Going through your photos, they are really helpful as I am trying to reset the keyless works. I actually had same issue, my watch has low amplitude and sometimes it wont start after I wind it. I have the same gadget/software to measure it, what did you exactly do to increase the amplitude? Thank you always sensei!So after a bit more playing around with the movement, I noticed that it often wouldn’t start itself back up after I hacked the movement. Also, the amplitude was quite a bit lower than the ~280 range before I did the service. I thought that since I did open up the shock settings, the problem might be the balance staff end shake. Unfortunately, there’s no screw adjustment for balance bridge height, so I was left with making shims out of aluminum foil. I used a double thickness (one fold) piece on one end and a triple thickness (double fold) on the other. Amplitude increased nicely and the movement starts easily after hacking.
Good luck on your journey. An AP3120 isn’t a good movement to start on. If you’re getting into the hobby I’d strongly suggest starting on the Unitas 6497 as your first movement to disassemble and reassemble. The 6497 is like starting with a naturally aspirated inline four before you tackle a twin turbo V8 — all the important stuff is there on the inline four, and starting there will let you understand the fundamentals without all the extra stuff bolted onto the V8. Watch movements are the same: mainspring & escapement = cylinder block and pistons; automatic works = turbo charger; perpetual calendar works = Quattro all wheel drive.super late to the party but wanted to say thank you for this awesome detailed post. just bought my first mechanical watch and as someone that builds engines for fun, I can not WAIT to take this thing apart.
definitely need a looot of tools though. I should start small with some cheap-o ebay movements first
Seller isn't replying to me anymore, so I am guessing there is either some dirt or junk in it, or maybe too much/too little oil on a jewel, or theres a beat error that needs correcting, I don't know.Yes. @legend does great work. If you’re in his part of the world he’s an excellent option.hahaha yeah, I'm aware. I know that if i took apart my 4302 i would probably never get it back together. lucky for me there are lots of cheap options on e-bay.
i've watched wristwatch revival on youtube for a while now and he has good advice for starters.
realistically i just want to be able to hone in the 4302 I just bought. its running 8-10 minutes slow. I tried regulating it but the arm is almost all the way to the fast side and its still losing 6 minutes a day
I just bought a weishi clone on amazon for $110 so I can at least get a measurement on this thing and see what is going on.
i am considering sending it out to @legend for service as I heard he does that stuff, but I want to spend some more time in the forums so I can get comfortable with the rules and whatnot before I go randomly PMing people asking for help.
based on this thread i agree. I'll get my watch on the weishi when it arrives and start a conversation with dogwood
(assuming he is open to new clients and based in USA)
Those numbers aren’t good. Amplitude is quite low. Beat error is also a bit high. I would recommend getting the movement serviced. There’s probably debris or dirt in the train wheels somewhere.
