IF a movement needs a very little shake to start running but continues too run for hours.

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Submitted by Ellierose on November 18, 2011 - 8:43am

Hello,i have this old 10ax i didn't clean it yeah but on the timing machine the watch has great ampitude...but you need to give it alittle boost to get running then it will run for almost 2days..i checked for fuzz or anything didn't find any....could the mainspring not be strong enough to get it running on its own???

shooter144
Posted November 18, 2011 - 9:32am

I think that usually the problem here is that the old natural oils that were used to oil these tends to get a little sticky after it dries out, and it takes a bit of help to break this tension to get them running. A clean and oil would probably fix her right up.

Ellierose
Posted November 18, 2011 - 10:34am

Thanks shooter, but what if the watch is cleaned and oiled and then you still need to shake it to get it running..would the problem still be in the mainspring or somewhere else...

geezer_D
Posted November 18, 2011 - 1:35pm

 How much of a shake?  Just a gentle rock to get the balance moving?   A gentle rock may indicate slightly out of beat and insufficient slide on the pallet stones.  And, yes, the mainspring may have a set that cannot produce the initial torque required to set the watch running after rewinding.

Wayne Hanley
Posted November 18, 2011 - 3:27pm

I can live with that on my 1925 to 1950 manuals. You have to live with the technology in the vintage watches. I admire your dedication to make your movement perfect. For me, that would be Terminal Tinkeritus! Good luck!

Ellierose
Posted November 18, 2011 - 5:13pm

thanks gentleman, and yes i mean i very gentle shake...just the littlest bit and starts up...i can live with that but i don't think a buyer would...

mybulova_admin
Posted November 18, 2011 - 5:34pm

somewhat normal behaviour for an old vintage watch IMO.

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