Horological Meandering

I have an old movement in a watch case which I have had for years...as you can see there are some broken teeth on one of the wheels and their is no spring on the escapement so obviously it has never worked since i've had it.

I would however like to take it apart to see more about the inner workings so my question is which screws should I undo first to get going..?

Movement side :

This is the front (Obviously..!!) :

Yours,

Andy.

This message has been edited by Andy on 2011-05-01 11:35:52

....then I'd start by winding down the mainspring (if it's at all wound).

The click for this is at the 11.30 position in that first photo. Just push back (anti-clockwise) on the little lever with a toothpick or something so it disengages from the gear teeth. Do this while lightly holding the crown. Once you release the click, the crown will want to spin pretty fast so you have to just let it drag through your fingers as the mainspring winds down.

Then undo the balance cock screw (the screw adjacent to the adjustment marks on the balance cock), which will allow you to lift out the balance cock/wheel etc. You'll be able to see the escapement/escape wheel from there...

Then remove the crown. (half turn on that little screw near 9 o'clock) Press down on the screw while pulling out crown.

Then attack all the screws around the periphery at 2 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 6.30...That'll let you lift out the main plate.

FIngers crossed! Have fun!

 

it is actually fully wound but I never knew how to unwind it.  I will be careful with the broken cog and let you know what happens, might take pics just in case anybody else is interested

Yours my friend,

Andy.

...feel a bit embarrassed giving advice when there's the likes of John D on the boards, but if all you want to to is attack and wreck your watch...well, I feel qualified to provide assistance in that field.

Hi Andy,

BDLJ's advice to let down the power on the mainspring would be good except that the broken teeth on the ratchet wheel are going to prevent it from turning and allowing the power to be released. You're going to have to do something a little more dramatic to release the power I'm afraid, and your best bet may be just to remove the screw for the ratchet wheel and pry off the ratchet wheel by wedging a screwdriver blade underneath it (expect some drama at that point, perhaps flinging the ratchet wheel across the room for example).

Then you can start with the balance bridge and the other bridges as BDLJ mentioned. If you want to remove the crown wheel (the other wheel on top of the bridges after the ratchet wheel, you can remove the bridge without taking it off), you'll want to know that it is almost certainly a left handed screw , so turn it clockwise to release it.

Enjoy and expect to break stuff and then you won't be disappointed when you do.

_john

Sounds dangerous, John. Reminds me of an old cartoon of a bomb disposal practical exam for first-year students. The consequences of failure were high!

A

Installation or removal. And also for springbars. Yes, others make fun of him a little.

_john

....gives advise - missed basics all over the shop! Thanks, John, I read Andy's comment but didn't spot the busted tooth jamming it up.  

it obviously isn't a family heirloom but I'm just interested in seeing what is inside...maybe (but doubt it) fix it if possible but either way I'll be more knowledgeable about it soon.

I'll take on board what you said and let you know what happens.

Yours my friend,

Andy.

If you're doing this at home and things could go flying around, do it in a room with hard floors or else lay down some newspaper on the carpet. Those tiny bits can be hard to find until you step right on to them.

Regards,
Richard.

No message body

You will almost certainly drop something, so RJW is just suggesting that you plan for that eventuality. If it's not really important that the watch ever run again then of course this is not critical.

_john

you should come down here and help me sort my crap out ready to move. only the cellar to do now. big cellar, lots of rubbish

i've thrown out about 50 watches or bits of watches over the last few weeks. you could have filled your boots playing with them.

have fun

G

I'm actually over at Snowdon this weekend...are you far from there..?

PM me your address and post code and I'll see if I have time to pop over on Sunday for a bit

Speak soon dude,

Andy.

the one weekend I'm in Wales your not..!! LOL.

Hope everything is going well with the move and speak soon

Moi.

Hi Andy,
It is interesting to fiddle with watches. You will learn a lot too.

I would advice you to take photos in step wise as and when
you find necessary when you strip the watch. This will help you to refer to these photos
While you assemble the watch back.
Have fun

Ed

it should be a fun evening or so to take it apart - not sure if I'll get it back together but you never know..!!

Hope you and the family are all OK,

Yours my friend,

Andy.

But I guarantee you much more satisfaction when you
successfully assemble it back and the watch starts ticking.
(Of course you need a working watch for that).
You could practice with this watch, get your hands steady
and gradually work on a working watch (cheap ones).

They are all well my friend. We are visiting the US this summer.
And of course will be attending the IGOTT 2. Will want to meet
you if you do come to Vegas too.

Cheers
Ed