Hi, I have several of these that are wound tight & I want to let down the mainsprings. However, I can't figure out how to release these.
I am a hobbyist/collector not a watchmaker.
Thanks, Rod

Have you looked under the dial side?
often if you apply a little extra winding pressure on and off you will see the click/part to release moving.

Hi Chris, No I have not done that. I have never removed a dial before, though I have let down the mainspring on a couple other makes of manual watches. I would have to remove the hands & dial to do that? Regards, Rod

Roddy,
If you're going to completely disassemble this Timex movement, be careful. They're a bit harder to reassemble than your standard 16s Elgin.
Pete

hi Pete,
Trust me, I do not want to dissamble this completely, just release the mainspring. I think then it will start running. I am not a watchmaker! regards, Rod

I have a nice Timex Service Manual and Parts Catalog from the 1970s in which it states that the preferred method of cleaning most of these movements was to remove only the minute hand, dial (of course the hour hand comes off with the dial), and the balance assembly. The balance was removed by loosening the V-conic screws (or balance endshake screws) holding in the balance; then carefully removing the stud pin, then slowly revolving the balance wheel until the balance spring is free. The whole movement was then put in the cleaning solution/machine. It is interesting to read these procedures from the factory.
Let us know if your watch starts to run again!
Pete

Hi Peter,
Thanks for your reply! Sounds like there is no way to just release the mainspring & wind it down. The rest, frankly seems out of my league as a hobbyist.
Regards, Rod

Hi Roddy,
I'm not an expert on those Timex watches, but you should be able to let down the mainspring, as Chris said above. It wouldn't hurt to give it a try. If that doesn't help, you've got another problem -- misadjusted V-conic screws, dirty movement, or who knows what else! Good luck!
Pete