Pocket Watch Balance Staff Replacement, a Complete Tutorial

In this episode, I want to take the time to show you how to replace a broken pocket watch balance staff. With the right tools and a bit of patience, it is not that difficult. I will say, the first time you do this repair, you will probably be a bit intimidated, but don't let the watch get the best of you.
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Thanks for watching, and happy Watch Repair!

[@goldslinger]

Been doing this hobby for 2 Months. Just replaced a balance staff on a Hamilton 940 with double roller. It now runs perfectly with only .8 beat error. This video helped me along. Thanks!

[@marekeos]

Fantastic video. Very informative and professionally done. Much appreciation for your hard work.

[@fabianosetti680]

Very nice. I like the 3D animations a lot. Helps beginners like me. The more detailed the better. I should attempt this soon. Have to buy a staking set first.

[@juaquimgustavo4712]

dont need tools use your fingers...

[@nigelnightmare4160]

+1

[@gergemall]

Thank you, I recently developed an interest in pocket watches and Wrist watches , I have some inexpensive tools and started looking into estate sales today , great joB

[@jamespenson8912]

Thank you for the excellent graphics/illustrations! Does the rounded end of the stake actually peen the balance wheel onto the staff?

[@johnrogers2253]

Thanks for that peter. Excellent work. I have one to do tomorrow. My first in 25 years. I just have to do it. Right.

[@biggamehunter2219]

Great video on how to do this!

[@itzhaccroitoru4082]

Very nice Tools, and explain that nicely

[@Buoyant_Thoughts]

Thank you for sharing!

[@whitehouseummahh9725]

Great video!! Thanks!!

[@jhasburgh]

Thank you for this video!

[@watchesandjewelry]

Thank you for watching. I hope it helps. Have a great weekend

[@JLMiller410]

How do you find a new balance staff? Do you take measurements from the old one? Do you have a collection of various staffs that you find one similar to the broken one? IE Are they universal in design where an Elgin might fit a Waltham, etc?

[@giorgiogrlj]

Thanks

[@bobklumpp8698]

All due respect but you should get one of those little rubber puffer things to spin a balance wheel. It seems like hitting it with your finger like that could break the pivot again.

[@libindaniel2000]

Would you mind explaining a bit more on the placement of the hairspring? I am still a bit confused on the positioning. It seems like at the end of the video, the hairspring was positioned such that the impulse jewel is 180 deg apart? Is there another step to turn the collet? If so. how do you turn the collet to position?

[@watchesandjewelry]

The collet and pin position for the hairspring hast to be aligned in a way that you keep the balance staff, roller jewel and pallet staff all in a straight line. It helps to Mark the balance wheel with a marker so that you can position in into the center arch with the balance bridge in place. Once the three parts are lined up, you can then place the hairspring on top of the balance bridge and mark the balance wheel with the location that the hairspring pin should be placed. Placing the hairspring on top of the bridge you can use the pin at the end of the hairspring as a marker when turning the hairspring so that the pin is above the locking clamp of the balance bridge. Once you have that position, remove the bridge and balance from the watch and put the hairspring back onto the balance with the pin lined up in between the second mark you made and the balance staff. Creating a second virtual line. Once that is done you can attach the hairspring and balance to the balance bridge.

[@janm1482]

Zima mu je na ruky? Za 15 minút,nemám čo robiť 🙂

[@Ed-lz4jv]

nice work, I just got a K&D staking set, looks like same chrome anvil...real nightmare trying to figure what rod is what etc !

[@watchesandjewelry]

Years ago, I purchased a great book about staking sets. Probably on Amazon.

[@johnhannon]

@@watchesandjewelry Was it The Watchmakers’ Staking Tool , by Archie Perkins? Out of print and very difficult to find.

[@watchesandjewelry]

Could be. I have it somewhere. Now my ocd is kicking in and I have to find it.

[@bismillakhanm3917]

Once upon a time 1000 watch I replacement balance staf

[@Donnybrook10]

how do you determine the proper replacement staff for your movement and where do you source new staffs? Thanks

[@watchesandjewelry]

I purchase supplies from estate sales etc. if you are lucky no one screwed with the watch before you. I like to remove the staff and match it to one I may have from the manufacturer. If I don’t have it I will make it.

[@TommyTightPants0115]

Hi peter ive just watched the video on how to change a balance staff and it was very informative and help full. please could you tell me how to find a correct staff for a pocket watch only on a wrist watch their is a makers name i.e. ETA /OMEGA follow by a model number so its easier to order a new one but on a pocket watch it only says swiss then a serial number or a jewelers name. or will does a swiss staff fit any watch has long its a size 16 17 18 Linge best regards ady

[@Donnybrook10]

there are infinite numbers and profiles of staffs. Even .001 off makes a world of difference. You need to either know the correct part number for your watch balance or make all the seperate measurements.

[@gwsjr1]

I've seen lots of vids on the staff replacing and most of them poise the wheel before adding the hairspring. Is that a step not needed?

[@watchesandjewelry]

It should be done. Something I’ll have to start to film.

[@GrahamLeach]

Peter, I am overseas. Can I source parts from you?

[@watchesandjewelry]

What parts are u looking foor

[@GrahamLeach]

@@watchesandjewelry I am looking for a replacement staff for an Elgin pocket watch 12S

[@ananthamurthymadhugiri113]

Focussing the image is poor. Hence unable to understand properly. Thanks.

[@user-tp9jx4qv7i]

This is a breakdown of the watch, not a repair. Watchmaking enthusiasts - do not go this way !!!

[@watchesandjewelry]

I’m wondering if you watched the entire video. I realize it is long but I did do the repair.