Every once in a while, I stumble across an interesting repair/fix attempted in the past. Enjoy!!!

Subject:

16sz 15j Elgin - runs through half a full wind. So, let down the mainspring, which seemed really weak. Thought it might be all gummed up, looked inside the barrel and she just didn't look right.

Spring on left is the correct #817 and the one on the right - a joker.

The correct height of the spring is roughly 2.61 mm and the one on the right (which was in the watch) measured in a hair or too short at 1.84mm

Conclusion:

Even if the watch winds, the mainspring might not be the correct part # or at least that was the verdict on this fine Elgin

Can ya see the height difference?

Yep, kinda fun to find the smokin' gun.

Thank you for this simple and informative post.

As my Dad used to say, 'Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.'

Regard! Mark