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Expert: - 8/8/2009


Question

Arnex 17 jewel pocket
I recently rediscovered an Arnex pocket watch that I bought in the early 1980's. It is a 17 jewel, unadjusted, Swiss movement - according to the stampings.

It has been largely unused so I've started using it. However, when I've checked closely, it gains about 5 minutes per 24 hours. I looked, but do not see any obvious adjustment points. Can you point out anything in the photo that would be an adjustment point? I'm willing to be patient with it and tweak it a bit at a time. Or, do I take it to a watch repair place, or live with it being fast?

For purposes of orientation, in the photo the stem is at the 3 o'clock position and the main spring (I believe) is at the 9 o'clock spot. All the other screws looked like attachment screws, not adjustment points.

Answer
Joel,

This watch cannot be adjusted.

The good news is that the watch might only be magnetized.

Hold the watch next to a compass.  IF the needle moves away from north,
the watch is indeed magnetized.  

You can take it to any watchmaker and ask him to demagnetize it for you.

If you have a magnet at home, you can hold the watch in one hand and the magnet
in the other.  Put your hands together in front of you.  Slowly spread your arms
out to your sides, like Jesus on the cross.  Now drop the magnet (not the watch).

That will demagnetize the watch if the magnetism is not too great.

Kind regards,

Melvin
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for your help. I checked for the watch being magnetized and it was not, so I guess I'll just be a bit early for my appointments later in the day :-)


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Melvin Mills

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding the repair of quartz watches and antique American pocket watches. I cannot give appraisals. My expertise is in watches, not clocks.

Experience

I am trained to repair quartz and mechanical watches, both modern and antique. My business focus is on quartz watches and antique pocket watches. I have been in this field for almost 5 years.

Organizations
I belong to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC).

Education/Credentials
I am a Certified Master Horologist from the National Institute of Horology.

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