Watch sometimes won't stay running - intermittent problem

[jmb]

This one confuses me but I am an absolute greenhorn when it comes to mechanical watches. I usually associate mechanical devices with they either work fine or they don't!

I have a new "noobmariner" that has a rather exasperating symptom/issue which I'll try to outline:

After I received it on Monday it ran flawlessly for about 9 hours then stopped, it restarted with a slight (very slight) tap with my finger and ran fine for about a day then stopped again. It then stopped 2-3 times the next day, and today would only run for a few seconds without a "tap". When it got to the point this morning that it would only run 2-3 seconds per tap I unscrewed the crown and noticed it started without a tap and continued to run. I reset the time and left the crown unscrewed and it ran without a hitch for over an hour so I screwed the crown back down (maybe not as tight as before) and it is still running!

Did I maybe crank down too hard on the crown thereby putting something in the works in a bind? Is this s coincidence? Is there maybe a chunk of dirt floating around in the gears causing random stoppages?

Any guidance other than replace movement with a 7750 is appreciated...

 

[hk45ca]

it has a mechanical movement. it either has to be wound or worn to keep it running. i don't remember how much power reserve it has when fully wound but it will be more than 24 hours. wind it about 40 turns and start wearing it.

 

[jmb]

I did that yesterday and it stopped after 20 minutes so I tossed it in a drawer and wore the Daytona rep. Today I got it out wound it about 40 turns and it would stop every couple of seconds. This is when I discovered it stayed running when I left the crown unscrewed. As I mentioned I then screwed the crown back in (lighter touch) and it has now ran about 4 hours without a hitch and is still right on the second with NIST time.

I'm more partial to a Colt Series 70 Gold Cup...

 

[fakemaster]

The winder stem is cut to the wrong legnth more than likely.

 

[hk45ca]

fakie is probably right, something is getting pressure put on it when it is screwed down tight.

 

[d4m.test]

I'm more partial to a Colt Series 70 Gold Cup...

OLDTIMER!!!!
I still like my Tussey Custom Colt Series 70, but lets face it... More bullets = more of a chance to walk away!

 

[jmb]

Y'all nailed it. I received confirmation from the seller that the noobmariners are prone to have this "issue". I may fab a shim to insert into the crown to prevent me from screwing it in too far...

Now, to more important things, OLDTIMER!!!??? Hmmm... I've always subscribed to the concept that one well placed big hole does more good than a bunch of little holes in the extremities or missing!

 

[fakemaster]

You need to shorten it.

 

[jmb]

I dunno, shim sounds much easier! What is involved in sortening, semove stem and grind off a few thou?

 

[fakemaster]

You take the winder head off and snip off some length. Then glue it back on. About a quarter mm will do.

 

[d4m.test]

Y'all nailed it. I received confirmation from the seller that the noobmariners are prone to have this "issue". I may fab a shim to insert into the crown to prevent me from screwing it in too far...

Now, to more important things, OLDTIMER!!!??? Hmmm... I've always subscribed to the concept that one well placed big hole does more good than a bunch of little holes in the extremities or missing!

I too believe in using well placed shots... But what if there are more targets than bullets? Im just messin with ya anyway! Sounds like the Pro's chimed in and got you settled.

If you happen to have a dremel with a cut off wheel, Ive always found that worked best for taking down the length of stems. But understand that very very very little needs to be taken off in this case! Use the cut off wheel like a grinder on the flat surface of the stem (the threaded part)... I remember someone who was grinding down THE OTHER end of a stem once...

 

[jmb]

I will take all of this sage advice under advisment. And, CBR, if you have more targets than ammo, well, that's what tactical nukes are for!!! :wink: