hi everybody, Todd the novice initiate here.
i have stopped calling myself "todd the beginner" i got one working so i have promoted myself to "novice"
so, here is my question, as many of you know i just finished an 1884 elgin. when i gave it a full wind it seemed to be running fast, 18 hours later it seemed to be running slow. is this affect caused by an old weak M.S.?
P.S.
cleaned a nasty hairline crack on the dial from the center to 3:30 with a members trick. polident.
to quote him, "this dial is bright, clean and minty fresh."
Todd the novice

Todd,

In your COA did you clean the mainspring and re-grease or oil it? This will make a big difference in operation. (I'm assuming that the gear train is free ... no binding).

hi Serge,
the gear train is smooth as silk in all positions, ran it with no pallet lever in place and it gave a nice little roll back when the MS ran out. i cleaned and greased the MS with KT-22 but had some problem getting the whole spring back in the barrel so i cut it in half. (joking)
i think i am going to buy a new MS and see what happens.
Todd

"Fast" and "Slow" have various causes depending on HOW "fast or slow" they are.

hi David,
on full wind it runs just under 2 minutes fast over 12 hours, then slows down over the next 12 hours.
Todd

It sounds like your mainspring might be set. Try a new spring.

Todd are you changing position of the watch during testing? or staying face up for example?

I understand you are just doing these movements for practice now, but when you get into watches you will be carrying it is always best to go ahead and install a new alloy mainspring if it has a blue steel mainspring. Alloy mainspring are far superior and typically last a long time and also you can avoid some of these issues like you are dealing with.

Rob
www.pocketwatchrepairs.net

Agreed ONLY if you intend to carry it.

or if you are a lifelong perfectionist like me, if i don't do the best job i am capable of it will eat at me. thanks to everyone, a new alloy mainspring it will be for my beautiful 7 jewel wonder!
Todd