Hair Springin'

[tymekeypur]

As a clock guy just beginning a course of study in pocket watch repair, I'm wondering whether it is a 'stretch' to expect that someone, such as myself, a 'tenderfoot' in the field or for that matter someone who's very experienced, to do their own 'hairspring work'...what has given me cause to ask is that I acquired a practice pocket watch with a hairspring that has broken at the stud and wonder whether I should re-attach it w/ or w/o positive consequences or rather send it off to a 'specialist' for the right re-fit?...thanks

jc #157194

[tymekeypur]

As a clock guy just beginning a course of study in pocket watch repair, I'm wondering whether it is a 'stretch' to expect that someone, such as myself, a 'tenderfoot' in the field or for that matter someone who's very experienced, to do their own 'hairspring work'...what has given me cause to ask is that I acquired a practice pocket watch with a hairspring that has broken at the stud and wonder whether I should re-attach it w/ or w/o positive consequences or rather send it off to a 'specialist' for the right re-fit?...thanks

jc #157194

[GandalfPC]

I have been having pretty good results doing my own hairspringing.

Here's and old post that may help you...
old ref::http://nawcc-mb.infopop.cc/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=2386079361&f=4316035461&m=6036067461

If it is broken off at the stud it is likely that it is too short now to be reused (certainly you will never get it to run correctly with the regulator in the center position) - but in a pinch (for practice) you could restud it as is...

Jason Goldman
Apprentice Watchmaker

[Julian Smith]

Repairing a broken hairspring can get tedious.
If you do get the spring re-pinned and trued in the round and flat, then worry about timing.The only way I know of to slow the watch down is to add timing washers or more screws to bring it to time.
J Smith

[tymekeypur]

Thanks all for your 'valued' inputs...have them
noted...have decided to leave the hairspring for the day when I feel comfortable dealing w/the 'whole' watch and, in fact, when I have most of the 'right' tools for the job (I know with clocks that one never has all the tools)...

jc #157194