Regulating Automatic Watch

[V8 Disco]

Hi, I have a Chinese automatic that is losing about 1 minute per day.. it has a display back and through the glass I can see the regulator, with + and - marks so I am tempted (!) to open the watch and move the regulator..

Can anyone here advise me: am I about to ruin my watch or is this something that can be done given that I am very careful?

[mikeveal]

Yes, if the loss is consistent, then that's the lever you want. Move it to towards the +.

Parnis?

[V8 Disco]

Thanks - I think so... not badged. 'Tis a Panerai homage though, so I guess likely to be a Parnis. I imagine it's 'try it and see', but any idea how much to move it to start with?

Cheers.

[daveenty]

If it's only losing a minute a day I'd be tempted not to bother.

Try wearing it for at least a week to see if it evens itself out first.

If you do decide to try it (and I know you will because it's bugging you) then VERY slight movements only.

I tend to use the end of a pair of tweezers no nudge it. Fractionally.

Don't touch the hairspring as it's very delicate, and good luck.

[mikeveal]

Agreed, make the tiniest of movements.
It's a good idea to take a photo (or sketch) showing where the lever is before you start too. 'case you decide you wish you hadn't touched it...

Keep fluff out and all you can do is make it go slower / faster. You'll be OK.

[V8 Disco]

Thanks again for the replies - am reasonably confident now.... time to carefully remove the back of the case!

[daveenty]

V8 Disco said:

time to carefully remove the back of the case!

Here you go:

[V8 Disco]

All done - found a case opener at the local market for £7, so removed the back and with great trepidation nudged the lever with a wooden coffee stirrer (was advised not to use metal implements due to magentisation risk). Movement was almost imperceptible but decided not to push my luck - and I must have accidentally got it just right. Watch has gained 15 sec in 24 hours, I reckon that's about good enough for me!

Thanks for your advice.