Aloha All,
Hoping to get more info. I opened my 145022-71 for the serial number. When I popped the dust cap I noticed an “extra” clip. Thankfully it was held on by the dustcap so it wasn’t bouncing around within. What could this be? I haven’t wound it up since I found it.
Thanks for your insights!

 

Dodgy Blocking Lever spring?

It's the wrong shape for 861 springs.

@dougiedude may be able to help, he's an expert on these springs.

 

Ooo the plot thickens...

 

I'd agree, I've not seen any 861 spring shaped like that. If I lighten the photo, I can see the blocking lever spring, the click spring and the hammer stem bolt spring which are all the "loose" wire springs on this side (there is also a minute jumper spring but nothing like this) so, it looks like a spare... that is, a spring from another movement that the watchmaker was working on. Worth getting a watchmaker to look at it and check what is going on.

I'd also ask the watchmaker to check the depthing (teeth engagement) of the chronograph driving wheel to coupling yoke as it looks too deep in the photo shown - the resolution is probably not high enough to be sure but, worth checking.

Cheers, Chris

 

Yes will do bring it to a watchmaker for a check-up. I’ve been meaning to take it in to regulate anyway. Thanks for the insight!

 

You didn't buy it from here did you?

 

I did...why?

 

Look here. The infamous paper clip Ed White. https://omegaforums.net/threads/speedmaster-paper-clip-thread.90947/#post-1177350

 

You couldn't make this stuff up.

 

The Dougie special

 

The trusty paper clip - the gift that keeps on giving

 

The paper clip is from a 321 movement, not an 861. The 861 uses a different minute recorder jumper spring. As already stated, that is definitely not from an 861 and all the springs appear to be in place. I second @ChrisN about the depthing of that wheel.

 

Classic...

Yes clearly not from an 861, and with the seller in question, it could be from literally anything. Certainly the chronograph drive wheel isn't adjusted properly, so this need to go to a competent watchmaker for a good service.

Cheers, Al

 

Thanks everyone for your input! I’ll have the chronograph drive wheel looked at.