Balance Staff/Hairspring removal and installation

[Bidemhi]

Hello to all, I'm a new member to this board and would like to pose a question. I have successfully cleaned and lubbed several of my Elgin 7 & 17j watches and managed to put them back together so that they run well. I have lots of additional movements that require the replacing of the staff or hairspring. Is this something an amateur should attempt? Is it difficult to assemble the balance wheel, staff, and hairspring? What special tools would I need? I don't expect perfection,I would just like to get a lot of these movements back in service. Most of the books I've seen advertised go into far to much detail, I'd like to find some basic instructions that show how to assemble the parts and install them back into the movement. Hopefully someone can send me off in the right direction. This phase of watch repair might be beyond my limited abilities. Thanks to any replies. Ralph

[Bidemhi]

Hello to all, I'm a new member to this board and would like to pose a question. I have successfully cleaned and lubbed several of my Elgin 7 & 17j watches and managed to put them back together so that they run well. I have lots of additional movements that require the replacing of the staff or hairspring. Is this something an amateur should attempt? Is it difficult to assemble the balance wheel, staff, and hairspring? What special tools would I need? I don't expect perfection,I would just like to get a lot of these movements back in service. Most of the books I've seen advertised go into far to much detail, I'd like to find some basic instructions that show how to assemble the parts and install them back into the movement. Hopefully someone can send me off in the right direction. This phase of watch repair might be beyond my limited abilities. Thanks to any replies. Ralph

[doug sinclair]

Ralph,

Welcome to the NAWCC Message Board!

I think you are telling us that you have read books that tell you how to do the job correctly, but you are telling us that you do not wish to follow the advice given in the books. It sounds to me as though you want us to sugeest the bench block, rivetting hammer, and Crazy Glue approach to replacing a balance staff' Speaking for professionals who pride themselves in a job well done and accomplished amateurs similarly motivated, the simple way you seek doesn't exist! Do it right, or get it done right!

[Bidemhi]

Doug, Thanks for the encouragement, that response isn't what I expected from this board!

[Smudgy]

The books give information on the correct way to do the job, with repairs that will not damage the watch if done correctly and will last for many years unless unfortunate circumstances dictate otherwise.. There are other methods, but in the end they usually cause damage that complicates future repairs, and many are temporary fixes that don't perform well during the interum. If there is something that you have read about but didn't quite understand I'm sure you will find many here who would be willing to explain it.

[doug sinclair]

Talph,

I'm sorry you weren't encouraged by my response. This message board is read by millions of people every month. Surely you can not expect us to be dispensing less than complete or destructive repair methods in reply to queries such as yours! Our aim is the preservation and improvement of the world's horological resouces, NOT their destruction by quickie short-cut methods such as the ones you seem to be looking for!