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Time For A Cocktail !

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Geo Distinguished Member

Geo

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A friend asked me last year if I could fix her 9kt gold Adaux cocktail watch that had been left to her by her mother. A quick look soon diagnosed a broken balance staff, so the Internet hunt began. The first complete balance that was sold as "new" had both pivot broken off, but luckily a refund was made quickly. The second came from the states and was NOS still in original blister pack.

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The movement is an FHF 60 and is slightly smaller than a new UK penny so this was going to be a challenge because of the size. I duly set about about dismantling it after dressing my smallest screwdrivers to ensure perfect fit with the tiny screws, particularly the one that hold on the cap jewels. The movement was thoroughly cleaned, lubed, reassembled and timed using my timegrapher. I am well pleased with the timekeeping.

I refinished the case and crystal, installed the movement and fitted a new strap. It certainly made a change from working on these "massive"gents watches!

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Marc Distinguished Member

Marc

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Nice one Geo, and that's a really pretty little Audax.

I actually started out with ladies watches partly because they tend to be so much cheaper than similar quality gents watches, but also because I figured that if I could get to grips with the smaller movements then the bigger jobs would be easy. I still really enjoy working on them and it's nice to see others doing the same.

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Vich Distinguished Member

Vich

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Nice one George. 

 

I have a couple of ladies watches on the back burner that I have bottled out of for a while but yet may "man up" to the job after seeing your excellent work.  Now I can actually see what I am doing with the scope it may be ok, but they are really small.

 

There are a couple of definitive factors in this pursuit of watch repair that seems to be essential - patience and contemplation.  They do bring rewards bordering on the esoteric though.

 

Cheers,  Vic

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noirrac1j Distinguished Member

noirrac1j

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Very nice job Geo! Not your average run of the mill overhaul. What do you mean by "dressing" your screw drivers? I see that the cap screws are very small and I just had the same problem on a similar screw where my driver tip has a little curve in it that causes the screwdriver to slip. I know you guys have done a whole  long thread on this topic of screwdrivers. Do you mean you sharpen them up with a stone?

 

JC

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Geo Distinguished Member

Geo

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Do you mean you sharpen them up with a stone?

 

JC

Hi Joe, that is exactly what I mean. I use a fine, and extra fine diamond slips to keep my drivers in perfect condition. Making sure that your screwdrivers are both the correct fit and sharp is something overlooked by some folk.

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