I got the quickset date feature to work. I just scratched out an outline with the tip of a file and filed it out. Only took a few minutes, a thin mainplate is no match for a diamond file. It's not as pretty as my next one will be, but it works. My files were medium grit, fine grit would take longer but would look better. Really should be done with a 600 grit file. It's not a visible groove, but I like to do closer tolerance work.
I had to switch to a regular 2824 minute bridge, with the support arm to press the date corrector down. That reminded me that 2836 date jumper maintaining plates sometimes come with a similar anchoring extension to hold the IDW down. I might try that approach next.
Some pics.
Sorry bro, I didn't mean uae the 2826 minute bridge, I meant the 2836 date jumper maintaining plate.
The 2836 versions have an extension that covers the IDW gears and holds them down. But I just tried it and that extension is not long enough because the bottom gear on the CHS IDW is so small. So nevermind. We're back to an IDW shim or a dial underside shim. Where did you get your .15 mm metal? You did such a nice job on that, Id like to see it work - no rotational shear worries.
and now the second hand has started with some funny business going forward a few ticks then backwards a few ticks. Ill open it up again when i get back from work but its looking like its a bit out of my capabilities to get this hunk of junk working! I got my shim from the bay, only £2.55 delivered in the uk. Would anyone happen have a spare of this spring, broken or not? I am interested to take stab at drafting it and seeing what it would cost to tool replacements out of a higher quality material.
Man not as much as id like to see it work! Still no joy! Hour hand got stuck around 7 again
Update. I was able to get my GMT wheel apart, cleaned and reassembled using staking tools. I reinstalled the circlip which I didn't have to start with. It is (not surprisingly) the exact size of the one used for a daywheel at 1.5mm. After I got it together I used the conveniently pre-placed glue holes to ooze some epoxy in. I coaxed it into the holes with a needle making sure no excess ran to the teeth on either the upper or lower gears. I cleaned off the excess before curing with an alcohol wipe.
After curing, there's a nice round bed of epoxy between the gears. This will keep the hour hand synched to the GMT hand with their proper individual periods of rotation. (For others reading along)
After servicing the movement, I noticed the balance assembly was missing its impulse pin. This is probably what made yours do the crazy second hand swings.
I put in a spare but the amplitude was still way low so I also installed a new main spring.
Now for the good news. It's been running flawlessly for 24 hours. No datewheel driving wheel yet. I'm going to add that and a datewheel tonight and see if the IDW can handle it.
Nice work mate i hope the plan comes together! Was the spring still inside the hour wheel or just glue? I was lucky enough to have the spring, albeit it broken) to fill up with glue as a template before slapping the top back on and clipping it.
I had a look at the impulse pin, i mean its there but theres no guarantee its straight! Im still pretty convinced its possibly the escape wheel as unlikely as that is. Ill let you dissect it as soon as ive swapped some bits over though
That’s dedication right there man! Controlling the flow like a tampax! Could be where i went wrong, i filled her up and left it high and not so dry... on the plus side ive started my new project, ill let you know when it comes to fruition
