RWG Technical

There are two separate items here. 1. If the rotor is spinning when you wind the watch, the problem is the reversing (click) wheel, it's got nothing to do with the keyless works. Only fix is to either clean or replace the wheel. 2. If you can't pull the stem to the time setting position, the problem is most likely the hacking lever. Once in a while the clutch and hacking lever will get out of position, and the lever will not be engaged into the clutch wheel. There is a fix without a full disassembly, but it involves removing the balance wheel, and pushing the hacking lever back into place from where it meets the balance wheel...not a simple or easy fix. It can be done, but it's challenging. The only other fix, is to get at the keyless works from the dial side and reposition the hacking lever into the clutch gear. RG

I am not aware of any lume that glows blue, the blue colour is a result of the white balance on the camera. It's an illusion only. I only use genuine RC Tritec lume, the suppliers of genuine Super Lume, and have yet to see any lume that glows any colour other than green. RG

I didn't get scared off...I sit quietly in the background now that's all... And as you already said, it's a hobby for me, only so many hours in the day. I think the opposite is true, EU members have little watchsmith selection at their disposal, at least the numerous posts asking for anyone who does mods in the EU to speak up, would seem to indicate this. Finding someone who does both quality work and charges a fair price, hasn't yet taken place in the US, hopefully this will fill the need. RG

It is not normal. Your reversing (click) wheel is defective, it should freewheel when you turn the crown, in other words, if you turn the crown, the rotor should NOT move. DON"T wind the watch with the crown, if you do you will destroy more gears inside... See here for more info: http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showforum=209 Your watch needs to be serviced. RG

The only time you can install an ETA 7750 is if the watch is a true 7750 layout. That is seconds at 9, 12 hour at 6, and 30 minute timer at 12. RG

ETA Missing case clamps and screws. RG

And if that doesn't work, go get one of those bottles in your avitar, that will make everything alright RG

The simplest DIY repair, is to open the case, remove the crown and stem, file down slightly to remove any threads on the case tube, then shorten the stem so that the crown sits right next to the case in the winding position. Visually it looks good, and it still functions, the only thing it doesn't do is screw down, but it doesn't really matter. Finding a crown and tube to fit this particular model is next to impossible, this fix solves all your problems, and only takes about 15 mintues... RG

You should be able to pick up a two stick pack of rodico from any of the suppliers, Ofrei, Jules Borel, Cousins etc, it would be worth your while to also pick up a dust blower (if you don't have one), normally the only thing you need to do before casing up the watch is to blow any dust off the dial and inside of the case. Watchpaper is mandatory as well for handling the movement, a misplaced finger can cause damage or remove oil from a jewel hole... The rodico will take fingerprints off of dials, but you have to be careful when you use it as it can also leave some slight residue. Best to blow the dust off first, and carefully dap at any remaining stuff with the rodico. RG

Not wearing gloves is not the problem, the problem was touching the dial. You should never touch the dial - ever - it is the most fragile part of the watch and there is never any reason to touch it. Same for the inside of the crystal. But at least the crystal can be cleaned with a lint free cloth, not so for the dial. Finger prints anywhere on the watch contain acid and will etch and permanently damage the part. It's been said many times, in watchsmithing there are no shortcuts, you need the proper tools, knowledge, and trying to do otherwise always causes more damage than what you started with. You already know the answer to part of your question (Rodico), but your not willing to spend $8... Duct tape is for ducts, not watches, closing a caseback with it will not seal the case tightly enough and will lead to more problems. RG

The problems with the CG in question were: 1. The CG seat area didn't look modified in any way, yet the seat would not sit flush with the case. There was a large gap between the CG and the case, and you would have to remove a lot of material to get it to seat correctly. 2. The opening between the CG and the crown was so narrow, that if you did modify the CG seat to allow the CG to seat correctly against the case, then there would be no way to pull the crown out to the time setting position, the crown would bottom out against the inside of the CG before it switched to dateset. It isn't a Jimmy Fu model in my opinion, simply based on the fact it didn't come close to fitting the watch case. I have a brand new still in the wrapper Jimmy Fu CG in my spares bins, although I never did take the time to compare the two. Given that I have seen and installed dozens of Jimmy CG's, and they all fit the case, the simple fact that this one had all these issues was enough to convince me that it's not a Jimmy model. In fact, I have never had a CG that - did not seat flush against the case, and - that had such a narrow crown cutout that you couldn't actually pull the crown out to set the time with the CG installed...so I really don't know what it is, but I do know what it isn't. RG

It looks great, congrats and wear it well. RG

Your first post is very descriptive, reading it, your problem is as I said in my first answer, tilting pinion out of adjustment. So your not mistaken at all, if the tilting pinion is not adjusted correctly, your first post is the EXACT symptoms you will see... I understood exactly what you said the first time. RG

If you start the chronograph and the watch runs, but with the chrono OFF or Stopped the watch doesn't run, then the problem is with the adjustment of the tilting pinion to the center seconds gear. Guessing that this is a 7750 (I don't know what SA means...). The fix is to correctly adjust the tilting pinion gear. RG

If you removed the stem in the time setting position, the clutch or crown gear could have slipped out of place. The next step would be to remove the movement from the case, and try inserting the stem with the movement in a holder. This will eliminate the case and crown tube as possible problems. If it doesn't work, then you have to remove the hands and dial and look at the keyless works, don't risk breaking something, it's not easy finding El Primero parts... RG

Well the winner is no longer a registered Ebay user...what does that mean?? Relisted I guess. This is why I sold my 5508 through a recognized auction house, and not on ebay. RG

Great to see the watch back in your hands. This one was a long time coming, with the removal of the bad lume, along with the repair of the damaged and peeling 9 numeral, it presented some interesting challenges for me. I am so happy to hear that you are pleased with the results, given what we had to work with, with it's a definite improvement. Wear it well and enjoy. RG

Looks great, congrats on getting the project finished. RG

The stem is held in place with the set lever, not sure if this is a snap or screw down model... If you removed the stem in the time setting position (which I don't recommend) the crown gear can and may have slipped out of place. All you can do is to make sure that the stem is actually being inserted fully, it's going to take some testing and figuring exactly what went wrong. Is this a El Primero movement? RG

I think they look cool...the darker circle around the outer edge just adds a bit of artistic flare to them. I think it forces you to focus on the center of attention instead of the surroundings. RG

Looks great, congrats on such a nice watch. RG

It looks great. I have to admit I must be out of touch...who is "RobertB" ?? RG

They look great, I am so glad to see them completed and in your hands. And for anyone who is considering something similar, keep in mind that there are always things that don't work, or fit, or look right, and that have to be sorted out to get the end results you see here. Not one of these watches has gone ahead without issues that had to be worked around and solutions found. My only participation is the final assembly, servicing, and finishing touches, all the hours of research and finding the necessary parts was done by JoJo. Thankfully, I have not only had the pleasure of meeting JoJo in person, we chat on the phone regularly and have a great working relationship. That is mandatory whenever you are working with 50 year old movements and attempting to build one of these watches. There will be problems and issues that have to be sorted out, without trust and understanding on both ends, this wouldn't be possible. Wear them well. RG

Links are working fine for me... I don't know what could be wrong. RG

I did up a number of posts in my section on this and other stuff... Here are some links that may help shed light on this topic: http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=78317 http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=78016 http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=77686 If you browse the section on "Technical and Helpful Info" there is more. RG