LeCoultre 8 day clock staff replacement

[lmccoll]

Has anyone ever replaced a staff in one of the 8 day LeCoultre clocks, it is one of the small desk top clocks. This particular one is a 240/1 movement.

It needs the staff replaced, the problem I have, with my watch tools, I can't see how to take the balance or roller off without the other one being off first.

I have two styles of roller removers and the balance is in the way. Same with trying to take the balance off, the roller is in the way. They are both mounted about 4 mm apart which is really wide.

Any suggestions?

[Kevin W.]

Can you post some pictures, might help to see what you are up against.

[arizonajohn@msn.com]

If your talking about being able to remove the roller I have upon occasion placed the roller in the appropriate sized collet (providing the roller is the standard round style) for my watchmakers lathe and very carefully with moderate preasure and a twisting action removed the roller from the staff (It should be frictioned on). At that point you should be able to remove the staff in the normal way. Make sure you take the hairspring off before doing this

[Watchfixer]

Really need to see a picture of these, btw this brand is extremely expensive.

Cheers, Watchfixer

[tonyboy]

Would it be more like a pocket watch movement than a wrist watch if it's a table clock......

[lmccoll]

I may try to get a decent picture. The movement in size is similar to an 18 size pocket watch, but the balance is much smaller and very fragile. The balance is about the size around of a men's swiss wristwatch, the hair spring is really small. The roller is not located right next to the balance, there is a large space between the balance and roller.

I think the trick of holding it in a collet might work, I hadn't thought about that.

It is a really nice little clock and the rest of it is in mint condition.

[Watchfixer]

Yes, to make 8day to work, either the barrel had to be huge or make balance wheel real tiny.

Macro photos are cool, come on.

Cheers, Watchfixer

[R.G.B.]

I was wondering why my two wittnauer 63 balances looked so teeny. Thank you.