How balance staffs are replaced Ken Pell
Components of balance assembly Wheel (split or solid) Staff (riveted or friction) Hairspring (flat or overcoil) Roller (single or double)
Balance wheel Roller Hairspring
Wheel Roller and Jewel Staff
Roller Hub Hairspring Hub Pivot Wheel Hub
Why they must be replaced Trauma, such as dropping or bumping watch which damages the staff and jewels
Broken Pivot
Pre staffing Clean movement Examine and replace balance jewels Identify movement early and secure new staff
Good Hole Jewel
Cracked Hole Jewel
Chipped hole jewel
Selecting replacement staff Determine grade of watch Use Elgin reference for staff number Order staff Verify measurements
Make a new staff? Not necessary 99% of time Need expertise on lathe Outsourcing is possible
Take measurements Hairspring hub Roller hub Pivots
Compare old to new Old staff New Staff Pivot Hairspring Roller Wheel
Modify if needed Reduce diameter of hubs using lathe. Choose another staff
Steps Remove hairspring Remove roller Remove balance wheel
Mark the postion of the stud
Mark Position Of collet
Mark position Of roller jewel
Remove wheel from staff Place staff in hole of table with wheel resting on the table. Push or tap staff out
Wheel is resting On table
Restaffing Place staff with roller side down in staking set. Choose appropriate round face and flat face punches. Place wheel over staff Rivet
Use round face first, then flat Turn punch while tapping Always use brass hammer Test In lathe
Replace roller Place on punch with hairspring side down “Three quarter” test Make sure jewel clears punch Tap or press on
Roller sits 3/4 th down