Rotor Question

[rmfnla]

Does the rotor pivot freely all the time or only when the mainspring needs winding?

I took the back off my DJ and the rotor did not swing freely. It would move when I pushed it, but not on its own.

I took the rotor assembly off and it spun perfectly, yet when I reinstalled it the rotor again did not want to move on it's own.

I then realized I had wound it manually this morning, hence my original question.

BTW, the rest of the watch works perfectly.

Thanks in advance.

[tickious]

It should still rotate when the spring is fully wound. The spring will then just slip round the barrel wall. Sounds like it might be time for a service.

[rmfnla]

It does indeed.

Oh well, it's been almost seven years...

Thanks!

[Ironstark]

If the mainspring is fully wound then the automatic device will have to overcome the extra friction generated by the mainspring slipping in the barrel.
The rotor weight will still rotate freely but slightly less so than if there was no power on the mainspring.

[rmfnla]

Yeah, mine does not rotate at all unless I push it with my finger; guess it is indeed service time.

Thanks!