Jump to content

St96 Restoration Walkthrough


Recommended Posts

ST96 Restoration Walkthrough

 

I got a new project to start on: restoration of my brother's watch he got for his 9th birthday.

 

post-246-0-66265100-1407053523_thumb.jpg

 

This is not an expensive watch in dollar terms; but the memories and history are priceless, and one I really want to restore to excellent condition.

It stopped running decades ago, but he has still kept this watch for nearly 40 years, how many of us can say the same about their first watch?!

My brother has placed a lot of trusted in me to restore this watch, and I want to repay that trust by restoring this watch to the best of my ability.

Note his name (blocked out) and date it was given to him are engraved on the back plate. 

 

post-246-0-94187100-1407053526_thumb.jpg

 

After opening the back I was pleasantly surprised to see it was a 17 Jewel movement ... so for it's day it was a proper watch; and not a cheap throw-away item you buy at a service station.  This would have been purchased at a professional jewelers back in 1975.

 

Unfortunately, the first issue was discovered.  The locating ring is missing, and the only thing holding the movement in place is the stem ... not good.

 

post-246-0-51517100-1407053530_thumb.jpg

 

So the disassembly begins. 

Once removed from the case, the hands and dial were removed to get to the movement.

 

Then the first of the motion work is to be removed.

Remove the Hour Wheel

 

post-246-0-65700500-1407053533_thumb.jpg

 

Then the Minute Wheel pinion and it's Guard Plate.

 

post-246-0-35943700-1407053537_thumb.jpg

 

Next remove the intermediate pinion for the Minute Wheel.  Also notice the over oiling of this movement, someone got very enthusiastic with their oiler!

 

post-246-0-83059900-1407053540_thumb.jpg

 

Again oil everywhere!  Here's is the Minute Wheel glued to the Guard Plate with oil.

 

post-246-0-58935200-1407053543_thumb.jpg

 

Pull the Cannon Pinion and remove the Endstone.

 

post-246-0-17623000-1407056195_thumb.jpg

 

Release the spring tension from the Mainspring.

 

post-246-0-99544700-1407053548_thumb.jpg

 

Remove the Ratchet Wheel and Crown Wheel

Look at the flood of oil over the bridge!

 

post-246-0-62645100-1407053557_thumb.jpg

 

Second issue with this movement.  The thread for the Crown Wheel Screw is stripped.  It looks like someone has been inside this watch, many years ago, to try and see why it stopped running, and unscrewed this anti-clockwise; not knowing that it's a reverse threaded screw, and stripped the thread :(

 

post-246-0-19128300-1407053554_thumb.jpg

 

Continuing with the dismantling ... remove the Click and Click Spring.

Note the orientation of the spring.

 

post-246-0-39413300-1407054908_thumb.jpg

 

Remove the Barrel Bridge

 

post-246-0-47844800-1407054911_thumb.jpg

 

Remove the Balance, Pallet Fork Cock, and the Fork.

 

post-246-0-83698200-1407054914_thumb.jpg

 

Remove the Centre Wheel and Third Wheel.

 

post-246-0-70734100-1407054931_thumb.jpg

 

Remove the Escape Wheel and the Mainspring Barrel.

 

post-246-0-75075900-1407054934_thumb.jpg

 

Remove the Endstone from the Centre Wheel Bridge, and then remove the bridge itself.

 

post-246-0-70936200-1407055929_thumb.jpg

 

Remove the Centre Wheel

 

post-246-0-34010400-1407054945_thumb.jpg

 

Whatever lubricates were used on this movement it has crystalized into a nasty mess. 

I tried to capture it on this photo, but it didn't really comes out as I'd hoped .... but notice all the white specs.

 

post-246-0-78264000-1407054953_thumb.jpg

 

To finish off, remove the Keyless Work.

Start with removing the Setting Lever Spring.

 

post-246-0-50798200-1407054957_thumb.jpg

 

Next unscrew the Setting Lever, remove tension from the Yoke Spring, and then remove the Yoke.

Note: more evidence of over oiling it present here.

 

post-246-0-38827000-1407054961_thumb.jpg

 

Note the orientation of the Yoke Spring.

 

post-246-0-63045200-1407054964_thumb.jpg

 

Lastly, remove the Endstone from the Main Plate, and you are complete.

 

post-246-0-24992900-1407054967_thumb.jpg

 

After fully dismantling the movement, I opened up the Mainspring Barrel and found what the original issue must have been ... a broken Mainspring.  This is the third issue that needs to be addressed to restore this movement.

Probably broken by a young boy over winding his watch :)

Note: The break in the spring, and how it doesn't attach to the Barrel Arbor any more.

 

post-246-0-99794300-1407054971_thumb.jpg

 

So with a missing Locating Ring, stripped Crown Wheel thread in the Barrel Bridge, and a broken Mainspring: I need some spares!!

.... off to the Fleabay ....

 

Being a movement in an obscure brand of boys watch, I wasn't exactly hopefully in finding spares readily available ... but praise the Lord Jesus Christ, they were there in abundance!

It seems India has cornered the market on ST96 Movements :P  They had it least 10 to choose from.

I ended up choosing a "Rare" Tressa model in "Excellent" condition, that was a "MUST SEE"

 

I placed an offer for AU$28 on this rare collectable (including shipping) and won it **chuckle**

 

post-246-0-08029500-1407054974_thumb.jpg

 

Regardless of the hype, it is guaranteed to work for 12months, and is the movement I require to secure the parts I need.  Including that all important Locating Ring.

 

post-246-0-85208000-1407054976_thumb.jpg

 

With free shipping comes a long wait for delivery to Australia ... 12-22 days.  So while I'm waiting for the watch parts to arrive, I'll clean up the case and bracelet.

 

... to be continued

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Boy you are one busy guy!

I just realised that it is winter down your end of the world, does that have anyth thing do do with your high output just now? Being summer in Scotland, the watch repair work gets put on the back burner. I'll get going again properly in the winter.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Geo,

 

Yeah it's winter here; but that isn't why I'm dedicating so much time to servicing watches.  I'm retaining myself for a new career is a watchmaker: hoping and praying to the Lord that I gain employment as an apprentice.  I know that this career is very tough to get into, and you need an edge over the other applicants, and to demonstrate to your prospective employer that you have the God given gifts and ability to do the work.

 

I am also doing it so that I'm sure it's something I enjoy and want to do for the rest of my working life ... and indeed it is!!

 

I'm posting these walkthroughs up firstly to give others confidents that they too can service watches; as Mark gave me that confidents through his videos.  And also by writing these out, and using the correct names for all the components I'm teaching myself at the same time :)  So if I get anything wrong, in procedure or terminology, please correct me so I may learn from my mistakes.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Me too, I wish you a great future and success in your new career. Excellent post!

 

 

PS. Check out Timezone watchschool/otto frei site for ST 96 information (not necessarily ordering but pdf and pics -- I mean extra info)

Edited by bobm12
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A few points..

 

1.  movement spacers are meant to fit various size movements to various size cases.

In this case you may have sourced a spacer that will fit your ST96 but it may not be the same size as your case.. not only the diameter but the depth (depending on case thickness) may vary.

 

Funnily, I notice that automatics usually have the same inner diameter/outer diameter for the same movements but for manuals it varies greatly..sometimes only around 1mm but frustrating nonetheless.

 

2.  Both movements have different shock protection, your brother's watch has incabloc (which I think is superior), the india watch has what looks like trishock. Inca is more desirable but which ever you use, both ends must be the same and the balance has to match. This is important if you plan to swap parts around.

 

the below are my personal views so don't take it too seriously....

 

3. The finish on the India movement is the hammered finish... personally I detest this.

 

4.How do you plan to work around the stripped thread? Are you planning on swapping the movement complete?, that would be a shame as that's a major portion of the originality of the watch. Not impossible and only worth it if originality is important.

 

Anil

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Lawson, as Anil said, I was also wondering about the strip thread. How are you planning to fix it? Are you going to re thread it and find larger diameter screw or something of the sort?

 

Please, keep us posted. This thread is getting very interesting (no pun intended).

Edited by bobm12
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was going to do a complete swap over of the movement, I probably should have explained that better in the thread. 

I don't have a helicoil set to repair the stripped thread, and I'm not even sure if they even make a left-handed helicoil that small.

To my brother, the watch is the case, dial, hands, and bracelet ... whether it has the original movement will not mean anything to him ... This is a "watch" restoration; not exactly a movement restoration.

 

I actually thought the movement in the Indian watch was a better grade of ST96, giving my brother a more reliable watch.  I understand that the Incabloc System is very easy to work on; but I didn't have too much trouble with the Trishock System in the 7S26A, and the jewel is being stabilized at three points with Trishock, instead of two with the Incabloc ... isn't that superior?  Please correct me if I'm wrong, but also give reasons why my train of thought is wrong, as I'm really trying to learn as much as I can, and I greatly appreciate your wisdom and feedback.

Edited by Lawson
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry Lawson, no wisdom here whatsoever! :) I feel a little like the blind leading the blind if you will, in this case... But, although I have never done it or seen it done, I suppose there has to be a way to correct a stripped left thread. Also, it seems that because it is in the main plate (mmm, because it is in the main plate, isn't it?) the work may has the advantage to be done right in the movement holder if you can get the proper tool to do it...Just a thought...Maybe a more experienced member can shed light on this matter...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Bob, thanks for the kind words mate.  The stripped thread is in the Barrel Bridge.  And I'm sure there are a few ways to re-thread it, even some of the two-part epoxies are stronger than steel these days, and might be an option.

I won't be throwing the original movement away by any means ... But I think I'll wait until I'm an apprentice in a full workshop, and discuss it with my mentor.  Might be a future apprentice job for me to learn on :)

 

I also have my Dad's Tudor Oyster Royal with 18ct Gold Bezel, that he brought in the 50s when conscripted in the national service overseas ... it's a real mess, and that will be a FULL Restoration, regardless of cost ... but a long way off in my future.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Incredible documentation on this restoration project and incredible back story on your career direction change.  You are at this level after only a month?  I don't think you should have any problem with the career redirection given your skills and dedication!  I am truly impressed.  I too wish you all the best Lawson.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tri-shock is not a generic term for any three-legged shock protection.. its actually a trade name. Similarly the shock in the Seiko is called a 'diashock'...

 

I believe the difference is in the quality of the metal used for the spring.

 

As to thread repair... I would think that a proper repair would be made by using a bit of brass rod pressed into the hole (once the old threads are drilled out) and then drilling and re-threading back to original.

This is opposed to an improper repair involving loctite or other types of epoxy..!!!  :D (I have to admit, I've been guilty of this!)..

 

Anil

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Trying to contribute and learn, I found very little documentation on the ST 96 also called FHF 96. I also looked under FHF 969 which is similar. I'm posting the compiled relevant info in pdf format for completeness. I wish I had found the real data but I guess this will have to do.

 

FHF96.pdf

 

Lawson, I hope you get the parts soon so we can see the end result! Great job, keep at it!

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your are welcome, Lawson! I'm hoping some other member has the actual service data for this movement and can post it here for completeness.

 

By the way, since there is no exhibition back on your brother's watch, you have an alternative -- if the ring in the fleebay watch doesn't fit -- to use plastic movement holders (no one will see them) if you think it appropriate...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great post Lawson,

I must admit repairing the thread especially a left hand thread would be a problem for most and me. Getting the correct tap would also be a big issue.

I know where you are coming from as I restored my first watch that I was given on my 11th birthday  i.e it's now 50 years old. Like yours not of great value ( an EB8800 movement ) but it has great sentimental value to me.  It was very badly rusted and I had to change most of the movement parts and really I should have changed the entire movement but very satisfied with the end result.

Edited by clockboy
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

The replacement movement has arrived from India!!  Errr ... but I missed the postman :rolleyes:

So I have to take the postage receipt in and pick the package up from the post office this afternoon, once the postman has finished his runs and returns to them.

 

I'm sure it will need a full service, and I hope their Indian "Full Service" hasn't wrecked anything ... we will see, and as per usual I'll posts heaps of pics.

 

Lamb roast with my parents tonight (Mum's Lamb > Watch Restoring!!), so I don't know if I'll start working on it late tonight, but I wanted to update this thread and keep you fellas posted.

 

 

Stay Tuned ....

Edited by Lawson
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Indian Connection

So I finally got around to picking up the watch I purchased from India.
It was very well packaged in its own little unbleached cardboard box, and once opened I was presented with what looked like a brand new watch. The case is beautifully polished, no scratches on the glass, brand new leather strap, and even the winding crown looked new  ... I was impressed.

 

post-246-0-99366500-1408953314_thumb.jpg

 

So I put it on the AceTimer Timegrapher to see how the movement was running.
LOL ... It looked like a B52 drop in Nam!  Just as advertised, "Keeping Good Time", and "Fully Serviced" :jig: 
You can't hide from the Timegrapher!

 

post-246-0-89879200-1408953311_thumb.jpg

I opened the back and donned my loupe to unscrew the Setting Lever and noticed that my counterpart in India mustn't have had a 0.8mm Driver ... and this is what happens when you use a driver too large for the head of the screw. (Took the picture with the movement removed for a better image)

 

post-246-0-87671600-1408953323_thumb.jpg

 

Next I removed the movement from the case and removed the hands.  The dial looked in perfect condition.

 

post-246-0-92859500-1408953320_thumb.jpg

 

Once removed though you could see it had been made from a scrap piece of tin, complete with grinding slag  ... I must say that I am still very impressed with the face of the dial, created from this piece of offcut.

 

post-246-0-88207600-1408953317_thumb.jpg

 

Further inspection under the loupe, I noticed the "Full Service" included oiling the jewels with all purpose grease ... ROFL!  I tried to get a good picture off it, to increase the comical value; but this is the best I could do.  I checked the endplay on the pivots and as expected, there was a considerable amount of play. 

 

post-246-0-33488500-1408953329_thumb.jpg

 

Even the post that holds the yoke has been mushroomed out like a rivet, and I was unable to remove it *Chuckle*

 

post-246-0-64207400-1408953339_thumb.jpg

All in all, this movement has paid it's due, and is completely worn out.  Everywhere you look the wear is extensive.

So I don't think I'll be using this one for my brothers keepsake, but still, it's all there, it ticks, and good to practice on without the worries of damaging an expensive movement.

 

post-246-0-73061700-1408953332_thumb.jpgpost-246-0-39353400-1408953336_thumb.jpg

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good eye opener, Lawson and sorry it didn't meet expectations. Can you use anything at all?

 

Hey Bob,

I'm soaking the parts in lighter fluid at the moment, to get the worst of the grease and grime off before I put them in the cleaning machine.  I'll inspect the parts after they come out of the cleaner and go from there.

I'm not one to easily give up on a project.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excellent state of mind for this project, I'm with you on that, never give up!

 

By the way, What are you going to do with the stripped bridge? It appears this in not the movement fit for a swap, is it?

Edited by bobm12
Link to comment
Share on other sites



  • Similar Content

  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • This is a very sad day for the industry.. For most of us being amateurs the cost of replacing parts for ETA,s etc will be beyond affordability for the customers.   see full statement below   We have now received the decision from Judge Michael Green on whether or not the High Court has jurisdiction to hear our claim against Swatch, and sadly it is not the decision we had hoped for.   As we have pointed out in previous news items (see below),the rules that Judge Green had to apply strictly prevented him from examining in any way how the Swiss Court arrived at its verdict, even if it is blatantly obvious that the verdict is wrong.   As Swatch’s lawyer was summing up in the last few minutes oft he hearing, the Judge twice pinned him asking if it was alright if, as a result of the Swiss verdict, consumers had to pay 50% more for their watch repairs. After some stumbling, their lawyer’s reply was “Yes”, so  I am quite sure that Judge Green left his court fully aware that the Swiss verdict does not reflect the norms of British Competition Law. However, the rules simply do not allow him to take that simple fact into account.   Judge Green noted that our two arguments relating firstly to British Competition Law now being different from that of the EU, and secondly to the contention that the legality of the Authorised Service Networks has not been tested, had both been mentioned in the Swiss verdict. Because they had been mentioned, he felt that to allow us to argue them again would constitute re examining the Swiss case, and could not be allowed.   As to our claim that we were denied our right to be heard because our evidence was not considered, our lawyers had argued that the evidence we provided could not have been looked at because had the Swiss Court done so, it could not have reached the conclusion that it did. In his verdict, Judge Green highlighted general statements in the Swiss verdict that evidence had been looked at, and acknowledged the arguments we made to him, but again he considered that this was re-examining the Swiss verdict, and could not be permitted.   Our case has attracted considerable interest within the Legal community, and within minutes of the decision being made public we were approached for comment by one of the largest subscription news services, Global Competition Review. They asked us two very pertinent questions, and I reproduce them for you below along with our responses, as they neatly summarise the consequences arising from our case.   What are the key takeaways?   Enormous damage has been done to the fundamentals of UK and European Competition Law by the Swiss courts. It has always been the case that the effect on consumers and competition has to be considered in any decision making, but we now have a ruling that states even monopolists can remove wholesale markets from the supply chain without any consumer benefit based justification. Those entities looking to subvert Competition Law and exploit consumers for their own benefit will be looking at this very carefully.   Has the court made the wrong decision? If so, will you appeal?   The issue lies not with the High Court, but rather with cross border jurisdiction treaties that have no requirement in them for foreign jurisdictions applying UK law to take account of the Ratio Legis [a legal term for the fundamental reasoning why the law was written] of that law, and have no remedy within them for UK Courts to overcome decisions that clearly do not.    After eight years of work, and a very considerable sum in legal costs, I can not begin to tell you how disappointed I am at this outcome. For the time being, there is no further route through the British Courts that Cousins can follow. However, I promised that we would fight to the end, and that promise stands.   The UK is no longer part of the Lugano Convention, whose rules Judge Green has applied, and as yet nothing permanent has replaced it. The political tide turned against repair prevention by restricting supply of spare parts some time ago, and our efforts on behalf of the Watch Repair industry have resulted in high level contacts within several Government Departments. You can be sure that we will keep working to overcome this unjust situation that we now all find ourselves in.    I will keep you advised.   Kind regards   Anthony
    • Dell fancy a challenge🤣   https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285785684626?itmmeta=01HT29WVJY21Q94C73GYHGBTFX&hash=item428a277a92:g:15YAAOSwNRVmBAUz&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0DIe4QLQBW66rSyIMiyBuk8GY%2B86pQ%2BQnxGbcNq7egAGe5DIs9YMmiWJIbZtMSxwNJIiJxuojbq523IeUSBQ6pJEIQ0tfz2ChrBR03BksmKINyklg1IK4GAfAcYY9Hta9wVeSZSZN7ZCNAfZTgKs9c4%2BUIUZ3Qjc3QjUXDn2uPRo1FiYOEewMG5A26EXb%2BclBgrqtbOmM6P3bea%2F8ZImOAXNI1HtbmtMk84pIGoM6ISwaM1PKFuADtTFMccS5e3ZjndCbXYXHrW3CecsV0edw3M%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8q588nQYw Darwin’s theory of evolution has not been proven to be absolutely.  😀 
    • A already know the size movement I have the problem is the dial a had purchased has a dimension 20.6mm wide a want to find a watch case that going to fit the dial perfectly 
    • Hi.  I would like to take issue here regarding battery driven , watches, clocks,etc. I will and do repair these clocks in fact I have sever al in my collection as well as the regular mechanical ones. I have one on my mantle piece over 60 years old tha belonged to my wife’s Aunt,  long gone Iam afraid and it has been cleaned etc and never missed a beat and is accurate. Every one has their preduices as regards Electrical /electronic Horology but I regard it as part of the progress time line of the art of Horology and to be treated as such. Like Darwin’s theory of evolution it evolved.  Two cavemen knocking rocks together and a shard broke off , looking at it he worked out if it was stuck on the end of a stick he would have a spear. Likewise his pal seeing what he was up to picked up a piece  and did the same, now that’s evolution. Some clockmaker decided to build a clock that ran with a battery and no spring to wind up and break, progress and both the mechanical and battery driven clocks evolved, the battery ones got better to the point that if it broke you changed the complete unit. Likewise watches did the same but both can be repaired by people who approach Horology with an open mind without preduice.  We all have our likes and dislikes bu I for one would never dismiss any technology because I don’t like it.   The mobile phone is a good example of modern technology at work as is the automotive industry. There buttons and switches in my car I don’t use because to me they are not nesessary but I still drive the car.
    • I haven't gone through all the reading of what it might be or not. The first thing I would do if nothing obvious stands out is replace the mainspring, you have to start at the source of the power. Nine times out of ten that is the problem.  
×
×
  • Create New...