Repair Help with LeCoultre 910-broken clutch wheel/setting wheel

[SethSimon]

Hi all,

I am struggling with an issue on a LeCoultre 910 and need some help! This watch watched ok before cleaning and oiling. When re-assembling-I noticed that the time side clutch wheel and smallest setting wheel that engages with the clutch wheel had broken teeth. I installed a new clutch wheel and setting wheel and when fully assembled I can see why they stripped. When trying to set the time-it is suddenly impossible to do so-the clutch wheel and smallest setting wheel are now unable to turn the other setting wheels/minute/hour wheels-although all parts are seated correctly. It winds perfectly-just can't set when stem is pulled out. I've had this watch for years and it didn't strain like this-it set easily. Is there a brake or lever that I somehow moved while cleaning that disengages allowing the setting gears to turn easily? HELP!

 

[Chris Radek]

What lube did you use in the cannon pinion?

 

[SethSimon]

I arrived at the canon pinion solution just as I read your post and laughed out loud! Thank you! This is why I love this forum-you guys always have the answers! I decided to see where the setting was hanging up and removed part by part to diagnose it. The 3 setting wheels in the photo below were able to turn freely once I removed the canon pinion-so it definitely pointed there. So strange--it wasn't this tight before cleaning/oiling---not sure why it is now so tight. Was able to remove, lubricate with 9010 and once I get a new setting wheel--fingers crossed-it will set easily and not strip the parts! Thanks for the quick response!

 

[4thdimension]

It does seems like a lot of gears needed to achieve setting! I’m glad the simple fix of lubing the cannon pinion worked out.-Cort

 

[gmorse]

Hi Seth,

So strange--it wasn't this tight before cleaning/oiling---not sure why it is now so tight.

Steel on steel can easily 'gall' and effectively weld the parts together on a small point of contact. A tiny smear of a grease such as 8213 helps prevent it but a dab of 9010 will also do the job.

Regards,

Graham