Please... Think Before You Work... The Improper Way To Replace a Balance Staff.

[@ericg7044]

Very relatable. Especially after you've been working on something for awhile and you just want to finish it, you start trying to take 'shortcuts' and end up doubling or tripling the work. I've found the best thing to do when the impulse to do this arises is to take a break and go do something else for a bit.

[@TimelyMatter]

I absolutely agree. I need to take a step back more often. Thank you!

[@colinbenfield326]

I just broke a bottom shock spring because I was impatient and used the wrong tweezers. I’ve never used Valium but I did consider it for a day or two. On the positive side it’s an excuse to buy a Horia tool. Thanks for the video .

[@TimelyMatter]

Haha I’ve considered many of things when breaking parts while “repairing” watches. I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@IMakeWatches]

Very "timely" video for me, Asa! Thanks! I'm breaking new balance staff pivots myself right now. Also, I like that pithwood test! One more opportunity for me to break the pivots on the new staff! BTW, nice job on that hairspring! I'd like to see that at 1x speed just to see how slow you took it! Thanks also for continuing to publish your mistakes! If I was as talented as you are I'd be very tempted to pretend like I never made mistakes. Fortunately (or unfortunately) at my level of skill (or lack thereof) that's not even an option! 😂 Nice to see you're back! How's your grandfather?

[@TimelyMatter]

It’s nice to hear from you! He is doing good! Just celebrated 89 years of life in July. Thank you for asking!!! The #1 rule I need to practice is, if I’m not in the right mindset to begin with don’t even attempt a precise repair. Rule #2 if something does break. Step away and get some food. Haha Rule #3 when returning after your break, actually talk to yourself about what went wrong and go over it. So you can learn. Making the same mistakes over and over, just shows you do not care to actually fix the watch. I have been watching your videos and I am happy to see you improve and learn! I am extremely jealous of your camera set up. You are highly skilled. Thank you for the content you make!

[@XJ290]

⁠@@TimelyMatter I just almost caused a catastrophe myself….broke that Rule 1…be in the right mindset. Great channel btw. I’m just starting out learning this stuff…and your video already made me subscribe. Thanks man and God bless.

[@danielowens4789]

I recently broke the balance staff on a pocket watch, by trying to adjust the timing screws on the balance while it was installed instead of removing the balance. That’s when I realized how delicate these components are.

[@TimelyMatter]

Yes. I’ve done that… luckily it was on a cheap Elgin with parts that were readily available. The screws should be quite tight on balance. If they weren’t they would just unscrew. “432,000 beats a day” the balance swings. If you are very careful the “Mean Time Screws” can be unscrewed while the balance is installed. Though…… be very careful nevertheless.

[@derekashenden9789]

You could try and re pivot the balance I have not y tried this myself but providing you have a watchmakers lathe or Jacob tool it looks like a good alternative.

[@TimelyMatter]

Thanks! Great idea!

[@BigBenAdv]

How does the time keep after the repair on the balance spring? Wouldn't the bending and unbending end up work hardening the parts of the spring and change it's period?

[@TimelyMatter]

I haven’t finished this specific watch yet. I broke it and am now waiting for parts. But yes unless you get the spring absolutely perfect back to its original state it will have worse time keeping, overall.

[@BigBenAdv]

@@TimelyMatter That's sad to know. I do hope you succeed in fixing the watch!

[@TimelyMatter]

@@BigBenAdv It will be fixed, thank you!

[@miguelbazaes1409]

Shi.. happens, lesson learned and now move on.

[@TimelyMatter]

:)