ETA Novodiac Spring Tool

[preacher62]

To you watch makers.

Are there any tricks to replacing this spring on a gen ETA 2836-2. The Asian made copies only have one slot for insertion and you can replace the spring easily with No. 2 tweezers, but the gen ETA has three slots and, IMHO, without the tool it seems darn near impossible.

Thanks!

MT

[freddy333]

It is difficult to explain, but, basically, you hold the spring still with a sharpened toothpick or similar tool while pressing it into place & then rotating it into place with a dry oiler or similar tool. It definitely takes some practice & you will likely see 1 or 2 springs fly off into outer space along the way (fortunately, I have always been able to locate them).

[Brightight]

It's a damn sight easier to get the correct tool and a few spare springs from Ofrei............

[automatico]

Make a tool out of a plastic toothpick etc...

Cut it off flat across and sand it down if needed so it will fit down on the spring inside the setting.

Rough the surface up a little with sandpaper to provide a better grip.

Cut a dimple in the center with a small drill bit so just the outside edge grips the spring.

Nothin' to it.

[preacher62]

Thanks to all for reply. I made a tool out of a piece of pegwood, just like Automatico described. Took a small bit and made a concave area right in the center and then shaped it down with sandpaper to the right size. Was able to get both springs in.

I used to have the spring tool but have misplaced it and didn't want to spend another $50. I am ready to spend the money, I think. Then I'll find the other tool. You know how that goes. I find these Novodiac shock jewels the most tedious part of reassembly. Everything else is fun.

The springs are so stinking light that if you get one one thousandths of a grain of magnetism in your tweezers, forget it. You can't put the spring down where you want it.

[automatico]

"Novodiac shock jewels the most tedious part of reassembly"

I can tell you one that is about as bad...KIF-Duofix cap jewel springs on rolex 1530/70 etc escape wheels. Cheap made and almost impossible to find replacements...a bad combination.

Here is a picture of the sorry things, there is a nest of them on this Felsa:

http://www.christophlorenz.de/watch/movements/f/felsa/felsa_4000.php?l=en

[freddy333]

The stuff of nightmares.

[preacher62]

"Novodiac shock jewels the most tedious part of reassembly"

I can tell you one that is about as bad...KIF-Duofix cap jewel springs on rolex 1530/70 etc escape wheels. Cheap made and almost impossible to find replacements...a bad combination.

Here is a picture of the sorry things, there is a nest of them on this Felsa:

http://www.christophlorenz.de/watch/movements/f/felsa/felsa_4000.php?l=en

Ouch! I saw the balance jewels and said well what's he talking about...that the easiest spring there is. And then...and then...I saw those other jewels... I don't even have anything with which to pick that spring up.

[freddy333]

You can pick up something like these KIF-TRIOR tools (A*F part 18538 - available from many watch parts suppliers) for r&r'ing various shock springs, but I still find that holding the spring with a pointed tool (like either item at right) & then loosening/tightening the spring with an oiler is just as effective & often easier