Common Faults and Repairs of the Escapement Mechanism in Mechanical Watches
The escapement mechanism is a critical component in mechanical watches, demanding high technical skills for maintenance and repair. When faults occur or parts become damaged, ideally, original parts should be replaced to ensure accurate timekeeping. Without access to original parts, repairs must be carefully executed to maintain functionality, noting the precision required for such delicate work.
1. Pallet Wheel Faults: Damage to the pallet wheel or its axle can be addressed by disassembling and reassembling with intact parts. Critical attention is needed during disassembly and riveting to ensure the wheel is secure and even.
2. Broken Pallet Fork Pivot: A fine pivot, such as the pallet fork pivot, if broken, can be replaced by removing the damaged shaft and fitting an appropriate or custom-made new shaft.
3. Loose or Detached Pallet Stones: Reattaching dislodged pallet stones requires discerning the exit and entry stones based on their inclination angles, ensuring correct placement for optimal interaction with the escape wheel.
4. Determining Correct Position of Pallet Stones: The position of pallet stones can be judged by observing the contact between the escape wheel tooth and the pallet stones, with the goal being the wheel tooth’s leading edge aligning centrally on the stone surface. Adjustments might be needed if the engagement is too shallow or too deep.
5. Securing Pallet Stones: Pallet stones are typically secured using shellac, which adheres well to metal surfaces and softens upon heating, making it ideal for adjustments. The amount of shellac used should be minimal to avoid excess buildup.
6. Repairing Skewed Limit Pins: Skewed limit pins can alter the lock values of the escapement, potentially losing the safety roller’s protective function. Correction involves visual assessment and careful adjustment using a specialized tube tool to realign the pin.
7. Reinstalling Safety Roller Pins: Reinstallation of safety roller pins necessitates the removal of the double roller from the balance wheel assembly. Specialized tools or thin blades can assist in this process, with shellac used to secure the pin in place afterward.
Handling the escapement mechanism requires a detailed understanding and precise technique. These guidelines offer insights into addressing common issues but underscore the need for professional intervention in complex repairs to ensure the longevity and accuracy of mechanical watches.
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