Effective Techniques for Troubleshooting Watch Escapement Problems
Are you struggling to fix escapement issues in your watch? Escapement problems are a common headache for watch enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, fret not! In this blog post, we will be discussing effective techniques for troubleshooting escapement problems. Keep reading to discover helpful tips and tricks to get your watch ticking accurately again.
Effective Techniques for Troubleshooting Escapement Problems
Introduction
The heart of a watch is its escapement. It’s the mechanism that gives the watch its accuracy and keeps the timepiece running efficiently. However, it’s not uncommon for watches to develop escapement problems, which can be frustrating for watch enthusiasts. Fortunately, there are effective techniques for troubleshoot escapement problems that you can use to fix the issue yourself. In this article, we’ll discuss these effective techniques, including diagnostics, the process of troubleshooting, the importance of pre-inspection, and correcting faults before final cleaning. We’ll also share an example of an Allwyn 6139 watch with an escapement problem and how we tackled it. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of looking at all data from the time grapher and approaching the problem systematically. So, if you’re eager to fix your Allwyn 6139 watch escapement or just interested in learning more, keep reading!
Diagnostics and How to Fix the Issue Yourself
The first step to troubleshooting escapement problems in a watch is to diagnose the issue. There are several methods for diagnosing escapement problems, including visual inspection, auditory diagnostics, and using equipment such as a time grapher. Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, the next step is to fix it. If you’re comfortable fixing the problem yourself, then you’ll need a set of tools, which include a lug remover, case opener, Jaxa wrench, screwdriver, tweezers, and a mainspring winder. Replacing the parts of the escapement mechanism requires delicate tools and expertise, so it’s important to have plenty of practice while handling different timepieces. If you’re unsure about how to fix the problem, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional watchmaker.
Example of Troubleshooting an Allwyn 6139 Watch with an Escapement Problem
We recently received an Allwyn 6139 watch with an escapement problem, and we used the following process to troubleshoot the issue.
- Pre-inspection We conducted a thorough pre-inspection of the watch to identify any abnormalities such as rusted or damaged parts.
- Diagnostics We used a time grapher to determine if there were any issues with timekeeping. We observed that the watch had a low amplitude and a poor beat error.
- Approach and Fixing the Problem We approached the problem systematically by examining the escapement pallet fork jewels and found that they were dry and had no oil. We cleaned the jewels using a carburetor cleaner and oil.
- Time Grapher Results After fixing the problem, we observed the time on the time grapher which showed that the watch had improved by having a higher amplitude and a more precise beat error.
Importance of Pre-inspection and Correcting Faults before Final Cleaning
Before fixing an escapement problem, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough pre-inspection of the watch. Pre-inspections help identify any other faults that need to be corrected before cleaning. Pre-inspections can identify issues such as a missing or damaged jewel, bent hairspring, and a broken pivot. Fixing these problems before cleaning can save time and reduce the likelihood that the watch will encounter further problems in the future. A pre-inspection is not only crucial for identifying additional problems, but it can also ensure that your timekeeping is at its best. In summary, a thorough pre-inspection can help maintain the longevity of your watch.
Importance of Looking at all Data from Time Grapher and Approaching Problems Systematically
When diagnosing and fixing escapement problems, it’s important to look at all data from the time grapher and approach problems systematically. The time grapher provides a visual representation of the watch’s timekeeping accuracy, allowing you to identify problems such as low amplitudes and beat errors. By approaching the problem systematically, you’ll be able to identify the source of the problem quickly. For example, when looking at an Allwyn 6319 watch, we identified the problem by examining the escapement pallet fork jewels and noticed that they were both chipped and needed to be replaced. By identifying the problem methodically, we were able to fix the issue quickly.
WATCHMAKING TOOLS SEEN IN THIS VIDEO ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!
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Bergeon Screwdriver Set
Dumont Tweezer #3
Bergeon Springbar Tool
Bergeon Case Opening Ball
Bergeon Presto Hand Removal Tool
Bergeon Movement Holder
Horotec Hand Setting Tools
Rodico
Bergeon Blower
Bergeon Case Opening Knife
Bergeon Quick Service Kit
Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine
Amscope Microscope
Multifunction Timegrapher
Sanding Sticks
CAMERAS AND AUDIO:
Main Camera, Sony A7III
Secondary Camera, Sony RX100
Tertiary Camera, Sony A6400
Main Macro Lens, Sigma 70mm f/2.8
Secondary Macro, Laowa 100mm f/2.8
Camlink 4k Video Converter
Shure MV7 Microphone
Audio Recorder, ZOOM H6
Small Sirui Tripod
Sirui Tripod Head for Overhead Camera
COMPUTER STUFF:
Apple Macbook Pro
Synology NAS
Seagate HDDs for NAS
Samsung Portable Drive
Conclusion
Troubleshooting escapement problems can be frustrating, but it’s not an impossible task. By following our effective techniques, you can diagnose and fix escapement problems yourself. Remember to conduct a thorough pre-inspection before cleaning and to approach the problem systematically. If you’re still unsure how to fix your Allwyn 6139 watch escapement, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional watchmaker. Finally, we hope that our example has helped to shed some light on how to diagnose and fix escapement problems.
FAQs
- Is it necessary to have a time grapher to diagnose escapement problems?
- While it’s not necessary to have a time grapher, it can aid in diagnosing problems such as low amplitudes and beat errors.
- How can I conduct a pre-inspection of my watch?
- You can conduct a pre-inspection by carefully examining the watch to identify any abnormalities such as rusted or damaged parts.
- What tools do I need to fix my watch’s escapement problem?
- Tools needed for fixing an escapement problem include a lug remover, case opener, Jaxa wrench, screwdriver, tweezers, and a mainspring winder.
- What is a beat error?
- A beat error is the difference in time between the watch’s ticks, typically measured in milliseconds.
- Will correcting an escapement problem affect my watch’s accuracy?
- Yes, correcting an escapement problem can improve the watch’s accuracy and overall timekeeping performance.