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Etachron regulation system

BobG
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BobG Member

BobG

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I’ve been playing with a NH35 movement that which has the classic Etachron regulation system and a few balance assemblies as practice. What I’m trying to do is get comfortable with the effect both the stud and regulator pin positions have on rate and positional error.

When I install a new balance assembly I install it with the assembly in place  on the cock and cock is attached to base plate. I use the back of the tweezers to push the stud into place and feel the click.

However, I noticed that the angle of the stud can be adjusted and what I also noticed is that some movements have the stud carrier arm bent down a little and that changes the angle of the hairspring leaving the stud. This angle effects how the spring goes through the regulator pins and also the spacing of the coils opposite the stud. What I thought I was supposed to do is set the regulator block in the middle of the curve, open the pins, and use the stud angle to center the spring.  Then the stud is set. 

Now on all the new NH movements I have seen the angle of the regulator block is about 60 degrees counter clockwise from full open. I watched a video where the author used the regulator pin adjust to adjust rate and position error. When I close down the pins I do notice that the rate increases but also the amplitude drops, the coil spacing changes and hairspring appears slight straighter between the stud and the regulator block. If I open the pins the amplitude comes back, the spring breathes a bit more between the stud and the regulator block and the rate slows. 

So, a long post I know but I would really appreciate any advice on how to correctly adjust the etachron system for rate, amplitude and positional error. 

 

IMG_4100.jpeg

BobG Member

BobG

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I’ve watched every video I can find on YouTube. Some of the info is contradictory and none mention  the effect on amplitude or spring coil spacing which I observed. I was hoping someone here is a Seiko expert and knows these inside out. 

 

Edited by BobG
Mercurial Watch Enthusiast

Mercurial

Posted
Posted

The video I linked above does mention the spacing of the hairspring coils, and the importance of the regulator being able to move through its full range without distorting the hairspring - the terminal curve of the hairspring must be concentric with the regulator pins throughout the regulator’s range. 

If you meticulously follow every step in this video, the regulator system should behave as intended, regardless of the brand of the movement. 

Best Regards,

Mark

BobG Member

BobG

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Alex mentions the coils below the stud should remain the same as you move the regulator block along the terminal curve. 
Mine do that. What he doesn’t discuss and is used in the other video is how the regulator block is used to adjust rate and positional error.  He also doesn’t mention how opening and closing the pins could and in my case does, alter amplitude 
In Alex’s video once he sets the stud he never adjusts the regulator pins yet every new movement I get have the pins signing closed. 

Edited by BobG

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    • BobG
      Etachron regulation system

      By BobG · Posted

      Alex mentions the coils below the stud should remain the same as you move the regulator block along the terminal curve.  Mine do that. What he doesn’t discuss and is used in the other video is how the regulator block is used to adjust rate and positional error.  He also doesn’t mention how opening and closing the pins could and in my case does, alter amplitude  In Alex’s video once he sets the stud he never adjusts the regulator pins yet every new movement I get have the pins signing closed. 
    • Mercurial
      Etachron regulation system

      By Mercurial · Posted

      The video I linked above does mention the spacing of the hairspring coils, and the importance of the regulator being able to move through its full range without distorting the hairspring - the terminal curve of the hairspring must be concentric with the regulator pins throughout the regulator’s range.  If you meticulously follow every step in this video, the regulator system should behave as intended, regardless of the brand of the movement.  Best Regards, Mark
    • coreymsnow
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    • BobG
      Etachron regulation system

      By BobG · Posted

      I’ve watched every video I can find on YouTube. Some of the info is contradictory and none mention  the effect on amplitude or spring coil spacing which I observed. I was hoping someone here is a Seiko expert and knows these inside out.   
    • Mercurial
      Etachron regulation system

      By Mercurial · Posted

      This video explains how to set up and adjust the etachron regulator :   I hope that helps, Mark
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