Timex Electric story and tech info
There is no mainspring in this movement but a battery-powered balance wheel. There is no electronic inside - it is purely electric and mechanical. There were more complex versions with electronically controlled balance wheels.
It is pretty easy to buy nice electro-mechanical Timex for about $25-$100. The offer price for this item in the 70s was about $25. I bought one for about 150pln ($40 with the shipment). It was in working condition, but it stops from time to time, and the date indicator didn't switch. The time set feature also didn't work.
Typical Timex Electric movement issues
Timex Electric was cheap - to achieve this - it has been simplified. This movement was not designed to be serviced - but instead replaced (but there is space for some repairs). The movement has only 3 jewels. There is no clutch wheel, setting lever, or data set option. Timekeeping hands are not intended to be removed. The dial is attached to the movement by bending dial ends/grips (there are no feet at the dial back). Typical failure is a connection issue between the balance wheel magnetic coil and power source because the metal contact spring wears out fast.
Diagnosis - Why the watch is not working right
I opened the case and noticed that there were several issues. This time it is not the typical failure of contact spring but other things:
- Date jumper is broken.
- The centre wheel is damaged (damaged tooth).
- Dirty movement: battery leaks and dust.
Donor of parts
It was pretty easy to find donors on the web. I spend about $15 (with the shipment) to get one. But, I was unsure if the parts I needed would be ok.
I found everything that I needed in the donor's movement: centre wheel, date jumper and date dial:
The centre wheel from the donor is in perfect condition. Also, the date jumper looks much better (this one is in one piece). I decided to change the date dial also because some numbers were invisible.
The repair
Movement components were filthy. That is why I didn't use ultrasonic cleaner in this project. I was not sure also if ultrasonic cleaner would be safe for this movement. All parts were cleaned manually. I used eyeglass to check if dirt was removed from the component. I started by removing all traces of battery leaks. I used a good quality small brush and isopropyl alcohol to clean the wheels, escapement and movement plates. Then I had to replace the date jumper and centre wheel. To replace the centre wheel, I had to flatten the watch dial grips:
It can only be done a few times before the grip becomes corrupted. After cleaning and replacing broken parts, I oiled the movement (metal bearings, jewel bearings, impulse pin and jewel contact pin). I used only Moebius 8000 oil and Bergeon red oiler. I also put grease on the contact spring (used to power the balance wheel magnetic coil).
Clean movement with removed battery leaks.
Fully assembled Timex M40 after the repair and cleaning. Some main components are visible: LR44 Battery, the hairspring, the balance wheel and the protective balance plate with the label "WEST GERMANY".
Summary
The result is quite good. The main goals were achieved :)
- Now, the watch doesn't stop.
- The time setting feature works ok.
- The date indicator shows the correct date.
What is more, Timex Electric calibre M41 is very accurate - the accuracy is about 6 seconds per 24h. Battery last long (7 months right now). I didn't spend much time on this project - which is good also. I can say that I like Timex Electric :)
List of tools used
When I was working on this project, I used only essential watchmaker tools:
- Movement holder
- Metal and plastic tweezers
- Rodico cleaning putty
- Screwdriver set (a good quality watchmaker set with precise blades)
- A good quality small brush (not too soft)
- Watch hand lifting levers
- Watch hand press set
- Watch oilers
- Watchmaker oil (Moebius 8000)
- Case opener/pocket knife
- Pegwood
- Eyeglass
- Watch crystal lift
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