Hoorah -- Adjusted Timekeeping

[fsprow]

Although I'm not a fanatic about timekeeping, I've wanted to see if I could adjust the timekeeping on my Sub. It was only off about +5 seconds per day on my wrist. I'm pretty handy and build small models as a hobby.

I purchased a Timegrapher, a Chinese Microstella tool, a Dupont #7 tweezers and a 4X loupe. After a little practice, not on a watch, with the Microstella tool I opened the case and ventured in. Lots of instructions on the web so I don't need to repeat. A little trial and error but in an hour I was done and the watch was showing +2spd face up but it is dead even on my wrist after three days. I'm no watchmaker but this was satisfying. I'm NOT recommending it for anyone. People who say I need psychiatric attention may well be correct.

I believe I'll have a single malt now !

[Jostack]

Nice job! I’ll be curious to see how how it does after a couple weeks or so. Please update after some time.


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[fsprow]

Originally Posted by Jostack

Nice job! I’ll be curious to see how how it does after a couple weeks or so. Please update after some time.


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Thanks and will do.

[watchmaker]

Congrats on a job well done.

And now to the important part of the story....what whisky did you go for?

[keepitsimple]

Colour me impressed
I'm happy - and given the results seemingly competent - to touch up the regulation on my watches with conventional regulators, but wouldn't even think about tackling a free sprung balance.

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Congrats on a job well done.

And now to the important part of the story....what whisky did you go for?

Lagavulin.
Best, Frank

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by keepitsimple

Colour me impressed
I'm happy - and given the results seemingly competent - to touch up the regulation on my watches with conventional regulators, but wouldn't even think about tackling a free sprung balance.

I found the key was to hold the balance wheel steady with the tweezers pressed against the bridge. And being careful to move the wheel to the opposite side (to adjust the other weight) since when you release the tweezers it can swing.

Also, having the Dallas RSC 10 minutes from our apartment gave confidence that if I screwed up $$ could remedy the situation.

[Jostack]

Originally Posted by fsprow

I found the key was to hold the balance wheel steady with the tweezers pressed against the bridge. And being careful to move the wheel to the opposite side (to adjust the other weight) since when you release the tweezers it can swing.

Also, having the Dallas RSC 10 minutes from our apartment gave confidence that if I screwed up $$ could remedy the situation.

Instructions I’ve seen say to pull the crown to stop the movement and keep the balance from moving free. Does it still swing? Does pulling the crown just stop the gear train?


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[fsprow]

I did pull the crown but found the balance still swung a bit when not held by the tweezers, perhaps it just had a bit of tension left when it stopped.


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[fsprow]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Thanks and will do.

After almost two weeks, all the readings including timekeeping are unchanged.
Frank

[Jostack]

Originally Posted by fsprow

After almost two weeks, all the readings including timekeeping are unchanged.

Frank

Thanks for the update


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[Jostack]

Originally Posted by fsprow

After almost two weeks, all the readings including timekeeping are unchanged.

Frank

I took the plunge and made an adjustment.

Timing starts now...

And for those thinking about doing this, remember that the stupid tax is a real thing.

[fsprow]

Good luck. Look forward to a report.

[Jostack]

Originally Posted by fsprow

I found the key was to hold the balance wheel steady with the tweezers pressed against the bridge. And being careful to move the wheel to the opposite side (to adjust the other weight) since when you release the tweezers it can swing.

Also, having the Dallas RSC 10 minutes from our apartment gave confidence that if I screwed up $$ could remedy the situation.

FYI

I found that when I pulled the crown, the balance wheel stayed put. Didn’t swing at all. Made it easy to manipulate the tool onto the nuts. Maybe it’s a difference in age wear?


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[Jostack]

Duplicate

[fsprow]

Congratulations -- I got out my trusty Microstella tool to make a fine adjustment and as you say, the balance wheel stayed steady with the crown out and I did not need the tweezers to hold it against the bridge. Also, the risk level is lower.

Frank

[Jostack]

After a few days, it is very good. Losing less than .5sec on wrist during the day, and able to gain about a sec dial down overnight, or maintain or barely gain with dial up overnight. There has been some variation as expected during the day depending on activity, but still losing very little. I’m pretty happy.




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