Automatic Movement Rotor Repair Fell Off!

[radbrad777]

Hi all,

Dropped my watch and the rotor fell of the movement.  I tried pushing it back on and it keeps falling off.  Obviously I should not glue it, but does anyone know how to fix this?  Or am I better off just taking it out completely and only using the winder?  I would prefer automatic without winding. 

Thanks!

[Chopin]

I believe this type of rotor is friction fit into the ball bearings component that is still on the movement.

When you say that you pushed it back did you succeed or would it just not fit ? Normally you would have to use special tools to re-attach the rotor. Some sort of a press thing that presses the rotor back into the ball bearing.

[radbrad777]

I tried pushing it on by hand and it fit.  But a few min later after I put the case back on, the rotor fell off again.  So I guess the issue is that it no longer is fitting tightly and just keeps falling off.  Is the ball bearing adjustable i.e. via the screw?

[clockboy]

The rotor is friction fitted onto the bearing. Be careful when pushing on the rotor while still attached to the watch. You should remove the bearing by undoing the centre screw and re fit the rotor using a staking tool. If the rotor it still loose then perhaps loctite might secure it but I must say this is an unusual fault. 

[Chopin]

The screw is there to take off the rotor completely (rotor attached to the ball bearing that is).

It is possible that the rotor's hole may have loosened up a bit. I'm not sure what the experts suggest here but you could try super glue and it should fix the issue but you'd have to remove the ball bearing as well.

[jguitron]

Please post a better picture. It seems the rotor came off the ball bearing.

I recommend avoiding any glue whatsoever. Can you buy a replacement rotor?




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[radbrad777]

Correct, the rotor came off the ball bearing.  The ball bearing is still attached.  It should be easier to see in these photos.  

[oli]

This looks like an ETA 2824-2 movement if I am not mistaken, as confirmed above the bearing is a friction fit in the oscillating weight.

Mark has a video about bearing replacement for this movement, see https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FL-MC4TKp84&ebc=ANyPxKoYSvYWIWx-fAQjyYh0GtXISkSZ0cxFwGTpDQeIfqNW4KxX3xjYHDCTfEa28dXqSNcqvfXOX-H9wyIDcUjvtuEwE5r6lQ

 

if the hole is too large to allow good friction you always have the option to purchase a new oscillating weight + bearing assembly, swiss part number 1143, available from CousinsUK and I am sure other places.

Edited January 24, 2018 by oli
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[Ishima]

Ouch, half the price of the movement. 

[oli]

Yep, crazy prices...

[radbrad777]

hmmm - would something like this work https://www.ebay.com/itm/Parts-1143-Rotor-oscillating-weight-Compatible-With-ETA-2824-2836-2846-2834-2/263215318864?epid=1831535165&hash=item3d48db0750:g:-48AAOSwcF9UVlZG

 

Obviously preference is the original one, but if in fact it's lost its grip, I think I need to replace it entirely.

[jdm]

I think one approach would be turning a bushing to friction fit. But good luck finding a watch repairer that will want to even look at his lathe without asking a lot.

[radbrad777]

Can someone please link me some options?  I am seeing many are marked with brand names on them or different jewel amounts so I want to be sure I get a compatible one.  Or would any generic (regardless of markings on it) 1143/1 oscillating weight and rotor be fine?

 

[jdm]

5 minutes ago, radbrad777 said:

Can someone please link me some options?  I am seeing many are marked with brand names on them or different jewel amounts so I want to be sure I get a compatible one.  Or would any generic (regardless of markings on it) 1143/1 oscillating weight and rotor be fine?

Before you rush to buy anything.At this point you don't know if the problems is with the rotor, the bearing, or both that have been machines so slightly off specification. So you might end with a rotor that won't hold either. I suggest that you try first to repair what you have. A possible way could be placing the center of the rotor, say 0.10mm around the hole with steel dies under a press, so to deform it very slighty and allow to friction fit again. any decent machine shop should be able to do this for you 

[Peterburke340]

Buy the rotor off eBay !!
If it doesn’t work sell it on. For the sake of $13 it’d be well worth it.


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[anilv]

If it fits without any play, then JDM suggestion has merits.

I recommend some Loctite 660 but if you're only going to use it for this part then a replacement rotor off ebay would be cheaper.

Good luck.

Anilv

 

[khunter]

If it were mine I would try to replace it with an authentic part rather than one that is just "compatible" I would resort to using some sort of adhesive only as a last and temporary option. Removing the bearing and trying to properly press it back into the rotor would be my first step, a staking set properly used could tighten the hole enough for a good fit. Just my opinion. ....

[clockboy]

I must admit it is a mystery why it has came loose. The friction fit is a tight friction fit so for it to be loose it must have been forced off at some point. I would check the bearing and also check the rotor because it has to be balanced ie not settle in the same position.  If loctite does not work I would just purchase a new rotor.

[oldhippy]

These things are pressed in by machine on the assembly line. Yours has come apart, just bad luck apart.

[jdm]

8 hours ago, khunter said:

Removing the bearing and trying to properly press it back into the rotor would be my first step, a staking set properly used could tighten the hole enough for a good fit.

The alloy used in these parts can be surprising hard. I have no direct experience, but possibly an hand hammered stacking set won't do anything to it.

[jguitron]

^^^^ not to mention that precision or true in the flat and round it has to be to function properly. I certainly would experiment with it to learn but would be on he lookout for a replacement.

Good luck!


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[khunter]

2 hours ago, jdm said:

The alloy used in these parts can be surprising hard. I have no direct experience, but possibly an hand hammered stacking set won't do anything to it.

Agreed, however it's almost always my inclination to try to repair something using the least intrusive method possible first. I would think that the rotor is some kind of brass/bronze, possibly plated but nonetheless fairly malleable.. I know from the one Rolex automatic I have repaired that the rotor there was a nickel plated brass piece. Replacement with an authentic part would be ideal, even if it's from a scrap unit, but glue would be my last choice. Just my 2 cents...

[jdm]

1 minute ago, khunter said:

Agreed, however it's almost always my inclination to try to repair something using the least intrusive method possible first. I would think that the rotor is some kind of brass/bronze, possibly plated but nonetheless fairly malleable.. I know from the one Rolex automatic I have repaired that the rotor there was a nickel plated brass piece. Replacement with an authentic part would be ideal, even if it's from a scrap unit, but glue would be my last choice. 

Totally agree, but as I said already the problem could be in the bearing, as the rotor appears to be perfect in picture. Blindly get another then it if doesn't work is time and money spent, frustration gained. 

[radbrad777]

Hi all -

Thanks for the informative answers.  I think I will start by using a little Loctite 222 and see if that helps with the issue.  I will unscrew and take out the bearing, use a toothpick for a very light layer of the Loctite on the inside of the rotor, and press the rotor back in (and let dry).  Hopefully this works.  Does this sound like a good plan?

[Maxi]

You could also try to make the hole of the rotor more little by hitting it with something which is bigger than the hole and a hammer. The hole will get little and the rotor will get in and stay there.