Mechanical Watch Faults: A Stopped Watch Isn’t Necessarily Broken
Automatic Mechanical Watches Halting: Increase Arm Movement
Experiencing your new watch stopping after ten days isn’t a sign of a defect, but rather an indication of insufficient movement, leading to inadequate power. In our sedentary lifestyle, manual winding becomes essential for automatic watches to ensure continued operation and accuracy. Consider them as “arm movement-assisted winding devices” for a more accurate description.
Solution: Increase arm movement or manually wind your watch to supplement the automatic winding mechanism.
The “Misfire” Phenomenon: Adjusting the Rolling Inner Peg
Severe “misfire” can halt a watch due to inadequate glue or incorrect placement, causing the round peg to fall off. Addressing this involves meticulous adjustments under magnification.
Solution: For watches without a mobile outer peg structure, dismantle the balance wheel and hairspring, adjust the rolling inner peg for alignment.
The “Recoil” Phenomenon: Self-Resolving Potential
Impacts can cause the escape wheel’s tip to slip to the pallet fork face, misdirecting the fork and causing “recoil” – a complete stoppage. This is one of the malfunctions leading to a halted watch.
Solution: If caused by short pallet fork pins, adjust or replace the escapement components as necessary. In cases of misalignment, the mobile outer peg ring can be adjusted.
Magnetization: The Iron Block Rescue
Exposure to strong magnetic fields from generators, electric motors, or electronic devices can magnetize a watch, affecting its precision or causing it to stop.
Solution: Professional demagnetization is advised, but if inconvenient, passing the watch through a non-magnetized iron loop can help reduce magnetization.
Understanding these mechanical watch faults and their solutions not only preserves the life of your cherished timepieces but also enriches your appreciation for the intricate world of horology.
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