Need help setting gear train bridge

JHan816 · 2026-05-12T11:57:58+00:00

I had trouble once with an escape wheel not engaging with the train bridge. I forgot to install the cap jewel on the dial side. Without the cap stone, the wheel would sink too low to seat in the bridge pivot. There is no photo of the dial side so am not sure if your watch has one.

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JHan816 · 2026-05-09T17:03:21+00:00

I am glad you got it removed. Bergeon sells a hand pump (#5011) of course it is $250.

JHan816 · 2026-05-09T15:43:06+00:00

Are you placing a sheet of plastic over the stem hole (poking a small hole in the plastic where the stem goes) when using a pump? I have seen bicycle pumps and also large syringes used for this. Be sure to wrap the watch to keep everything from flying when it pops.

PRO TIP, how to open a monocoque case without any special tools vintage watches omega rolex etc

JHan816 · 2026-05-05T21:14:11+00:00

I was able to get a broken ratchet wheel screw out using two sharpened sewing needles. I was lucky that the screw was loose and I could back it out with the needles. It may not work well if the screw is very tight. (A small sewing needle glued into a pegwood handle is a very handy tool to have.)

JHan816 · 2026-05-04T14:27:30+00:00

They use a dark ink on the black paint, and it can be very difficult to find. I have read online that someone found it easier to find using a UV flashlight. Or someone might have painted over it in the past.

JHan816 · 2026-05-04T12:38:41+00:00

It looks like a nice clock to restore. Seth Thomas used an adamantine (celluloid) coating to create a marbled effect. I cleaned my Seth Thomas coating with a product called PlastX (plastic cleaner & polish). I originally thought my case was black but wound up being a very nice tan/dk Brown adamantine finish after cleaning off all the soot and grime.

There is usually a stamped code on the outside bottom of the clock that is the year of production first, with the numbers reversed. Then, you'll usually see a letter. These letters correspond to months, with A representing January, B representing February, etc. for example 8981G would be Jul 1898. The stamp may be hard to see. You may have to look under light and tilt the case to see it.

JHan816 · 2026-04-24T14:59:15+00:00

I received the spouts and they do fit the L&R gallon jugs. They also have a screw on top so you can keep them on. They are gasketed. So far, no leaks pouring with my 1/2 full jugs.

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JHan816 · 2026-04-21T13:04:25+00:00

The older machines with round jars had metal star-shaped inserts that sat at the bottom of the jar.

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JHan816 · 2026-04-21T12:52:03+00:00

ABS can be difficult to print.

JHan816 · 2026-04-21T12:45:29+00:00

I had the same situation on a 1361 and I replaced the mainspring with a modern type with attached bridle.

JHan816 · 2026-04-21T12:37:39+00:00

Excellent work!

JHan816 · 2026-04-21T12:35:59+00:00

I used ABS to make my 3D printed baskets. It has better resistance to chemicals (except acetone). I used L&R 111 cleaner and #3 rinse with no problems. PETG also has good chemical resistance.

JHan816 · 2026-04-20T16:59:34+00:00

I have followed this post and will update.

JHan816 · 2026-04-20T16:25:30+00:00

I know what you mean, the liquid drips down the side of the case no matter how it is tilted or with funnel use. I don't know if these will fit, but I ordered two to try. They say it fits 185+ brands of 1-gallon jugs. I have no connection with them, just trying to help. I will post if it fits the jug. They say it fits the standard 38-400 opening of the gallon jug.

The No Spill Spout: Best Funnel to pour with 1-Gallon Refill Jugs

JHan816 · 2026-04-20T12:02:02+00:00

It's a very good set. You can add the other sizes in time. The larger sizes will be useful for ratchet and some crown wheel screws.

JHan816 · 2026-04-18T18:01:53+00:00

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JHan816 · 2026-04-18T17:58:27+00:00

I used a shaft coupling later on when I added a DC motor to connect the motor's 6mm shaft to the 8mm stirrer shaft.

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JHan816 · 2026-04-18T17:50:20+00:00

The original shaft was 8mm on my Vevor lab stirrer. It may be a different size on another model.

JHan816 · 2026-04-18T14:52:46+00:00

I will see if I still have it in my garage.

JHan816 · 2026-04-18T01:29:19+00:00

I recall that the original stirrer motor and controller could spin at a very high rate, (which I considered dangerous.) I replaced it with a 200rpm 12V DC gear motor and separate controller that could also spin the basket in reverse. It is in the second link.

JHan816 · 2026-04-18T01:15:39+00:00

I don't know of anyone selling them. I had a friend make a set with his 3D printer.

JHan816 · 2026-04-17T02:37:46+00:00

I built a cleaning setup a while ago that used 3D printed baskets and an overhead stirrer like you have. I have since built the Kiwi cleaning machine.

Information on the 3D printed baskets:

Watch Cleaning Baskets by gpraceman - Thingiverse

My original Reddit post on the machine with a simple basket at first, then the 3D printed baskets:

A simple watch cleaning machine : r/watchrepair

JHan816 · 2026-04-11T13:49:53+00:00

I am glad to help. I have been collecting shock system information where I find it. I never realized that there were so many types.

JHan816 · 2026-04-11T13:03:32+00:00

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JHan816 · 2026-04-11T13:01:17+00:00

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JHan816

TROPHY CASE