Hi,

I finally got a small tool set built up enough to take apart a watch. I started with a running 16s 3 finger bridge Elgin. I took it apart as much as I could (all the gears, balance, ect. down to the plates) and put it back together and it runs.
What I couldnt figure out was how to open the mainspring.
I have a similar non working 3 finger bridge Elgin that I am taking apart and its obvious that the mainspring is bad, so I need to know the correct way to open it. I long ago learned never to force anything, and I dont want to mess it up.


Also can anyone point me to good step by stem disassembly instructions for pocket watches?

Thanks

Jim,

Here's a link to some basic instructions.

Cleaning, oiling and checking a basic mechanical watch movement.

Here's a link to removing the mainspring barrel cover.

Mainspring and barrel

And here's information available here by doing a search for mainspring barrel

Mainspring Barrel Search

A good book is The WATCH REPAIRER'S MANUAL by Henry B Fried.

RR

Thank you very much.