Correcting and Repairing Watch Wheels: Techniques and Tips
In the lifetime of a mechanical watch, the sudden break of a mainspring or impact can bend or break the teeth of a wheel, or even snap the pivot, especially the delicate balance staff pivot. When replacement parts are unavailable, the damaged wheel may need to be corrected or repaired to restore functionality.
Correcting and Repairing Watch Wheels:
When a watch experiences gear damage due to a mainspring break or other causes, resulting in bent or broken teeth, there are a few methods to address this:
1. Minor Bends: For slightly bent teeth, a watch screwdriver can be inserted between the teeth, gently levering the tooth back into position.
2. Severe Damage: For more significant damage, including cracked tooth roots or complete breaks, and if no specific replacement parts are available, tooth replacement or repair might be necessary. In watches with ample space between gears, such as with the Shanghai 581 movement, teeth from a similar gear can be directly transplanted onto the damaged wheel.
For modern, thinner movements: like the Swiss ETA1080, where space is limited, broken teeth may need to be repaired using an inlay method. This involves:
â‘ Carving a dovetail slot at the site of the missing tooth.
â‘¡ Filing a brass piece or using a tooth from a similar gear to fit into the slot, soldering it securely.
â‘¢ Filing to shape the new tooth and polishing both sides for a seamless finish.
This method is suitable for repairing up to three adjacent broken teeth, paying careful attention to the spacing and shape of the teeth to avoid damaging the adjacent ones.
Single Tooth Replacement: For wheels with only one broken tooth, drilling a hole at the site, inserting a brass wire, and shaping it to form a new tooth can be an effective repair strategy.
These repair methods require precision and careful attention to detail to ensure the wheel functions correctly without causing further damage to the watch mechanism. Whether it’s a simple bend correction or a more complex tooth replacement, restoring the integrity of the watch wheel is crucial for the timepiece’s continued performance.
Remember, while these methods can extend the life of a cherished watch, they demand skill and patience, underscoring the importance of professional intervention for intricate repairs.
.
.