Which staking punch? Waltham 1703a

[Seismicpocketwatcher]

I am assembling a balance wheel for an Waltham 1892 model pocketwatch
with a 1703a staff. I do not have the correct staking punch could anyone advise me as to the correct size to purchase. Thanks. I am assembling a balance wheel for an Waltham 1892 model pocketwatch
with a 1703a staff. I do not have the correct staking punch amongst my small collection could anyone advise me as to the correct size to purchase. Thanks.

[Jerry Treiman]

I just checked with a 1703A staff in my material and found that the K&D round-faced punch #88 was a very close fit. If there is some variation a #87 might be needed. For flattening the rivet a #58 should do the job. Either punch has to clear the collet shoulder which can be a little more variable in diameter than other dimensions so you may still find you need a larger or smaller punch.

[flynwill]

There were K&D stakes and punches made expressly for the Waltham friction staffs. However I have yet to find any for sale. That said you can find the punch/stake list on several web sites with some dimensions.

I drove out an old staff for the first time on a Waltham model 1894, and had no problem finding a flat-faced punch in the set that would sit comfortably on the step on the staff. That got it started, but I ended up picking from the 20a, 21a, 22a series (double roller stakes) to finish the job.