Originally Posted by
walkerwek1958
The most important aspect of hand alignment is getting the hr and minute hand synchronised correctly. Sometimes it’s not possible to get perfect alignment at all points, dials are often printed slightly out, dial feet get sprained, and parts wear. I always check at 12 and 6, if these agree the rest will be OK. often a compromise has to be reached, you have to use your judgement.
Always turn the hands clockwise when checking, otherwise the backlash will create errors.
After getting the hr hand on check that it’s not fouling the dial at any point, check it’s level too. Turn the hands clockwise to 12, then lightly fit the minute hand. I place it in position just short of 12 then rotate it slightly to the exact position and lightly press it down with pegwood. Wind the hands back, then forwards to 5 to 12, see how the hr hand looks, them wind forward to 5 past. If all looks well wind the hands to 6 and check to see if they’re in a straight line. Remember, always wind clockwise, if you need to check again turn them back then approach the test point clockwise.
On a quartz watch I wouldn’t worry about the date change too much, often they change over a longer period than a mechanical and they don’t snap forward as sharply, provided it’s complete by 12:30 I’d be happy.
Always check the hands for fouling by turning them through 12 hrs and observing closely at all points.
Finally, fit the seconds hand. Getting it to hit the markers is a challenge, there are ways and means! Check again for fouling and check the seconds hand doesn’t contact the glass. If in doubt, breathe on the inside of the glass to leave a coating of condensation then quickly fit the movement into the case. Look for the hand leaving a trace in the condensation, if it doesn’t you’re OK. Take the movement out and dry the inside of the case by allowing the condensation to evaporate. On a mechanical watch this test can be done using the timegrapher, look for the amplitude falling when the movement us in the case then recovering when the movement us out........can’t do that with a quartz!