Slipping of the gears when setting time on my 1680 & 16750.

[Jetkopite]

Good morning guys,

Just wanted to ask you the experts with regards to an issue I come across once in a while when setting the time on my 1680 REd and Gmt 16750. Sometimes when I go to set the time on above pieces after a number of turns on the crown I find that they slip ie I turn crown and hands dont move. I then push crown in wind the watch a little then try again and they move again so I can set them..

Can anyone shed any advise as to this being normal on old vintage watches, has anyone else experienced this??

I am not sure on the service history of both watches but they both run pretty accurate, the GMT loses 3 secs every day worn or unworn and the RED Sub gains arouns 2-3 secs when worn and runs 7-9 secs when not worn and in resting position...

Any advise would be appreciated...

Cheers

Andy..

[Vincent65]

I know what you mean, and I think it's to do with the relative position of the crown/stem when pulled out/pushed in, and the 'gears' engaging correctly - or not. I don't have that problem with any of mine, but my wife's Yacht-Master (which we bought new a couple of years ago) sometimes does it. You just have to re-set the crown and stem and it usually rights itself.

My advice is you could just have them checked out by a watchmaker, especially as you have no service history. It may be nothing; it may be that they need some attention, like cleaning and lubrication, at least. For example, if the oils are a bit dry (stiff), the gears can be prone to slipping when winding power into the mainspring, I believe. Not the issue you mentioned, I know, but perhaps related.

[Jetkopite]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

I know what you mean, and I think it's to do with the relative position of the crown/stem when pulled out/pushed in, and the 'gears' engaging correctly - or not. I don't have that problem with any of mine, but my wife's Yacht-Master (which we bought new a couple of years ago) sometimes does it. You just have to re-set the crown and stem and it usually rights itself.

My advice is you could just have them checked out by a watchmaker, especially as you have no service history. It may be nothing; it may be that they need some attention, like cleaning and lubrication, at least. For example, if the oils are a bit dry (stiff), the gears can be prone to slipping when winding power into the mainspring, I believe. Not the issue you mentioned, I know, but perhaps related.

Thanks Karl,

Yeah when it does it I just push in the crown wind it abit and try again and then its ok.. It only does it occasionally so I will keep an eye on it and maybe take it somewhere reliable to get it checked..

BTW does your RED's timing change when on the wrist as opposed to when left over night or not worn?? Mine runs great when on the wrist but a little fast when not being worn..

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Jetkopite

Thanks Karl,

Yeah when it does it I just push in the crown wind it abit and try again and then its ok.. It only does it occasionally so I will keep an eye on it and maybe take it somewhere reliable to get it checked..

BTW does your RED's timing change when on the wrist as opposed to when left over night or not worn?? Mine runs great when on the wrist but a little fast when not being worn..

Mine is very slightly fast since having it serviced a year ago (it was spot-on before ). I believe it was its first service ever, as well. Doesn't bother me enough to have it regulated again, though. Seems to be the same whether worn or not. I've tried resting it in different positions, too. Not exactly scientific, but it's 'about' the same, as far as I can tell. Yours could be due for a check-up. I'd just have someone open it up and have a look - takes about 5 mins to determine if it needs lubrication/cleaning.

[andromeda160]

I had the same problem on my 6426, it was constantly doing it for a week, and wouldn't always engage the mainspring when winding, but by the time I had the chance to see a watchmaker the problem went away, only to happen once every so often now.

[Jetkopite]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Mine is very slightly fast since having it serviced a year ago (it was spot-on before ). I believe it was its first service ever, as well. Doesn't bother me enough to have it regulated again, though. Seems to be the same whether worn or not. I've tried resting it in different positions, too. Not exactly scientific, but it's 'about' the same, as far as I can tell. Yours could be due for a check-up. I'd just have someone open it up and have a look - takes about 5 mins to determine if it needs lubrication/cleaning.

Yeah at some point I will take it for a service I just have to find someone reliable here in Dubai who knows vintage. The watch runs perfect on the wrist. I tried a few self regulation positions off the wrist but doesnt make much difference. Anyway 7-9 secs fast isnt a big deal for a 45 year old watch but must get it checked out soon..

My GMT 16750 runs 2-3 secs slow every 24hrs wrist or no wrist.. Amazing !!!

[Jetkopite]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

I had the same problem on my 6426, it was constantly doing it for a week, and wouldn't always engage the mainspring when winding, but by the time I had the chance to see a watchmaker the problem went away, only to happen once every so often now.

Hey Greg yeah my problem is only very very rare when I need to set the time over long period of time, when it slips I just push wind up a few turns then continue setting hands and then its fine.. Ill keep an eye on it.