Next up in our series of “How to” blogs, we look this week at how to replace an oscillating weight axle. An oscillating weight axle is the small pinion that supports the oscillating weight in an automatic watch.
The weight rotates with the motion of your wrist and the axle supports the weight and is normally held in place with a jewel.
If you drop or bump your watch very hard, you can break the axle.
Also if the watch is not serviced on a regular basis, the axle can wear and that will cause the weight to rub on the movement or rub on the case back.
Either situation is a major cause for concern since any binding on the weight will keep the watch from auto winding.
Replacing a worn or broken axle is one of the most common repairs that I make at the shop.
This is a very simple repair but could be eliminated with regular service.
After the old axle is removed, I use a staking set to install the new axle.
New axle installed and is held in place by this small sliding clip
CHARLEY PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Charley celebrated her Easter with a couple walks and naps. Her Easter basket included one of her favorite bones as well.
