Zodiac 86 question

[rogart63]

An other mainspring question . Have a Zodiac with either broken mainspring or no mainspring. Haven't removed it yet. Just looking into what needs to be done. I looked at cousinuk and they say non automatic mainspring. Shouldn't it be a automatic mainspring in this movement. ranfft says it's based around the AS1687/88 . But can't find any AS 1687 on cousinuk. 

[WatchMaker]

I think these come with a sealed barrel which might explain any duff information about a mainspring. In an ideal world it's a 'barrel complete' part.

I've had a quick look around and there's a good Zodiac article here which also discusses mainspring sizes should you opt to tackle the dastardly sealed barrel: http://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/index.php?topic=2134.0 

[rogart63]

17 minutes ago, WatchMaker said:

I think these come with a sealed barrel which might explain any duff information about a mainspring. In an ideal world it's a 'barrel complete' part.

I've had a quick look around and there's a good Zodiac article here which also discusses mainspring sizes should you opt to tackle the dastardly sealed barrel: http://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/index.php?topic=2134.0 

To much to read no when i am tired. But would look into it. 

[WatchMaker]

I think the interesting bits from the article for your situation are:

i) The mainspring barrel specifically has "do not open" on it; a barrel complete is intended

ii) An attempt at replacing the mainspring could be made but "the edges (where the cap and barrel were crimped together) are too thin and weak and usually just warp when trying to reseal the two."

iii) Various mainspring sizes are quoted and the author of the aforementioned article has witnessed different sized mainsprings when working on these watches. The spring sizes quoted vary as: 1.25 X .11 X 10", 1.10 X .11 X 10", 1.20 X .13 X 12" and 1.20 X .13 X 12.5". 

 

[rogart63]

A shit. The barrel had broken teeth. Where to find a barrel with mainspring one wonders? 

[WatchMaker]

Skit indeed. 

With parts for this calibre (whether Zodiac or AS base) being practically impossible to find I think I'd be getting out the silver solder and a fine file ... or trying to find a barrel of the same dimensions from another calibre, AS or other, and living with not having a sealed-for-life barrel!

I don't know if anyone else knows where to source this part from; I've looked at all the usual suspects and come up blank...

 

[rogart63]

44 minutes ago, WatchMaker said:

Skit indeed. 

With parts for this calibre (whether Zodiac or AS base) being practically impossible to find I think I'd be getting out the silver solder and a fine file ... or trying to find a barrel of the same dimensions from another calibre, AS or other, and living with not having a sealed-for-life barrel!

I don't know if anyone else knows where to source this part from; I've looked at all the usual suspects and come up blank...

 

Not a bad idea . Problem is finding one that is automatic. Have search on similar movements i had in my drawers. But nothing comes close. 

[rogart63]

Have a Zodiac 72 i can buy . Anyone know if that barrel and mainspring works in the Zodiac 72. I have search and as far as i can see they have the same number.