Beginners Guide to Using the Jacot Pivot Lathe

In Part 3 of the Hamilton 917 Project, I will show you how to get the most amplitude from the power train possible.

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PRODUCTS USED IN THIS VIDEO

MY MICROSCOPE SET-UP

** FULL LIST OF TOOLS & SUPPLIES I USE **

[Cornet_Tooter]

The retractable ID clip idea is a genius idea!

[gerryodonnell]

Such a great tip. If you come up against a problem, put everything carefully inside a little sealable bag and put it away. Many times you'll go back to it, equipped with better knowledge and tools and sort it. Nothing worse than finding an old project with parts missing

[MyRetroWatches]

That was nothing short of phenomenal. I am currently looking for a Jacot tool and now I know what I have to do to use one.
Being left handed might be a hindrance but I’m up for a try.

[MyRetroWatches]

I’ve now bought a Jacot tool so back again for another visit to this video.
My only disappointment is my set although complete is missing the prong thing that holds the spoke of the wheels. I guess I will have to make one somehow but not sure on length or shape.
I have plenty of small diameter silver steel so hoping I have a bar with the right diameter.

Any tips on replacing these Alex.

Thanks 🙏🏻

[chrisjohnson]

Your videos are phenomenal! I want to dip my toe in the world of watchmaking, but I'm already an expert in another field (or two!) - I must say that your patience in explaining the finer points of this arcane craft is amazing. Bravo!

[jjudelson]

What a fantastic tutorial on the Jacot Pivot lathe which I am currently trying to become competent at. Your teaching and the way you cover chosen topics is without equal online.

[sonnymoorehouse]

"In Watchmaking Everything maters"
so true Sir !!!
fantastic video

[notreallyachannel]

I've been waiting for this one! Great content

[darrynmorgan]

Awesome videos and you explain everything so clearly it’s easy to understand 👍

[crtbangu]

Just started my Watchmaker NOOB journey. Thank you for your expertise and videos. Very very helpful

[tomholloway]

Alex, what can I say, I’m almost speechless with this video. I kinda understood the need for clean, unbroken jewels and good, clean and polished pivots. You have taken me to a higher level of understanding and on top of that given me a so much better understanding of the Jacot and how to use it correctly. Thank you again for this and all you do, I have never seen or read a better tutorial on the Jacot tool.

[sandorfulop]

I am impressed again Sir!
You are explaining in such a detailed way that the beginner like I am can understand it.

[JDRichard]

An exceptional video. I found that prior to buying a proper watch cleaning machine. I really had to concentrate on getting the dirt out of the pinion gaps. I’ve also had issues with that teeth usually between the centre wheel and the third wheel

[jika]

Another awesome video Alex. I just purchased a Jacot so this is a very timely video indeed.

[-timetowatch]

Thank you very much, you don't realise how useful your videos are... and what's more, they're free. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm really looking forward to the jewels video.

[douglasskinner]

Thanks for the instructions on how to restore a burnisher.

[peterr]

After watching this vid and getting a jacot for myself i set a task of doing an old pocket watch that was barley running . After discovering that the beds on my lathe wete slightly worn i had to go a few sizes smaller to get the burnisher to contact the pivot but then results happened its now running at 284 amplitude and only a slight change between positions . I think i have a poisong problem though as the beat error increses and decreses between dial up and down . Im stoked with learning the importance of pivots, all made clear with a microscope (much to my amazment )

[johnvaluk]

Unbelievable Alex. You are either spying on me or reading my mind. Thanks for the VERY informative video. It has answered many recent questions I have had. With the exception of one. How polish tips of balance wheel pivots along with their effect on amplitude. You got me with this video (patreon) as I believe you provide a wealth of information and your willingness to share. Thank you again.

[rossjackson]

I knew it would happen, but did not expect it so soon. As a result of playing, watching and listening to you, I now feel I have a good understanding of what you are trying to attain by your tutorials. Even at this early stage of my watchmaking learning cycle, I am able to appreciate the knowledge of working at his level to gain amplitude. I can do most of what you say to do. Putting it into practice is so enjoyable. I'm looking at problems, understanding them and then applying remedies to my level. Thank you.

And here's the rub. I have understood the use of the Jacot Pivot lathe and its principle. However financially it is beyond me. Even the cheapest on ebay is a years savings. Ah well! I am however, interested in the distance learning course. Even though I am achieving so much with your video content, I would love to embark training with you. Not sure how the course would run out for me depending on your costing. You mentioned written work, My dyslexia may preclude me.

Looking forward to the next instalment of the amplitude saga.

[dominiczupo]

Hi Alex! I live your videos! You are such a great teacher and I have learned quite a lot. Could you possibly do a video about refinishing cases and bracelets, as well as maybe a crystal video?