Waltham 1883 'potance' replacement question

[Brad Gray]

When I was much less skilled than I am now:bang:, I managed to damage the potance (the frame for the balance 'foot' jewel that's pressed into the pillar plate) on a really nice Waltham 18S 1883 Model watch while trying to drive out a really stubborn jewel. I recently discovered that this is a replacement part, and I'd love to fix the watch. I can't figure out the proper way to drive it in. Has anyone had experience with this?

[Brad Gray]

oops- I meant "pressed into the upper plate..."

[beta21]

The potance is, as you write, only pressed into the circular opening in the top plate on the mod '83. Not a big deal to change it per se, but you'll experience some real difficulties aligning the bottom jewel with the top one in the cock. I.e the balance will most probably not stand absolutely perpendicular to the plate, with the risk of the balance rim touching the plate.

I have tried this once, and there was a LOT of work involved because I had to shift the position of the jewel in the potance after it was driven home in the plate. I'd probably not do it again.
Try to post in the Watch Repair forum for more input.

Peter