Timing problem

[pocketcity]

Hi all,
I have a watch that when I set it it seems to lose about 4 minutes in the first half hour or so, then keeps pretty accurate time after that. What could possibly be wrong here? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. (Time is correct when I set it, I know that when you push the crown down it is possible for the hands to move a little but I have been very careful). The piece in question is a minute repeater but I don`t know how that could affect it.
Thanks in advance.

[pocketcity]

Hi all,
I have a watch that when I set it it seems to lose about 4 minutes in the first half hour or so, then keeps pretty accurate time after that. What could possibly be wrong here? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. (Time is correct when I set it, I know that when you push the crown down it is possible for the hands to move a little but I have been very careful). The piece in question is a minute repeater but I don`t know how that could affect it.
Thanks in advance.

[mikeh]

Hi,

I assume you are giving it a full wind, and then leaving the watch in a particular position. If this is the case, I'd be curious to know what happens if you only give it 1/2 - 2/3 of a full wind.

[Don Procko]

Based on the symptoms as stated, Id be sure to check the cannon pinion for proper tension. Repeater cannon pinions carry extra loads than time only watches as they trip cams, have racks dropped against them etc when striking and chainging snail positions. Hope this helps.Don

[Smudgy]

If the loss only happens at full wind and the cannon pinion tension is OK I'd suggest checking the mainspring. If it's got some grit in the barrel it will bind at full wind, releasing unevenly (you would probably feel this on letting down from full wind). Conversely it's possible that the mainspring is slightly strong and causing an excessive balance swing at full wind (you'd probably have the balance striking the fork at the end of the swing). I'd check the possibilities posted by Mike and Don first though.

[4thdimension]

Perhaps there is too much play in the teeth from the cannon to the minute
wheel or the minute has been replaced at some point? To check, look for "slop"(extra play)
with the dial off. Or, try setting the hands by backing up to the time instead of moving forward to it. If you back up, you will take up the slop if that is the problem.
-Cort
p.s.translate this to another languange at your own risk.

[beta21]

I vote for a cannon pinion problem, too. Another easily overlooked problem could be a MISSING TOOTH somewhere in the train. I had that once and it took somne time to figure out why the watch was fast when everythin seemed alrigth.

[pocketcity]

I thank everyone for the brilliant analysis. You have helped me out yet again. You all are amazing. Thanks.

[Don Procko]

Also, (and perhaps the place to begin)would be to electronically check the rate on a timing machine. Barring the missing train tooth, it should be able to resolve a time train vs. motion work defect.

Happy Hollidays to all!!