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Pocket Watch Keeps Stopping

Ewan32

By Ewan32
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

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Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

Posted
Posted (edited)

Hi folks,

 

I bought a generic Swiss movement pocket watch (no makers name  - just the "15 jewels" on the movement).

 

The seconds hand was missing when I bought it but other than that it seems to be running fine.

 

I found a seconds hand which seems to fit the fourth wheel but since fitting it the watch intermittently stops dead every hour or so with the seconds hand also in various positions.

 

I thought I had pressed to too hard causing it to stick on the dial so I removed it and refitted it - seems to have improved but the watch still keeps stopping every 4 or 5 hours.

 

If I remove the seconds hand completely the watch runs fine (and accurately) until it stops due to it needs winding.

 

Any ideas please ?

Edited by Ewan32
Geo Distinguished Member

Geo

Posted
Posted

Could it be that the outside diameter of the tube on the second hand is too large in diameter and rubbing on edge of the aperture in the dial?

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Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

That could be a possibility - I never thought of that !

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll remove the hand and look for a thinner one.

 

Or perhaps, could I enlarge the aperture with a round file used lightly perhaps ?

Edited by Ewan32
Geo Distinguished Member

Geo

Posted
Posted (edited)

Or perhaps, could I enlarge the aperture with a round file used lightly perhaps ?

You would need a small round diamond file if it in an enamel finish on the dial. Also be very careful, enamel dials crack very easily. Edited by Geo
Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the advice Geo.

 

I'll be sure to be very careful and post outcome here when I've managed to find some time in between decorating Christmas trees etc !

  • 2 weeks later...
Ewan32 Member

Ewan32

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi Geo,

 

Well, the watch has been running without interruption now since 19th December so I think we can safely say its fixed !

 

I (think) it was a combination of the fourth wheel pivot being slight off centre in effect causing the seconds hand to move in an ellipse and I also gave the dial aperture a light smoothing with a diamond file just to be on the safe side.

 

Thanks again for the great advise Geo.

 

Merry Christmas all !

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