Probably a silly question but what is the function of the gold leaf bit under the dial? Thanks -Mike

It is a spacer to keep the hour wheel from rubbing on the dial.

Tom

My understanding is that it is a spring washer that keeps the hour hand from moving up toward the crystal and possibly interfering with the minute hand. If it is missing or flat the hour hand is free to move up when the watch is placed in the dial down position or to flop back and forth. That is why it is bowed. It is made very thin to minimize friction. This is a very important and very overlooked little part! If it is missing or flattened it is important to replace it.

Roger

I read somewhere, (Bulova school, Fried, Chi sch watchmaking ? ? ?) that this beryllium copper "Dial Washer" is intended to keep the Hour Wheel teeth engaged to the intermediate wheel pinion, as the pinion thickness is often less than the extra clearance under the dial. (In my haste to take picture I forgot the cannon pinion )

That is an excellent point David. That is certainly another reason for the dial washer to be in place. These little guys are so important, yet overlooked all the time.

Roger

OOPs! I misspelled Engagement!

quote:

beryllium

Do not get cut by beryllium. It can poison you. Compression driver diaphragms are made of this and can KILL you. I may be corrected, however I seem to remember a statement released to all TAD/JBL owners to take safety precautions. Careful now!