New member from UK saying hello

[twhp101]

Hi all, glad to be here. Long time watch nut currently deep down the vintage Seiko/Citizen rabbit hole... I've recently started out as a hobbyist repairer although I'm waiting before I tackle anything too special.

Some photos added below of recent arrivals and also a Slava 2414 currently on the bench. Everything cleaned, case parts just resting together after a dial clean. Reassembly awaits. It has quite a few parts for a three hander with date but all part of the fun! Two mainsprings is rather interesting too.

Thanks for having me

[dapellegrini]

Welcome!

[cd_god]

[inboost]

Excellent photos and great to have you aboard twhp101 ! I've done a Slava 2427 and found it very interesting how it has the two mainsprings like your 2414 there. One thing that caught me out is that the solvent I washed the balance in (OneDip) weakened the plastic connection at the termination of the hairspring into the adjuster. It broke as I was regulating it on re-installation. Thankfully a bit of superglue fixed it and it runs to this day. 

[twhp101]

Jan 22, 2023 6:21:48 GMT -8 inboost said:

Excellent photos and great to have you aboard twhp101 ! I've done a Slava 2427 and found it very interesting how it has the two mainsprings like your 2414 there. One thing that caught me out is that the solvent I washed the balance in (OneDip) weakened the plastic connection at the termination of the hairspring into the adjuster. It broke as I was regulating it on re-installation. Thankfully a bit of superglue fixed it and it runs to this day. 

Thanks, for the tip! I haven't heard of Onedip but a quick Google suggests trichloroethylene. I use L&R 111 so hopefully won't have the same issues..!

2427 is the same but with quickset date i think?

[saldog]

In the UK, the equivalent to One Dip is called Essence of Renata. It may well be TCE and not safe for some plastics.

You need to use a non-chlorinated solvent to be plastic safe. Circuit cleaning solvents like Bergeon 6438 are safe for plastics.

[twhp101]

Thanks saldog for that. I have Essence of Renata for cleaning hairsprings/barrels.

Plastics I wasn't going to put in anything, but will check out your recommendation

Edited to point out my typo, I meant main springs!

[inboost]

Jan 23, 2023 8:19:31 GMT -8 twhp101 said:

Thanks saldog for that. I have Essence of Renata for cleaning hairsprings/barrels.

Plastics I wasn't going to put in anything, but will check out your recommendation

That's the crux of my warning twhp101 - the hairspring has a plastic termination on my Slava and the hairspring cleaner (Essence of Renata in your case) might eat it!

[saldog]

Jan 23, 2023 8:19:31 GMT -8 twhp101 said:

Thanks saldog for that. I have Essence of Renata for cleaning hairsprings/barrels.

Plastics I wasn't going to put in anything, but will check out your recommendation

Actually, I don't even recommend using any solvent for cleaning plastics. I usually will only use soap and water on plastic parts. Often times, I don't even do that. They typically are not lubricated so they don't get grimed up. I will usually just smush them in a ball of Rodico and be done with it.

I overhauled an H023 movement once and a lot of it is plastic, even the mainplate and bridge. I washed those parts in my L&R with the regular solutions and they came out fine.

[twhp101]

Jan 23, 2023 8:21:40 GMT -8 inboost said:

Jan 23, 2023 8:19:31 GMT -8 twhp101 said:

Thanks saldog for that. I have Essence of Renata for cleaning hairsprings/barrels.

Plastics I wasn't going to put in anything, but will check out your recommendation

That's the crux of my warning twhp101 - the hairspring has a plastic termination on my Slava and the hairspring cleaner (Essence of Renata in your case) might eat it!

D'oh! Was at work and can't type and do that at the same time.....

What I meant to say was renata for mainsprings/barrels only, before they get the L&R 111.

Everything else gets the 111 (no plastic in 2414).

Anything plastic doesn't get either, or any US cleaning.

[twhp101]

Jan 23, 2023 8:58:49 GMT -8 saldog said:

Jan 23, 2023 8:19:31 GMT -8 twhp101 said:

Thanks saldog for that. I have Essence of Renata for cleaning hairsprings/barrels.

Plastics I wasn't going to put in anything, but will check out your recommendation

Actually, I don't even recommend using any solvent for cleaning plastics. I usually will only use soap and water on plastic parts. Often times, I don't even do that. They typically are not lubricated so they don't get grimed up. I will usually just smush them in a ball of Rodico and be done with it.

I overhauled an H023 movement once and a lot of it is plastic, even the mainplate and bridge. I washed those parts in my L&R with the regular solutions and they came out fine.

Good to know about plastic main plates/bridges. I was thinking more small plastic wheels/date jumpers (yes you 5606) and the like

[endy]

Welcome! I've 3 x 2414 Vostoks waiting for my attention, so please do keep the pics coming

[twhp101]

Jan 24, 2023 6:28:30 GMT -8 endy said:

Welcome! I've 3 x 2414 Vostoks waiting for my attention, so please do keep the pics coming

Will do! Had a bit of a hiccup with this. Was stripping the balance jewels and someone has been in before me. The shock springs were pretty bent, and when the main plate side came apart there were 2 cap jewels in there. The shim is also missing from under the balance cock. When I put it back together there is masses of endshake on the balance so going to have a fettle later.

I also managed to snap a tab off one of the springs while trying to un-mangle it. Are these a generic size does anyone know? There are similar looking springs in the Cousins mixed bag so if that shape is a standard size will buy that.

Edit - Balance spring unstuck now, rather unsightly in that shot

[endy]

My first stripdown of a 2414 I'd got on ebay and the brass shim was loose in the case, couldn't figure out for the life of me what it was