I have another Helvetia in need of a little attention as it is not running and the crystal is a little cracked.At first glance the movement looks good.The dial and luminous compound looks very good for being 70+ years old!Here you can see the gear train layout. There is some dirt, but not to bad. Here you can see the old mainspring in the barrel before cleaning.I’m just about to remove the setting mechanism.I have a couple of issues with the balance. The first is a broken balance staff and the second is a chipped impulse pin.Here I’m removing the old balance staff using the Platax tool. This tool is in my opinion the safest way to remove a staff.I’m happy there are still balance staffs around for this movement. Here you can see me riveting the new balance staff onto the balance wheel.I had first thought to turn the old impulse pin around as it is only damaged on the one side, but I lost it in the process! I’m very lucky and find the correct sized impulse pin in my collection of spare parts. I test that the balance swings freely with the new balance staff.The modern mainspring is to strong and I end up having to use the original blued steel mainspring.The movement comes together without any issues.Watch is performing very well with the old mainspring and new balance staff:)The setting mechanism back in place and the movement is ready for the dial and hands.I put the movement back in the case. Note the cool Helvetia shock protection system. They even have gone to the trouble of securing the shock spring with a screw and sloping regulator that matches the form of the balance cock.I now put the case ring in that holds down the movement in place.The original crystal had a little to much patina and the watch looks much better with a new one;)I have added this photo for the military enthusiasts.Watch being used for the first time in a very long time and it’s looking good!
Love seeing a Helvetia brought back to life! Very underrated brand, in my opinion.
Great write-up and it’s looking really good now! I like your openness and honesty too, when you explain about losing and replacing the damaged old impulse pin. Top man.
Great job on an excellent piece!
Lovely. Lovely. Lovely.