inca bloc

[dwhite]

Hello again after a long absence.  Just got back to watch repair again and I have a Bulova 11BLC movement with inca bloc in the balance.  My question is, can I remove and reinstall this balance as if the inca bloc wasn't there?  I've seen videos on removing the cage and hear stories about them flying across the room and I'm not sure I trust my skill or coordination.  Thanks in advance, Dan.

[sstakoff]

May be a bit of a tricky question. Yes - you can remove the balance from the watch while ignoring the shock system. You remove the balance cock, hairspring, balance and roller as a unit - the balance complete. The incabloc comes along for the ride. BUT --- this really comes down to what you are attempting to do on the watch. As part of a service, when you clean the balance, etc. you really need to remove the jewels from the incabloc in order to ensure that they are properly cleaned, dried and then lubricated.  My suggestion would be to get a few junk movements and practice, practice, practice!!!!

[dwhite]

2 hours ago, sstakoff said:

May be a bit of a tricky question. Yes - you can remove the balance from the watch while ignoring the shock system. You remove the balance cock, hairspring, balance and roller as a unit - the balance complete. The incabloc comes along for the ride. BUT --- this really comes down to what you are attempting to do on the watch. As part of a service, when you clean the balance, etc. you really need to remove the jewels from the incabloc in order to ensure that they are properly cleaned, dried and then lubricated.  My suggestion would be to get a few junk movements and practice, practice, practice!!!!

Wish I had a practice movement but I don't and this is a nice watch, someone's retirement watch.  The case (except for the screw on back) appears to be gold filled inside and out.  The movement is at least gold plated and looks brand new.   I had planned to replate the watch but there seems to be a grey embedded O ring in the case.  I suppose this pries out?  Might be hard to find a replacement.  But thanks, at least I can get the watch apart now.  And I'll keep an eye out for  a practice movement.  Dan.

[Tudor]

The gray ring is probably a lead gasket 

I’d try to get it all out and then measure the slot id and width for a rubber o ring id and cross section. 

[clockboy]

There are very few short cuts in watch repair and servicing. Following the tried and tested service technics is the quickest route to success. 

[VWatchie]

About movement for practising

When I began the watch repair courses I got myself a Nastrix pocket watch on eBay having a Unitas 6498 (inca bloc). Depending on the condition you can buy one of these for little money. Mine was new old stock, and I paid approx. $100 for it, but I wouldn't be surprised if you could get away with less depending on the condition. It was a very good practice movement as all parts are somewhat larger than in a wristwatch, and spare parts are easy to get.

Before this, I had been fiddling with my Vostok 24XX movements and was delighted to discover how easy it was to handle the inca bloc compared to the Vostok's. Generally, the spring is the only problem, but the advantage of the inca bloc is that it has a hinged spring so it won't ping but stay in the setting. Very convenient! Then again, when I serviced my first Poljot 2614.2H, it looked like it had an inca bloc, but I discovered the hard way it wasn't hinged and the spring pinged (my eagle eyes wife found it though, bless her). When I feel uncertain, I place a very small piece of Rodico on the spring (or hold it in place with some peg wood)  before I try to remove it. That way it won't ping or ping too far.

Good luck!

[dwhite]

Tudor, I just tried to remove the ring with a dental pick.  I barely hooked it and it lifted right up!  It was rubber after all.  I can now plate the case.  I also got the crystal off using a crystal lift, the first time I have used  this tool.  Turns  out, I don't think it was the kind of crystal that goes in by compression but it came out anyway.  Do you know how to tell if a crystal is glued in or is compression fitted?  Also, I bought this tool over 15 years ago and  the rubber ring that holds tension on the  little  fingers is  way stretched out.  They gave me an extra but I'm not sure how to replace it.  The diameter is so much smaller than  where it has to go.  Would you know  how to do this?  Thanks!  Dan.

[Tudor]

I think most guys with this type crystal use some G-S cement on the crystal as cheap insurance. Some even use it with the Rolex ones which is way overkill with the crystal between two surfaces. 

Ok as to the o-ring for tension, any rubber band would work. Just to keep the fingers collected as you adjust it. McMaster-Carr is a good source for o-rings. I’d suggest a silicone one for that job as they tend to be more “stretchy” than buna. 

[dwhite]

Thanks a million Tudor!  I will use G-S and I'll look for a better rubber band.  I know McMaster and would never have thought to look there.   Dan.

[Tudor]

McMaster is great for lots of stuff. 

I recently purchased Case back gaskets, drills and an end mil to clean up the crown tube counterbore in a project. 

Good prices and many things are “name brand” although they always hide the names. 

They have the best prices in Whia drivers but you need to know what part number as they don’t show the brand. 

[dwhite]

That must have been one small end mill!

 

[Tudor]

I think it was 5/32”. Not that small. 

Once I centered to drill, I changed to the mill and kept my center for a perfect o ring pocket. Then I tapped with the correct tap. Worked out perfectly.