35. _Principle of Pinning Point Alterations._

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 15]

When an alteration of any pinning point is necessary, the extent and direction of the alteration are determined by the rate of the watch.

For instance, if a spring is pinned at the fast point and if a slightly slower pendant up rate is desired, the spring can be broken off at the collet and pinned one-eighth above the horizontal line.

If the rate is to be made slightly faster, the spring can be let out a trifle at the collet, the over coil reformed or the stud moved forward on the over coil so that the collet point of attachment will come slightly below the horizontal line when the spring is placed in beat.

The former alteration causes an approach toward the slow point and in making the latter alteration we a.s.sume that the fast point is a trifle below the horizontal line on that particular watch. When altering springs from the extreme fast point to the extreme slow point, it is advisable to remove a trifle less of the inner coil than the extreme calculation. This will cause the point of attachment to be slightly above the horizontal line on the slow side and will most always produce the result desired and if it does not, there is still a possibility of further alteration. The same principle applies in making an alteration from the extreme slow to the extreme fast point and in this case the point of attachment to collet may be just a trifle below the horizontal line.

The theory of this is that all shortening of the coil from the fast to the slow point produces a slower rate pendant up, until the extreme slow point is reached. After pa.s.sing this extreme slow point the pendant up rate begins to grow faster until the extreme fast point is reached. [A]The designations "right" and "left" in regard to pinning points are used with the explicit understanding that the individual is facing the train side of the movement. The same designations used as referring to position rates, or results to be expected in positions should be interpreted to mean with the individual facing the dial side of the watch.

36. _Same Principles Apply in Case of American Hunting Models._

The points shown in Figures 14 and 15 refer generally to American hunting models. In all other high grade watches the location of the balance and spring will be found either to the right or left of the center of the watch.

In American hunting models the balance and spring are located in the lower center of the watch.

This is due to the fact that American manufacturers do not construct separate models for hunting watches as is done by foreign manufacturers.

Instead of producing an entirely separate model, the method simply calls for a change in the construction of the barrel bridge by reversing the position of the barrel and winding wheels. This places the winding sleeve at figure three on the dial, which is customary on hunting watches and causes the entire movement to be shifted by ninety degrees with the balance just about opposite the pendant.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote A: Important Note.]

CHAPTER IX

MANIPULATION OF THE REGULATOR PINS

37. _Altering the Length of Spring by Regulator Pins._

On some occasions when the pinning points seem to be comparatively close and the watch is in good condition with the balance in poise, it is possible to obtain corrections by closing or opening the regulator pins.

This, however, can only be resorted to, to a limited extent, as otherwise the value of the regulator may be impaired.

The pins should not be closed tight enough to cause "kinking" of the over coil and they should not be spread apart any more than enough to make the mean rate about 2 seconds per hour slower.

Some models of watches consistently require that the pins be closed, while other models require that they be slightly spread, and it is therefore advisable not to disturb the pins when cleaning watches unless they have been bent by incompetent hands.

It is better to reserve the majority of pin alterations for such time as the position rate determines the necessity of an alteration. When the pins are open, however, it is necessary to adjust the coil so that its vibration will be equal.

Correct execution in spreading or closing the pins will very often make it possible to obtain a correction of six or eight seconds between the vertical and horizontal positions.

38. _Method of Examining Vibration of Over Coil Between the Pins._

The proper method of examining this vibration is to stop the balance and observe the movement of the coil between the pins.

The vibration should be equal at the slightest oscillation of the balance as well as during the longer arcs. The coil should not rest against one or the other of the pins at any time unless they are both closed. Emphasis is placed upon equal vibration of the coil when the pins are open because of its importance, and if results are not obtained (as expected) the examination should be repeated to see if correct conditions have been attained. Examination of this vibration should be made from both sides of the pins and usually the best estimate can be obtained by looking between the pins from the stud side.

39. _Position Corrections Obtained by Spreading or Closing the Regulator Pins._

When the regulator pins are tightly closed and the watch has a fast pendant up position rate, it will be possible to obtain a slower rate by slightly spreading the pins.

When the pins are spread and vibration of the coil between them can be discerned, and the pendant up rate is slow, a faster rate can be obtained by closing them.

In spreading the pins they should be drawn away from the coil equally, as otherwise the coil will strike one pin with more force than the other, which will not produce results as expected and will cause uncertain regulation. In closing the pins they should be drawn together one at a time until both are in equal contact. They should not be merely squeezed together, as this causes distortion of the coil at the point of contact.

CHAPTER X

FACTORY AND REPAIR SHOP ADJUSTING

40. _Routine Varies According to Circ.u.mstances._

The principles covering the adjustment of watches are the same in the repair shop as they are in the factory and they are equally the same in the various lines of high grade watches regardless as to whether they are of American or foreign extraction.

The routine covering the work to be done, however, may vary, depending upon the quant.i.ty of watches that are turned out. In the factories where large numbers of watches are adjusted the adjuster is trained in the various branches of watch work and eventually devotes his entire time to adjusting. The watches are generally turned over to him after they are all a.s.sembled and ready for the final balance and spring work, or after they have been finished and rated, in which instance he receives only those that are not within the requirements and he then makes the necessary alterations, after which they are again tested for results.

In some repair shops where large numbers of fine watches are handled, a similar system is used and one competent adjuster devotes his time princ.i.p.ally to the work of timing and adjusting.

41. _Considering the Watchmaker in the Small Shop of One or Two Workmen._

By far the greater number of watchmakers are employed in stores having only one or two workmen who are required to do the cleaning and to make all repairs. For this reason an adjuster of equal skill could not do as much actual adjusting as could be done in either of the two previous instances, but for the same reason he would not be expected to do as much.

He can, however, adjust the high grade watches that he repairs just as closely, and he should not permit himself to feel that time and the nature of his position prohibits him from doing so. Whether it does, or does not prevent him from obtaining close rates depends entirely upon his training and understanding of the necessary details. If he is skilful and accurate, his output of work in the long run will not be reduced, his work will give better satisfaction and he will have less "comebacks" to take up his valuable time.

42. _Advantage of Understanding Adjusting Even Though Watches are Not Tested in Positions or Isochronism._

To understand position adjusting thoroughly is of the greatest advantage in obtaining satisfactory time from any medium or high grade watches even though they are not to be tested in positions because vital points will receive intelligent observation where they would otherwise be overlooked.

43. _Concerning Watchmakers of Limited Experience._

The previous notes and rules covering pinning points of the hairspring as detailed by the cuts and descriptions, together with the concrete adjusting examples to follow would no doubt be of sufficient note for watchmakers of considerable experience.

There are, however, many ambitious workmen who have not devoted any time whatever to the study or practice of adjusting and to whom some elementary study and practice may be quite indispensable.