Poljot Cal.31681 Russian Chronograph Movement Service.

[Mark]

Another strip down. Today it is a Poljot 31681 russian chronograph movement. This movement is strikingly similar to the Valjoux 7734.It was actually a nice movement to work on as it is a well built cam activated chrono. It has three sub-dials, one being for an off-centre seconds hand, another for hour recording and the other for a 30 minute recording hand.

The train is a 21,600

Enjoy some pics:



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[Geo]

Very similar to the 3133's that I have. I'm about to make one good one out of two because of major problems obtaining spare parts.

[autowind]

Mark,  you would earn your £20 for servicing that one. How on earth you remember where everything goes amazes me.

[bobm12]

Not only the complexity, but the contrast of the finishing in the different surfaces! Looks like the finish is where it matters or is visible and also different quality to other movements (not better or worst but different), i.e swiss, japan, etc.

 

Thank you Mark, this is an unusual treat! Lots to see and learn.

[khanhvu]

Thank you!

[oldhippy]

I never liked Russian watches, I always found them to be rough and ready. Seeing that spacer that goes under the balance cock still makes me laugh as to why couldn't they machine the watch without such a stupid piece. Nice pictures though.

[GeorgeClarkson]

Very similar to the Valjoux 7734 and 7733 indeed... But as already pointed out SOE solutions are strange, and the finishing rather... Spotty

[anilv]

i kinda like russian movts... they appeal to me because of their robustness and surprising accuracy. I only feel that these movements are let down badly by their cases... mostly snap-back base metal ... not many stainless steel ones!

 

Anilv

[pgse14]

Hey mark can you repair a eta 2824-2 the push button detent is not working

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[bobm12]

Very nice, looks very neat and complicated movement. Thank you Mark, as I'm not familiar with the Russian watch industry, I appreciate it more!

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

[Gryf]

Coincidentally, I'm wearing one of those watches at the moment. It's a Poljot chronograph that I've owned for years, and I quite like it. I agree with the comments above regarding the case quality. It's chrome-plated brass with a snap-on back, and is aging poorly. Likewise the crown - and it has lost the chrono reset stud, for which I need to find and install a replacement. Aside from that, I find it a pretty interesting and nice-looking watch.

Cheers,

Gryf

[Geo]

Welcome to the forum Gryf. What's your interest in horology, collecting or working on them?

[Gryf]

Hello, Geo! I have a smallish collection, and will post photos in the intro section as time permits. I've always been fascinated by mechanical devices, and very much enjoy tinkering and repairing. Owning an MG for twenty years has provided plenty of practice... But as far as watches go, I have four Russians and some other odds and ends, including a non-functional Seiko 6106-8489 that I would love to get working again. I bought it new in the 1970s, wore it for several years, then lent it to my brother. When he returned it to me, it was very dead. So joining this forum was partly in an effort to learn how to service and repair my own watches, along with a few old family clocks. I plan to retire in a few months, and am looking forward to having more free time to devote to my various hobbies, and watch repair is toward the top of the list.

Cheers,

Gryf

[Geo]

There are plenty like minded people here Gryf, if you need any help just ask. I look forward to reading about your horological exploits in the future. :)

[xzqt]

Nice, but i am so afraid of servicing chrono.

[svorkoetter]

I like the 3133 and 31681 (they're the same, except the 3133 doesn't have the 24h sub dial). And yes, they are extremely similar to a Valjoux 7734. The original tooling for the 3133 was bought by the USSR from Valjoux, so I wouldn't be surprised if some of the parts are still interchangeable. There are a few differences (and the date complication is completely different), but they are close enough that I used a 7734 service manual as a guide when I serviced one of my 3133s:

 

[Gryf]

Stefan -

 

That's the same model I have... a carbon copy, although yours is still pristine; mine is really showing its age. I have a new pair of chrono pushers on the way, and may replace the crown later. Also, when I had it serviced a while back, the watchmaker apparently lost the minute recorder hand and substituted a different one. Maybe I can find one of those, too.

 

Anyway, I really like it! It was my main watch for several years.

 

Gryf

 

Edited October 12, 2015 by Gryf

[svorkoetter]

Yeah, I really like mine too. Unlike many of the more recently made 3133/31681-powered watches, this one is of a reasonable size (38mm diameter), and is shaped in such a way that it doesn't look thick on the wrist (it's very thin at the sides). I got really lucky with mine. It was cosmetically in great shape, but was running very poorly (extremely low amplitude, and losing 10 to 20 minutes per day), and I paid very little for it.

 

Regarding the minute recorder, you should be able to pick up a replacement as part of a set on eBay (search for "Poljot 3133 hands").

 

You could also try contacting Julian at Poljot24.de to see if he has any spare cases of that style.

Edited October 12, 2015 by svorkoetter

[Gryf]

Excellent, thanks! It's nice to see another one like mine.

 

Gryf