Inspection and Repair of Rebanking in Mechanical Watches
Rebanking, a condition where the escapement mechanism ceases to function correctly due to the pallet fork̵
Inspection and Repair of Rebanking in Mechanical Watches
Rebanking, a condition where the escapement mechanism ceases to function correctly due to the pallet fork’s pin and the safety roller’s improper engagement, can halt a watch’s operation. This malfunction typically occurs when external shocks or vibrations cause the roller pin to rest outside the pallet fork, effectively stopping the watch.
The main causes of rebanking include:
1. Loose or Bent Pallet Fork Pin: A loose or deformed pallet fork pin can lose its proper function, leading to rebanking.
2. Damaged Safety Roller: Wear or rough edges on the safety roller can also contribute to this issue.
3. Misalignment: If the pallet fork shaft and the fork itself are misaligned, it can cause the pallet fork to sit too high or too low, affecting its interaction with the roller pin.
4. Excessive Axial Play: Too much space along the axis of the pallet fork shaft or balance shaft can further exacerbate the problem.
Repair strategies involve:
1. Tightening or Straightening the Pallet Fork Pin: Care must be taken not to apply excessive force, as this can break the pin.
2. Repairing the Safety Roller: Smoothing the edges with fine sandpaper and attempting to reuse the roller can resolve some rebanking issues.
3. Correcting Misalignment: Adjusting the height of the pallet fork by pressing the fork body in a larger anvil hole can realign the component.
4. Adjusting Axial Play: Modifying the jewel hole or the plate can reduce axial slack and restore proper function.
Understanding and addressing these factors are crucial in the repair and maintenance of mechanical watches facing rebanking issues. Through careful inspection and precise adjustments, the escapement mechanism can be restored to optimal functionality.
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