Does It Bother You When ...

[Lubrifar]

the minute hand does not land exactly on the tick mark when the second hand just completed a 60-seconds revolution? I tried several times resetting the hands but it always seem that it's either ahead or behind the tick mark...argh

[mailman]

Mine lines up good T.

Try to stop your second hand exactly at the 12:00 position, then line up the minute hand. That should work

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Yeah, that's the dreaded phenomenon known as "play in the hands". There is a way to correct for it (works with most watches) that is described in the FAQ's.

[Letsgodiving]

It does. I have to tinker with it until I get it right. Kind of like my need to have the bezel align with the 12. What the hell is wrong with me?

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

It does. I have to tinker with it until I get it right. Kind of like my need to have the bezel align with the 12. What the hell is wrong with me?

Unless I'm timing something, it bother's me if my bezel isn't lined up

[Lubrifar]

Alright, I've tried and still can't do it.

Not sure if my Arctic Exp-II is still new and require a break-in period, but my 29 year-old DD lines up perfectly. For that matter, my SMP also lines up nicely. And none of this setting and resetting...

It's driving me nuts, I tell ya!

[Letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by mailman

Unless I'm timing something, it bother's me if my bezel isn't lined up

If I'm timing something it doesn't bother me if it doesn't line up. When time really doesn't matter that's when it bothers me. I think I just realized I need help.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

If I'm timing something it doesn't bother me if it doesn't line up. When time really doesn't matter that's when it bothers me. I think I just realized I need help.

I'm the same way That's why I'm on TRF. There's lots of us here

[Hamilton Carvalho]

Yes, it drives me crazy.

Originally Posted by Lubrifar

the minute hand does not land exactly on the tick mark when the second hand just completed a 60-seconds revolution? I tried several times resetting the hands but it always seem that it's either ahead or behind the tick mark...argh

[applebook]

What works for me is to set the minute hand spot on while the seconds hand is a good 10 seconds before the turn of the minute.

[Incurable]

I haven't read the FAQ regarding this but based on my experience...

Some watches are kind of 'spongy' when trying to set the minute hand exactly on a minute tick. One constant though is to move the hand BACK to the minute mark, not forward. This takes the play out of the movement and allows the hand to move as soon as the stem is engaged. Some, I have to actually move the hand about a half minute behind then, when I let go of the crown, the hand will spring forward a bit and (hopefully) land right on the minute tick. This is what I call 'spongy'. Others are looser and stay where you leave them after moving the hand. Either way, move the hand counterclockwise to the position and give it a shot. Each watch is unique and I've learned what I need to do for each of my watches. Some I set exactly on the tick, some slightly before. When hacking the crown, some will cause the hand to jump a bit. Observe and adjust your technique. Play with it and you'll find what works for you.

[ROLEX MAN]

I use a Loupe to get it just right!

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Lubrifar

the minute hand does not land exactly on the tick mark when the second hand just completed a 60-seconds revolution?

No. It's a mechanical device and gears (wheels) have backlash.

[Lubrifar]

Thanks all for the feedback!

Okay, here is the method I used and it works everytime. I usually hack the second hand on the 45-second mark and set the minute hand exactly on the tick mark and observe. I then re-hack the second hand (usually faster) and observe again. When the minute hand lands exactly on the tick mark, it's set for good; and I have yet to go back and readjust. This work well and proven with my DD and SMP.

But with the Exp-II, I'm not sure if the lubricant in mechaincal gears need to spread and settle or if it is the complication of the watch, it needs readjusting after I have set it. For example, I set it perfectly via the method I described yesterday, and 20 hours later, I found the minute hand went past the tick mark when the second-hand had completed its revolution; the minute hand went as far as in-between two tick marks. And the bizarre thing is the second hand has been ticking away spot on!?!? Go figure ...

And yes, a magnifying glass is definitely required in this process! No if and or buts ...

[Lubrifar]

Originally Posted by Incurable

I haven't read the FAQ regarding this but based on my experience...

Some watches are kind of 'spongy' when trying to set the minute hand exactly on a minute tick. One constant though is to move the hand BACK to the minute mark, not forward. This takes the play out of the movement and allows the hand to move as soon as the stem is engaged. Some, I have to actually move the hand about a half minute behind then, when I let go of the crown, the hand will spring forward a bit and (hopefully) land right on the minute tick. This is what I call 'spongy'. Others are looser and stay where you leave them after moving the hand. Either way, move the hand counterclockwise to the position and give it a shot. Each watch is unique and I've learned what I need to do for each of my watches. Some I set exactly on the tick, some slightly before. When hacking the crown, some will cause the hand to jump a bit. Observe and adjust your technique. Play with it and you'll find what works for you.

Great explaination!

I usually move the hand FORWARD assuming it would take the play out, works for most watches I have but no with a complication as such. I've readjusted it few hours ago, and the minute-hand has been landing precisely on the tick. But if I need to readjust again, I will definitely give the method a shot. I bet a penny this has got to do with breaking the gears in.

[tandrup]

It drives me crazy! And the misaligned bezel drives me crazy as well. I have had luck with stopping the watch on 50 seconds when I adjust it and then set the minute hand to a "full" minute. My Sub seems to have approx. 10 seconds of play in the hands - but it depends on whether I adjust it forward or backwards. It usually does the trick though after a couple of attempts.

[walds11]

Does not bother me at all. I am a watch nut, but I don't even know if my watches do this or not. I just wear them :)

[buz-lh]

It didn't bother me until I read this thread. Now, I'll probably spend half the morning setting and resetting.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Lubrifar

the minute hand does not land exactly on the tick mark when the second hand just completed a 60-seconds revolution? I tried several times resetting the hands but it always seem that it's either ahead or behind the tick mark...argh

Yes, it bothers me....and this is the BEST way to get perfect alignment.

STOP your watch when the second hand comes to '10'. Choose a "round" time to do it.....like when the minute hand is about to land on a marker - not inbetween on the divisions.

Preferably the perfect time, say 6 o'clock, etc.

Check time with a local network and when the network clock shows 5:49 and 49 seconds, push the crown home to set the watch into motion.

With this, every time your centre sweep touches the triangle at '12', you will find your minute hand in perfect unison with its corresponding marker on the dial.

JJ

[Incurable]

Keep in mind, this only works properly in NZ. Up here, you gotta stand on your head when doing it...

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Incurable

I haven't read the FAQ regarding this but based on my experience...

(...)

This is how I do it:

If you want to make the minute hand points EXACTLY on the given minute when the seconds hand has reached "12" (or "60" seconds), then you must know that there is some "play" in the hands.
So if you just set the minute hand according to our example (EXACTLY 11 AM so that the minute hand will point exactly on the 12) then you will notice that by "one minute past 11 AM" the minute hand will NOT (or probably not!) point EXACTLY and spot on on the minute but rather somewhat (like 15 seconds) PAST it due to the "play" in the hands!

Solution: Following the example, turn the minute hand approximately TEN minutes PAST "11 AM" and then turn the minute hand BACK again to the EXACT time (hour hand point at "11" and minute and seconds hand pointing - exactly - on "12"). Then - EVER SO GENTLY - turn the winding crown clockwise so that the minute hand actually points a bit (like "15 seconds" PAST the full minute marker). That way you adjusted to the "play" of the minute hand, and the minute hand will point EXACTLY on the minute next time the seconds hand reaches "twelve".

(from the FAQ's).

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Yes, it bothers me....and this is the BEST way to get perfect alignment.

STOP your watch when the second hand comes to '10'. Choose a "round" time to do it.....like when the minute hand is about to land on a marker - not inbetween on the divisions.

Preferably the perfect time, say 6 o'clock, etc.

Check time with a local network and when the network clock shows 5:49 and 49 seconds, push the crown home to set the watch into motion.

With this, every time your centre sweep touches the triangle at '12', you will find your minute hand in perfect unison with its corresponding marker on the dial.

JJ

And you'd have a watch which is perfectly running 11 minutes and 1 sec. SLOW!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

This is how I do it:

If you want to make the minute hand points EXACTLY on the given minute when the seconds hand has reached "12" (or "60" seconds), then you must know that there is some "play" in the hands.
So if you just set the minute hand according to our example (EXACTLY 11 AM so that the minute hand will point exactly on the 12) then you will notice that by "one minute past 11 AM" the minute hand will NOT (or probably not!) point EXACTLY and spot on on the minute but rather somewhat (like 15 seconds) PAST it due to the "play" in the hands!

Solution: Following the example, turn the minute hand approximately TEN minutes PAST "11 AM" and then turn the minute hand BACK again to the EXACT time (hour hand point at "11" and minute and seconds hand pointing - exactly - on "12"). Then - EVER SO GENTLY - turn the winding crown clockwise so that the minute hand actually points a bit (like "15 seconds" PAST the full minute marker). That way you adjusted to the "play" of the minute hand, and the minute hand will point EXACTLY on the minute next time the seconds hand reaches "twelve".

(from the FAQ's).



And you'd have a watch which is perfectly running 11 minutes and 1 sec. SLOW!

Oops...I meant 5:59 and 49 seconds. You have to allow that 1 second for reaction time....trust me.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I know, JJ! I was just "yanking your chain", as James says!

[Chris B]

It used to bother me but not these days, here's a few lines from American Beauty that might help fellas


"I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to me... but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst... And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life... You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry... you will someday"

[redshirt1957]

Since I wear trifocals; I'm just happy seeing the second hand.

[frostie]

I was never bothered by this thing cause my hands are perfectly alligned

[astcell]

Use one of those laser levels they have in stores so you can mark the line with a laser to assure it is straight.

If it still doesn't look perfect, get glasses.

[Incurable]

I didn't read the FAQ because I didn't have to... Never been a problem. Take up the play in the minute hand, it's not rocket science...

[Erix]

I just checked.. perfect alignment..so no worries here.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Erix

I just checked.. perfect alignment..so no worries here.

Me too....