Earnshaw Skeleton stopped

[jp278]

Hi all,

I've got a Thomas Earnshaw Academy that's completely stopped working. It was dropped from a few feet onto a bathroom rug and unfortunately the minute hand managed to come loose. 

I got a watchmaker to put the hand back on for me but to get the watch working again would've been around £200 (more than the watch is worth). The balance wheel isn't moving and the main spring is fully wound. If the watch is tapped or shaken slightly the balance wheel does spin back and forth a little but nowhere near what it should. I'd also add that nothing looks out of place, the hairspring seems to be alright through the exhibition case. 

Because the balance wheel does spin slightly if the watch is shaken, is it more likely to be an issue between the main spring and balance? Or is it worth writing off the movement and replacing the watch?

Thanks in advance for any help, sorry if it's a tad vague! 

[oldhippy]

As the watch has been dropped all manner of things could be wrong. The most likely is the balance staff has broken.

[noirrac1j]

I googled the watch. Does the movement look like this? It does have incabloc protection which should prevent a short drop onto a rug, and you said the balance does tic for a few? If the balance staff got bent that would explain its erratic behavior,but also the escape wheel could have been damaged. The movement can be repaired, but if you don't have the necessary tools or skill, it will cost you. The alternative is to sell it for parts or repairer's special.

J

[fjseal]

Is it possible that the impulse jewel has become disengaged from the pallet fork, or could that not happen?

[noirrac1j]

6 hours ago, fjseal said:

Is it possible that the impulse jewel has become disengaged from the pallet fork, or could that not happen?

YEs that could happen. If the watch was running when it fell, which it is safe to say it probably was, then the pallet fork jewel(s) could have become loosened or sustained a chip upon impact. 

J