Reply To: Ringin’ the bell…

[Bob Tascione]

Hi all,
Good topic Tom!
Before modifying the spring you may want to compare it’s dimensions to those called out for that watch. The spring is likely to be ok. I have found that ringing is fairly common in those older pocket watches using hard high carbon hairsprings. If the conditions are just right between case, balance amplitude etc. then things can begin resonating. Might explain why your watch is ringing when fully wound then drops off after power and balance amplitude decrease. If the watch isn’t re-banking from too much power (listen for a galloping sound) then probably isn’t anything to worry about as long as the rate isn’t gaining during that first hour or so.

Bob