Homage Forum

Thanks all. Curious what on the movement has shellac?

Also, how can I get rid of this discoloration without using abrasives or damaging the metal?

D




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Revealing my ignorance...I see now it is the adhesive for the jewels.

I’m using naphtha now to try and clean the plates, but it’s not doing much.


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Tomorrow i will show my way to clean an old movement (if i find the time)

Sorry, I should have been more clear. The jewels on the pallet fork are secured with shellac.

I'm not sure about the cleaning the "patina". I kind of like the aged look, so I never really tried too hard to clean anything other than the old oil and basic crude. I'm sure the guys here will have a few good tricks.

atkin68 wrote: ↑March 28th, 2020, 4:32 pm Revealing my ignorance...I see now it is the adhesive for the jewels.

I’m using naphtha now to try and clean the plates, but it’s not doing much.


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The pallet jewels and the roller jewel are held in with shellac. DO NOT use alcohol or you will dissolve it and be up shit creek. As for cleaning with naptha you'll need to brush the plates and jewels. Pegging the jewels out with sharpened pegwood is pretty critical if you're cleaning by hand. And the BEST thing you could do is actually buy some commercial watch cleaning solution. It's a mixture of soap, ammonia and "secret ingredients" that will make the plates shine and cut the old oil and goop off of the jewels and polished steel parts. then use the naptha for your rinse to remove all of the cleaning solution. DO NOT use lighter fluid. It has additives in it that are corrosive to anything but stainless steel. Watch parts are made of carbon steel.

slpf wrote: ↑March 29th, 2020, 5:07 am @binbin @atkin68

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Thank you!

Well, I don't know when, but I know it was me that did it - the escape wheel upper pin is broken. It must have happened either disassembling or on my first attempt to reassemble. I don't think I'll find another one of these movements, let alone a parts source, but I'll give it a try. I'm wondering if I find another escape wheel of the right diameter from another movement, could I make it work? Is that ever done? It's 6.91mm in diameter. A quick look at a 6497 shows it is a little smaller @~6.13. This is a bummer but also a good learning experience for me to pay more attention as I work and be mindful of how delicate all of the parts are.

binbin wrote: ↑March 27th, 2020, 7:27 pm Careful cleaning parts with alcohol. Alcohol will dissolve shellac.


Best not to use alcohol. Ronsonol lighter fluid, naptha or automotive brake cleaner seem to work ok for me. (I'm an amatuer so please tread carefully with my advice.)

Thats great advice. No alcohol for sure.

maybe clean the plates with baking soda paste and an electric tooth brush? .. it works well for teeth