Watch timing setup

[Rob P.]

I just finished cleaning a "learner" 16s Elgin 7J and (finally) got around to using my new Microset (xmas present) for the first time.

First, Kudo's to Microset - that thing is sweeeeet! Simple and easy to use and the factory installed M&M's lasted just long enough to read the quick start section and get it into action. Well done.

Secondly, when timing a movemet, should it be set to run slightly fast or slow on average? I've heard both are "better" but which is "best practice?" I'd think that slow would be better since the movement will gain time as it gets dirty and needing serviced again. OTOH, fast could be better since the movement will always be fast and eventually will be so annoyingly fast that the owner will bring it back for service rather than mess with it continuously.

So, which is "best practice?" Fast or slow?

 

[richiec]

Rob, I don't understand, why wouldn't you set it to run on time right from the start?

 

[karlmansson]

I've seen regulating procedures where watchmakers regulate a movement so that it's slow in certain positions and fast in others. The closest to target rate should be in the the position it is kept most of the time. Then the other positions will average each other out.
This would only apply to a movement where the rate is irregular between positions to an extent that it will make a difference over a day.

Also, a watch of poor quality or in need of service will speed up during the let down of the power reserve. So if it's an automatic you can pretty much count on it being wound fully all the time, if it's worn every day that is. A manual wind might be a different story.

I think the best practice (I'm probably not the expert you are looking for though) would be to make it accurate. That could mean setting it slow or fast in certain positions though, depending on the positional variation.

Best

/Karl

 

[dAz57]

I generally set them slightly fast, it's better if the watch gains than loses, with a pocket watch if it's going to be worn then I adjust with a bias to the crown up position, the better the grade the finer you can adjust it.

An automatic I adjust slightly fast say 5-6 secs a day, in fact most wrist watches are adjusted slightly fast, basically because the watch subjected to more bumping around than a pocket watch.

The end result is really up to the person wearing the watch, after a service I get the customer to wear the watch normally for few weeks, then if the watch is gaining or losing, I tell them to set the watch to accurate time, wear it normally for 10-14 days, don't allow the watch to stop and don't adjust it, and at the end of the test divide the amount the watch has gained or loss by the the number of days, will give you an average daily error, then on your timer adjust the regulator for the number of seconds in the error.

 

[Rob P.]

Rob, I don't understand, why wouldn't you set it to run on time right from the start?

Richie,

This is a 7J movement. Not the greatest for accuracy. Right now the movement runs 17985.xx to 18009.xx BPH dial up or down (17997 BPH averaged). That's going to be just a tad bit slow but so dang close to perfect I don't want to alter it.

BUT, pendant up, it runs something like 18028.xx to 18035.xx (18031 BPH averaged). Which is about 2 mins fast/day I think if my math isn't totally wrong. Overall AVERAGE is going to be a bit fast since in a carrying position it runs fast. Overnight won't change that even though it will lose time if left laying dial up/down. Since it's so close to 18000 dial up/down it won't lose anywhere near enough to compensate for the carrying time gain.

The questions is whether to slow it down so that the average is slower so that it loses time or let it gain time in a 24 hr period. Whichever way it's set, the movement's accuracy is still going to be ok for it's level though it could still be slowed down a bit. So, is it better to gain or lose a bit of time each day?

 

[LarFure]

Set it to run a little fast. That way you will never be late for an appointment. Watchmakers usually do this so he doesn't catch he11 for someone missing an appointment because his newly serviced watch was running slow.

 

[karlmansson]

LarFure, hahaha... Pragmatism at its finest!