Folks,
I wonder if people can give me their opinions or experiences on this:
For pocket watches with seven jewels, how frequently do you encounter pivot holes that are distorted, worn, or out-of-round? If so, are there any brands that are more prone to this? Thanks,
Pete

Pete,

I've worked on four or five dozen 7j watches which isn't that large a representative example. I usually work on them for the educational experience of working on a certain model of watch before I tackle a higher grade of the same model. That being said I often find noticeably worn pivot holes, maybe 20% of the time. I've also noticed past repairs where bushings have been replaced or closed up using a staking set or in some cases jeweled. Can't really comment on any brand being more or less prone to this type of wear. All of the examples I have seen with significant wear were watches that were very dirty and "dry" but somehow were still running, thus creating lots of wear from friction.

Best,

Frank

Thanks Frank.
Anyone else find this condition more frequently?
Pete

Peter, I have found them on a number of 7J watches, but can not pinpoint any one company.

Several years ago, I restored a 12S, 7J Elgin. After cleaning and reassembly, I noticed that the 3d wheel pivot in the top plate was badly oblonged. My thought was that this watch would never run, let alone keep time. I wound the movement, dropped in the balance, and it took right off. It keeps time yet to about 30 Sec/day. So, one never knows.

Tom

Just curious. What material (metal?) was used for bushings in 7 jewel watches when a ruby bushing was not used?

Thanks,
Joe Straub