Handbook of Watch and Clock Repairs - Free

H. G. HARRIS

Handbook of

Watch and Clock

Repairs

1972 NEW YORK EMERSON BOOKS INC.

? H. G. HARRIS 1961, 1963, 1972 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOG CARD NUMBER: 63-9747 MANUFACTURED IN

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

F I R S T P R I N T I N G , 1963 SECOND P R I N T I N G , 1964 T H I R D P R I N T I N G , 1966 F O U R T H P R I N T I N G , 1967

F I F T H P R I N T I N G , 1968 S I X T H P R I N T I N G , 1969

REVISED EDITION, 1972

Contents

Preface

7

Part One: G E N E R A L

1 Workbench and tools

9

2 Materials

21

3 The turns and their uses

23

Part Two: W A T C H E S

4 The movement

29

5 Overhauling and cleaning

35

6 Wheel trains

57

7 Hands, dial and motion work

60

8 Keyless work

66

9 Barrels, mainsprings and fusee chains

71

10 Escapements

79

11 Balances

93

12 Shock proofing

103

13 Cases

109

14 Magnetism

113

Part Three: C L O C K S

15 The movement

116

16 Pendulum clocks

119

17 Striking clocks

128

CONTENTS

18 Chiming clocks

132

19 Grandfather clocks

136

20 Carriage clocks

142

21 Cuckoo clocks

149

22 French clocks

156

23 Alarm clocks

159

24 Electric clocks

167

Appendix: Mail ordering

170

Index

174

Preface

T H E R E have been many books written on the repair of watches and clocks but the majority have been intended for the serious horologist and the apprentice.

Little has been done to publicize horology as a hobby. Many will say that to do such a thing is inadvisable without proper training. But what of the present-day hobbyists who are self-taught and whose interest in their subject is such that their knowledge and skill often surpass those whose full-time occupation it is? I have known men who, since their youth, have been interested in radio. Their knowledge and skill today are extensive and although not qualified in the official sense, nevertheless they have become authorities on their subject. Similar remarks can be directed towards other occupations, and so it is with watch and clock repairing. In writing this book, I have assumed that the reader has no knowledge of the subject and I have endeavoured, therefore, to concentrate on the basic principles rather than advanced work. An attempt has also been made to show the beginner that quite a lot of practical work can be done with limited equipment and a small initial outlay. In the course of overhauling a movement the beginner will frequently be confronted with a job beyond his ability and which requires the use of equipment not in his possession. The appendix at the back of the book will guide the reader on how to go about sending work to an outside repairer. Once having established a contact, no job should be too big or too difficult to tackle. A little practice at home dismantling and assembling some old movements will quickly introduce confidence and provide the reader with the light touch necessary when working on watches.

7

8

PREFACE

Appreciation and thanks are extended to Messrs Parechoc S.A., Le Sentier, Switzerland (manufacturers of the Kif Flector), The Universal Escapement Ltd., La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland (manufacturers of the Incabloc), and to Erismann Schinz Ltd., Le Neuveville, Switzerland (manufacturers of the Monorex) for supplying me with detailed information and drawings of their shock absorbers.

A special word of thanks is given to Messrs Baume & Co. Ltd, 50 Hatton Garden, London (Longine watches) and Smiths Clocks & Watches Ltd, Sectric House, Cricklewood, London, both of whom have been most helpful in supplying information and drawings.

It is worthy of note here that in my approach to the industry, I found an unexpected enthusiasm to help when it was known that the book was to be a hobby book rather than a textbook. It was considered that such a book was badly needed and all concerned wished it every success.

Last, but by no means least, my special thanks go to Mr S. Pleasants who has done so much in producing original drawings and preparing illustrations for publication, frequently, I might add, having to alter them as a result of a change in the original manuscript. For him it was a nightmare gallop keeping pace with the typewriter keys.

Part One

GENERAL

CHAPTER ONE

Workbench and tools

W A T C H E S and clocks can be overhauled and simple repairs carried out without the need of an elaborately equipped workshop. To begin with, a small rigid table with adequate lighting will provide the workbench, and the tools can be limited initially to a selected few to cover general work. More specialized tools can be obtained later if and when the need arises.

However, it is the intention here to describe typical workshop conditions and then leave you free to modify these arrangements to suit your requirements.

A workbench is required, or alternatively a shelf firmly secured to a wall.

The working surface of the bench should be at least 3 ft. from the ground (Fig. 1). This will enable close work to be carried out without bending low, resulting in greater comfort and increased control. The length of the bench top needs to be about 3 ft. 6 in. to permit working with both elbows spread out. The width should be between 18 and 20 in. to allow space behind the work in hand for small tools and accessories in use.

Strips of wood about 2 1/2 in. wide placed on edge on the top of the bench along the two ends and along the back prevent items being knocked to the floor.

A few drawers built under the top for storage of work, tools, materials, etc., completes the bench.

It is essential that all work be conducted away from dirt or dust

9

10

WATCH AND CLOCK REPAIRS

because the smallest piece of foreign matter in a watch can cause the movement to stop, and dust will soak up the oil and cause the movement to dry out.

Sometimes it is quicker and cheaper to secure a shelf to a wall. A strong, well made shelf securely fitted is much preferred by many repairers.

Preferably the bench should be situated against a window facing north. The reflected light obtained is softer and more suited to this type of work.

If an adjustable electric lamp is mounted on the bench top or secured to the wall in the case of a shelf, the lamp can be pulled down close to the work and there should be no fear of eye strain.

Having provided the workbench and the lighting, attention

Fig. 1. Workbench.

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