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Elgin Unitas 6498 Balance Spring.


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I'm having a problem with the balance spring stud that seems to be stuck on the regulator arm. The lock screw is missing and the stud seems to be different from other ones I've seen. Has anyone ever come across a similar problem or know if the stud is the right one? I hope It wasn't set in with loctite, and I know this is a delicate situation... any advice is truly appreciated.4825b66a749bffb5b3058a93153101c5.jpg8dadb904a7d112df6c381945c21f9712.jpg4ff2b1c8f540a362c85fbe553175c0d4.jpg5177f02c426f33de56d91fa65514a93b.jpg
 
 
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I don't think that is your biggest problem (though it is a problem). Your regulator is broken - you only have the "boot" - there should be a pin at it's right (in pictures).

Matabog, thanks... I kinda figured that something was missing from there and I've never seen these older 6498 movements.


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I have had this problem & I pushed it out with my staking tool. You have to use a stump that is open both ends so the hairspring is not damaged. 

Clockboy, I'm going to attempt that tonight and hope that I can successfully remove the pin without damaging the hairspring, although the hairspring is already deformed and looks bad. I'll probably want to replace it if I can't manipulate it back to a decent shape...so this will be good practice for me.


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1 hour ago, madchops67 said:


Clockboy, I'm going to attempt that tonight and hope that I can successfully remove the pin without damaging the hairspring, although the hairspring is already deformed and looks bad. I'll probably want to replace it if I can't manipulate it back to a decent shape...so this will be good practice for me.


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Take your time making sure you do not damage the hairspring or bend the arm. If I remember correctly the one I moved was with a firm push.

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1 hour ago, clockboy said:

Take your time making sure you do not damage the hairspring or bend the arm. If I remember correctly the one I moved was with a firm push.

I tried last night to attempt to remove with a firm push as well but to no avail. I'm thinking it may have loctite considering there isn't a lock screw to hold the stud. Hopefully I can get it out with a staking tool like you mentioned, and I'll try to be careful not to damage the hairspring or damage the arm. 

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I tried last night to attempt to remove with a firm push as well but to no avail. I'm thinking it may have loctite considering there isn't a lock screw to hold the stud. Hopefully I can get it out with a staking tool like you mentioned, and I'll try to be careful not to damage the hairspring or damage the arm. 

Can't you stake this out? Use a stake and a bench block


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Success!!! Got the hairspring manipulated back to a decent shape and seems to be running smoothly than before. Thanks guys for all your input. Clockboy, I was extra careful not to damage the hairspring for it takes patience and a great of steady hands that I don't have...yet. [emoji1360] 937f122adfdfb16127e3e60c212ed403.jpg


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This may sound a bit daft but I'm beginning to conclude that the stud clamping screw is so much missing as intentionally omitted.

I currently have a 17J UT6497 in a Le Cheminant pocket watch and a 17J UT6498 in a Summit pocket watch, both from the late 70's/early 80's, and both without stud clamping screws. I was going to try and fit a screw to the 6497 as believed it to be missing, but recently acquiring the 6498 with the same omission suggested that it was intentional. Now this post convinces me even more.

It begs the question "why?", although the stud does seem to be quite secure in both cases. Thankfully neither watch is in need of any H/S adjustment else it would be more of an issue.

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Marc.  Maybe the "screw" hole stops just short of breaking through into the stud hole to allow a small punch to be used to dimple the stud hole slightly.  This would allow the stud to be gripped in the hole and also allow further tightening of the stud in the hole later on if required.   Just a thought!

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Could You replace the missing regulator pin? 
The end curve seems still distorted from here [emoji4]

The hairspring would definitely need a replacement, although I didn't have to fuss with the removal I was able to form the spring somewhat back to a decent shape to get the movement going. Next phase would be replace the spring and strip down into the ultrasonic cleaner.


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