Expert: Melvin Mills - 8/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have an Ingraham "Dixie" pocket watch (model 53 on inside of back) that appears to be from the late 30's early 40's. It is running fast gaining about 1 1/2 hours a day. When I take off the back cover I can see the movement and above it is an arrow-like pointer. Will this slow it down if I move that?  Thanks very much.

ANSWER: Ms. Cindy,

Yes, that is a regulator that is used to speed up or slow down the watch.  The downsid is it won't be helpful in your case.  It will only work with +/- 5-10 minutes, not 1 1/2 hours.

Most likely your watch has become magnetized.  If you have a demagneizer, you can instantly rectify the situation.

If not, you can try this:  Hold a magnet in one hand and the watch in the other.  Now, spread your arms apart slowly.  Drop the magnet (not the watch, LOL).  
You may need to do this several times.  

Kind regards,

Melvin

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the speedy reply! That +/-5-10 minutes...which way do i move it..to speed up to the left; slow down to the right (?) and can I just move that arrow-like pointer by hand? I am on a hunt for a demagnetizer..or just a magnet..this is great news for me.. I really appreciate the information!! I will let you know what happens next!! Thanks again..Cindy

ANSWER: On the regulator, you should see a "-" and a "+".  You move toward the + to speed up and the - to slow down.

If you don't see any, you will need to move it one way and then see what happens.  

BE VERY GENTLE!!

Move it slowly and carefully.

Kind regards,

Melvin

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your help. I think I overdid the magent thing..then I found a jeweler and he used his demagnetizer on it but he said it looked all "wound up" from what I did to it. I felt so badly about that, but when I came home I wound it and it ran for 12 hours! Right now it is a little on and off as far as stopping and going but I just keep on top of it. I should have waited for the demagnetizer I guess but I was in a hurry. Thank you for your help..it's just a charming little pocket watch with a mind of its own!

Answer
Ms. Cindy,

Unless you used a VERY powerful magnet, then you did not do anything to harm it.  A small magnet you hold in your hand doesn't have the power to hurt anything in the watch.

The proof that you didn't do any damage is that it is running at all.  If you mangled the spring inside, it wouldn't work at all.

If it is stopping and going, it needs a cleaning.  If you take it to the jeweler, he will probably be able to clean it and it should run just fine.  The cost is probably $100-150.  

Good luck with it.

Kind regards,

Melvin