HoROLOGICAL TM TIMES May2006
20th Century Watchmaker
21st Century Watchmaker
MATSYS ONLINE
American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute Quartz Movement SALE!
Model Size/Type & InterChange Sale Price ETA Swiss Assembled (Swiss- Made Jewelled Models) 280.002 33/4 X 63/4 ...... $27.95 901.001 51/z x 63/4, 2 Hand ...... 19.95 955.112 11 1/zl, S/S, Date ...... 22.95 955.412 101/zl, SIS, Date ...... 22.95 955.412-2 10 1/z L, 2-Hand, Date ...... 23.95 956.032 73/4 L, S/S ...... 29.95 956.112 73/4 L, SIS, Date ...... 22.95 ETA Econoline Models 802.004/104 63/4 x 8, Reg. or SIS ...... 4.95 805.114/124 11 1/z L, SIS, Cal. or Day/Date ...... 6.50 1 3 901.005 5 /z x 6 /4, 2 Hand (metal plates) ...... 7.50 F03.11 A* J3!4 L, SIS, Date (Replaces 956.114) ...... 10.50 F05.11 A* 10 1/z, SIS, Date (Replaces 955.414) ...... 10.50 F06.11A* 11 1/zl, S/S, Date (Replaces 955.114) ...... 1 0.50 *Also available with calendar at 6 o'clock, please specify ...... 11.95 FE 5120 51/z x 63/4,2 Hand (Replaces Ron. 3572) ...... 7.95 5820 51/z x 63f4, 2 Hand (Replaces FE6820) ...... 14.95 Hattori PC21 63/4 x 8, SIS ...... 3.95 PC33 10 1J2 L, SIS, Day/Date ...... 6.50 VB20 33/4 X 63/4 ...... 18.95 VX10NX11 51/z x 63/4, Reg. or SIS ...... 6.50 VX42NX43 11 1/z L, SIS, Cal. or Day/Date ...... 8.95 VX50NX51 63/4 x 8, Reg. or SIS ...... 5.50 3 Y121 6 /4 X 8, SIS ...... 3.50 Y121-H* 63/4 x 8, SIS (*with high can pinion) ...... 2.95 -- - ISA 1198/12 11 1/z L, SIS, ...... 5.50 1198/32 11 1/z L, SIS, Date ...... 5.95 --- Miyota 2035 63/4 x 8, SIS ...... 3.75 5R21 33/4 x 6L (Replaces PUW211) ...... 18.50 5Y20/5Y30 51/z x 63/4, Reg. or SIS ...... 7.95 6M02/6M 12 10 1f2 L, S~ ._Ca!:_~ [)ay/[)ate ...... 8.50 Ronda 515 11 1/z L, SIS, Day/Date ...... 6.95 (Replaces model 315 - Calendar available @ 3 or 6.) 715 10 1/z L, SIS, Date ...... 9.95 751n52 51/z x 63/4L, 2 Hand ...... 7.50 751E 51/z x 63/4 L, 2 Hand (Rep I. for 978.002) ...... 12.95 753 ...... 7.95 lED Keyehain Light with any 12 Movements • Super bright white LED • Uses (2) CR2016 batteries • On/Off Button • New slim design- 21/4" x 1" • Swivel key ring • ONLY 1/4" thick! HoROLOGICAL rn HoROLOGICAL"' TIMES Official Publication of the American Watchmakers-Ciockmakers Institute TIMES EDITORIAL & EXECUTIVE OFFICES American Watchmakers-Ciockmakers Institute (AWCI) VOLUME 30, NUMBER 5, MAY 2006 701 Enterprise Drive, Harrison, OH 45030 Phone: Toll Free 1-866-367-2924 or (513) 367-9800 Fax: (513) 367-1414 E-mail: [email protected] FEATURE ARTICLES Website: www.awci.com 6 Matsys Online, By Pete Eckel Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM (EST) 10 AWCI Board of Directors' Letter to the Membership Closed National Holidays 13 Donna K. Baas: Managing Editor, Advertising Manager Memorandum from AWCI Legal Counsel Katherine J. Ortt: Associate Editor, Layout'Design Associate 16 How to Make Your Own NivatronicTM Collet James E. Lubic, CMW: Executive Director Removing Tool, By Manuel Yazijian Education &Technical Director Lucy Fuleki: Assistant Executive Director 24 The Use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Thomas J. Pack, CPA: Finance Director in Clockmaking, Part 2, By David J. LaBounty Laurie Penman: Clock Instructor Manuel Yazijian, CMW: Watchmaking Instructor Certification Coordinator COLUMNS Nancy L. Wellmann: Education Coordinator Sharon McManus: Membership Coordinator 42 The Deadbeat Escapement, By Laurie Penman Mary Huff: Shipping Coordinator Heather Weaver: Receptionist'Secretary Part Six, Pin Pallets Jim Meyer: IT Director
HOROLOGICAL nMES ADVISORY COMMimE DEPARTMENTS Ron Iverson, CMC: Chairman 2 President's Message, By Jim Door Brien Dews, CC Matt Henning, CW 2 Executive Director's Message, By James E. Lubic Chip Lim, CMW, CMC, CMEW Robert D. Porter, CMW 4 Questions & Answers, By David A. Christianson E-mail: [email protected] 30 From the Workshop, By Jack Kurdzionak AWCI OFFICERS 40 AWCI New Members Jim Door: President Mark Butterworth: 1st Vice President 48 Industry News Dennis Warner, CW: 2nd Vice President Alice B. Carpenter, CMW, CMEW, FA WI: Secretary 49 Bulletin Board James K. Zimmerman, CMW, CMC, CMEW: Treasurer 52 Classified Advertising AWCI DIRECTORS 56 Advertisers' Index Mark Baker, CMW Gene Bertram, CC 56 AWCI Employee Directory Matt Henning, CW Roland (Ron) Iverson, CMC Gerald Kincaid: Affiliate Chapter Director EDUCATION Doug Thompson, CW, CEWT: Research &Education Council Director 22 AWCI Academy Watchmaking Classes Willem Van Kempen: Industry Advisory Board Director 22 AWCI Certification Exam Schedule IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT 23 AWCI Board of Examiners Need Your Help Jack Kurdzionak, CW 38 AWCI Evening Classes in Watch and Clock Repair FELLOW-American Watchmakers-Ciockmakers Institute Robert F. Bishop ·Harold J. Herman 41 AWCI Home Study Course in Clock Repair James H. Broughton J.M. Huckabee Fred S. Burckhardt Gerald G. Jaeger Alice B. Carpenter Benjamin Matz SPECIAL INTEREST David A. Christianson Robert A. Nelson George Daniels ·Hamilton E. Pease 33 AWCI Directors' E-mail Address Directory Wes Door Archie B. Perkins •Henry B. Fried William 0. Smith, Jr. 34 2006 AWCI Annual Convention & Educational Symposium Josephine F. Hagans Milton C. Stevens •Orville R. Hagans ·Marvin E. Whitney 39 The Chronometer Club Ewell D. Hartman ·oeceased
Reprinting and reproduction is prohibtted without written permission from the American Watchmakers<:lockmak"" Institute. Copyright ©1006 by the American Watchmak~kmakers Institute.
HOROLOG/CAI. nMES (/SSNO 145-9546) is pubfished monlh~ and copyrighted by the America! Watch COVER maker&Ciockmakers Institute, 701 Enrerprise Drive, Harrison, OH 45030-1696. Subscription price for lhe This month's cover features public is $79.00 per year ($6.50 per copy). Members subscription is $35.00 which is included with amual dues of $79.00. Periodicals postage paid at Harrison, OH 45030 and additional entries. POS'TMASTER: Matsys Online Send address changes to HOROLOG/CAI. nMES, 701 Enterprise Drive, Harrison, OH President's Message Jim Door The water resistance ability of a watch case is not a permanent condition. It must be maintained properly. This is something we address daily with our watch repair customers, educating them and selling them on the needed parts to maintain their timepiece.
The same goes for our businesses and our organization. They must be properly maintained to function as they are meant to. In the March HT, Jack Kurdzionak detailed the process of correctly determining the proper back gasket for a watch. In the same manner we must take care to properly measure up our business and make the best choices. Good decisions are rarely made in haste. All the facts must be examined and weighed; then hopefully the decisions made are the best ones.
This is how the A WCI Board of Directors tries to operate. There is often a push by some members to make quick decisions, ones based at times on incomplete data or based on emotions.
At times we are asked to act on items of which we have no authority. By our legal documents we are an educational organization, not a trade union. Our purpose is to provide educational opportunities for our members and to take a role in assessing the capabilities of the same. We are not a political action committee (PAC).
There is also confusion as to the relationship between the A WCI and The ElM Trust. Legally they are separate entities. They do share facilities in Harrison and cooperate together. The A WCI Board also approves the appointment of the trustees. The Trust owns the library and museum. Due to a long-standing agreement, the A WCI members are able to borrow books from the library. While both groups are not-for-profits, only the Trust is a charitable organization. This means that donations to it are tax deductible. Both of these organizations make their own decisions and cannot tell each other what to do. Executive Director's Message James E. Lubic, CMW
We have started the process of developing the WTl and WT2 Certifications. Presently they are being called the Watch Specialist and Watch Technician. Winnie Reid of Castle Worldwide is doing a wonder ful job of keeping us on task gathering the type of information that she needs. This information is the cornerstone of a well thought out product for those interested in hiring people with this type of knowl edge and skilL
After this three-day meeting takes place, Ms. Reid will put together a detailed outline for both the Watch Specialist and Watch Technician designations. These outlines, along with a survey, will be sent to at least 500 independent watchmakers/shops, retail jewelers, and watch brands. The survey will ask if we got it right. Are the things in the outline the types of knowledge and skills that you would expect a Watch Specialist to know, and the types of knowledge and skills that you would expect a Watch Techni cian to have? And the big question, do you think that either or both of these certifications would fill a void/ need in our trade? Presently AWCI is confident that there is a need, but we want to be sure before we invest the time and money to develop projects of this size.
We will have much more information and details available as this project develops and I'm sure that Vince Schrader will address this in future articles, giving many more details than I have space.
I would like to thank the following individuals, their employers, and business owners for believing that this project is important enough to take the time to participate in this new endeavor.
Karen Elliott, Time Service, Ohio Jack Kurdzionak, The Watchmaker, Massachusetts Andre Fortier, LVMH, New Jersey Monika Masry, Movado Group Inc., New Jersey Peter Foster, Swatch Group USA, New Jersey Brad Mathews, Treasures 'n Time, Michigan Glenn Gardner, Dykman's Time Shop, Wisconsin Dennis Post, Richemont, New York Wesley Grau, Ranzy Jewelers, Illinois Vince Schrader, A WCI, Indiana Ewell Hartman, Schwarzschild Jewelers, Virginia John Sokol, Richemont, New York Stephanie Hull, Richter and Phillips, Ohio Bernhard Stoeber, Rolex USA, New York C.J. Katsetos, James Free Jewelers, Ohio Willem Van Kempen, Richemont, New York Henry Kessler, Sy Kessler Sales, Inc., Texas Dennis Warner, Russell Korman Jewelers, Texas 2 Horological Times · May 2006 MIYOTA 2035 ,,__ $1.95 each
w May Only!
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Miyota 5R21 Miyota 5Y30 Ronda 751E Reg. $20.95 Reg. $7.95 Reg. $15.95 May Only $13.95 May Only $5.95 May Only $11.50
.. - " ...T ~.:~-=·~~ • #/'.~ ~.. • - '\ 1' .'i ?: · ~· ~~t~ / ~- ·: I I f :-'--..-· · ..i ' :~·,;~~: ', ~ ; #'~· \\\ ·,·.!, •\! ,_ -~) . ,(:Ji X\ •.i ,->-:~'~t- . ._ \-QJ,,_r ·' I HAT Y121 HAT PCU HAT PC32/3 Reg. $4.95 Reg. $7.95 Reg. $7.95 May Only $2.95 May Only $4.95 May Only $4.95
Sorry, no other discounts apply! Ask for our NEW May Movement Book! Whe Wm. S. McCaw Company The Watchmaker's Material House Since 1913! 1722 Madison Avenue Toledo, Ohio 43624 I YIU I 419-243-3720 800-537-0343 800-472-0200 Fax: 419-243-0321 800-245-6481 31!/A [email protected] II :f. Questions & Answers ,/~· ~~·~ ~ · ~ '\ David Christianson, CMW, CMEW, FAWI
Question In the latter half of the 19'h century the I would like to know anything you can tell Diebold Co. contracted with the E. Howard about this safe (i.e., how common, name, Watch Co. to produce a square bottom approximate age, type of safe). movement to fit Diebold's new time lock Gary Grantham mechanism and case. In the very first part Knoxville, Tennessee of the 20'h century Diebold again ap proached E. Howard for another movement Answer style: the round bottom or coffin style Your E. Howard time lock movement is one movement (made just like yours but with a of the most common of the old time lock rounded bottom). For whatever reason movements. It was made by E. Howard Howard lost its contract in the very early of Boston somewhere from about 1895 20'h century to Seth Thomas Clock Co. to 1920. It is known as a square bottom movement. (Continued on page 29.)
4 Horological Times · May 2006 .For the Latest in Watchmaker's Tools & Parts .Jittrel visit @www.JulesBorel.com, click on products .Jitn·el
New New I Introductory Sharpener for Special Screwdriver Two Blades Head from Berg eon Oscillating Weight Tool
Swiss anodized aluminum handle with two quick change stainless steel heads to lock & unlock oscillating weight retaining rings for these calibers. Two parallel abrasive cylinders Head A (0 10.3mm): ETA 2892, 2893, 2894, put the right curvature on your blades. Another 2895,2896,2897 stone puts a flat edge on the tip. Fewer scratched Head B (0 7mm): Valjoux 7750, 7770, screws and bridges and saves on buying replace Valgrange A07111, A07161, A07271 ment blades. For screwdrivers of any diameter, blades sizes from 0 0. 70 to 2.50 mm. BG6923 Osc. Weight Tool $ 79.50 BG6924 Blade sharpener $ 465.00 New Screw-on Pusher New and Case Tube 3 Stake ToolS Hand Press
Set up for hour, minute and second hands. This press allows you precise control by holding the spring-loaded stakes vertical while you press on the hands. Includes 8 nylon tips: flat, conical, & 6 with holes of .50, .70, .90, 1.2, A necessary tool for removing and installing chrono 1.5, 1.7mm. Horotec from Switzerland. Base 50 x 94mm. graph pushers that screw on or screw-in case tubes. 7 tips to grip tubes fluted on the inside, and 5 sizes to HT-M5017 3 Stake Press $ 127.00 grip those fluted on the outside. The tips all inter change with the red handle. Base provides con HT -M5015 Single Stake Press $ 68.00 vienent storage. Horotec from Switzerland. RM-M622 Pusher/tube Tool $ 199.00
Jules Borel & Co. Order Desk 800-776-6858 .Jh••·el 1110 Grand Boulevard Order FAX 800-776-6862 .Jhn·el Kansas City, MO 64106-2348 Local 816-421-6110 MATSVS ONLINE®
By Pete Eckel
There is something new and very exciting about to hap for example 445/ 268 became the number for the set pen to the watch industry and The Bestfit Materials bridge for a FF 60. This was a boon for the material Company is bringing it to you. This fresh innovation house that now had a way of finding the correct part is the new MATSYS ONLINE and our industry will regardless of manufacturer. never be the same. Before I tell you more I'd like to take a look back to see how we got here in the first The material house was sent material cards listing the place. Bestfit System numbers for each caliber. Also Bestfit made available the Bestjit Books, which have been re The watch industry has seen many technical advances printed as recently as 2005 in their original form from over the years. We've seen the advent of shock sys the 1960s. This information is still very useful to any tems to protect the balance and we've seen the fast beat one repairing watches today. become the standard of the industry. Of course this was before the electronic revolution overtook the industry as a whole.
The Hamilton balance wheel electric was an incredible marvel and was the envy of all who saw it. The Accutron was the next step. The models 214 and 218 are still very collectable and highly prized today. We watched as the quartz digital watch, again from Hamilton, took the fore with its red LED readout. The fear was that the analog watch was to go the way of the horse and buggy; that was until the quartz analog came along and established itself as the dominant force in the watch industry it maintains to this day.
The watch industry has undergone another revolution/ evolution over the years although this one was much less noticeable. That revolution has been in the area of information and information technology. It all started with a man named Best who not surprisingly created the Bestfit System. He created the only organized num bering system for the stocking of watch parts from varied manufacturers. He began with the ebauches system and used their numbers as the prefix for his The next step in the information revolution really was system. The number 445 became the prefix for the set a quantum jump in technology. Bestfit introduced a bridge with every set bridge having a unique number, DOS format set of floppy discs that listed an updated
6 Horological Times · May 2006 BESTFIT" "111 Encyclopedia BESTFIT" #lllA Encyclopedia ofWATCH Material... ofWATCH MateriaL.
Part *1 Part *2 INCLUDING: SWISS • FRENCH • GERMAN INCLUDING: SWISS • FRENCH • GERMAN ITALIAN AND JAPANESE MOVEMENTS ITALIAN AND JAPANESE MOVEMENTS
PLUS: SPECIAL ILLUSlliATED SECTIONS PLUS: DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO: SPECIAL IUUSTRATED SECTIONS AUTOMATICS • CALENDARS DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO: OIRONOGRAPHS • TIMfRS AUTOMATICS • CAUNDARS CLOCKS • ALARM • WCTRIC CHRONOGRAPHS • TIMERS AND STOP WATOIES • SHOCK CLOCKS • ALARM • WCTRIC ABSORBERS AND REGULATING AND STOP WATCHfS • SHOCK DlVICES ABSORBERS AND REGULATING DEVICES SPECIAL FEATURES GENUINE • HAMILTON SPECIAL FEATURES AND VANTAGE SECTIONS GENUINE-£BAUCHES S A OMEGA • ROUX • MIDO SECTIONS
version of the material cards. For the first time the Seiko, Pulsar and Omega. In 1998 Bestfit came out with watchmaker could look up the parts before calling the the MATSYS 98, which was updated and formatted for material house. It included listings of the new quartz Windows. The MATSYS 98 arrived on a CD and was models along with casing information for Citizen, designed to allow the user to add new items as they were released.
Now comes the most exciting advance in watchmak ing information technology, MATSYS ONLINE. This is being introduced by Bestfit and will finally solve the previous problem of instant obsolescence. With a sub scription to the new MATSYS ONLINE both mate rial houses and watchmakers alike will have access to information that is no older than thirty days. With your unique username and password you will be able to ac cess new and existing part numbers as Bestfit assigns them.
This can make both the material house and the watch maker more profitable by saving time and reducing in ventory. You now may order by part number insuring that there is no miscommunication between you and the material person. Why, because you have already de termined the part you need. Fewer ordering errors means the jobs leave your shop sooner, you reduce the time and expense of reordering and returning
May 2006 Horological Times 7 ,_ "' ·- ,_. TIIGII ,_ o! ...o o 1!.1 [!I c ,P s-cJt *P'fNrt!'- e '-l~ ~ "iJ .... • ~ ...... JIIftl...... _
MATsvs· Online BestFit 300®Wii Material System
UMtiiiJMI: PasNOIIl l llogiDI
incorrect parts. This is a win-win situation for every No longer will you have to wait for the next CD re one involved! It also allows the watchmaker and the lease, this information is up to date and accessible 24 material house to see whether they may already have hours a day, seven days a week from anywhere in the the part by checking interchangeability, no more double world with an internet connection. stocking. For more information contact your favorite authorized The format is very intuitive and easy to use, even for Bestfit material distributor and get online with the Internet novice. You may even find yourself start MATSYS ONLINE today! ing your own small Bestfit material system for parts 0 you use frequently. For example, you may wish to have on hand, stems for popular models or even capacitors that you were afraid to stock because you had no way of knowing which one fit which caliber.
8 Horological Times · May 2006 MTG-8000 Watch Timing Machine
The timegrapher, model, MTG-3000, is used to test the performance of mechanical watches. On the LCD display, The diagram of watch beats is displayed, as well as the numerical values for rate, amplitude and beat error in all positions can be displayed at the same time.
Stock No. 598.600 Our Price $1 ,395.00 Case Tube Press
Insert and Remove Case Tubes with One Tool!
This tool is for removing and inserting friction type case tubes found on most water resistant watches. Now you can remove broken or damaged case tubes and insert new tubes safely with the same tool. It comes with seven different size pins measuring 1.55, 1.75, 1.95, 2.15, 2.40, 2.65 and 2.95mm.
Stock No. 593.062 Our Price $89.95
Custom Watch Gift Box
A handsome gift box used to display or present watches. The deep green box has a golden pine liner on the inside rim & lid. It has a buff color suede pillow with four folding flaps to cushion and protect the watch. It comes complete with a matching two piece outer container. Sorry, no logos or imprinting available.
Stock No. 641.501 0 Our Price $25.00 Each 5/06 www .Livesavslnc.com www .Livesavslnc.com www .Livesavslnc.com Fellow Members,
Recently, the Department of Justice issued a press release notifying the public that it is has agreed to terminate an agreement it has had with several Swiss watch manufacturers and organizations since 1960. At that time these organizations were found to be in violation of the antitrust laws as they stood in the 1950s. Rather than going to court, all parties agreed to sign and abide by a Consent Decree which outlined specific limitations on how the Swiss organizations could conduct business in the United States. Theoretically, this Decree still stands today.
Some time ago, the DOJ became aware of Rolex's current policies regarding its authorized dealers, and it was found that they were in conflict with the Decree. After months of negotiation with Rolex, it was decided that the Decree is no longer valid. Since 1960 there have been various court decisions which shape the antitrust law, and changes in US economic policy. In addition the Swiss watch manufacturers no longer control the American market as they did in 1960. These developments rendered the Decree obsolete. Rolex recognized these changes, concluded that the Consent Decree was no longer valid, and began changing its parts policy to a more restrictive form. The result is that their current policy is in violation of the 1960 Decree, but not in violation of the laws of today. To reimburse the DOJ for the cost of the investigation, and also because Rolex disregarded the decree rather than asking a Judge to terminate it, Rolex agreed to pay a settlement of $750,000.
The termination process requires a 60 day comment period for the general public or any organiza tion to speak out for or against the action. Our options are to argue in favor of keeping the Consent Decree, or in favor of canceling it. One may also argue in favor of keeping only certain provisions of the Decree. The comment period begins after the DOJ posts the announcement in the Federal Register, and Rolex has pro vided public notification in at least two national publications. In this case the announcements will be pub lished in Modern Jeweler magazine and Professional Jeweler magazine.
As a horological organization, AWCI feels that it must take a position regarding the Decree. The leadership of AWCI is required to take the best strategic action on behalf of all of its members. The long term
10 Horological Times · May 2006 ramifications of our actions must also be carefully considered. While investigating this, the Board of Directors consulted with T. Scott Gilligan, AWCI attorney and also examined what could be gained or lost depending on the position we take.
A memorandum written by Mr. Gilligan has been made available for members to review. We asked him for an explanation of the practical meaning of the provision pertaining to the sale of spare parts. This is the provision that is most relevant to many of our members, and it is important to understand exactly what effect it will have on the sale of parts. He concluded that the terms of the Decree are strictly limited to a brand's policy toward its authorized dealers. It does not apply to any other independent tradesperson and in no way compels a manufacturer to sell parts to all who ask for them. If we were successful in retaining this portion of the Decree, it would enable a brand's authorized dealers to sell parts to anyone. The actual volume of parts sales would be entirely dependent on the dealer's willingness to become a material house for a given brand. Generally, this is not their primary objective so the parts availability to independent watchmakers would likely remain as it is.
Mr. Gilligan went on to explain that the chances for success in persuading the DOJ to retain all, or any portion of the Decree are very small. This conclusion is drawn from the changes in antitrust law, and the changes in the actual market share the Swiss manufacturers control since that is important to how the law is applied. These factors give the DOJ solid legal grounds for termination of the Decree, and overall govern mental policy has shifted toward reduced regulation of commerce in general. So there is little reason to expect the DOJ to retain the Consent Decree.
We must consider other factors as well. More recently, Rolex as well as other Swiss manufacturers has made an enormous commitment to support American watchmaking. They now provide funding for sev eral of our schools. This not only brings new people into the trade, they are also trained in the most modern practices, and they carry this knowledge to the rest of us. Some manufacturers have also been providing open training for specific calibers. They would not go to all this effort if they did not intend to make full use of the watchmakers who take advantage of such training. Supplying spare parts and technical material to them would be a logical extension of this.
For several years the leadership of AWCI was very resistant to any cooperation with the manufactur ers. In this way, AWCI failed in its duty to its members. As a trade association, AWCI might have been a valuable link between its members and the companies who make the watches. Instead, the cold relationship developed into a serious division between watchmaker and manufacturer. The result was a damaging reduc tion in the flow of parts and technical information, as well as a feeling of mutual distrust. After decades, this is the situation we find ourselves in today. It should be noted that throughout this period this Consent Decree
May 2006 · Horological Times 11 was in effect. Either due to ineffective design of the Decree, or through lack of enforcement; the end result is that it did nothing to prevent our current situation.
Watchmaking in the United States is at a crossroads. Public discussion reveals a fundamental problem. Terms and phrases used signify that there is a barrier between watchmaker and watch manufac turer. The word "industry" is often used to identify only the manufacturers as if the American watchmaker does not consider him or herself to be part of the overall marketplace. This division is very real, and it hinders the growth and prosperity of both groups. This must not be allowed to continue. AWCI has come to recog nize this fact. In recent years, AWCI has developed new lines of communication with several manufacturers. The creation of the Industry Advisory Board has done a great deal to build this new relationship. This com munication has brought forth practical programs which will allow all parties to rebuild the trust that is impera tive in any positive relationship.
The Board of Directors has decided not to support the continuation of the Consent Decree. We see almost no chance of success, and no practical benefit to our members should we happen to succeed. At the same time, win or lose, taking an official position in support of the Decree could seriously damage the deli cate relationship we have with the manufacturers. In the long run AWCI, its members, and the manufacturers around the world will be far better off with a relationship based on cooperation. This is preferable to a forced and cold relationship based on the threat of legal action. This position is in line with the Institute's continuing efforts to remake itself for the benefit of all members, watchmaker and clockmaker alike.
AWCI recognizes that its members have a Constitutional right to contact the Department of Justice on their own. You are encouraged to read through the Decree, and the other materials that have been made available on our website, and on the AWl Matters message board. If you would like to make your views known, a hand written letter to both the DOJ and to your Congressman would be the most effective method to use. Letters should be sent to:
John Read, Chief, Litigation Ill, Antitrust Division US Department of Justice
1 325 7 h Street NW, Room 300 Washington, DC 20530
Thank you.
AWCI Board of Directors
12 Horological Times · May 2006 MEMORANDUM
TO: AWCI Board of Directors
FROM: T. Scott Gilligan
DATE: March 29, 2006
RE: Swiss Consent Decree
The United States Department of Justice has agreed to terminate the 1960 Consent Decree by which Rolex and ten other Swiss watch manufacturers agreed to refrain from imposing certain restrictions on United States watch retailers
(the "Swiss Consent Decree"). During the conference call held on March 27, 2006 with the AWCI Board of Directors, the Board requested that I draft a memorandum addressing the following three issues with regard to the Swiss Consent
Decree:
I. ISSUES
(A) May an individual or organization ask the Court to retain only specific portions of the Swiss Consent
Decree? For example, could AWCI, if it elects to comment on the proposed termination of the Swiss Consent Decree, request the Court to retain that portion of the Consent Decree which prohibits the watch companies from restricting the resale of their spare parts by their authorized dealers?
(B) If the Court could be persuaded to retain that portion of the Consent Decree that prohibits Swiss watch manufacturers from restricting the resale of spare parts by their authorized dealers, what impact would that have for
AWCI members?
(C) How likely is it that a Court would order the retention of that portion of the Consent Decree that prohib- its Swiss watch manufacturers from restricting the resale of spare parts by its authorized dealers?
IT. DISCUSSION
(A) Retention of Portions of the Consent Decree. The Court will entertain requests by interested parties to retain only portions of the Consent Decree. For example, in a 1997 case involving the proposed termination of a consent decree that IBM entered into in 1956, a trade association of independent computer repairers argued to the Court that the
May 2006 · Horological Times 13 portion of the consent decree which required IBM to sell spare parts to any company or individual who wished to buy them should be retained. While the trade organization was ultimately unsuccessful in its attempt to retain the spare parts sales requirement in the consent order, the Court did entertain the request and would have granted it if it had found it to be in the public interest. Therefore, Courts will permit commentators to request that only specified portions of the
Consent Decree be retained.
(B) What are the Benefits to AWCI Members? It is important to focus on what the Swiss Consent Decree actually mandates with regard to spare parts. Unlike the consent decree referred to in the IBM case, the Swiss Consent
Decree does not require Swiss watch manufacturers to sell spare parts to any watchmaker who wants those parts. There fore, a Swiss watch manufacturer, like Rolex, is free under the Consent Decree to select which watchmakers it will designate as authorized dealers and to restrict the sale of spare parts only to those authorized dealers.
The Consent Decree currently prohibits the Swiss watch manufacturers from restricting the resale of their spare parts by authorized dealers. Therefore, even if the Court were to retain the spare parts requirement of the Swiss Consent
Decree, that would not necessarily provide watchmakers access to spare parts from manufacturers like Rolex. Rather, unless an authorized dealer were willing to resell the spare parts to other watchmakers, the retention of the spare parts provisions in the Swiss Consent Decree will not change the current limited availability of Swiss spare parts.
(C) The Court is Unlikely to Retain any Portion of the Consent Decree. Forty-six years ago when the
Consent Decree went into effect, restrictions that Swiss watch manufacturers were imposing upon their dealers, such as prohibiting the resale of spare parts and imposing maximum price limits, were considered "per se" violations of the antitrust law. In other words, it was nearly impossible to raise any type of defense to these practices. If a manufacturer imposed these restrictions on its retailers, it automatically violated the antitrust laws.
Over the past 46 years, the Courts have dramatically altered the scope of the antitrust laws. Following the recommendations of economists who believe the market, and not the government, should be the primary regulator of the economy, Courts have greatly curtailed the per se doctrine of antitrust enforcement. Now, if a manufacturer imposes restrictions on the resale of spare parts or places limitations on maximum price levels on its retailers, those restrictions do not violate the antitrust law unless they can be shown to have a profound anti-competitive effect on the market.
To prove that a vertical restriction violates the antitrust laws, the government (or a private litigant) must now show that the manufacturer dominates the market. An example would be Microsoft who controls the computer software
14 Horological Times · May 2006 market. Given its paramount position in the software market, restrictions that Microsoft imposes may violate antitrust laws while the same restrictions imposed by other manufacturers in other markets could be justified.
To retain the spare parts provision of the Swiss Consent Decree, it would be necessary to persuade the Court that the imposition by a manufacturer like Rolex of the spare parts resale restriction would violate the antitrust laws. Given the fact that Rolex does not dominate the watch market, a Court would not find that a restriction on resale of spare parts would violate the antitrust laws. Rather, the Court would be able to justify Rolex's spare parts restrictions on the follow ing grounds:
(1) Rolex does not dominate the watch market. Consumers have many other choices and can
purchase other brands of watches that do not have spare parts restrictions.
(2) Rolex has a strong interest in protecting its reputation for quality and its brand name. The spare
parts policy restricts the maintenance and repair of Rolex watches to those dealers that Rolex
believes are sufficiently equipped and trained to repair its watches. While this policy does
restrict the market for watch repairs, it protects Rolex's interest in maintaining its quality and
brand name.
(3) While the Rolex spare parts policy is restrictive, it is a less restrictive alternative than other
practices Rolex could pursue. For example, last month, the United States Supreme Court held
in Illinois Tool Works v. Independent Ink that a manufacturer of printers did not violate the
antitrust laws because it required all purchasers of its printers to use only the ink that it sold.
When Independent Ink, a seller of less expensive ink, challenged the policy under the antitrust
laws, the Court held that because Illinois Tool Works did not dominate the printer market, its
policy of requiring purchasers of its printers to use only the ink it sold was not sufficiently anti
competitive to violate the antitrust laws.
Given that neither Rolex nor any of the other Swiss manufacturers dominate the watch market, that each of them have legitimate reasons to restrict the sale of spare parts to protect their reputation for quality, and that the spare parts policy is less restrictive than other policies that have been upheld by the Supreme Court in other recent cases, it is highly doubtful that the Court will retain the spare parts provision of the Swiss Consent Decree.
May 2006 · Horological Times 15 How to Make Your Own
Nivatronic TM Collet Removing Tool
Manuel Yazijian, CMW
Yes, we are indeed in the 21" century, one Let's go back in time look around and we see the many changes just a bit-1 am sure creeping up on us in our industry and one many of you may have particular area is hairsprings and the way noticed the sticky way they are attached. This article is about the some manufacturers development of a simple tool used to move were attaching hair and remove (if necessary) the new style springs to the hair Nivatronic hairspring collets. (See Figure 1.) spring studs during the last 30 years or so i.e., I would like to remind all readers that the through the usage of purpose of this article is not to elaborate on adhesive glues. (See the fundamentals of hairspring theory, but Figure 2.) it's about the tool I have developed which is necessary to adjust and remove the "virtu Typically, hairsprings Figure 2. ally impossible to remove" Nivatronic hair have been attached in Cemented stud spring collets during balance staff replace this manner for two ment operations. In the ensuing paragraphs, most probable reasons: I have briefly touched upon some of the 1. to reduce/ eliminate stress points theoretical key points merely for introduc during the pinning of the stud tory purposes. 2. to reduce cost of production
To slightly elaborate on Point 1 above: when the hairspring is pinned in the traditional method at the stud and collet (using a ta pered brass pin), the hairspring undergoes a certain amount of stress through bending ---- which can affect time I keeping. (See Figure 3.) I Typically, white alloy I hairsprings are made by I Nivarox. During manu I facture, these are heat I treated and tempered I Star stiaped to a certain hardness collet and flexibility. They "Nivatronic 1M D naturally perform best ®l. when they are left as undisturbed as pos sible. Therefore, any Figure 3. Figure 1 Classical pinned stud
16 Horological Times · May 2006 bending or manipulating can cause unwanted stress points in the hairspring material, which necessitates fur ther adjustments to achieve higher accuracy.
Point 2 is self-explanatory as it is virtually every manufacturer's dream to reduce cost of production while keeping quality at above standard levels. _j_
It seems the gluing process hasn't left us entirely, as hairspring studs are still being glued today in modern mass produced watches, and in a recent discovery by the author, the glues used at the time of writing this Side view article seem to be much weaker than their predeces Top View sors from the 1970s and onwards. I would caution ev Figure 5. Conventional pinned collet eryone of not leaving the balance wheel assembly in the OneDip™ solvent for too long-"too long" mean ing NOT more than thirty (30) seconds to one (1) minute. A quick swish of 5 to 10 seconds is best advised. A further improvement was made in minimizing pois ing errors and the poised collet was developed, whereby Having talked about the hairspring studs, now let us the opposite end of the split in the collet was milled to look at what's in the center-hairspring collets. compensate for this lack of weight. (See Figure 6.) These types of collets were typically used in higher grade pocket watches and wristwatches.
Oepuia 1781
Clock and alarm clock bushing tool No 6200 Figure 4. Traditional hairspring collet L------~
This has been the traditional method of attaching hair springs to the cylinder-shaped thick tube, which is split on one side so it can be friction-fitted on the staff. (See Figure 4.)
It has a hole drilled on its side perpendicular to its axis and the hairspring is inserted in this hole and fastened with the aid of a tapered brass pin. (See Figure 5.)
Attaching a hairspring to this type of collet is not only time consuming, therefore not cost effective, but the quasi-sharp bends introduced into the hairspring, which are necessary to attach the hairspring to the collet, BERGEON & CIE SA CH 2400 LE LOCLE create a sizeable list of factors that negatively affect www.bergeon.ch Switzerland timekeeping. ------E-mail: [email protected] May 2006 · Horological Times 17 Top View Side View Star stiaped collet "Nivatronic ™D Figure 6. Poised collet
Laser welding
Figure 8
In essence, it is a round collet that has 4 arms protrud ing from its upper periphery and the hairspring is laser welded onto one of these arms.
Very straightforward-no bending, no pinning, and no cnmpmg. Top View Side view Again, we find our two best friends: Figure 7. Greiner collet 1. an even lower cost of production 2. an even more increased accuracy
Moving along in time, it was discovered that the bend Modern laser technology has enabled this type of de ing process had to be eliminated and thus the Greiner™ velopment and production to take place. However, vir brass collet was developed. As you can see from Figure tually every watchmaker I have talked to usually refers 7, it is an almost triangular-shaped collet that is well to these as troublesome and impossible to do anything designed to virtually eliminate poising errors attributed with; and right they are, since the Nivatronic collets to the collet itself; but more importantly, at its nar cannot be handled in any traditional method since it is rowest is where the hairspring is attached, by crimping obviously a non-traditional hairspring collet. or squashing. The brass collet at its narrow portion is milled down to accept the hairspring and it is held in During the course of certain repairs, such as balance place not by pinning, not by gluing, but by crimping staff replacement or the need to adjust collet height the brass over the hairspring. This method prevents and position, it became obvious we needed to come up any type of sharp bending. with a new and non-destructive way of removing these collets. "Remove them?" you may ask, "But why? They This method has two advantages: are made to be replaced for a complete balance wheel 1. increased accuracy assembly; after all, they are not so expensive." 2. lower cost of production Perhaps some balance assemblies are not so expensive, Now we come to the "star" of our article, the four but that of other brands are, and regardless of cost we armed star-shaped collet, also known as Nivatronic by cannot always let business decisions affect good watch ETA. (See Figure 8.) making skills.
18 Horological Times · May 2006 Figure 9
If you have read so far, I am sure you are anxious to find out about this fantastic new tool I developed. Here is how you proceed.
Begin with a new screwdriver blade. (See Figure 9.) We Figure 10 Figure 11 will use ETA 6497 as an example to work with, but almost all new production watches are equipped with Nivatronic collets, since each caliber has a different sized collet, so will you need to make a different sized tool for each caliber you work on. This grinding operation must be done in an area out You will need a thin grinding disk that can be inserted side your normal watch assembly facilities as the abra in a flex shaft or an old lathe with its bearing protected sive dust can cause damage to your watch movements. with paper or aluminum foil. (See Figures 10 and 11.) It is preferably done in the polishing/machine room.
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May 2006 · Horological Times 19 polishing wheel-whichever you are comfortable with. The amount of metal removed dur ing the polishing process must be just enough for the horns to fit over the collet without any slop and it is imperative that the tips of the horns do not reach all the way down and touch the main part of the balance wheel, lest you scratch the balance sur face during this operation. Now the tool is ready to be used. (See Figure 14.)
**For caliber 6497 the finished Figure 14 Figure 12 opening in the center portion of the blade is 0.97 mm ± 0.03 mm.
The center portion of the screwdriver blade (1.40 mm Want to know how to work it? thick) must be cut using a steady hand or by placing on Read on. a saw table made for your lathe. (See Figure 12.) The opening in the screwdriver blade must just about fit Before you get over-excited and immediately over the two troughs (U-shaped portion, start doing anything unwise see Figure 13). with your new magic tool, it is most important you follow It must be a snug fit. Also, you must grind deep and far these few steps or the removal enough into the length of the blade so as to clear the process can turn mto a guaran uppermost tip of the balance pivot. (See Figure 13.) teed failure.
Once at this stage, the inside portions of the horns and Put a few drops of your favor also the outside are polished using a muslin or rubber ite penetrating oil in and around the Nivatronic collet, mine is 1KROIL™ and can be found at major watch material suppliers. (See Figure 15.) Remember, it Figure 15 is important to use penetrating oil and NOT watch oil. They both behave differently where the former tries to spread as much as possible and the latter is designed to stay put as much as possible. According to its manufacturer, "Kroil is an amazing solvent that creeps into openings as small as one mil lionth of an inch .... " The pen etrating oil is best applied by spraying a small amount in a glass container (see Figure 16) and then further transferring it to the inside portion of the hair Figure 16 spring collet. (See Figure 17.) Figure 13
20 Horological Times · May 2006 close to your skin while ap plying the heat-once you feel your skin getting relatively hot it is an obvi ous sign to hit the OFF switch. After Figure 19 the hairdryer is turned off, it is advisable to wait about five (5) min utes to allow for maximum Figure 17 penetratwn of oil. This will be later cleaned in the appropriate degreasing solvent e.g., OneDip or TCE (trichloroethylene). Now you are ready for the It is important to note that some other brands of pen final opera- Figure 20 etrating oils have a tendency to cause discoloration of tlon-care- the bridges, wheels and mainplate whereas the fully insert abovementioned product has not been known to cause the horns over the two opposing troughs (see Figures such. 13 and 18) taking extra care not to touch nor bend the laser welded portion of the hairspring and begin with a Now comes out the warm air from your hairdryer aimed slow turning motion with your screwdriver handle, at the collet-this helps expand the metals and allows gently turn in one direction ... one full turn, two full for better penetration of the oil, as most watch repair turns ... three, four and maybe five ... and voila! The centers are kept relatively cool due to a temperature Nivatronic collet will "unscrew" and come out com controlled environment. Please use common sense and pletely unharmed and unmarked. do not heat to the point where the hairspring is an nealed! A good trick is to hold the balance assembly In fact, this removal system is so much safer than re moving the traditional split collets that no marks will be seen on the collet or the balance wheel. (See Figures 19 and 20.)
Quite often, the removed collet might need some tight ening; a light tap on its underside with a concave stak ing punch while the collet rests on a flat stump will do the trick.
It's so simple you'll wonder why you didn't think of it!
Who said watchmaking couldn't be fun? Star Bibliography collet References & line drawings, The Theory of Horology "Nivatronic TM" Photographs, by the author Endnote 1 Kroil™, Cas-Ker product #420.000 0 Figure 18. Position of two horns between two troughs
May 2006 Horological Times 21 AWCI ACADEMY WATCHMAKING CLASSES Manuel Vazijian, CMW Instructor
AWCI is offering a series of watchmaking classes throughout 2006. The series will consist of ten 5-day sessions covering a variety of subject matter. Each 5-day block will cost $475.00. For additional information, contact Education Coordinator, Nancy Wellmann [email protected] or call (866) 367-2924, ext. 303.
May 15 - 19 Servicing & Adjusting Modern Mechanical Chronographs June 5 - 9 Introduction to the Watchmaker's Lathe June 19 - 23 Servicing Modern Automatic Watches, Timing & Adjustment July 17- 21 Servicing Modern Automatic Watches, Timing & Adjustment September 11 - 15 Vintage Chronographs (Bernhard Stoeber, Instructor) October 23-27 Basic Watch Repair, Adjusting and Timing
November 6 - 1 0 Introduction to Basic Quartz Watch Repair & Quartz Chronograph Repair
(No courses offered in August and December)
AWCI CERTIFICATION EXAM SCHEDULE Certified Watchmaker & Certified Master Watchmaker
May 22-25, 2006 AWCI Training Facility Harrison, OH
June 19-22, 2006 North Seattle Community College Seattle, WA
July 24-27, 2006 Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MN
August 21-24, 2006 AWCI Training Facility Harrison, OH
September 18-21, 2006 AWCI Training Facility Harrison, OH
October 2-5, 2006 Oklahoma State University Okmulgee, OK
To register for an exam or for more information contact Education Coordinator, Nancy Wellmann at [email protected] or call toll free 1-866-FOR-AWCI (367-2924)
22 Horological Times · May 2006 AWCI Board of Examiners Need Your Help
The AWCI Board of Examiners need certain clock movements and materials for use with the new Certified Clockmaker exams. If you have an American, 8-day T/S mantel or wall movement such as the ones with wire type strike levers that is complete without solder work, broken wheels/pinions or mainsprings and with its strap pallets, you can do nate these to the ELM Trust and receive a tax deduction and help with AWCI's clock certification material supply all at once!
A few examples of what we are looking for include: Seth Thomas #89 styles, Waterbury T/S, Sessions T/S, Gilbert T/S, Ansonia T/S (but NOT with a visible escapement), or an Ingraham T/S with the wire type strike action levers. We are also in need of complete 400-day clocks, but with out dome and key, such as Kundo, Schatz, Haller (but NOT with the plastic anchor), and etc., especially those with adjustable (Vi Ilia my style) pallets that still have their suspension guards, all suspension spring parts, no bushings, the original pendulum, a usable mainspring and all on a base (it's fine even if the base has cracks and tarnish), we need those as well!
Please help AWCI and dig through your stock of these older items and see if a tax deduction might not be better than the dust they now collect.
Contact Jim Lubic for more information: Toll Free (866) 367-2924, ext. 310 or e-mail: [email protected]
May 2006 · Horological Times 23 The Use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in Clockmaking Part 2 David J. LaBounty CMC, FBHI
Visualizing Escapement Theory thickness of the pallets due to wear, say Drawing an escapement with a CAD pro 0.010", can be easily rendered in the model gram is so fast and easy that slight varia of Goodrich's escapement in which the pal tions can be made to the escapement and let lengths are equal. (See Figure 14.) then the effects of those variations can be observed. To demonstrate how this can be The results are easily seen and show a re accomplished, let's consider how removing duction of the lift face from 2° to 1.678°. This the wear out of deadbeat pallets can effect would mean a corresponding reduction in the the escapement. impulse of the pendulum! (See Figure 15.)
Using Goodrich's layout of deadbeat As an apprentice, I was taught a method for pallets of equal arm length for a 30-tooth maintaining or correcting the lift angles on escape wheel, a slight reduction of the the pallets during the process of restora tion. 3 This method is easy to use, adaptable, and versatile. It involves measuring the length of the pallet arm to the middle of the T pallet (Figure 16) and marking off a circle
In
Figure 14. CAD can help visualize the effect of wear removal on a deadbeat pallet. Here, 0.010" R has been removed from the lock face ofthe entrance Figure 15. Instead ofa 2° lift, the pallet now has a pallet. 1.678° lift.
24 Horological Times · May 2006 OA977
Figure 17. Laying out a circle half the pallet arm length, and scribing a tangent, theoretically produces a 2° lift angle. R R
Figure 16. The first step in restoring the lift angle is to measure the pallet arm length.
with a radius half that length. Striking a tangent line from that circle is assumed to represent a 2° lift angle when the pallets are placed on the diagram. (See Figure 17.)
A close-up inspection of the lift face of the entrance pallet and the 2° lift reference line shows which part of the entrance lift face to remove in order to theoreti cally restore the lift face to 2°. (See Figure 18.) How ever, the CAD program proves the results to be off. (See Figure 19.) Figure 18. A close-up inspection shows which part of the pallet face to remove in order to restore the lift face to a theoretical 2° In this specific escapement, in order to restore the lift lift angle. angle to 2° as laid out in Goodrich's example, it would be necessary to draw a reference tangent from a circle with radius 0.6247" instead of half the pallet arm length. (See Figure 20.)
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May 2006 · Horological Times 25 There are several conclusions we can draw from this exercise. It is apparent that some of the clockmaking methods we've come to believe as "tried and true" may not actually produce the results we were expecting. Also, this exercise has shown that just the act of dressing the wear off of a deadbeat pallet will change the lift angle, perhaps undesirably. And finally, using a CAD program can help you "visualize" escape ment theory and help better appreciate escapement dy namics.
Part Fabrication One of the most difficult tasks a clockmaker can face is having to accurately reproduce a missing part for an Figure. 19. In this particular example, the method of restoring antique clock. Whether it is an anchor, a lever, a piece the lift angle will actually produce a result closer to 1. 5° lift for the case, or something else, the task can become rather than 2°. much simpler if an accurate drawing is available. This is where a CAD program becomes a very valuable tool in the hands of a skillful clockmaker. As an example of how CAD can ease the difficulty in accurately repro ducing unavailable parts, let's look at a problem that came up in my shop recently.
In for repair was a 1920s Seth Thomas model 113A movement. This is a large, three train, Westminster chime movement, which can sometimes be a challenge even if all of the parts are present. Unfortunately, this movement was missing one of the most complicated levers Seth Thomas ever used-the chime sync lever. (See Figure 21.)
The scenario that led to this situation is fairly obvious ... the screw head holding the lever tension spring in place breaks, allowing the tension spring Figure 20. Restoring the 2° lift angle on this pallet would re to fall off and become misplaced. The sync lever, quire a tangent line generated offof a circle with radius 0.6241" therefore, remains in a constant "sync" position instead of0.4977". only partially releasing the chime train at the hour. The easy and improper fix was to dispense with the sync lever, thus disabling the sync feature, and solving the
Figure 21. A Seth Thomas model113A movement is missing some important pieces for the automatic chime sync. A three-armed sync lever should be vis ible as well as the lever tension spring and screw. All that's left is the body of the screw (at arrow) still in the hole.
26 Horological Times · May 2006 5.22 in
Figure 22. An imported image4 is scaled in the CAD program and several measurements taken to ensure accuracy. The needed spring and lever can be clearly seen in the picture (circled). immediate problem. Now it is time to restore the sync Figure 23. The lever and spring can be easily traced, adding feature so this movement can function properly. extra material to account for bends.
Making the screw and tension spring is easy compared to making the missing lever, but with the help of the Once the image is scaled, it is a simple process to trace CAD program, making the missing lever becomes the outline of the lever, leaving extra material to almost as easy. The first step is to locate a picture or account for bends and unseen portions. Reference drawing of the missing lever, import it into the CAD lines, where the bends are located, will aid in the final world, and scale it to size. (See Figure 22.) shaping of the lever. (See Figure 23.)
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May 2006 Horological Times 27 0
Figure 2 7. The fabricated parts look and function just like they're supposed to. Figure 24. The tracings can then be printed to scale and used as templates for making the spring and sync lever. Once the lever and spring have been traced, they can be printed to scale and used as templates. (See Figure 24.) In the case of the sync lever, the template can be cut out and glued to a suitable piece of brass and then the brass machined to the trace lines. (See Figure 25.)
CAD made the fabrication of a lever with three acting arms a routine task. (See Figure 26.) There was no "starting over" or wasted time with "trial and error". The spring and lever function just as they should and, in addition, bear a close resemblance to their original counterparts. (See Figure 27.)
These are but a few of the uses of CAD and an in depth study would take volumes. It is like any other Figure 25. The scaled template can be glued to a piece of brass tool and becomes more valuable with use. The more to aid in the fabrication process. one becomes familiar with its capabilities, the more diverse CAD uses will become. In the future, using CAD as a tool in clockmaking is sure to become as commonplace as using a screwdriver. Whether it is used for design, theory, fabrication, or some as yet unknown purpose, CAD will save time and money for the 21st century clockmaker as it would have for Goodrich had it been available in 1950.
Endnotes 3. Faier,Jerome M., CMC, Horological Times, August, 1997, "Restoring the Lift Angles of a Deadbeat Escape ment", pp. 24-25.
4. Duy Ly, Tran, Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements, Figure 26. Only minor adjustments and polishing are left to Third Edition, Vol. 1, 2004, p. 142. Used with permis do. The project went much more quickly and easily using CAD. sion, http://www.arlingtonbooks.com/ 0
28 Horological Times · May 2006 Questions & Answers (Continued from page 4.)
Both the Diebold Safe & Lock Co. andYale & Towne were Yale & Towne, Sargent & Greenleaf, and Con Mfg. Co. used the square bottom movement in their solidated Lock Co. (a.k.a., Bankers Dustproof Time time lock cases. Also, it was used as the "footprint" Lock Co.). Diebold used locks made by Sargent & model for most of the time lock movements made Greenleaf; Mosler used locks made by Yale & Towne; after 1955. and Hall, Victor and National used locks made by Con solidated Lock Co. But each of the time lock makers The movement was used as one of a pair in a safe time supplied time locks to many other safe manufacturers, lock case. Three movements were used in vault door as well; and both Sargent & Greenleaf and Yale & time locks and four movements in high security vaults. Towne used both the square bottom and the round All to provide redundancy. If one of the movements bottom Howard movements. So it is impossible to tell failed, the safe or vault could still be opened because whose safe or vault your movement was used in. only one movement was needed to unlock the time lock. 0
At the time, safe manufacturers did not make time locks and time lock manufacturers did not make safes and vaults. At the beginning of the 20'h century the major safe and vault makers were: Diebold, Mosler, Hall, Vic tor, and National Safe; and the major time lock makers
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May 2006 · Horological Times 29 From the Workshop
Jack Kurdzionak, CW
You Are Invited decision and not a personal matter. Arroyo, Do you have a solution to a watch or clock during his press conference, told the news repair problem that you want to share with media that he felt like a piece on a chess our membership? Do you have a question board. He was the pawn, moved by manage about a repair problem you would like to ment, no longer in control of his own des ask? I invite you to participate in this col tiny. Once he signed the three-year contract, umn with your suggestions, questions, and the Red Sox were able to move him on the comments. It is easy. Just e-mail me at chessboard of baseball. Fifty years ago, base A WCI
30 Horological Times · May 2006 watchmakers, especially, are acutely aware of how Watchmakers, especially self-employed trade watch rapidly their customer base can change. makers, who according to A WCI surveys constitute the majority of professional watchmakers, should al A watchmaker related the story of how a storeowner ways be open to opportunities for new and better ac asked him, a trade watchmaker with several medium counts. A store manager who directs work to a trade size accounts, to cease all work for other stores and shop can be gone in a day. The manager's replacement become the exclusive watchmaker for his account. The may have other ideas as to where the trade work should store's owner assured the watchmaker he would have go. Changes in the workplace and working conditions more than enough work from his one, very busy store are inevitable. Nothing stays the same for any length to provide steady employment. The offer was tempt of time. Ben Franklin assured us 250 years ago that ing. This ideally located store had a large customer base, nothing is certain except death and taxes. He under paid its bills on time every week, and the watchmaker stood free agency. Sadly, for Bronson Arroyo, he did had an excellent rapport with the store owner. The not. watchmaker decided that although the offer was excel Jack Kurdzionak lent, it was risky to depend upon one store for 100% of his business. He declined the offer. Within a year Stubborn Spring Bars the store was sold and 2Yz years later the new owner Sometimes, no matter how hard one tries, the task of declared bankruptcy, closed the store, and owed replacing spring bars seems impossible. Specifically, this everyone money, including the watchmaker. By not situation seems to happen when installing a closely fit accepting the store's offer, the watchmaker's loss in bracelet endpiece to a watch head, especially when us the bankruptcy was minimal. He lost one client and ing new spring bars. You just cannot seem to get the one paycheck. spring bar tips to enter the holes in the case lug. At times it seems to take forever. You wonder, "How did Professionals make certain they do not become pawns they ever install this bracelet at the factory?" The new on the chessboard of business. They always keep their options open. When an opportunity arises, they exam ine it closely and consider it carefully. If it makes sense to change employment, they do, but they never burn bridges when they leave one employer for another. The watch industry is similar to professional baseball in that many employers are seeking talent from a very small Add beauty and value to clocks, pool of highly skilled professionals. Skilled players may watches, jewelry, and more by learning to Engrave and Set Stones change teams now and then but they are always play in a special 5-day GRS combo ing the game until retirement. They keep and value their course. Only two Combo classes relationships with management and peers even when available this year: May 15 - 19 and they change teams. In the future they may be working September 25- 29. Our easy-to-learn techniques and tools accelerate and together again for a different employer. A present day simplify engraving and stone setting, Work hands-on colleague may well be one's manager later on or vice so YOU will learn in a fraction of at your assigned, versa. the usual time. Your instructor for 'the fully equipped Combo class is Christian DeCamillis, an workbench. experienced World Class expert in the Join 11 other A watch company with a well known, but long business. Class size is limited to guarantee students that have the same neglected brand name here in the USA, decided to a low pupil-to-instructor ratio with desire to engrave reenter the USA market some years ago. The senior plenty of hands-on instruction. and set stones management hired a well-respected sales manager from Call NOW .. seats are limited. as you do. a competitor as president of the brand. As president, 1-800-835-3519 he contacted a number of seasoned watch sales people [email protected] with whom he had worked in the past and asked them •TOOLS to join him with his new company. Many did and within • TECHNIQUES •TRAINING a few years, they made that brand a major force in the GRS marketplace. By virtue of the sales force's good repu Giendo Corporation 900 0vertander Road tation and excellent contacts, they put the brand back Emporia, KS 66801 into the market as a major player. Fifteen years later, that sales team has changed, but the players are still in MORE GRS classes to select from: the industry working with other brands. www.Grs1'rafningCenter.com
May 2006 · Horological Times 31 description of the clock. When the customer comes in to pick up the clock, I write the date it goes out next to the description and have the customer sign next to it. It all fits on one line of the notebook.
This saved my tail more than once. Most notably, a woman brought in a beautiful French crystal regulator for a repair estimate. She turned down the repair, came in a few days later, gave me the claim ticket, signed the book, and off she went. A few weeks later an angry guy about twice my size came in and demanded the clock, saying his ex-wife told him she didn't have it and that she had left the clock with me. I checked my inactive card file. (In addition to the repair tag, I fill out a 3x5 index card for each clock.) The card noted that the clock had been picked up. I told this to the man and he grew more angry and began shouting and demanding the clock, and calling me a liar. He said the clock was in his family for generations and he wanted it back. So I asked for a claim ticket, which of course he didn't have. I then went to the notebook, and found the entry with the woman's signature and the date she picked up the spring bars you are using seem to be appropriate for clock. I pointed to it and asked if that was his ex-wife's the job. The length and thickness are OK. They are signature. He said it was. I said there's my proof that made from stainless steel with flanged ends just the she picked it up on such and such a date, and that she same as the originals. Upon close examination, many was the liar, not me. That completely defused him and original equipment spring bars have conical tips. These he left with his tail between his legs. Of course, he didn't tips help steer the spring bar into the hole in the lug. apologize, but who cares. I was able to prove beyond Replacement spring bars have cylindrical tips that do the shadow of a doubt that I didn't have the clock and not self-center. When you cannot get a cylindrical tip I had a signature to prove it. The guy was ready to start into a tight fitting hole, make the tip a conical one that looking through my shop for his clock. THAT would centers itself into the hole. You can shape the tips to a have been big trouble. But, my notebook handily took conical form by grinding them using a 600-grit wheel, care of the matter with no room for doubt. turning the spring bar with your fingers as you grind. It only takes a moment to point the tips and install the My notebook nipped a potentially bad situation in the spring bars without hassle. The accompanying micro bud. It's the age-old question: "How do you prove you scope photo shows a before and after picture of two DON'T have something?" The woman's signature was spring bar tips (see photo above). The conical ones fit proof positive. I didn't mention it, but the crystal regu with ease while the cylindrical ones require consider lator incident took place with three customers in the able effort. store. On leaving, one of them said he saw and ] ack Kurdzionak heard the whole thing and said he was impressed by my calm manner (it took all I had to stay calm), and for A Paper Trail my excellent record keeping." Greg Scinto, A WCI clockmaker from Cape Cod, Mas 0 sachusetts, read the February column about issuing each customer a claim check and wrote the following letter describing a potentially volatile situation in his shop.
Greg said, "I read your article in the February HT. I've followed a similar procedure from day one (almost 16 years ago). However, I take one more step in the cover your derriere department. I keep a spiral bound note book in which I write the date the clock is taken in, the person's last name, the repair tag number and a brief
32 Horological Times · May 2006 AWCI Directors' CLOCKS. E-mail Address Directory m a a z 1 n e
Director AWCI E-mail Address Jim Door: President [email protected] Mark Butterworth: 1st Vice President mbutterworth@ awci.com Dennis Warner: 2nd Vice President [email protected] Alice Carpenter: Secretary [email protected] James Zimmerman: Treasurer [email protected] Mark Baker [email protected] Gene Bertram [email protected] Matt Henning mhenning@ awci.com Roland (Ron) Iverson riverson@ awci.com Inside: Sale in Leeds ·I Robertslrn FAQ Gerald Kincaid: Affiliate Chapter jkincaid@ awci.com A massiv movement kmakers ~Aaules Director Doug Thompson: REC Director dthompson@ awci.com GET YOUR FREE SAMPLE Willem Van Kempen: lAB Director wvankempen@ awci.com COPY OF CLOCKS Tel: 044 131 331 3200 Email: [email protected]
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May 2006 Horological Times 33 2006 AWCI Annual Convention & Educational Symposium Marriott Seattle Sea-Tac Airport 3201 South 176'h St.- Seattle, Washington 98188 Phone: (800) 228-9290 or (206) 241-2000 Fax: (206) 248-0789 www.seattlemarriottseatac.com
I have been from Portland, Maine to San Diego, California and to eight European countries and I am still fascinated by Seattle. As a child, I remember thinking it was like being in another world. Being a Colorado girl, the rain forest environment was amazing enough but the diverse things to see and do were mind boggling. From Y e Olde Curiosity Shoppe to Pikes Place Market, the downtown area and waterfront are like nothing you have ever experienced. There are an amazing number of street clocks you can see on what they call the Seattle Clock Walk if you have 1Y2 hours to spare; or for some history and humor you can go on the Underground Tour, Seattle's history is full of surprises. If you are just out for the shopping experience you can start with Pike's Place Market, enjoy some of the finest boutiques anywhere, and then top your shopping off with Nordstom's, FAO Schwarz, Macy's and more. The Seattle Aquarium features every kind of Pacific sea life you can imagine plus some surprises like puffins and sea creatures you can touch. Y e Olde Curiosity Shoppe has been family owned since 1899 and features great souvenirs and northwest arts and crafts plus a free anthropological museum and some curiosities that you can choose whether or not to believe even when you see them. I had a little trouble with the mermaid remains but the mummy was real and quite fascinating. From downtown a quick monorail ride will take you straight to the Seattle Center where you can enjoy amusement rides, the Space Needle, the Experience Music Project, the Science Fiction Museum and so much more. For activities directly related to the water you can take a cruise to Blake Island and Tillicum Village where they will feed you steamed clams as you get off the boat and then a full dinner in an authentic cedar longhouse featuring alder smoked salmon. Dinner is followed by a Native American cultural and historical dance show. The Spirit of Washington dinner train takes you on a 45 mile round trip excursion the full length of Lake Washington with a stop-over at the Columbia Winery. For those who are not aware, Washington wines rival those of California and France. For those whose heads are in the clouds, there is the renowned Museum of Flight with the supersonic Concorde, Air Force One and hands-on exhibits. There are tours to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier or you can take a ferry to Vancouver or Victoria, British Columbia. With the rain forest and the incredible mountain vistas seemingly sitting right on the waterfront you don't want to miss the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Hope to see you there! Merrianne Door
34 Horological Times · May 2006 AWCI 46th Annual Meeting Agenda
Thursday, August 3, 2006 Antoine Simonin Watchmakers of Switzerland Technology & Education 9:00AM-4:00PM Chronometer Club Program (WOSTEP) Chronograph Course Bob Macomber Bushing Wooden Clock 10:00 AM Research & Education Council Movements Doug Thompson, Director
3:00 - 6:00 PM Registration 9:45- 11:15 AM Educational Presentations
5:00- 6:00 PM Chronometer Club Ed Ueberal Railroad Pocket Watches Business Meeting Manuel Yazijian The Professional Watchmaker; 6:30- 7:30 PM New Member & Welcome Behaviors, Practices and Reception Certification
7:30- 8:30PM Affiliate Chapter Welcome Vince Schrader & Jointly present on Certification Reception Jerry Faier (watch and clock)
8:30- 10:00 PM Affiliate Chapter Orientation 10:00 AM ELM Trust Meeting Atrium 5
Friday, August 4, 2006 10:00 AM - 3:00PM Trade Fair Plaza Mall
7:00AM Registration 11 :30 AM - 1 :30 PM Vendors Luncheon Buffet
7:00AM Continental Breakfast 1 :30 - 3:00 PM Educational Presentations
8:00AM - Noon Affiliate Chapter Meeting Brien K. Dews Electric Clocks and the Keynote Speaker- TBA Telechron Company
9:00- 10:00 AM J.M. Dodson Perpetuation Antoine Simonin Watchmakers of Switzerland Fund Meeting Technology & Education Program (WOSTEP) 10:00 AM- Noon Industry Advisory Board Meeting Bob Macomber Bushing Wooden Clock Movements Noon- 1:30PM Lunch on your own 3:15-4:45 PM Educational Presentations 1:00- 5:00PM AWCI Board of Directors Meeting Ed Ueberal Railroad Pocket Watches
5:30PM Bus departs for the ELM-Trust Manuel Yazijian The Professional Watchmaker; Dinner/Fundraiser Behaviors, Practices and Certification 6:00- 10:00 PM ELM-Trust Dinner/Fundraiser Vince Schrader & Jointly present on Certification 10:00 PM Bus returns to the Marriott Jerry Faier (watch and clock)
6:00- 7:00 PM President's Reception Saturday, August 5, 2006 7:00- 9:00PM Dinner & Awards Program 7:00AM Registration Sunday, August 6, 2006 7:00AM Continental Breakfast 8:00- 9:00AM Breakfast Buffet 8:00- 10:00 AM Auction Items Delivered (Tentative) 9:00AM- Noon AWCI Board of Directors Meeting 8:00- 9:30AM Educational Presentations
Brien K. Dews Electric Clocks and the Telechron Company Hospitality Room Open to all - Evenings throughout the event
May 2006 · Horological Times 35 r------1 I I AWCI's 46th Annual Meeting - August 3-6, 2006 I I Registration Deadline: July 15, 2006 I Registration also available on line: www.awci.com : (Please type or print all information requested)
1 Name: AWCI Member No. :. ______1 Company/AffiliateChapter :. ______I City: State/Province Zip/Postal Code _____ I Phone: Fax :. ______I E-mail: ------Spouse's Name: Guest's Name: ______1 I Child#1: ------Age: I Child#2: ______Age: [ Child#3: ______Age: ----- I
I Registration Fees Received by July 1I 2006 After July 11 2006 : Weekend Package* I AWCI Member __ @$250.00 __ @$300.00 [ Nonmember __ @$300.00 __ @$350.00 [ Spouse/Guest __ @$150.00 __ @$200.00 1 Children (under 12) __ @$ 50.00 __ @$100.00 1 Saturday Package** I AWCI Member __ @$200.00 __ @$250.00 I Nonmember __ @$250.00 __ @$300.00 I Spouse/Guest __ @$ 75.00 __ @$100.00 I Education Package*** AWCI Member __ @$150.00 __ @$200.00 Nonmember __ @$200.00 __ @$250.00
ELM Trust Dinner - Friday Night __ @$ 65.00 per person (Not included in weekend package) Total _____ Should we be aware of any personal health issues you have? ______
Do you prefer vegetarian meals? ------
*Weekend Package Includes: Thursday: Round Table Reception; Friday: Continental Breakfast, Affiliate Chapter and Board Meetings; Saturday: Continental Breakfast, Technical Presentations, Luncheon , Dinner/Awards Program, and Auction; Sunday: Breakfast Buffet **Saturday Package Includes: Saturday: Continental Breakfast, Technical Presentations, Luncheon and Dinner/Awards Program, and Auction ***Education Package Includes: Saturday: Continental Breakfast, Technical Presentations & Luncheon Note: Program changes will be announced as they occur.
0 Check 0 American Express 0 Discover 0 MasterCard 0 Visa 0 Diner's Club Name on Card ______
Account# Expiration Date Signature ------Please make checks payable to AWCI. All fees must be paid in advance; credit cards will be processed upon receipt. Payment in U.S. Funds, drawn on a U.S. Financial Institution. No refunds for cancellations after July 15,2006
1 AWCI's 46 h Annual Meeting 701 Enterprise Drive Harrison, OH 45030 Toll Free 1-866-367-2924, ext. 301 Fax: 513-367-1414 E-mail: [email protected] I L------~ 36 Horological Times · May 2006 AWCI's 46TH ANNUAL MEETING AUGUST 3-6, 2006 VENDOR REGISTRATION DOOR PRIZE - ELM TRUST DONATION
The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute would like to invite your participation in the AWCl 46th Annual Meeting & Convention at the Sea-Tac Marriott Airport Hotel in Seattle, Washington. Exhibitors may reserve a table for $225 for Saturday, August 5, 2006 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM This will also entitle two people to have lunch and dinner with the convention attendees. Deadline for vendor registration is July 1st, 2006.
Company Name ______Address ______City State Zip ______Phone Fax______
E-Mail, ______
a Please reserve __ table(s) for us to exhibit during the AWCI 46th Annual Meeting. The following people will be attending:
Name Title ------
Name Title ------
Name Title ------a A door prize will be sent to AWCI for the drawings held during the Trade Fair and at the close of the convention. This entitles our company to be listed as a convention sponsor.
The generous financial support of persons interested in preserving the past and building the future of horol ogy augments the AWCI-ELM Charitable Trust. Your donation will contribute to the education of the next generation of watchmakers and clockmakers or to maintaining the historical record of the craft.
Please accept this donation of $ to the AWCI-ELM Charitable Trust
Payment Method: a Check a American Express a Discover a MasterCard a Visa a Diner's Club Total ______
Name on Cam ______
Account# Expiration Date Signature ------
May 2006 · Horological Times 37 AWCI EVENING CLASSES IN CLOCK AND WATCH REPAIR
American Watchmakers-Ciockmakers Institute is offering weekly evening classes (1 0 consecutive Wednes days) in clock and watch repair. These will be basic instructional classes, loosely structured to adapt to the needs of the students. Watch and clock classes will run simultaneously on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the training facilities at AWCI in Harrison, Ohio.
Instructors: Laurie Penman, Clock Repair Tom Schomaker, CMW, Watch Repair
Schedule: Spring Session- April 5, 2006- June 7, 2006 Summer Session - June 28, 2006 -August 30, 2006 Fall Session - September 20, 2006 - November 22, 2006 Winter Session - January 10, 2007 - March 14, 2007
Location: AWCI Training Facility 701 Enterprise Drive, Harrison, OH 45030
Cost: $400 per 10-week session Registrants must be AWCI members ($83 yearly membership) Tool and material costs are extra
For more information or to register for a class, contact Nancy Well mann, Education Coordinator 1-866-367-2924, ext. 303 or e-mail: [email protected]
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38 Horological Times · May 2006 The Chronometer Club
"Focusing on the needs of today's watchmaker"
Watchmakers who are members of the AWCI are invited to join "The Chronometer Club". Now is the ideal time of year to join this growing Affiliate Theme Chapter.
Our purpose is "To provide a technical forum for professional horologists engaged in the service and repair of Cer tified Chronometer Watches, for the express purpose of enhancing the level of craftsmanship and elevating quality standards."
Our organization has an outstanding technical newsletter, The Communicator. Our e-mail forum (eGroup) and our Membership Directory make it possible for our members to exchange technical news and information as a group, or on a personal basis. Our website, www.thechronometerclub.org, provides current information and important links.
Dues for 2006 are $30 (or two years for $55) for members in the U.S. and Canada. A registration form, or additional information, is available from Wes Grau, CMW, Executive Secretary, at P.O. Box 8314, Gurnee, Illinois, 60031, by phone at (847) 249-0189, or by e-mail at [email protected]
«Jn the race for quality~ there is no finish line.''
What Every Watchmaker Needs On Their Bench!
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May 2006 · Horological Times 39 New Members
Arizona Michigan Pennsylvania Contreras, Vanessa-Scottsdale, AZ* Engels, Robert-Jenison, Ml Cramer, William-Johnstown, PA* Trenter, Lisa-Mesa, AZ* Gaines, Robert-Flint, Ml* Lenk, Gene A.-Pittsburgh, PA Trenter, Robert N.-Mesa, AZ* Yashayev, Jacob-Royal Oak, Ml Robuck, Dale-Northumberland, PA
California Montana South Carolina Curtiss, Steve-Los Altos, CA Beckstrom, Darrell-Helena, MT Ruyle, Mark A.-Summerville, SC* Rangel, Anthony-Fresno, CA Nevada Texas Florida Boger, Wes-Mesquite, NV* Cantu, Cesar-Houston, TX Brown, Roystone-Zephyrhills, FL * Monteleone, William P.-Fiower Centeno, Daniel-Miami, FL New Jersey Mound, TX Hulen, Stephen B.-Sebring, FL Teifert, John A.-Weehawken, NJ* Tsilingirian, Azniv-Vero Beach, FL * Washington New York Nesbit, Charles-Seattle, WA Illinois Bruno, Pasquale-Latham, NY Sansone, Leonard-Bellingham, WA Eckert, John-Lake Forest, IL DiBari, Sebastiano-New York, NY Ehimen, Gabriel-Chicago, IL Toth, Alex-New York, NY Wisconsin Callaway, William C.-Mattoon, WI* Iowa North Carolina Peterson, Joseph T.-Milwaukee, WI Swanson, Sheryl-Marion, lA Jackson, Kenneth-Chapel Hill, NC*
Kentucky Ohio * AWCI welcomes back these in Ferguson, B. Dale-Louisville, KY Gavi, Isaac-Moraine, OH dividuals who have chosen to re Heismann, Barry-Cincinnati, OH instate their membership. Maryland Naumchik, Sergey-Hilliard, OH Takatsch, Albert-Jefferson, MD Riehl, Bill L.-Dayton, OH* Stricker, Carl-West Chester, OH
PARTS MESSAGE BOARD The American Watchmakers-Ciockmakers Institute Parts Message Board is available on line at www.awci.com Click on the Parts Forum in the Top Links box. Guests are free to browse our topics and posts but only validated AWCI members will be able to actively post messages and communicate with one an other via private messaging.
The purpose of this board is to aid our members in finding watch parts, clock parts and tools. This board is not open to generic advertising posts; therefore, web addresses and e-mail addresses should not be included in public messages.
40 Horological Times · May 2006 AWCI Home Study Course in Clock Repair Based on the original correspondence course written and administered by Laurie Penman, AWCI's resident clock instructor, this course is con structed to provide information and instruction in a manner that is immedi- ately useful in both learning and practicing clock repair. The course contains 16 lessons. At the completion of each lesson you will receive comments and suggestions from Laurie Penman, and a pass or fail grade. Those who achieve a pass grade in each section will receive a certificate of completion. Mr. Penman will be available to answer questions or offer suggestions to each student.
The AWCI Home Study Course in Clock Repair package contains all the material and information necessary to successfully learn the fundamentals of clock repair, including The Clock Repairer's Handbook by Laurie Penman and a one-year subscription to Steven G. Conover's monthly publication, Clockmaker's Newsletter. Course participants will be invited to attend a 2- day meeting at AWCI to confer with Mr. Penman and meet other students. AWCI Members - $750 Non-members - $835 Contact Nancy Wellmann, AWCI Education Coordinator E-mail: [email protected] Phone Toll Free 1-866-367-2924 ext. 303 or (513) 367-9800
American Watchmakers-Ciockmakers Institute
Health savings Accounts Long-Term Care Disability Income/Critical Illness Dental& Vision Insurance Annuities Health Insurance Home Health Care Life Insurance Assisted Living Individuals • Families Term~ 10, 20, 2~ 30~Age9S Nursing Home care Groups Universal Life Student Health Plans Survivorship {2nd to Die) Medicare Supplements SAVE Key Person International Travel Insurance u 0 Executive Benefit Life Health savings Accounts Retirement. Financial services Individuals/Groups 30°/o
On Insurance Premiums!
Rates and Availability May Vary By State. AWCI Association Health Programs 6319 W. 110th Street, OVerland Pari<, Kansas 66211 Phone: (913) 341-2868 Toll Free: (888) 450-3040 Fax: (913) 341-2803 Email: [email protected] Website: www .associationpros.com/assoc/AWCI
May 2006 · Horological Times 41 The Deadbeat Escapement
Part 6 Pin Pallets
Laurie Penman
The distinguishing characteristic of the pin Although the drawings follow the propor pallet escapement is that the pallets are tions of the original pieces the scale cannot simple pins pressed into the brass pallet be controlled in the printing. However the body and have virtually no impulse surface. outside diameter of the escape wheel is 0.3" A plane at the end of the escape wheel teeth for this small alarm clock, and the balance produces almost all impulse. Like the wheel measures 0.580" across its outside di Brocot, locking occurs on the midline of ameter. It is similar in size, (although not the pins, but for safety the pins usually quality) to a pocket watch. lock slightly below this position and then are "drawn" in towards the escape wheel There are two major forms of the lever, center. those that have a roller (one, or two rollers) on the balance staff and a guard pin, or dart. Figure 36 shows a photograph of a typical The pin, or the dart prevents the lever from example of the escapement in a small alarm unlocking the escape wheel until the balance clock, Figure 37 is a another photograph of reaches the center of its oscillation. Levers the three major components: escape wheel, without rollers make use of the staff itself lever and balance and balance spring, and to keep the lever in position. A deep notch Figure 38 shows the photograph rendered in the staff allows the dart to pass at the cen as drawings of the three parts that are used tral position. The consequence of both these in displaying the action of the escapement. systems is that the lever may "rest" on the roller or balance staff, creating friction. This is a frequent source of problems and there are mecha- . . msms to prevent 1t. We will discuss the problems of the pin pallet and its adjust ment after looking at its operation. The es capement shown is fitted with a dart, which should be ca pable of resting on the roller, however it
Figure 36
42 Horological Times · May 2006 Figure 37
0
The impulse pin is a pressed tab that is bent upward from a steel disk press fitted onto the staff. There is a single roller with a cutout crescent for the dart
Figure 38
is only pressed out and falls just a little short of per and the lever is prevented from flipping past if the pallet forming this function. The escapement relies solely on pins bend slightly. the escape wheel to "draw" the pallet pins into the teeth so that they bank securely at the bottom of the teeth. In Figure 39, (A) the balance has just finished receiv This clock movement is typical of cheap manufacture. ing impulse from the fork of the lever and the pallets are locked on the escape wheel; (B) the balance contin Note: Figures 39 & 40 have not reproduced precisely as ues rotating, the lever moves a little more until the exit the drawing; consequently the "horns" (left and right ex pallet pin is drawn to the bottom of the escape wheel tremities) of the fork appear to be capable ofpassing the tooth and "banks". In other words, prevented from staff or arbor ofthe balance wheel. In fact they do not pass further movement.
May 2006 · Horological Times 43 A B
The dart is not actualy touctmg the roler, but the exl pi1 is banked on the escape wheel
D
Balan::e making sLJWiementary arc.
Figure 39
(C) The balance performs its supplementary arc, the (F) The rotation of the balance impulse pin takes the lever is locked and the dart (at the mid-point of the lever to the center position, where the exit pin unlocks fork aperture) is not touching the roller. (The roller is and the escape wheel begins to impulse the lever. At the disk with the crescent cutout, which is centered on that point the right side of the fork contacts the im the balance staff.) This is important, when the lever is pulse pin to transfer the impulse to the balance wheel. banked, either by the pallet pins bottoming on the es Impulse should start on, or very close to the line of cape wheel teeth, or by special pins set on each side of centers. the lever arm (Figure 42), the balance wheel should be free to rotate and not have to overcome any frictional (G) Impulsing is nearly complete, drop is about to contact with any other part of the escapement. occur and the dart is just leaving the crescent.
(D) The balance returns under the influence of the (H) The dart is clear, the pallets are locked and banked, balance spring (not shown) and the impulse pin at and the balance wheel begins its supplementary arc free tached to the staff is about to enter the fork. of any contact with the lever.
Figure 40 (E) now fully entered, the impulse pin con The whole cycle reverses, of course. tacts the left side of the fork and is about to unlock the escape wheel by moving the lever counterclockwise.
44 Horological Times · May 2006 E F
The balance rellrns irrpulse The exitpaletpin is being irrpulsed pinenErs brk,conacts its left pressing he lever counBr clockwise side and begins b unlock tle so flat it gives irrpulse b 1he balance escape wheel 1hrough its ifTllulse pin
G H 4
Balance is free ofbrk and making supplerren1ary arc, hl!ulsing is corrpleE, fle escape wheel lever is banked on escape is aboutb drop onb tle entance pallet wheel, which is locked pin and f1e dart is aillDStclear oftle roller crescentcutcout
Figure 40
Adjustments Pallet pins do bend, and they wear. Since the escape There are few adjustments that can be made to this es ment was correct when it left the manufacturer, the capement, unless it has been messed about. Taking the housing for the pins must be correct. (Very few clocks simplest one first, which has banking on the escape wheel. HERMLE • KIENINGER • URGOS Worn pivot holes are always possible, of course, but I H. HERR • REGULA cannot recall ever seeing a movement whose train from wheels and pinions were in usable condition that had worn pivot holes for the parts of the escapement. The Jjutttrtuortb telotU, 31nc. escapement was normally in such cheaply made clocks Whyrepairwhen you can replace? that when they got to this stage the cost of repair was THELARGESTMOVEMENTSUPPLYINTHEWORLD several times that of the current value. Collector's pieces and museum examples would require repair regardless FREE PRICE UST: of this point, and the solution is simply bushing. Apart Call toll free: 1-800-258-5418 5300 59th Ave. W • Muscatine, lA 52761 from saying that the tolerances are very tight and bushes E-mail: bci@muscanetcom • Web: www.butterworthclocks.com need to be placed more accurately than is usual, there SAMEDAYSHIPPING • TWO-YEARWARRANTY is no point in going into this repair here. Mark Butterworth
May 2006 ·· Horological Times 45 lock, and decreases the amount of impulse received by the balance.
The lever is made of brass and over time the impulse pin on the bal ance will wear the inside faces of the fork, producing a notch and in creasing the freedom between the jaws. Qaws being the inside faces of the fork.) It will only be a few thousandths of an inch; careful work with a smooth needle file and burnishing with a polished piece of hacksaw blade will correct the sur face. A gauge should be made first, which just slides into the unworn
The pin is locked, but there is a part of the jaws, then when the sur small space between the lever and the banking pin. The exit face has been refurbished, the jaws pallet pin is drawn down by the shape of the escape wheel tooth can be closed to give the original and the lever touches the banking freedom. The slight amount of These escape wheel teeth are pin to remain secure until the bal deeper than Rgs . 39 & 40 because ance returns and unlocks the esc taper that results will not affect the banking occurs on pins, not at ape wheel the bottom of the escape wheel impulse pin because it should not teeth enter that far.
Figure 41 The worst fault is one imposed by a previous repairer-a bent lever! If this is flat, the bend can be corrected without too have been mass-produced in non-working condition, much work, but very often the lever is cranked so that although I do know of one.) The housing is a simple altering the original bend increases or decreases the hole and the pin was pressed into it. It was originally length from the pivot to the fork. The lever may have a upright and not leaning in any direction. Simply bring loop pressed into as shown in Figure 43 so that the ing the pallet pins back to the upright condition should manufacturer may adjust the length. be enough. Make sure that the dart, or guard pin is centered accu Replacement pins need to be hard and polished; blue rately and not loose. pivot steel is ideal, but the range of sizes that is avail able seems to become more limited as time passes. I Correct the length first by rebending the crank, but have found that small dressmaker's needles are very ensure that when viewed from the side, the fork clears useful but the tapered end must be discarded and the the roller but does not come close to the end of the main body, which is almost untapered, used. Other impulse pin. The correct position for the pin is shown wise the shake in the system will allow the escape wheel in Figure 42; it must clear the curve of the horns and to locate on varying diameters and the drops will alter only just enter the jaws (sufficiently to remain in con from one beat to the other. tact during an arc that brings the lever close to its bank ing). Figure 43 is a diagrammatic side view of fork and Escape wheels wear at the locking face of the teeth. impulse pin (both adjustable and cranked), and Figure These can be recovered by using a fine file; count the 44 shows the effect of bending the arm of the lever. number of strokes and fit a handle to the file that gives you control over the angle at which the file is held. It Bending the lever sideways as shown is probably the may look incongruous but a one-inch diameter handle worst thing that can be done to the escapement. The on a needle file gives much better control than the silly lever will no longer swing through its full angle, be plastic things that seem in better proportion. Inciden cause it is prevented from doing that by the banking tally, the reason for counting the strokes is that this is whether it is banking on the escape wheel, or with pins the only way you can compare the amount of metal as shown. removed. This operation increases the drops and the
46 Horological Times · May 2006 ~ lf .. r· i i ,
Figure 43
The tips of the homs must not pass the staff- (
Note that the width of the impulse pin and its freedom within the jaws affects the depth that it can enter the jaws without rubbing on the curve of the horns.
Figure 42
Since it will no longer swing over far enough, the pal lets pins do not operate properly on the escape wheel, whereupon the "repairer" uses pliers on the pins to bend them to one side, or even remove them altogether. If the banking is arranged on the wheel, then it is the pal If th e pall et arm is bent the banking will let pins that are bent; and that, at a stroke, modifies the not allow the pallet pin to finish impulsing drop and lock to such an extent that the escapement - it will jam. So, you will often find that no longer bears much resemblance to a deadbeat mecha th e banking pins have either been be nt msm. outwards to allow the lever to swing further, or they may have been removed! There is only one thing further to say about adjust ments of this kind-never make them! 0 Figure 44
May 2006 · Horological Times 47 Industry News
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The box measures 11"W x 8"D x 9"H and provides light The JANew York Summer Show will welcome approxi from two 5000° K fluorescent bulbs in the bottom and mately 1,900 international and U.S.-based exhibitors rear, plus reflective lighting from the front and sides. and over 13,000 buyers. Exclusive Jewelers of America Flexible camera educational programming is another highlight offered angles allow easy at the show, with various presentations on key topics shooting from both of interest to the industry. the top and front. The compact size The 2006 JANew York Summer Show will be held July allows easy portabil 30- August 2 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Cen ity in the provided ter, NYC. Hours are as follows: Sunday, July 30, 9:30 carrymg case. AM-6:00PM; Monday, July 31, 10:00 AM-6:00PM; Tuesday, August 1, 10:00 AM-6:00PM; and Wednes The box is available for only $395. Contact Joel Deming day, August 2, 10:00 AM-3:00PM. Buyer registration at 1-800-487-0408 for more information. is available online at www.ja-newyork.com or to ex hibit contact Drew Lawsky at (646) 654-4983.
48 Horological Times · May 2006 BULLETIN BOARD
ITEMS STILL NEEDED Do you have information regarding this month's requests? Do you need information about one of this month's re sponses? If so, send your information or requests to: Sir Francis Drake Falling Ball Clock Gordon Beach, Yuma, AZ, is looking for technical/ Horological Times Bulletin Board parts information for a Sir Francis Drake Falling Ball 701 Enterprise Drive Clock, 1981, made in England. Harrison, OH 45030-1696 Toll-Free: 1-866-367-2924, ext. 307 Phone: (513) 367-9800 Levin's Pivot Polisher & Straightener Fax: (513) 367-1414 George Davis, Richland, W A, is looking for a copy of E-mail: [email protected] 0 the parts list and user manual for Levin's pivot pol isher and straightener Cat. #PSOO.
CHROnOJ
0 $22.50- One Year 0 $19.50- One Year 0 $42.00- Two Years 0 $35.00- Two Years 0 $60.00- Three Years 0 $50.00- Thrt'c Years Fl)reign subscribers add $10 j>er FMcign sub.lcrihers add $10 l>~r ywr. (U.S. Fands drawn from U.S. Y''ar. (U.S . F11nds drav.m fwm U.S . bank only) bank only) I.:J Chl'ck or money order enclosed 0 Check or money order enclosed U Charg.: my Visa or Mast.:rCard I.J Charge my Visa or M
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