Columbus Pocket Watch (ca. 1880)

[RexinMinn]

Recently this watch was serviced. Within two months its minute hand began to slip. I retired the watch for a few weeks and upon rewinding it found it to be working correctly again. Regardless of that I returned to the horologist who checked it on an electronic beat reader and pronounced it fit for service. Now the problem is happening again. I will wind the watch fully. I will then watch as the second hand continues, but the minute hand does not move. In a few minutes the minute hand begins to move and the watch seems to run well. What could be the problem? Is there something I can do as an untrained person with some skill and a few tools. Please see photos.

 

[finiteguy]

I'm not an expert, but many will probably respond that the cannon pinion needs to be tightened.

 

[RexinMinn]

I'm not an expert, but many will probably respond that the cannon pinion needs to be tightened.

More than likely this will require a trip back to the horologist who originally performed the work. Is this something that can be done while I wait for the watch? I appreciate the answer, at the very least it's a start. It gives me hope that something can be done about this. Thank you!

 

[James Wrobel]

As a further test, when setting the time, do the minute and hour hands stay in sync (pointing the right way)? If so, I think finiteguy is right, and the watch would have to be returned for further service. This would not be a while-you-wait procedure. There are several threads on this forum for slipping canon pinion, and various op-pinions as well.

 

[RexinMinn]

As a further test, when setting the time, do the minute and hour hands stay in sync (pointing the right way)? If so, I think finiteguy is right, and the watch would have to be returned for further service. This would not be a while-you-wait procedure. There are several threads on this forum for slipping canon pinion, and various op-pinions as well.

I will take a look at this. I believe they do, but I haven't done such a test.
I will also take a look at the topic of slipping canon pinions as well.
I appreciate your input!

 

[pocketsrforwatches]

Probably a loose canon pinion which USUALLY is a simple fix but not always. If there doesn't appear to be much friction while turning the crown to set the watch, that would be another indicator of a loose canon pinion. I would be concerned why the regulator is at an extreme position after servicing. It should be close to centered.

 

[RexinMinn]

Probably a loose canon pinion which USUALLY is a simple fix but not always. If there doesn't appear to be much friction while turning the crown to set the watch, that would be another indicator of a loose canon pinion. I would be concerned why the regulator is at an extreme position after servicing. It should be close to centered.

I had the same thought regarding the regulator. When I took it back to the service person and they indicated it was running well (using the machine described above) I guess they thought it didn't warrant re-regulating, but that is something I will bring to their attention when I return the watch. Your suggestion is very helpful for giving me the confidence to approach them with these questions, and I greatly appreciate your input! Thank you!