According to the serial # 12794552, I have an Elgin Grade 294. Just next to the balance bridge there is a recessed screw that seems to lock the setting mechanism. I believe it is called a setting cam.
Do I have this right? Does the setting mechanism lock? If so, why?

Any information would be appreciated

Hi Michael,

I did a quick search and found an old thread that explains this very well:

Setting Cam Screw

By the way, I live in Port Moody BC. Never been out to Kelowna, but my Mom is coming here this summer from Chicago, and I was thinking about taking her and my family to the Okanagan area.

John III

Michael

While John was answering you I was digging though my parts.

Maybe this is what you were talking about. This is a 18s grade 294

Now if you were talking about the screw just to the right of the balance cock, that is a bridge screw that holds the two plates together.

But if you were to look in between the plates that screw does go in between a lever, that it is possible to think the screw actually effects, but it doesn't.

This photo is another movement with parts removed. You will notice the round silver hollow disc with a screw hole through the plate In the upper left I should have lined this photos up better). This is what you are seeing looking between the plates.

If that is what you are seeing, that lever you will notice runs under the stem & then across to the opposite side. When the watches is in the case the case stem pushes down on this lever & causes the watch to be in the wind mode. When you pull up the stem the lever moves & engages a different set of gears which then allow you to set the time.

This photo is under the dial, so when the watch is in set mode the gear to the right side engages the gears to set the time.

When the stem is pushed in the lever shifts to the left side & engages the winding gears.

Now this was probably not even what you were asking about & I probably made it as clear as mud, but it did keep me off the streets for a little.

By the way if that part is what you were talking about, I believe it was called a clutch lever.

John & Tom: Thank you for your answers.
I've been chewing up the internet for a couple of weeks for this answer. Shoulda come here first!
As it happens, the new mainspring arrives tomorrow, I am really looking forward to putting it all together and seeing this one go.

We would like to see some photos when you get it together.

Were the photos I did the right ones?

Tom

@ Tom:
Your photos are definitely of the same type of watch as mine.
I especially like the tiny regulator's scale.
But it raises my expectations of the watch's accuracy. With only seven jewels, I shouldn't expect much.

Mike

You would be surprised at how well these keep time.

Tom

Here it is finally, if anyone would like to see.
New mainspring, cleaned and oiled and took off like a rocket when wound. It gained a second overnight when compared to the Weather Channel clock. I've read lots about reviving old pocket watches, but nothing compares to doing it yourself!

Good Work! Another beautiful carry watch rescued from the dust bin. Elgin advertised about how these were plowed up still running by farmers. I can believe it sometimes,