It's not too often i work with vintage ladies movements but once in a while it's good to remember just how small these Swiss movements can get. Always up for a challenge this watch had been given a death sentence by the jewellers as being " unrepairable, can't get parts " , now that's not the attitude to have now is it :) Working with such minute parts there are some limitations to what can be repaired and what can't but i always try to repair first before replacing, follow along below for the process start to finish >>> Strip Down & BalanceWith the watch uncased i place the movement on a £1 coin to give you all some perspective of just how small these marvels are > With pressure applied to the centre wheel the movement runs, not well but motion is present. As can be seen the balance cap jewel has been glued back into position which is far from ideal and likely the primary cause for the movement not to be running. The regulator pin is also bent and crushing the hairspring in position, not good, time to strip the balance and get a closer look. >>> Remaining movement stripped for cleaning >>> Reassembly & TestingAs any watchmaker can testify nothing is plain sailing with watch repair, sure enough despite my efforts to repair the balance the part was no good so the entire cock was replaced. Testing showed a few glitches but after some cleaning in essence and a tinker here & there she was running smoothly again. Casing/Dial/HandsWith the movement sorted the casing, hands, and glass can be cleaned up ready to have the now running movement re fitted. The dial sadly is a little weathered but little can be done in this case so its left as is. Below photo before any work > The acrylic glass is tiny but should polish up without issue >> Casing after initial polishing >>> The finished watch.....With all work complete the watch is assembled and ready to return to her owner. The timing was further improved and should be wearable on a daily basis or may be just special occasions either way shes a working nicely once more :D
1 Comment
Lee
4/1/2020 07:33:01 pm
Hi, thanks for your great piece. I have a similar watch left to me by my gran. It’s not working but is the same MuDu 18k 17 jewels.
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