September 02, 2008, 13:13
Wayne HanleyVanishing 992B Set Lever
I recently acquired a 992B with Tu-Tone case. First time I opened it up to set the time, the lever was retracted under the dial. I had to gently tweezer the lever to the set position. I set the watch and the lever again slipped under the dial. The dial did have some movement. I didn't want to chance damaging the numeric dial, so I have been looking for a fix.
Lindell mentioned "the little blue screw" function in this weeks 992B quiz, which just may solve the problem.
Has anyone else run into this problem on the 992B?
Thanks
Wayne
September 02, 2008, 14:52
David AbbeWayne, I have restored a few 992B models, but never had the problem you speak of. I do think there is a little stop screw that may be needed on yours, although the dial when properly compressed against the face plate should keep the lever from disappearing too.
If the Dial is loose enough to let it slip under, then you have to have the dial tightened down.
I scanned some of TH 9 1575 about the lever setting parts;
September 02, 2008, 14:53
David AbbeAs assembled
September 02, 2008, 16:20
Lindell V. Riddle
Excellent points Dave,
As Wayne mentioned, this question about "the little blue screw" came up in one of our "Avoiding the Pitfalls of On-Line Trading" topics recently. Wayne, whether or not your dial is loose, perhaps something else is broken, loose misadjusted or missing remains to be seen at this point.
The photo-merge below this post show both styles of screw that threads into the setting lever. Early movements such as 1B188 shown on the left use a blued, flat-headed screw, in later movements we find they used a domed-head, polished screw as shown on the right. In each instance this head is the opposite design from other screws in the movement.
This little screw is common to every Hamilton 992B and 950B as well as Ball-Hamilton 999B movement. You will also find it on the Military 992B, 2974B, 3992B and 4992B movements, in other words any movement derived from the 992B design whether Lever-Set or not. With the Pendant-Set military hack-setting movements, this screw holds a retainer in place.
Early lever-setting retainer screws are blued, later they were polished...
September 14, 2008, 16:06
Wayne HanleyLindell & David, I thank you very much for your information & your interest. The previous owner said that the watch was just serviced by his watchmaker & and is very surprized to hear about the vanishing set lever. I suspect inattention to tolerances during assembly.
I have restrained myself from the tinkeritus urge & seek help from a pro. Thanks again for your interest.
Wayne
September 14, 2008, 16:43
Lindell V. Riddle
Wayne, if you could show us a picture that might help in sorting it out. I would be willing to tackle it for you if that would be of help, my mailing address is...
Lindell V. Riddle
1052 SOM Center Road
Mayfield, OH 44143-3527
My expectation as you suspect is lack of attention to detail, but there are several possibilities. It should take only a few minutes to find the problem and post images.
Your only cost would be for parts if any are needed and shipping expenses.
Lindell

September 15, 2008, 10:50
Leon HarrisHi Wayne, When I first read this my first though was that the end of your lever had broke off, thus letting it go under the dial. Do you have another 992B or a lever set watch to compair it to. If it is broke it will need to be replaced. Can you post a picture?
Thanks Leon
September 17, 2008, 03:26
Wayne HanleyLindell thank you for your kind offer, that I cannot refuse. I will put it in the mail to you as soon as my new second hand arrives. Last time I tried to tweezer the set lever out, due to the play in the dial, the second hand popped off & I lost it. I figured I had better stop tinkering & let a pro fix it. I think I would cry if I damaged the dial.
Leon thanks for your input. I did compare the set lever tang with my 992E & both appeared to be the same size.
Thanks Again
Wayne
October 07, 2008, 20:49
Wayne HanleyThe aforementioned 992B pocketwatch arrived safely on Monday 09/29/08. The new glass crystal sure does enhance the readiblity of the dial. First thing I did was to remove the bezel & move the set lever to the set position. The lever glides very nicely to both positions. I wound it a little bit to get it's heart beating & set the time. Then I gave it a full wind. I screwed the bezel back on & set the watch on a plastic stand & gave it a time check. Time checked good overnight. I wound it around noon everyday. I put a rawhide fob on it & proudly carried it all week.
Lindell, I am most appreciative of your interest, time & talent (including telephone contact to keep me informed) you gave to this project. I am amazed at your horological knowledge. In addition to making my watch tic, you make ihc185 tic.
Given a watch problem, Lindell & David made this "Vanishing Set Lever" thread into a
case study with appropriate text & beautiful images. This kind of thread is a real knowledge enhancer & will help other members with similar problems.
Thanks
Wayne
October 08, 2008, 05:45
Phillip SanchezWonderful job, Lindell. A very kind thing to take up your time to help folks, especially as you have not been feeling well lately. We all know we may count on you. Your photos are magnificent as usual.
