Internet Horology Club 185
Beginners Waltham Staff Questions

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3426047761/m/8183991367

June 23, 2011, 08:17
Gareth Evans
Beginners Waltham Staff Questions
Both of the Balances pictured come from 16s Traveler (1899) movements. Am I correct in thinking that these are both friction hubs and so require #4861 Balance Staff (I'm guessing that the slightly blued area is the friction hub) I have a 3rd Balance wheel from another 16s Traveler (1899) but the staff came away rather too freely and I am unsure whether this was a friction fitting too as I have misplaced the old staff. The question in respect to this is can you get the friction hubs at all, would a #4860 fit if a hub had been previously installed, or is the wheel beyond hope.

Barry has some #4861 in stock but they are listed for 16s Vanguard and is unable to advise whether they would be suitable. I would attempt to check myself but my copy of Illustrated Manual of American Watch Movements is held up in the Canadian Mail strike.


June 24, 2011, 12:53
Brian C.
Gareth, If your staff has a taper shoulder, it takes staff #4861. If the staff has a straight shoulder, it takes staff #4860.
You do not have to remove the blue hubs, to replace the staffs.
June 25, 2011, 03:20
Gareth Evans
Thanks Brian,
I wasn't aware the #4860 was a friction fit as well everything I've read on friction staffs so far only shows the tapered #4861 style in pictures(noob mistake). I have a staking set now so will have a try at removing one or both. Good job that I have a couple of both types on order. This will be my first "proper" repair so wish me luck.
July 19, 2011, 06:56
Gareth Evans
Update

Manged to recover the friction collet from my lost staff and re staked.

Fitted x2 #4861 staffs which have breathed life into two movements but they are in sore need of a COA now and timing sessions.