Aligning the chronograph second hand to the 12 index

[Delgetti]

So there might be someone out there who has the same trouble as me aligning the chronograph second hand exactly pointing to the 12 index. Yes, I use a special holder, I press and hold the reset while setting the hand and I use a hand setting tool - but always the same trouble: While pressing down the hand the last 0.2 mm it rotates a tiny way and doesn't line up with the index. Absolutely no idea where this rotation comes from, maybe dark matter from space. 

After many frustrating chronograph services today I tried a new setup and for me it worked - so I want to share it here. 

I use two pieces of steel, rounded and burr free, with some paper between them so there is a gap as wide as the hand is. I put them in my vice and adjust them to a height in which they guide the hand but do not touch the dial. 

With the left hand I move the holder to the right position so the tip of the hand is guided  and pointing exactly to the 12 index while the thumb of my left hand is holding the pressed reset button. 

With the right hand I press down the hand - done. I use a free hand tool here as I have better control but maybe a press works too. And of course everything very careful and slow to prevent damage to the hand and dial. 

[praezis]

Nice device, but there is a special holder for fixing those hands while mounting. Luckily most watchmakers have this helpful tool „at hand“. I attach a picture of my holder below.

Like many tools (lathe, pivot burnisher etc) there is a right and a left version.

Frank

Edited December 19, 2024 by praezis

[CYCLOPS]

Nice machine, some people use tools, tweezers and even rodico, use what works for you is what I say, that machine might be tough to use on the sub dials...

[rehajm]

4 hours ago, praezis said:

Nice device, but there is a special holder for fixing those hands while mounting. Luckily most watchmakers have this helpful tool „at hand“. I attach a picture of my holder below.

Like many tools (lathe, pivot burnisher etc) there is a right and a left version.

Frank

…my version is old and crooked, sometimes shakes and sheds all over the dial. Is there a cheap Chinese clone available? 

[praezis]

3 hours ago, rehajm said:

my version is old and crooked, sometimes shakes and sheds all over the dial. Is there a cheap Chinese clone available? 

 Rumors say that there are a lot of chinese ones. Color may differ (as they use to state).

Edited December 19, 2024 by praezis