One of my watch hands looks loose
Noticed yesterday that the minute hand on my skeleton watch has a slight wobble when I tilt the watch. It's not falling off or anything, but it definitely moves more than it should. Is this something I can fix myself or should I take it in? I've had it for about three years and it's never been serviced.
That wobble is usually the hand not being pressed down fully on the pinion. Over time they can work loose. If you're comfortable removing the caseback and have a hand presser, it's a simple fix. Otherwise a watchmaker will do it quickly and cheaply.
Could also be a bent hand or a worn pinion. Don't ignore it too long, a loose hand can scratch the dial or snag on the other hands.
How would I know if it's bent? Mine has a tiny wobble too butt I assumed it was normal.
Take a close look under a loupe while slowly turning the crown. If the hand tip moves in a circle that doesn't match the pivot, it's bent. If it just sits slightly high and wiggles, it's loose.
Three years without servIce is probably part of it. Oils dry up, parts wear. A loose hand might just be the first symptom. Worth having a watchmaker look at the whole movement while they're in there.
I'd second that. But be careful who you take it to. Some places will insist on a full service for something that just needs a hand pressed. Get a quote first.
Thanks, all. I don't have a hand presser so I'll probably take it in. There's a independent watchmaker nerar me that's been around for years. I'll ask them to check it out and give me an estimate before doing anything.
Good call. Skeleton movements are fiddly to work on and it's easy to scratch something if you're not used to it. Let us know what they say.
Following this. Mine has the same issue and I've been putting off dealing with it.
One more thing: if the watch is still under any kind of warranty, check that first. Some brands won't cover work done by a third party.
And if you do decide to try it yourself later, practice on a cheap movement first. Hand pressers aren't expensive but the learning curve is real.
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