Strip-down Seiko 7S26A

[Clicoon]

Hi All - well I'm finally stripped. It went quite well, the inside looked reasonably clean and didn't show signs of distress from prior work. I did have a little drama when removing the balance wheel assembly. It was difficult to release from its seat and when it did come free I lost control and the spring extended further than i would have liked. 

Have posted a pic of the balance spring to see if it has been damaged. The spring looks even wound apart from the loop that comes away at the upper part of the circumference. Is this normal?

Not sure that I will chance unwinding the main spring by hand. Look like a daunting task. Is it easy to buy a replacement barrel ready to install properly lubed?

2 pics attached. Cheers. 

[arkobugg]

3 hours ago, Clicoon said:

Hi All - well I'm finally stripped. It went quite well, the inside looked reasonably clean and didn't show signs of distress from prior work. I did have a little drama when removing the balance wheel assembly. It was difficult to release from its seat and when it did come free I lost control and the spring extended further than i would have liked. 

Have posted a pic of the balance spring to see if it has been damaged. The spring looks even wound apart from the loop that comes away at the upper part of the circumference. Is this normal?

Not sure that I will chance unwinding the main spring by hand. Look like a daunting task. Is it easy to buy a replacement barrel ready to install properly lubed?

2 pics attached. Cheers. 

Hello Clicoon, I alway take out and in the the spring by hand. When I take out the spring, I use a plastic bag, little as possible. And unleash the spring inside there, while I also  hold it tight. Just remember witch way the spring and arbor is laying. Then clean, and lunbricate. And when you are going to put it in, just hold it tight. Put in gentley, without make folds on the spring. Also try not to make marks on the edge on the spring while passing by the outer edge on the barrel. ...Good luck!! You can do it....

[arkobugg]

1 minute ago, arkobugg said:

Hello Clicoon, I alway take out and in the the spring by hand. When I take out the spring, I use a plastic bag, little as possible. And unleash the spring inside there, while I also  hold it tight. Just remember witch way the spring and arbor is laying. Then clean, and lunbricate. And when you are going to put it in, just hold it tight. Put in gentley, without make folds on the spring. Also try not to make marks on the edge on the spring while passing by the outer edge on the barrel. ...Good luck!! You can do it....

I saw that you also had one more question, I havent seen that many balance spring., but I think this is pretty normal. Due to speed regulation ...