in place.

Stephen

[Stian]

Thanks, all! I'll try to leave the screws in for the next watch and see how it works.

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