Setting lever screw woes.

[Shane]

I finished pressing replacement jewels into an AS 1803 and while assembling, like magic, the train bridge just dropped on with all the pivots finding their own, unassisted, positions.  I set the balance on and it sprang to life.  Everything was going great and I momentarily felt as if I knew what I was doing.  I contently left it smoothly running on the beach, came in and watched an enjoyable movie with the family.  Upon my return, the plan was to reinstall the keyless work and call it a night.

How many times do you forget to first put the setting lever screw in before you remember to put the setting lever screw in first?

I will apparently be re-disassembling it in the morning.

Shane

[oldhippy]

All part of the learning process.  

[clockboy]

4 hours ago, Shane said:

I finished pressing replacement jewels into an AS 1803 and while assembling, like magic, the train bridge just dropped on with all the pivots finding their own, unassisted, positions.  I set the balance on and it sprang to life.  Everything was going great and I momentarily felt as if I knew what I was doing.  I contently left it smoothly running on the beach, came in and watched an enjoyable movie with the family.  Upon my return, the plan was to reinstall the keyless work and call it a night.

How many times do you forget to first put the setting lever screw in before you remember to put the setting lever screw in first?

I will apparently be re-disassembling it in the morning.

Shane

An easy mistake I have made, it’s one of the many segments of this huge learning curve.

[watchweasol]

Hi Shane join the club we have all been guilty of that one probably more than once if we care to admit, I know I have fitted the bridge/plate only to see the screw in the dish, B**$$"!s.

[canthus]

I think we've all been there.  When I disassemble I try and use individual 'pots' for groups of parts, so I don't get them mixed up.  I always put the set lever screw with the barrel bridge where it applies. I try and clean the groups intact so items are in same place ready for assembly.  I usually assemble gear train first to ensure free running , then the barrel and barrel bridge parts which includes the set lever screw. I know some people start with the key-less side and in this case the set lever screw would be with the set lever in the key-less parts pot!  However, as they say, 'once bitten twice shy' tends to makes you avoid this error in the future anyway!

[clockboy]

Everyone develops their own method. For me in the early exploits of watch repair I would mix up screws and often fit a screw that was to long and it would interfere with the calendar ring. So I used to have a note book as a prompt for the re-assembly but now I take pics and highlight parts that need attention for me or the customer with a Apple Pencil, see example below which I needed to show the customer. 
Also as another fail safe I but bridges with their screws.