Introduction and Smiths/Ingersoll 602 movement question

[craffman]

Evening all, after many years of fascination with clocks and watches, and paying a lot of money to have them maintained, I have decided with retirement looming I would start a new hobby and look at repairing my own watches. I have spent 30 years restoring classic motorcycles, so I thought it was time to size down. I have purchased a number of project watches to start developing my skills, starting with a smiths 602 movement. I would be most appreciative for any advice. Mainly because if I get it working, it is a very nice simple retro watch. I have done a lot of study on the movement and disassembled it today, the only think that perplexed me was that the centre, 3rd and 4th wheel seem to be set together as a 'pressed assembly', i.e. I cant seem to separate them - am I missing something, or is this how these cheaper movements were designed? appreciative of any advice 

[RichardHarris123]

Hello and welcome from Leeds, England. 

[AndyGSi]

Welcome to the forum.

@Neverenoughwatches is the person to answer your question.

[Neverenoughwatches]

Top wheel is the center seconds, the long pivot runs through the center wheel. It's probably just stuck with old oil. Warm it uo or stick thevparts in some paraffin for a hour. 

 

Top wheel.....second photo.

[craffman]

Thank you, I have some Horosolve degreaser, I will pop it in that in the morning and let you know how I get on. Much obliged 

[Neverenoughwatches]

My go-to is paraffin, it has terrific wetting properties.  Usual cleaning method for me for really gunky parts is to put them in a shallow tin of paraffin and warm it on top of wax melter.

Gets the paraffin up to around 80 °

[craffman]

Thanks for the help and advice, really appreciated - problem solved  

The watch is filthy inside, so hopefully it is just a case of cleaning it and putting it back together and it might go. The only part I am missing is one of the movement retaining brackets and screw - would you any idea where I might find one, currently drawing a blank

[tomh207]

I would start here and get the assortment of clamps and the same for screws

https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/case-clamps

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/case-screws-wristwatch-movement-to-case-assorted
 

Tom

[Neverenoughwatches]

What case is the movement in ?

[craffman]

On 3/29/2025 at 9:32 PM, Neverenoughwatches said:

What case is the movement in ?

Not sure of the name so uploaded a picture 

[Neverenoughwatches]

11 minutes ago, craffman said:

Not sure of the name so uploaded a picture 

Thats an interesting seconds hand, you could fill the tip with some lume, they usually red paint inside. See inside the back please for a look at the case clamp. I don't buy new spares usually just donor watches, you might be able to knock something up that will work. 

[craffman]

9 hours ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

Thats an interesting seconds hand, you could fill the tip with some lume, they usually red paint inside. See inside the back please for a look at the case clamp. I don't buy new spares usually just donor watches, you might be able to knock something up that will work. 

That was my plan with the clamps, I have purchased a box of assorted case clamps and screws and hopefully I will br able to use one to fashion a copy. I have x2 spare movements and dials with hands,  so hopefully going to salvage the correct seconds hand with the red tip from one of those. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

2 hours ago, craffman said:

so hopefully going to salvage the correct seconds hand with the red tip from one of those. 

There are two types that I'm aware of, one with a red infill and the curved tip that follows the dial edge ( yours ). The other has a surface painted red arrow as the tip, not as aesthetically pleasing imo. So you'll be starting on your journey of modifing and making parts already ....good man

[craffman]

I will post a picture of the balance wheel and hairspring later, to get your thoughts on condition if you don't mind?

Edited April 1 by craffman
Spelling mistake

[Neverenoughwatches]

1 hour ago, craffman said:

I will post a picture of the balance wheel and hairspring later, to get your thoughts on condition if you don't mind?

Lots of folk here to help with that.  Many are not keen on these low jewel count watches, as the plate bearings can wear quickly. I really like them, they're a bit of a challenge, especially the pin levers. But Smiths made endless models that have real character and the English made ones, not British are really good quality.