Chapter 9 MANIPULATION OF THE REGULATOR PINS

37.Altering the Length of Spring by Regulator Pins.

On some occasions when the pinning points seem to be comparatively close and the watch is in good condition with the balance in poise, it is possible to obtain corrections by closing or opening the regulator pins.

This, however, can only be resorted to, to a limited extent, as otherwise the value of the regulator may be impaired.

The pins should not be closed tight enough to cause "kinking" of the over coil and they should not be spread apart any more than enough to make the mean rate about 2 seconds per hour slower.

Some models of watches consistently require that the pins be closed, while other models require that they be slightly spread, and it is therefore advisable not to disturb the pins when cleaning watches unless they have been bent by incompetent hands.

It is better to reserve the majority of pin alterations for such time as the position rate determines the necessity of an alteration. When the pins are open, however, it is necessary to adjust the coil so that its vibration will be equal.

Correct execution in spreading or closing the pins will very often make it possible to obtain a correction of six or eight seconds between the vertical and horizontal positions.

38.Method of Examining Vibration of Over Coil Between the Pins.

The proper method of examining this vibration is to stop the balance and observe the movement of the coil between the pins.

The vibration should be equal at the slightest oscillation of the balance as well as during the longer arcs. The coil should not rest against one or the other of the pins at any time unless they are both closed. Emphasis is placed upon equal vibration of the coil when the pins are open because of its importance, and if results are not obtained (as expected) the examination should be repeated to see if correct conditions have been attained. Examination of this vibration should be made from both sides of the pins and usually the best estimate can be obtained by looking between the pins from the stud side.

39.Position Corrections Obtained by Spreading or Closing the Regulator Pins.

When the regulator pins are tightly closed and the watch has a fast pendant up position rate, it will be possible to obtain a slower rate by slightly spreading the pins.

When the pins are spread and vibration of the coil between them can be discerned, and the pendant up rate is slow, a faster rate can be obtained by closing them.

In spreading the pins they should be drawn away from the coil equally, as otherwise the coil will strike one pin with more force than the other, which will not produce results as expected and will cause uncertain regulation. In closing the pins they should be drawn together one at a time until both are in equal contact. They should not be merely squeezed together, as this causes distortion of the coil at the point of contact.

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