Expert: Melvin Mills - 6/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have an beautiful old rose gold watch that when wound the hands just spin around until the wind is finished. It does spin nice and smooth. the movement says Swiss made, 15 jewels. the case says Stolkace, British Made, gas,9,.375 there are also some hallmarks. Can this watch be fixed affordably or is it even worth fixing? If not how do I go about finding a replacement movement? Thanks, Joan

ANSWER: Ms. Joan,

It sounds like the pallet fork has been removed from the movement.

A pallet fork allows the watch to unwind at regulated intervals.  That is why one hears a watch ticking.  
If it is removed, there is nothing to prevent the watch from unwinding all at one time.

It should not be a problem to fix, if you can get parts for the particular watch.

Any watchmaker is going to perform a complete service and you don't want any less.  If someone was monkeying around with the watch and didn't put all the parts back, you want someone to do a complete overhaul so you are sure it will be in tip top shape.

Should cost about $125-$150.

You are the only one who can decide if it is worth fixing.  If it is not worth it to you, then don't go through the expense.

kind regards,

Melvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: what do I need to know to buy a replacement movement? there is no maker anywhere on the movement. Is there a really good supplier?

Answer
The best supplier I know of is Primrose Supply in Utah.

Primrose Supplies Inc.
2529 S. State St. - Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
Tel: 1-877-296-1025 Fax: 1-801-365-3874


He can get almost anything.

He will need to know the movement you are looking for, though.

You will need to tell him the maker and the model.

Without that, he won't know what to send.  

Kind regards,

Melvin