Movement holder question ....

[TimemiT]

For those of us that really get into the movements ... these Horotec Rolex movement holders, what is that center pin for? Is it really necessary to support something on the bridge plate? say, the pressure put when mounting hands?

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[Yoda]

The center is adjustable. To support the center wheel arbor when fitting the cannon pinion and hands, there is a risk of breaking the jewel when the cannon pinion snaps on.

Possibly also for fitting hands.

I very much doubt that it will be a good idea to use it for an automatic movement with the rotor still on, as well as for movements with center seconds pinion and spring.

[TimemiT]

Thank M ... A while ago, I worried a bit, because while mounting some explorer hands on my 1570 movement, I felt I had to use unnecessary pressure. Then, I thought of these specialized movement holders (I just have the regular Bergeon type clamp holders). I guess I won't know if there was any jewel cracking unless I remove the winding rotor assembly to inspect?

I think in that trio of holders ... one of them is described for 157x movements. I know for Valjoux chronos, those types of holders are nice to have because they come with acuators. However, for non-chrono movements, probably not so much so?

The center is adjustable. To support the center wheel arbor when fitting the cannon pinion and hands, there is a risk of breaking the jewel when the cannon pinion snaps on.

Possibly also for fitting hands.

I very much doubt that it will be a good idea to use it for an automatic movement with the rotor still on, as well as for movements with center seconds pinion and spring.

[Yoda]

Nah, I have an old school Slick and it works for me. It is the snapping when the cannon pinion is seated, that can kill the center wheel jewel, but it doesn't happen often. I assume that you used a hands setting device of some sort, they won't harm the jewel even if you press hard. You will often hear a "click" if a jewel is busted.

I have heard too many of those "clicks" in the early days. That's why I have a drawer full of jewels and a Seitz jewel press. Good practice. LOL!

[TimemiT]

LoL ... the "click" you don't want to hear!? I don't think I heard it ... I guess it is noticeable?

I have a small table top hand setter (you know, those red ones from China). However, I use some rodico on a toothpick to hold the hand, and a pencil-type hand pusher. I've seen that cool 90 degree tip tweezer that Bergen makes to hold the hands .. but that thing is $80!

Nah, I have an old school Slick and it works for me. It is the snapping when the cannon pinion is seated, that can kill the center wheel jewel, but it doesn't happen often. I assume that you used a hands setting device of some sort, they won't harm the jewel even if you press hard. You will often hear a "click" if a jewel is busted.

I have heard too many of those "clicks" in the early days. That's why I have a drawer full of jewels and a Seitz jewel press. Good practice. LOL!

[Yoda]

LoL ... the "click" you don't want to hear!? I don't think I heard it ... I guess it is noticeable?

I have a small table top hand setter (you know, those red ones from China). However, I use some rodico on a toothpick to hold the hand, and a pencil-type hand pusher. I've seen that cool 90 degree tip tweezer that Bergen makes to hold the hands .. but that thing is $80!

Nah, I have an old school Slick and it works for me. It is the snapping when the cannon pinion is seated, that can kill the center wheel jewel, but it doesn't happen often. I assume that you used a hands setting device of some sort, they won't harm the jewel even if you press hard. You will often hear a "click" if a jewel is busted.

I have heard too many of those "clicks" in the early days. That's why I have a drawer full of jewels and a Seitz jewel press. Good practice. LOL!

I am sure that all is good.

I have the Horotec setting gadget, the red one, but I only use it for chronographs.