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Seconds
Sept 12, 2007 22:15:48 GMT -5
Post by jacques on Sept 12, 2007 22:15:48 GMT -5
How many seconds off should I expect my watch to be over the course of a day and/or week?
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 5:37:58 GMT -5
Post by bullosa on Sept 13, 2007 5:37:58 GMT -5
That would depend on the movement used by the watch. If you get -+10 seconds, it would be acceptable. As watch movements can be regulated (adjusted), it can be reasonable accurate. My Ball Fireman 40mm is about 1 minute fast after 7 days. I have been wearing it daily for the last 2 months.
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 9:26:56 GMT -5
Post by timefinder on Sept 13, 2007 9:26:56 GMT -5
Also, if it is COSC, the the standard is -4 to +6.
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 17:56:56 GMT -5
Post by CalDiver on Sept 13, 2007 17:56:56 GMT -5
Not long ago when I had a watch with an ETA 2824-2 movement running 23 secs/day slow, I was told by the manufacturer that a Standard grade ETA 2824-2 running +/- 30 seconds per 24 hours is considered within spec for that movement. Altho technically within spec, I still took it to my watch guy and he adjusted it to improve its accuracy a bit.
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 19:14:09 GMT -5
Post by timefinder on Sept 13, 2007 19:14:09 GMT -5
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 20:23:55 GMT -5
Post by scosgt on Sept 13, 2007 20:23:55 GMT -5
ETA movements are capable of excellent accuracy. I have many ETA powered watches, made by Hamilton, Ball, Longines, Fortis etc. ALL keep well under 4 seconds per day. The key is to know a good watchmaker. Mechanical watches need to be proper serviced and regulated, even when brand new. I have had several new watches that needed a trip to the watchmaker for a lube job in order to perform properly. This is not unusual. My Ball Trainmaster small seconds keeps atomic time, and my Fireman 43mm is not far behind. Both were regualted by my watchmaker. An ETA movement does not need a COSC certificate, it is capable of great accuracy. But wear your new watch for a few weeks to let it break in and spread the oils, then take it to a GOOD watchmaker to be checked out, and serviced if needed. A standard ETA ususally runs around $75-85 for service, and sometimes even new watches need it. Hey, how much did you pay for your new car? Doesn't it sometimes need to go back to the dealer for warranty service? Same thing, only I would rather have a good local watchmaker who can do what needs to be done for a few bucks, than have to send it back and forth to wherever and hope they get it rightr.
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 21:08:24 GMT -5
Post by Jeremy from Ball on Sept 13, 2007 21:08:24 GMT -5
We aim for 10 seconds per day out of the box for non-chronometer Ball models. After settling in, most can reach near COSC specs with a slight adjustment by a service center or local watchmaker.
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 21:15:37 GMT -5
Post by boscoe on Sept 13, 2007 21:15:37 GMT -5
10 seconds plus or minus gives me the willies - but that's why i never wear the same watch two days in a row. that way i don't obsess about accuracy since i set a different watch daily and don't fuss about hacking the time. even my non watch geek wife couldn't stand that (lol) - recently had to have her new 2824 watch (not a ball) regulated because it was gaining nearly a minute and a half a week. made her nuts.
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 21:41:09 GMT -5
Post by jacques on Sept 13, 2007 21:41:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. My watch is running just under +5 secs per day. The watch is new. Do folks suggest I have it regulated, or let it be for the time being?
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 21:44:09 GMT -5
Post by boscoe on Sept 13, 2007 21:44:09 GMT -5
That's not bad, jacques. let it be. unless it's bugging you. but it is very good for an automatic
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 22:00:51 GMT -5
Post by Jeremy from Ball on Sept 13, 2007 22:00:51 GMT -5
We aim for 10 seconds per day out of the box for non-chronometer Ball models. After settling in, most can reach near COSC specs with a slight adjustment by a service center or local watchmaker. I should rephrase: 10 sec/day is the maximum allowed during factory testing. Sorry for any confusion.
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 22:07:13 GMT -5
Post by jacques on Sept 13, 2007 22:07:13 GMT -5
Jeremy-- Given that my watch is doing better than the factory specs, do you think I should let it be for the time being?
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 22:34:09 GMT -5
Post by Jeremy from Ball on Sept 13, 2007 22:34:09 GMT -5
I would say that your watch is doing very well.
You might try testing it by leaving it in different positions overnight. Very often a watch will gain or lose time depending on how it is left to rest: Dial Up, Crown Down, Dial Down, Crown Left, Crown Up, Crown Right.
You can keep records to measure the progress. You might find that your watch is +4 on your wrist during the day and -3 when you leave it dial down overnight. Thus, your watch would be at +1 for the 24-hour period.
It's an easy way to achieve better accuracy without parting with your watch for a minor servicing.
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Seconds
Sept 13, 2007 22:39:26 GMT -5
Post by jacques on Sept 13, 2007 22:39:26 GMT -5
Thanks Jeremy. I will give it a try. And thanks everyone else. Great advice from all. BTW, I will try to post a picture when I figure out how to take a close up shot of the watch. Any advice on how to best do that with a canon digital camera? I have tried and it is quite blurry.
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Seconds
Sept 16, 2007 12:59:10 GMT -5
Post by foghorn on Sept 16, 2007 12:59:10 GMT -5
Thanks Jeremy. I will give it a try. And thanks everyone else. Great advice from all. BTW, I will try to post a picture when I figure out how to take a close up shot of the watch. Any advice on how to best do that with a canon digital camera? I have tried and it is quite blurry. Use the macro mode, the self time feature and a tripod.
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