How I install a pocket watch mainspring, Elgin

Another exciting mainspring video. I decided to make this video because I had to alter the mainspring to fit the barrel. Elgin, open face, 18 size, 15 jewels. Mainspring part number 812, .009 thick. This is the strongest mainspring for this part number.
This video performed by an amateur. Do not attempt at home. No watches were harmed in the making of this video. For entertainment only.

[Raremuffins]

Your the only person on YouTube I watch that has to do with watches because everything you do is so unprofessional and the way you talk is the best. But the best thing you do that I love so much is that you try to make everything visible and make sense. Never change!!

[alessandroarrighi]

Thank you bunnspecial that's another nice lesson, very very helpful to me. A big hello from Italy.

[dennisrendfrey]

I've been enjoying watching your videos! I have been working on clocks for years and always wanted to try my hand at something smaller. Recently I picked up an 8-day Elgin 1920's long stem #37 auto clock, something I can take apart and learn from. Your view of your mainspring book helped me with the # for mainsprings I needed. I found 2 on ebay # 4457. Thanks again

[SidneySantosJoaquim]

very good, I love your videos, they help me, greetings from Brazil

[flacousa]

Nice! If you ever running out of watches to fix I have an Elgin from the roaring 20s not running broken balance wheel staff, will love for you to give it a shot, just let me know.

[stirlingfromla]

Hey Bunn, is there a reason why you purchase a maybe close to the original replacement part, versus notching, shortening, reshaping (maybe annealing the end) of the broken mainspring?  It didn't appear that more than 1/2 day would be lost in the 8-day spring's length.  For me it is a coin toss, but I have repaired both ends of watch and clock main springs successfully.  Have you ever tried this repair? (You know since we are amateurs....it's acceptable)  PS Another great video... Thoroughly entertaining.    

[ctnnpt]

The missing parts?  The Geneva Stopwork?  What was it's purpose?

[digitaltripper]

Hi Bunn...Great video as always!!  I was wondering what kind of tripod you use? Is it full size or mini? What new and improved tools are you using? Do you actually have a bench setup or ?? I use brass tweezers too. I think they grip screws better as well as providing scratch resistance. I also use a scratch brush for removing the rust on the water damaged watches. I have a spare if ya need it. Keep the videos coming.

[sacundim]

That double sunk "National Watch Co." dial is not very common.

Scanned copies of Elgin parts catalogs are available online, so that's another way to find the correct spring.  Here's the relevant page in the Elgin 1915 material catalog:


Your newer parts reference doesn't show mainspring #2324, which the Elgin 1915 catalog notes was for "18 size full plate in some of the very old numbers, " which yours is.  Seems like Elgin simply stopped making the old-style spring at some point after 1915, since the 1950 Elgin parts catalog also gives #812 for this watch.  

But of course, eBay currently has no hits for "elgin 2324 mainspring, " vs. a handful of hits for "elgin 812 mainspring."  Beggars can't be choosers.

Also note that the broken spring you replaced appears to be a modified #812 as well!  The illustrations in the Elgin catalog link show that #2324 had no tabs at all.

[DarthVader]

This is a general watch question that I'm hoping someone here will be able to help me out with: I have a running watch but the hour and minutes will move for about ten minutes and stick until the setting stem is jiggled a bit then they'll continue to move, and the second hand moves continuously as it should. Why would the other two hands get stuck?  
This is referring to a 1915 Elgin grade 386 16 size

[johnminckler]

As usual another great video. And we actually got to see your nose and your loop. I know that I am NOT alone when I say us youtubers would like to see what you look like. so we can put a face with the voice. :-)

[twlightdrone]

what is the name of you movement holder do you or where did you purchase it.

[sharpscornerx]

Where can I get  watch holder like yours for a reasonable cost?