2 Discussions and CommentsMember since Nov. 19, 2012
Hello!
I've inherited a Pocket Watch from my great grandfather that has stopped working. The problem is that when i try to wind it up the dials start to spin around. I used the datyouriwc application and found out that it's a Lép cal. 52 IWC - 19lig. H6 manufactured ca 1917. I took it to a local repair shop and he thinks the center wheel is broken and needs to be replaced. I've read online that it should be possible to fix the center wheel if you have the right tools and knowhow. What do you think? Should I get a second opinion or should I discard the watch and sell it for scrap? I really like it since it's been in the family for almost a century and the original owner had the same initials as me and they are engraved on the back. I found a similar watch for sale that has an earlier serial number and the casing is 18k gold instead of 14k on mine. Is it possible to replace the center wheel for a reasonable price or could I use the movement from the other watch i found online in my casing? The other watch online is working, is in fine condition and for sale at an auction and the current bid is ca $600. Do you think my watch is repairable for a less than $600?
Lots of questions and I hope you can steer me in the right direction.
160 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 25, 2012
Netherlands
Dear Jobe,
First of all,m congratulations with the watch and welcom to the forum. In my humble opinion, selling the watch for scrap is never a good idea!
If the center wheel is broken a watchmaker should be able to disassemble the watch, clean everything and put it back together with a new center wheel and it should be in working order again. Discarding a whole movement because of one part not working is a bit like scrapping a car with a flat tire...
Just to check, the stem in in the winding position and not in the time-setting position when you turn it?
2 Discussions and CommentsMember since Nov. 19, 2012
Thank's for your reply Waimar! To set the time on my watch you have to press a button on the side and the time-setting function works just fine. When I try to wind it up the dials just spin around.
I've inherited a Pocket Watch from my great grandfather that has stopped working. The problem is that when i try to wind it up the dials start to spin around. I used the datyouriwc application and found out that it's a Lép cal. 52 IWC - 19lig. H6 manufactured ca 1917. I took it to a local repair shop and he thinks the center wheel is broken and needs to be replaced. I've read online that it should be possible to fix the center wheel if you have the right tools and knowhow. What do you think? Should I get a second opinion or should I discard the watch and sell it for scrap? I really like it since it's been in the family for almost a century and the original owner had the same initials as me and they are engraved on the back. I found a similar watch for sale that has an earlier serial number and the casing is 18k gold instead of 14k on mine. Is it possible to replace the center wheel for a reasonable price or could I use the movement from the other watch i found online in my casing? The other watch online is working, is in fine condition and for sale at an auction and the current bid is ca $600. Do you think my watch is repairable for a less than $600?
Lots of questions and I hope you can steer me in the right direction.
Kind regards
John B
First of all,m congratulations with the watch and welcom to the forum.
In my humble opinion, selling the watch for scrap is never a good idea!
If the center wheel is broken a watchmaker should be able to disassemble the watch, clean everything and put it back together with a new center wheel and it should be in working order again. Discarding a whole movement because of one part not working is a bit like scrapping a car with a flat tire...
Just to check, the stem in in the winding position and not in the time-setting position when you turn it?
Kind regards,
Waimar
/John