American PW Elgin 12s grade 315

[Willy-D]

I recently acquired a fair-good condition Elgin 12s, 15 jewel grade 315, ca 1925 of of "the Bay", in running condition.

The watch keeps good time but I'd noticed it stalls every now and again when carried.

Rudimentary inspection indicates it has what sounds like an end-play click in it when tipped face down to face up, and every so often this movement seems to stall the train. When it stalls, it stops hard, doesn't ease to a stop. My first suspicion was a damaged staff or staff jewels, but the staff seems appropriately tight with no extra slop.

Has anyone seen this issue on these smaller watches and have a hopefully productive direction to point me?
thanks
Willy

 

[richiec]

Look for a cracked jewel, a worn staff, burred wheel. If it making more noise in one position than another, I suspect the staff or a jewel in the balance is at fault.

 

[Willy-D]

Thanks for the response.
To clarify, the click isn't a byproduct of operation, more like an end-play rattle when you move the watch from side to side. Not heavy, but audible.
I did check the balance for endplay (broken staff/jewels etc) and it seems fine

thanks

 

[cbaron]

When you say you checked the balance did you take out the balance and examine the jewels with a loupe? That is the only way to know for sure if you have a cracked jewel. You will also need to check the rest of the train jewels.

-Carl

 

[Willy-D]

No Carl, checked for excess play only. I'll get it let down and poke for loose parts
willy