A simple screw...

[Pip]

I’m sure this is a very easy one but I’m damned if I can find the answer so thought here would be the best place. There’s no such thing as a stupid question and all that...!

Anyway, been working through a junk old pocket watch. Got it done now (I think) BUT of course the dial is broken and one dial screw is missing too.

 

My questions are: What screws do I need to order from Cousins? Are they a standard size thread? And do I get bigger head screws or tiny washers? Or just order a new dial? You’ll see what I mean from the pics.

 

Shot of dial and close up of one side of damage:

 

Pic of screw on Dumont No2 tweezers and close up:

 

Thanks for your help!

Pip

 

 

 

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[anilv]

Hi Pip, dials usually have feet or posts which go into holes in the movement. These feet are then secured, usually by a sidescrew.

In you watch I believe the feet broke off and someone in the past has used a screw to secure the dial. If you can get the feet replaced the damaged can be visually repaired by some epoxy and white paint. Not perfect but not immediately noticeable as there is very minimal damage to the minute track.

Anilv

[Pip]

Thanks. Is that always the way as my case seems to be built with threaded holes just where the screws go. I’ve packed up for tonight so will check tomorrow but they don’t seem like add ons iirc. But you’re right in that every dial I’ve dealt with so far (all wristwatches admittedly) has dial feet of some kind.


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[wls1971]

Dials screwed to the movement  from the front are uncommon but not unheard of I have two Jaeger pocket watches with dials  that are screwed to the movement from the front but this is obviously not a good way to attach enamel dials as chipping would be a problem if extreme care is not used, screws are not usually of a standard set size in cases where I have had missing screws I have a large stock of scrap movements and have usually been able to find a suitable replacements. Buying a replacement pocket watch dial from Cousins is not a option you have because no one makes them now. 

Another option you have is to use dial pads which are small adhesive dots that can be used to fix the dial to the movement.

[anilv]

Pip,

There are examples of dials fastened by screws from the top but these are usually wristwatches and in practically all cases they would be hidden by the case when its put together.

Anilv

[Watcher]

Scaling from your photo of the screw on a Dumont pair of tweezers I estimate the thread diameter to be 0.6mm. If this is corect PM me and I shall mail you a suitable screw. The best way to repair the damaged enamel is to use white UV setting nail varnish now available everwhere and on eBay. You set it in sunlight or under a cheap UV light as used for detecting forged banknotes. Even less expensive UV LED chips can also do the job. Cousins sell a similar UV varnish for dial repair but at 10x the cost.