Hello all, I am currently cleaning a Longines pocket watch that I picked up here from Joseph Boone but am having trouble with the mainspring barrel. Have tried tapping the arbor out but it doesn't want to budge, and before I give it too big a whack would be interested if there are any tricks and/or tips.

I don't know much about Longines, but the movement is marked 19.21 (or could be 19.Z1).

Anyway, any advice would be appreciated, and a few photos follow:

Stopworks...

Barrel with the cross removed...

Barrel top - I have been tapping away on the arbor here to no avail...

Usually there is a pin or wire holding the finger for the stopworks to the arbor. Remove the wire, then the finger should come off and you can remove the barrel cover. I think it comes out the opposite way of how you are tapping on it.

Thanks for the info Peter, but after a close look couldn't find any pin. So, took a breath and was able to lever the tongue off the arbor and the snap plate as well so all is good.

Still, should have come apart they way they usually do looking at the guts. Maybe it was just tight. Better safe than sorry...

Thanks again.

Regards

Peter in Oz