Davidsen Deco Bezel 3646 DOA. Any ideas for resuscitation?

[nielsen]

So I just received my DSN 3646 Deco Bezel and a thing of beauty it is too--except it doesn't run. It appears to be fully wound. The crown appears to function fine and I can set the hands. There's no tightness or anything like that. I've gently tapped the base but no go. It won't start. Before contacting DSN, is there a quick fix? Undo the backplate and manually start it? How? Hope someone can help me. I hate the thought of having to send it back. I'm an unhappy camper--but optimistic someone will have a solution.

 

[hooligan]

A6497 or Molnija movement?

 

[nielsen]

Molnija movement

 

[hk45ca]

clear case back or solid? if it is solid remove it and look if anything is caught in the balance wheel. my 6154 had a very small finish plate come loose and get caught in the balance wheel. i simply removed the plate and it runs perfectly. it keeps time as well as my gen rolex.

 

[nielsen]

Clear caseback. What's the trick to removing it? Is the old wadded-up duct tape just as effective with clear casebacks?

 

[horologie_unitas]

i use a anti hair cloth sticky roll....to open the caseback.

then check all the screws....anything loose ? is anything blocking something in the movement ?

i also once used a toothpick to CAREFULLY ! pushstart the balance wheel.....once it started it ran fine.

i am sure it cant be much of a problem !

 

[nielsen]

everything appears to be tight. I've checked all screws. Nothing is visibly 'caught in the works'. Here's the deal: my gut instinct tells me the movement is over-wound. It certainly won't wind another notch and came that way from DSN. Can these movements be over-wound and if yes, how do I relieve the tension in the movement. Here's the other question: the balance wheel will only turn in one direction from its resting point--counter clockwise. I can gently turn it counter-clockwise about 2/3 of a revolution. When I let it go it flips clockwise and comes to a stop against something which I suspect must be under the bridge holding the balance wheel because I can't see any sort of stop-bar. Aren't balance wheels going both clockwise and anti? I too suspect that it is probably an easy fix, and as I said: I'd reaaaally rather not send it back to China.

 

[hooligan]

Sounds very much like the mainspring may be bound-up on itself or something else.

I would take it to a watchsmith, and have it diagnosed prior to sending it back, personally....

 

[hk45ca]

Clear caseback. What's the trick to removing it? Is the old wadded-up duct tape just as effective with clear casebacks?

if it is a clear case back you would remove it the same way but since it is clear you can look at the balance wheel without opening the watch.

here's what happened to mine. the case back is on but you can see inside the red square is the plate stuck in the balance wheel. it was glued on the area just left of the red box.

 

[cybee]

Sounds very much like the mainspring may be bound-up on itself or something else.

I would take it to a watchsmith, and have it diagnosed prior to sending it back, personally....

That would be my first guess too. If you are able to get the back off then you can just hold the click back with a small tool while gently releasing the crown with your right hand. This will free up all the tension in the mainspring...Or just let a watchmaker do it for you. Simple for any competent watchmaker.

 

[nielsen]

Ta-daaaaaaa.......Yep, it was wound tight as a drum. Cybee, thanks for warning me to hold the crown. Once I pulled back that click-back, the pressure was amazing. I thought the watch would take off across the room like a whirling dervish. Whew. And now the little !@#$%^ is beating its little heart out. As always, thank you so much everyone! I coudn't have done it without you all. Is this forum great or what! I'm a Happy Camper again

 

[Dogma]

Wow, there are surely some smart rep guys up in here! Well done folks and well done Nielsen!
Glad it's running for ya!