Adjustments for automatic watches
Ok, so I have a couple of questions:
First, the crown on my Invicta Model 3044 is a bit stiff. It's a screw-down crown, and when I unscrew it, it doesn't "pop" out as cleanly as I'd like. It's also very difficult to pull out the stem, for the purpose of setting the time. It's so stiff, it's hard to feel the positions of the stem. If I fiddle with it, I can eventually get it to work. But it's aggravating, because I got my daughter the exact same watch (different color, slightly different model number, but the exact same case and movement) and hers works perfectly, and the crown and stem easily pop into their positions, and setting the watch is a breeze. QUESTION: Does this sound like something that a little grease would fix? If so, what is the best brand of lubricant to use?
Secondly, my watch (lately) seems to consistently be about 10 seconds behind on the time, which is well within spec for the NH35A. But my daughter's watch (same movement) seems to consistently be about a minute and a half behind. QUESTION: would a "service" on the movement correct this issue? If so, please explain to me (a newbie) exactly what that involves? And how much is it likely to cost me?
Call me Chris! Faithful Christian / Devoted & Loving Husband / Proud Father / Scholarly Librarian / Avid Antiquarian Book Collector / Registered Armiger / Certified D&D Nerd / Watch & Clock Collector.
I'm not a professional watchmaker, but I think that in the first case, lubricating only the stem probably won't be enough, it's quite possible that the whole movement will have to be serviced because, as far as I know, there is so many more parts which needs to be lubricated, but it could also be that there's just something loose that prevents the easy operation of setting the watch, as I once saw it on YouTube video. In the second case, I don't know how the NH35A movements are constructed, but on mine the loosing time is set as I directed the arrow in the photo, so maybe your movement has something similar?
Maybe I'm wrong so please take it as unconditional advise 🍻
Using grease or lubricant on the crown stem is a terrible idea if you don't know what you're doing. Wrong stuff /amount could result in degrading the gasket or introducing the lubricant to the movement.
No 2 automatics run the same. Is your daughter fully winding the movement?
In most cases a service on that movement is more costly than a new movement-or even watch.
I would steer clear of Invictas Service if you decide on service. Seek out a local watch repair for any questions on cost. And remember that with watch service you get what you pay for. Lots of hacks out there.
Using grease or lubricant on the crown stem is a terrible idea if you don't know what you're doing. Wrong stuff /amount could result in degrading the gasket or introducing the lubricant to the movement.
No 2 automatics run the same. Is your daughter fully winding the movement?
In most cases a service on that movement is more costly than a new movement-or even watch.
I would steer clear of Invictas Service if you decide on service. Seek out a local watch repair for any questions on cost. And remember that with watch service you get what you pay for. Lots of hacks out there.
She doesn't wear hers as often as a "watch person" would, lol. She wears it occasionally, as jewelery, to match outfits, purses, etc. 🤣 So, no, I doubt she winds it as much as she should, lol. 😀
She doesn't wear hers as often as a "watch person" would, lol. She wears it occasionally, as jewelery, to match outfits, purses, etc. 🤣 So, no, I doubt she winds it as much as she should, lol. 😀
That could very well explain her watch being "off"
Does the screw-down crown have the mechanism where it won’t wind the watch as you screw the crown down? If so, it is very normal for those types of crowns to be a little funny when you unscrew them—usually you have to turn the crown a hair clockwise as if you were winding the watch, and then the crown should fully pop out so you can set the time, etc.
Something to do with a hexagonal mesh clutch that can get stuck in the winding stem and crown, but again it’s normal.
If this isn’t your problem, then ignore me
The popping part is all in the crown and can afford a touch of light oil. The NH35 can be regulated but no one services them as replacing the movement is far cheaper. Service by a watchmaker under 300.00. NH35 replacement is $60.00 and labour to install.
Does the screw-down crown have the mechanism where it won’t wind the watch as you screw the crown down? If so, it is very normal for those types of crowns to be a little funny when you unscrew them—usually you have to turn the crown a hair clockwise as if you were winding the watch, and then the crown should fully pop out so you can set the time, etc.
Something to do with a hexagonal mesh clutch that can get stuck in the winding stem and crown, but again it’s normal.
If this isn’t your problem, then ignore me
I don't think it has that feature. I bought the same watch for my daughter, and hers behaves the way it's supposed to. But for some reason, mine doesn't.
The short answer is "no". If the stem is hard to pull out, it is most likely that there is too much friction within the keyless works, meaning a set of levers that shift little gears on the crown stem, which engage different sprockets for winding, changing the time, stopping the balance wheel, and date setting.
You can grease the crown stem with Moebius HP1300, but it is unlikely that the friction is a result of the sliding movement of the stem itself. (And even that would require opening the case to release the watch stem.)
If it really bugs you, you can replace the movement.