What might cause this problem?

[Alexander_]

Hello

One of my pocket watch, from arounf 1850 has a problem,consisting of it oftenly stops but it seems as if something were rubbing, because when I push a little, gently, anticlockwise, the central wheel of the back(the one in whose center, the pivot for setting the hour with the key, is inserted) the watch continues working. the watch, when works keeps very good time, so I wonder what the problem might be.

Thank you

[Don Dahlberg]

It may just be a matter of dirt and dried oil. A mechancal watch of this vintage should be properly overhauled every three years or so. When it is overhauled, it is taken apart, cleaned and each part inspected. If there are any problems, they will be identified and corrected. The watch is then assembled, oiled and adjusted. Any additional problems are corrected during the adjusting process. Yes, it costs a lot. It is a lot of work.

Don

[Kevin W.]

Many watch problems are caused by lack of oiling and cleaning.

[Dave Haynes]

the combined friction of the wheels and balance can slow them to the stopping point. If the watch is that old, there can be many issues working against good running. I strongly urge you to not run it if it has not been serviced in many years. It is like running an auto with no oil. You also could have an old blue steel mainspring with will "set" after being confined inside the barrel for decades. This could be the problem. I'll place an example of a "set" spring vs a new spring which will graphically show you why the watch doesn't want to run well.

http://home.pacbell.net/hedgehog/spring.jpg

[mrbill]

I agree with everyone above do everything they said and also check the clearance between the cannon pinoin and the hour wheel. to do this you must dissasemble. If you're not capable get it to a qualified watch repair perosn.