Project description
I have inherited a small vintage pocket watch that has been sitting in a drawer for close to two decades, and I would like to get its movement fully restored rather than replaced. The case still opens cleanly and the crystal is intact, but the watch does not run at all when the crown is wound, which suggests the mainspring has either snapped or lost its tension over the years.
What I am looking for is a complete teardown of the movement: removing the hands and dial, lifting the gear train plate by plate, and documenting each part as it comes out so nothing gets mixed up on reassembly. The mainspring barrel needs to be opened and inspected — if the spring is broken or set, I would like a correctly sized replacement fitted rather than a generic substitute that throws off the power reserve.
Every wheel in the gear train should be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, checked for worn pivots or bent teeth, and then re-oiled with the appropriate viscosity of oil at each jewel and bearing point — too much oil is as bad as too little on a movement this small. The escapement is the part I am most worried about: the pallet fork and balance wheel need careful adjustment so the watch keeps reasonably accurate time again, ideally checked on a timing machine before and after regulation.
Once the movement runs cleanly, I would also like the crown and stem checked for smooth winding and setting, the case given a gentle polish that does not remove the original engraving on the back, and the crystal reseated if it is loose. I can bring the watch in person or ship it insured with full documentation of its current condition beforehand. Please share examples of similar pocket watch movements you have restored, along with your typical turnaround time and how you handle sourcing period-correct replacement parts when the original ones cannot be salvaged.
What I am looking for is a complete teardown of the movement: removing the hands and dial, lifting the gear train plate by plate, and documenting each part as it comes out so nothing gets mixed up on reassembly. The mainspring barrel needs to be opened and inspected — if the spring is broken or set, I would like a correctly sized replacement fitted rather than a generic substitute that throws off the power reserve.
Every wheel in the gear train should be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, checked for worn pivots or bent teeth, and then re-oiled with the appropriate viscosity of oil at each jewel and bearing point — too much oil is as bad as too little on a movement this small. The escapement is the part I am most worried about: the pallet fork and balance wheel need careful adjustment so the watch keeps reasonably accurate time again, ideally checked on a timing machine before and after regulation.
Once the movement runs cleanly, I would also like the crown and stem checked for smooth winding and setting, the case given a gentle polish that does not remove the original engraving on the back, and the crystal reseated if it is loose. I can bring the watch in person or ship it insured with full documentation of its current condition beforehand. Please share examples of similar pocket watch movements you have restored, along with your typical turnaround time and how you handle sourcing period-correct replacement parts when the original ones cannot be salvaged.
Other / Miscellaneous Cash, Bank transfer
