A2824 missing fine reg screw :(

[Kcore 0]

Well as I've been told, I got myself a timegrapher and I had to check all ( well almost all) of my watches for accuracy. One of my watches that has an A2824was running a bit slow and its beat error was a little much. So I pop open the back and what I find is the movt doesn't have its fine regulating screw!

 

So much for QC, just kidding. Anyway, I turned the watch upside down and gently shook it and the damn tiniest screw I have ever seen fell out. I've been able to regulate the movt to good specs without the fine adj screw but will not having it installed cause regulation to go out or will some other problem occur? Bottom line, can the watch run in good time without it? I don't know how I could get something that tiny screwed back in.

[Irishcain 0]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

[Kcore 0]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

[Irishcain 0]

For the REALLY tiny ones, I cheat. I took one of the cheap hand pushers I got off of Ali, got rid of the unnecessary parts and use that as a guide when the movement isn't in the case. Attach a bit of A*F to the end of the pusher, stick the screw to the A*F and work it into place. It works for me, lol.

[Kcore 0]

I'll give it a try and let you know, thanks again!

I have a 3 prong screw starter that works great and it fits this screw head but the screw's thread length is almost invisible.

[unreformed66 0]

I use a small pinvise to start screws like that. Hold the screw by the shaft with tweezers, put the head of the screw in the pinvise and tighten the pinvise until it holds the screw, then use the pinvise to start the screw and finish with the screwdriver. I've got some really slender pinvises with push-style (as opposed to the screw type) collets that work well for this.

[Kcore 0]

I use a small pinvise to start screws like that. Hold the screw by the shaft with tweezers, put the head of the screw in the pinvise and tighten the pinvise until it holds the screw, then use the pinvise to start the screw and finish with the screwdriver. I've got some really slender pinvises with push-style (as opposed to the screw type) collets that work well for this.

Interesting idea, I think I'll try it - THX!

[ShovelnTC 31]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

[Irishcain 0]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and a tumbler of whiskey are all you need lol.

[greg_r 84]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and several bottles of whiskey are all you need lol.

 

fixed

[Kcore 0]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and a tumbler of whiskey are all you need lol.

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and several bottles of whiskey are all you need lol.

 

fixed

 

What would've helped a lot was for you guys to indicate the order. After reading both of ur posts, I proceeded to sit down and have more than a few straight-up single malts before hitting my work bench. I don't think I'll be doing any watch repairing today

[Irishcain 0]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and several bottles of whiskey are all you need lol.

 

fixed

You know, I think I like your way better, lol.

[GenTLe 1,511]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and a tumbler of whiskey are all you need lol.

 

Ah, and if you're a smoker (like me) NEVER EVER start working on a movement with just one cigarette in the box and no new boxes around...

And, of course, use those breaks to relax when the things get hard, and smoke FAR AWAY from the workbench (ash in the working area is a disaster)

[Irishcain 0]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and a tumbler of whiskey are all you need lol.

 

Ah, and if you're a smoker (like me) NEVER EVER start working on a movement with just one cigarette in the box and no new boxes around...

And, of course, use those breaks to relax when the things get hard, and smoke FAR AWAY from the workbench (ash in the working area is a disaster)

Have you tried a vaporizer? I was at 2.5 packs a day at one point, now I rarely feel the need to go out in the rain anymore, lol.

[GenTLe 1,511]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and a tumbler of whiskey are all you need lol.

 

Ah, and if you're a smoker (like me) NEVER EVER start working on a movement with just one cigarette in the box and no new boxes around...

And, of course, use those breaks to relax when the things get hard, and smoke FAR AWAY from the workbench (ash in the working area is a disaster)

Have you tried a vaporizer? I was at 2.5 packs a day at one point, now I rarely feel the need to go out in the rain anymore, lol.

No, I believe that at the next bad sore throat I will quit again. I did 2 years ago, but then a work trip to Lagos (Nigeria) where I was with my Bulgarian and Russian colleagues and no possibility to leave the hotel in the evening without armored escort made me to start again

[Kcore 0]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and a tumbler of whiskey are all you need lol.

 

Ah, and if you're a smoker (like me) NEVER EVER start working on a movement with just one cigarette in the box and no new boxes around...

And, of course, use those breaks to relax when the things get hard, and smoke FAR AWAY from the workbench (ash in the working area is a disaster)

Have you tried a vaporizer? I was at 2.5 packs a day at one point, now I rarely feel the need to go out in the rain anymore, lol.

No, I believe that at the next bad sore throat I will quit again. I did 2 years ago, but then a work trip to Lagos (Nigeria) where I was with my Bulgarian and Russian colleagues and no possibility to leave the hotel in the evening without armored escort made me to start again

Really? The women escorts in Lagos wear armor!

[GenTLe 1,511]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and a tumbler of whiskey are all you need lol.

 

Ah, and if you're a smoker (like me) NEVER EVER start working on a movement with just one cigarette in the box and no new boxes around...

And, of course, use those breaks to relax when the things get hard, and smoke FAR AWAY from the workbench (ash in the working area is a disaster)

Have you tried a vaporizer? I was at 2.5 packs a day at one point, now I rarely feel the need to go out in the rain anymore, lol.

No, I believe that at the next bad sore throat I will quit again. I did 2 years ago, but then a work trip to Lagos (Nigeria) where I was with my Bulgarian and Russian colleagues and no possibility to leave the hotel in the evening without armored escort made me to start again

Really? The women escorts in Lagos wear armor!

Well, for those you didn't even need to go out from the hotel club

The fact is that more than 7% of Nigerian adults have HIV, and the main reason is prostitution... So I actually staid FAR away from that kind of escort

[Irishcain 0]

I'd suggest a screwdriver, lol. Kidding. Actually, as long as the regulator doesn't move freely, the regulator screw isn't really necessary. The caveat here is that, without the screw, any bumps of the watch or knocks it may take have a much greater probability of putting the watch out of time.

Thanks Irish! Any tips on what I can use, other than a screwdriver to assist me starting the screw? It's so, so tiny

 

This is why I gave up trying to do anything but the most basic stuff with watch movements, I'm pretty handy and can build/repair most mechanical things but watch parts are just too tiny for me.

It's easy really. Patience, a steady hand, and a tumbler of whiskey are all you need lol.

 

Ah, and if you're a smoker (like me) NEVER EVER start working on a movement with just one cigarette in the box and no new boxes around...

And, of course, use those breaks to relax when the things get hard, and smoke FAR AWAY from the workbench (ash in the working area is a disaster)

Have you tried a vaporizer? I was at 2.5 packs a day at one point, now I rarely feel the need to go out in the rain anymore, lol.

No, I believe that at the next bad sore throat I will quit again. I did 2 years ago, but then a work trip to Lagos (Nigeria) where I was with my Bulgarian and Russian colleagues and no possibility to leave the hotel in the evening without armored escort made me to start again

Really? The women escorts in Lagos wear armor!

Well, for those you didn't even need to go out from the hotel club

The fact is that more than 7% of Nigerian adults have HIV, and the main reason is prostitution... So I actually staid FAR away from that kind of escort

So you'd need to be the one with armor

[JSJ 0]

Back on topic (sorry, I like whiskey too), the fine regulator screw is really a screw? I understood it to be an eccentric, like a cam. The slot doesn't appear to go all the way across the head either.

 

Just asking. I'm fortunate never to have had on drop out so far.

[GenTLe 1,511]

Not a screw.

[Kcore 0]

Back on topic (sorry, I like whiskey too), the fine regulator screw is really a screw? I understood it to be an eccentric, like a cam. The slot doesn't appear to go all the way across the head either.

 

Just asking. I'm fortunate never to have had on drop out so far.

Not a screw.

Take my word for it, it's what appears to be a very, very tiny screw. I've examined it under magnification and I wasn't able to see the slotted head having an eccentric shape like a cam. It appears to be a flat had screw.

 

I would like to hear what Irish says about this as he's in the watch repair business. Irish?

[JSJ 0]

Well it's definitely a cam. It's how it works.

[Irishcain 0]

While it has the same basic shape as a screw, the fine regulator screw is not, as the name implies, actually a screw in the traditional sense. The purpose of a screw is to act as a connection point between two objects. For example, the screws that hold the balance cock to the plate or hold plates together. The fine regulator screw does not do this. It is shaped like a screw with a very small thread to seat it in the balance and has a head on it to both indicate relative increase or decrease of timing and to help turn it, which is why I suspect it has continued to be called a screw. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the course regulator and it generally has a slightly off round shaped head (like a slightly compressed circle), but it doesn't need to be significantly misshaped since it is only intended to affect the timing by approximately 20 seconds from the negative extreme all the way to the positive extreme. In early reps, it was not entirely uncommon for it to be a fake screw that doesn't actually serve a legitimate purpose other than to make it look more genuine.

[Kcore 0]

Thanks Irish - very clear and well explained!

[Irishcain 0]

Really? Damn, I need to drink more, lol.