servicing a '46 Oyster Air King

[rgvodden]

Hi Folks,
I thought I would post this here, as I joined the forum when I was looking for advice on getting my grandfather's watch fixed.

My watch is a '46 Oyster Air King with the sub-second. I've had this watch since '91, and it has been waiting repair since not long after. Here is what it looked like after a tumble in the clothes dryer (no heat):

[IMG]https://*******/photos/N14TxhJtQnQxy8o9A[/IMG]
[IMG]https://*******/photos/WVcg8eMs7pA31DA47[/IMG]

The watch is in the hands of Tommy right now.Here is the progress of the past few days. Here are his notes:

"Got this torn down.
Some issues. You are missing both case retainers, case retainer screws (one is broken off in the movement ring) and one movement screw to the spacer ring. Also one screw on upper escape wheel cap jewel is wrong.
One pallet stone was loose.
Going through the cleaner in a bit.
I will source the retainers and screws if I can. Movement ring is soaking in vinegar to remove the broken screw."

[IMG]https://*******/photos/qdvGU2GE4tNvr46cA[/IMG]
[IMG]https://*******/photos/J6PfGRab9GcVCocH7[/IMG]

A day later I get another update:

"Got your movement serviced and assembled with new staff. Mainspring was toast.
It’s running very well. I had to adjust the jewel in the balance cock…it was out of level.
The balance has had some work and I’ve got to go back in and kind of rework it…it’s not really as in poise as I would like it.
It would keep okay time on the wrist but I’d like to get a little closer through the positions even though it is not even marked 2 positions.
Anyway…just an update really.
Also got the broken screw out of the movement ring. That’s a relief.
Now to find some retainers and screws.
:-)
More as I get there."
[IMG]https://*******/photos/MG1HkEjx6yst9vac9[/IMG]

Then some expectation setting before we see just how well it runs:

"This was never a chronometer balance to begin with.
Sometimes I get very lucky poising them.
Every single one of these will react differently in different watches.
There was no standardization back then. One hairspring may not even work on a different balance.
The hairsprings and balances are all very individual and how quickly they react to position shifts etc., is all over the map.
Let me play with this some.
I’m sure I can make it better."

And the next day he sends me this:

"Decided to go into your balance this evening.
At this point I hesitate to go any further.

This particular wheel and spring are a tad bit slow to correct for positions but that is pretty common. As I said the weight and elasticity of the hairsprings and balances vary so much just between like and kind in this era that I’ve seen them all.

It’s pretty darned good right now for it’s age and grade, at full wind chronometer specs in 6 positions!

This movement was never graded that high.
Some of the positions are obviously closer to the edge of spec but really we are dealing with what was probably a 2 position movement.

I’m very pleased. Tolerances were wider for position error in those days than now for sure…but it’s WAY better than I thought it might be. On the wrist…it should be brilliant!

This watch is 70 + years old now. It’s likely been staffed a few times…we came out very well here.

If I get a chance I’ll work on the case and then see what exactly I’m going to have to do for case retainers and screws."

[IMG]https://*******/photos/YCv5fXjB3YCmee2j7[/IMG]

So now I wait to see what he can do with the case.
I know it needs a new crystal, retainer clips and screws as well as the new #8 tube he has been holding onto for me since last year. From there I just need the watch in hand so I can source a nice dark leather strap (for now).

If anyone knows what the 1946 band looked like, let me know.

Note: If you cannot see the images, the album is shared here: https://*******/photos/QQ45m1C6EB7EhMoz6

[rgvodden]

Sorry, What is with the image links, and how do I fix them when using Google Photos?

This is the album
g