Getting into Regulation
I have a few watches that I really like, and are consistent and reliable, but could be a bit more accurate. So I finally got a timegrapher and will be attempting some regulation. This Steinhart has been running about +9 spd on wrist. After my regulation attempt, it’s now running less than +1 spd so far. I’m also working on a modded Seiko that was running fast, but it still needs some more dialing in.
So far, it’s been fun to get a little more familiar with how movements work, and make actual improvements to my watches.
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Rob
I just got back into watches in 2021, after not wearing a watch for years. Glad to be here.
Member since
Last active: 16 secs ago
6.75” / 17.15 cm
Keep reporting from the field. I am interested in getting one also but I am afraid of what it may tell me. (Is plus 30 minutes per 24 hours bad?)
I'm also tempted to buy a grapher and do a bit of tinkering on one or two of my older less expensive watches and these Weishi 1000's seem to be the go to model. I'd be interested as well as Aurelian as to how you get on. My only concern is I'm all thumbs and generally only work on things that have 34mm to 54mm nuts and bolts on them, railway components and being an inpatient old bastard I am inclined to throw things agains't the wall if they don't go my way 😂
Plus 30min every 24hrs is good, at least you'll never be late 🤣
The grapher is working great, but I have to say, regulation is very finicky and takes patience, and a steady hand. Even still, it's quite an imprecise art. The little regulation lever is tiny and is directly above the hairspring, so you have to be very careful when poking a tool in that area. Also, it only takes the lightest nudge to change the spd rate from -5 to +35. Then you can spend 20 minutes nudging it from one extreme to the other before dialing it back in to accurate. Spd rate can vary quite a lot from position to position, so you have to take into account your daily habits, and what position you hold your watch, what wrist you wear it on, etc., to figure out an average guess of how long your watch stays in various positions. I have managed to dial my Steinhart in to just about perfect, now averaging less than 1 second off in either direction when worn. I also know exactly which positions to leave it in overnight to correct any drifting one way or another. Anyway, I find this fun, but I wouldn't recommend getting into regulating watches unless you approach it with a lot of patience and realistic expectations.