How Do You Replace A Broken Incabloc Spring?

[Latetothegame]

I am servicing an Omega cal.684  automatic movement that is in a tank compressor watch MD 156 0001.  I was almost done and was closing the lower incabloc spring when I accidentally popped it out of the setting at the hinge.  I was attempting to replace it in the fitting when I broke one side of it off (see pictures).  I was able to find a NOS spring on eBay and it is on the way.  My question is what is the correct way to place the spring back into place in the fitting
so it turns at the hinge.  I was obviously doing it incorrectly. I was attempting to slide the spring into the opening at the top of the fitting (as seen in the pics) by placing it in what would be the open position, then sliding the hinge part into the opening, then flipping the spring over the jewel to what would be the closed position (hope that makes sense).  Every time I tried to flip it over the jewel it would pop out of the fitting again.  It’s actually the first time I ever had one pop out so I have no experience with this. I had no luck finding a video on YouTube but I’ll keep searching.  I’m assuming there is one correct way.  I appreciate your help!  Thanks for your time.  

[mikepilk]

It sounds like you are doing the correct thing. Sometimes you cannot get them in without pushing the chaton out a little. Do you have a jewelling tool?

[Latetothegame]

Thank you for your comment.  I do not have a jeweling tool.  Let me see if I can get a picture to show if it’s raised sufficiently 

1 hour ago, mikepilk said:

It sounds like you are doing the correct thing. Sometimes you cannot get them in without pushing the chaton out a little. 

He are some pictures.  Is that the correct angle that you need to see?    What do you think?  If this is the right spot to be looking at, it appears that there is an accessible slot opening on the right side (from the camera angle) but it might be less accessible on the left side.  If I am looking at it correctly, I may be able to slide the left point on the hinge into the opening first and the line up the right end of the hinge with the slot on the right and then push it in.  Thoughts?

Edited November 1, 2024 by Latetothegame

[JohnR725]

2 hours ago, mikepilk said:

Sometimes you cannot get them in without pushing the chaton out a little.

the lower settings are quite interesting in that the spring can come out quite easy. But going back in is usually a challenge and the best way would be to remove the entire setting.

then ideally in addition to a jeweling tool you should have the special pushers that come in a set that looks like this

[Latetothegame]

Jeweling tool and incabloc pushers are on order.  That was always just a matter of time.   Incabloc lower is already ordered.  Should be pretty straightforward.  

[Latetothegame]

So neither the incabloc lower (taking forever from Canada) or incabloc pushers (on back order at Ofrei) have arrived yet. Fortunately I also ordered a replacement incabloc spring for the lower and that came in quickly.  I was finally able to replace the spring without removing the incabloc.  However, I have been met with a series of problems attempting to complete the service.  I will describe these problem in a new Topic so as not to cause confusion.  Look for “Balance Problems - Omega Cal.684”if interested.  Once again, thank you for all the help!