Roller jewel orientation--any preferred position?

[jboger]

I just riveted on a new staff for an Elgin 3/0s movement with a double roller. I have yet to install the roller table. With respect to the balance arms, is there any preferred position of the roller jewel? In the past I've positioned the roller jewel halfway between the balance arms so that I know where it is when I replace the balance assembly into the movement. I've seen the roller jewel also aligned with one of the balance arms, which again I think is to help position the jewel with respect to the lever. And I've seen it just about everywhere else. Is there a preferred position? Did Elgin, Hampden, Waltham, and the others orient the roller jewel in any preferred position? Enquiring minds would like to know.

John

 

[karlmansson]

The balance will have been poised with the roller installed. So the original position of the roller is the correct one.

 

[jboger]

That's a very good point. And it answers my question. Thank you.

 

[Skutt50]

You can also mark the wheel to show the roller direction before you remove the roller table. That way you will get it back in the original position. You sometimes find a puncture mark or other marking of some kind from earlier repair. I use a marker pen if there is no older mark to be found.