Lemania WWW Set Lever Bridge...

[rehajm]

...a Lemania WWW cal 27A. Even compared to the other DDs this is a simple movement but unsurprising this one has the requisite broken detent...

...the other DDs often have simpler finishes on parts and I'm wondering if this broken piece could be a replacement bridge from a civilian variant of the calibre 27A. Shouldn't it match the finish on the other parts in the keyless works? I suspect finding just the specific military version part is a long shot. After Borel leading me a bit astray on compatibles I think I've found NOS available (if anyone is ever in the same position, skip looking at the Lemania and focus on the Tissot and Omega versions of this movement)...

...as authenticity is a concern I'm wondering if anyone has an image displaying the genuine WWW piece? Christian the Watchguy is usually my go to for great photos of these and he does have a fuzzy photo but it is of the underside of the bridge. I'm wondering if the straight graining should be there or if it is supposed to be unfinished?

Edited October 10, 2024 by rehajm

[mikepilk]

You could be right - it's annoying that Christian's pics show the keyless, less the setting lever spring.  If you can only get a part with graining, I guess you could sand it smooth ?

[rehajm]

1 hour ago, mikepilk said:

You could be right - it's annoying that Christian's pics show the keyless, less the setting lever spring.  If you can only get a part with graining, I guess you could sand it smooth ?

Thanks - I had not considered but that may be the something to consider if it’s finished like the broken one. I found an Omega replacement still in the pack on EBay but of course the photo also showed the underside but it does resemble the duller finish on Christian’s watch…

[rehajm]

The new part is in. It's an Omega part listed as a compatible and I'm not going to worry about the the finish. The bridge screws have a similar straight grain and assuming they're the original screws this replacement is just fine with me...

...this is a bad design, though. The detent takes nearly all the forces of the keyless. In addition to the high risk of breaking the spring when removing the winding stem, the cups for the post on the setting lever are quite deep. There's a definitive pull which is a good feel when it works but it gets hung up a bit on occasion. I'm considering softening the depth with a file or some lapping film. Also the detent part of the bridge takes vertical pressure from the yoke. I put a touch of grease on the top of the yoke and it has rubbed across the top surface with contact. Loosening the bridge slightly seems to make things worse and misaligned. If anyone has suggestions on how to reduce the stress...

Edited October 18, 2024 by rehajm

[rehajm]

It's now buttoned up. I did take a few strokes at the end of the detent with lapping paper on some pegwood. i think it smoothed out the transition nicely...

The regulator favors the A side a few ticks but 290 amp 0.2 be and plus 7 DU and DD. Turned out nice if I do say so...

 

Edited October 18, 2024 by rehajm

[mikepilk]

Lovely watch. I assume it has the appropriate stampings on the case back?

[rehajm]

28 minutes ago, mikepilk said:

Lovely watch. I assume it has the appropriate stampings on the case back?

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