DIY Replacing an overlayed date wheel without a screwdriver

[jerkstore]

OK.  You got into the movement and did what you had to do.  Because you removed your ETA date wheel without disturbing its overlay, it's going to be hard to put it back.

 

Why?  The overlay covers the double jumper spring.  You can't see it when the overlay is on, and you need to depress the spring.  The traditional way of getting the date wheel (DW) back on is to either (1) remove the overlay, fit the DW, and then realign the overlay, or (2) [partially] unscrew the double jumper maintaining plate and/or the minute train bridge.  Say you don't want to do those.

 

It is possible to get the DW back on by reversing the steps in this tutorial, but it's a little uncomfortable because you don't have the benefit of being able to see what you're doing.

 

Here's how to do it... (Please forgive the fact the two-hands-constraint means I have to substitute words for the missing photos).

 

Pull the crown into quick-set position.

 

***What you need (a fine tipped object like an oiler, a movement, a date wheel, an overlay, and something to hold the DW/DWO--like plastic tweezers)***

 

 

The date wheel, plus one ratty old overlay

 

 

 

Double jumper spring, depressed  (It's a good idea to turn the oiler vertical here)

 

 

 

With the plastic tweezers, set the overlayed DW down on the movement, offset a bit to the crown-side.

 

 

Slide the DW over so its teeth are under the raised edge of the minute train bridge.  Notice that the overlay hides the double jumper spring from view.  Here, the DW is resting at an angle, tilted up at 9 o'clock, as its teeth on that side do not fit through the grooves in the double jumper maintaining plate.  

 

 

Now, gently nudge the DW with your plastic tweezers on the crown-side.  Turn it clockwise very slowly with your tweezers.  At the same time, depress the double jumper spring with your fine-tipped edge. When things line up right, the DW will just drop into place.  You may have to check a few times that you're pushing in the right place with your oiler.  And turning the DW by nudging it is a little unnatural at first.  

 

When things seem like they're in the right spot, remove you oiler.  Press down (gently) on the DW with your plastic tweezers near the double jumper plate.  If nothing pops out, advance the date with the crown.  You'll know right away if things worked

 

Eureka!

 

 

Total time: about 5 minutes.  Plus, no messy DWO realignment to worry about.  Warning: it may take several goes--my first attempt tonight failed, but I got it on the second try.  

 

Good luck!