Fast/Slow Adjustment

[giorgio]

Please excuse my ignorance of this topic. I am a clock person willingly being seduced by pocket watches.

I have an Elgin, 10 size I believe, Serial # 16208294 (1911 according to the tables), 17j, adjusted, #18309 on the movement outer ring. It runs a bit fast, hence the question. The F/S arrow-pointer inside cannot be moved by pressure, as it is conneted to a threaded "shaft" with no visible way of adjusting it without taking the movement out, which I am unwilling to do myslef for lack of expertise. Please offer suggestions and forgive my poor terminology and explanation.

Giorgio

[giorgio]

Please excuse my ignorance of this topic. I am a clock person willingly being seduced by pocket watches.

I have an Elgin, 10 size I believe, Serial # 16208294 (1911 according to the tables), 17j, adjusted, #18309 on the movement outer ring. It runs a bit fast, hence the question. The F/S arrow-pointer inside cannot be moved by pressure, as it is conneted to a threaded "shaft" with no visible way of adjusting it without taking the movement out, which I am unwilling to do myslef for lack of expertise. Please offer suggestions and forgive my poor terminology and explanation.

Giorgio

[doug sinclair]

giorgio,

Does the index (pointer) on the regulator pass over a "collar" which is on the threaded shaft you refer to? This collar should have notches cut into the diameter at each end of the collar. At one end of the threaded shaft on the balance cock, you should see an F and an S. By using the notches on that collar, and turning the collar on the threaded shaft either toward the F or the S, the watch can be regulated. The collar moves along the threaded shaft as you turn the collar, moving the regulator index as you do it. That is IF I and right about the type of regulator you have.

[giorgio]

Thank you Doug for the detailed explanation. I have tried to follow your instructions, but I am still puzzled. The threaded shaft with the collar connected to the pointer is not streight, but curved, so I am at a loss regarding how can one thread a curved shaft. I have tried to grasp the collar with tweezers and move it, but it does not want to. I should add that the watch is clean and in runnig order. Maybe I should leave it to the expert and go back to clocks, but my ego would be destroyed. I have another question, but I will start a new thread.

Giorgio

[mikeh]

The collar should have little cogs on either side of the regulator arm. I use a piece of pegwood or a toothpick to turn it. As you turn the collar, it will carry the regulator up or down the threaded rod. I've never had one that was difficult to turn, but I guess it's possible that yours has some sort of obstruction.

[Kent]

Hi Giorgio:

Here is a picture of a couple of Elgin 18-size Regulators (http://static.flickr.com/1/127717936_1d3eb78194_o.jpg), which I believe are similar to the one on your watch. The collar is actually a threaded nut. On the right regulator picture, you can see the "cogs" by which the nut may be rotated, using a small screwdriver blade - be careful.

Good luck,

[giorgio]

Ah, now I see. I did not have enough magnification. Thank you all for the suggestions and pictures. I will try again and hopefully take a good enough picture to share.

I will be carreful,

Giorgio