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jlovda · 11 July 2019, 10:57 AM

My 5513 hasn't been worn in 35 years and was last opened in 1980 for a service. My watchmaker (with a lot of experience with a CW21 rating) wants to replace the barrel as part of an overhaul. What is the barrel and how does it get worn out. Also, even if the watch sat unworn for 35 years, wouldn't you automatically change the mainspring? My pre-approval estimate said it was OK.

Thanks

Lgear080 · 11 July 2019, 12:43 PM

https://www.bobswatches.com/watch-re...nspring-barrel

Mainspring is located within ... barrel assembly

watchmaker · 11 July 2019, 06:30 PM

Barrels are commonly replaced during a service. (More so now than in the past for various reasons)

Whether or not the watch has been used, the mainspring which is contained in the barrel has been under tension the entire time since even in the unwound state it is still coiled. The grease has also had 35 years to degrade which adds to the party.

Lastly, and most pertinently, there is no knowing the condition the barrel was in and if it was reused when it was serviced in 1980. It may very well be the original barrel which is going to be....how old is your 5513?.....many years old.

TL:DR If the watchmaker says it needs a new barrel, it needs a new barrel

strafer_kid · 11 July 2019, 07:19 PM

35 years is prety good going! Why not just get it all done for peace of mind and for the next 35!

jlovda · 11 July 2019, 11:21 PM

Thanks for your replies. My watch is from 1970 and was serviced in 1973 and 1980. It has been sitting unused since 1985. I am having the work done. I just wanted some background information.

11 July 2019, 10:57 AM	#1
jlovda "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: John Location: Midwest Watch: 5513,1675,216570 Posts: 1,465	5513 Service Question. My 5513 hasn't been worn in 35 years and was last opened in 1980 for a service. My watchmaker (with a lot of experience with a CW21 rating) wants to replace the barrel as part of an overhaul. What is the barrel and how does it get worn out. Also, even if the watch sat unworn for 35 years, wouldn't you automatically change the mainspring? My pre-approval estimate said it was OK. Thanks

11 July 2019, 12:43 PM	#2
Lgear080 Banned Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 3,506	https://www.bobswatches.com/watch-re...nspring-barrel Mainspring is located within ... barrel assembly

11 July 2019, 06:30 PM	#3
watchmaker TechXpert Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Scott Location: London Posts: 2,238	Barrels are commonly replaced during a service. (More so now than in the past for various reasons) Whether or not the watch has been used, the mainspring which is contained in the barrel has been under tension the entire time since even in the unwound state it is still coiled. The grease has also had 35 years to degrade which adds to the party. Lastly, and most pertinently, there is no knowing the condition the barrel was in and if it was reused when it was serviced in 1980. It may very well be the original barrel which is going to be....how old is your 5513?.....many years old. TL:DR If the watchmaker says it needs a new barrel, it needs a new barrel

11 July 2019, 07:19 PM	#4
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,127	35 years is prety good going! Why not just get it all done for peace of mind and for the next 35!

11 July 2019, 11:21 PM	#5
jlovda "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: John Location: Midwest Watch: 5513,1675,216570 Posts: 1,465	Thanks for your replies. My watch is from 1970 and was serviced in 1973 and 1980. It has been sitting unused since 1985. I am having the work done. I just wanted some background information.

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