Help With Caravelle 11Dp

[Don]

I have disassembled and am trying to reassemble a Caravelle 11dp (Citizen 0241) movement and I'm running into a problem. When I assemble the train wheels (including the escape wheel) and screw down the train wheel bridge, the center wheel binds up, but the other wheels turn freely. I've tried placing just the center wheel and screwing the bridge down and placing the three train wheels without the escape wheel and the center wheel turns fine. But when I add the escape wheel, the center wheel binds. All the pivots look to be seated properly and I don't see anything obstructing the center wheel. Since the escape wheel turns fine, I don't think it's the culprit. Any ideas?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Don

[Geo]

Welcome to the forum Don.

Regarding your problem, it sounds like it is just an alignment problem. As there are only three wheels being held in place with this bridge it shouldn't be too hard to locate the components. When lay the bridge onto the wheel pinions and very gently use a dry oiler to carefully move the wheels into place into the jewels. Do this while applying a little downward pressure on the bridge with a piece of pegwood. You should be able to feel when alignment is correct as the bridge will go down evenly and parallel to the main plate. Only when all wheels an pinion are engaged and located in the jewels and running freely should the screws be put in and tightened. When tightening the screws do so a little at a time an continue checking that everything is free before final tightening.

I personally use a blower to see if everything is free enough by puffing the escape wheel. If all is well this should be enough to rotate everything in the watch assuming that the escapement lever, balance and ratchet wheel has not been fitted.

I hope this helps.

[autowind]

Welcome to the forums Don.

Re your problem, if the train bridge was slightly bent or twisted that might account for it, or even if the bridge was not seating correctly for some reason. I cannot remember having this problem myself so my experience is limited, there are others on the forum with more experience who might be able to offer a solution, sorry I cannot be of more help.

[Maurice]

Sounds like one of the pivots may be bent. I would inspect them all carefully if they are ok check that there is no dried up gunk in any of the jewel holes. Good luck!!

[Don]

Thanks all for the suggestions. I'll give another shot this weekend.