Service Manual · Heritage 1854

The
Model 40

9¾ by 12¾ Ligne · Electric

A 9¾ by 12¾ ligne electric movement running on a Type A energy cell. It has no set lever or screws holding the stem: a single stem bracket does the job, and freeing it takes a pair of heavy tweezers and a particular technique.

Electric 21,600 bph 9¾ × 12¾ Ligne Energy Cell Type A
The Model 40 movement, dial side and movement side
Factory Service Manual · Model 40 · Dial Side & Movement Side
Technical Specifications
Ligne9¾ by 12¾
Dimensions22.1 by 28.70 mm
Beat21,600 per hour
PowerMiniature energy cell, Type A
Cell lifeGuaranteed 12 months
Replace cell below1.5 V
Factory oilElgin M56b
ManualService Manual · Model 40
Height6.20 mm
Jewels3
Height and jewels: ranfft.org

The Timex Electric

The Timex Model 40 is a 9¾ x 12¾ ligne electric watch movement. The power to drive the movement is supplied by a miniature energy cell. Power from the energy cell drives the balance, the balance drives the time train which, in turn, rotates the hands.

The hands are set in the normal method, pulling out and rotating the crown. The Model 40 incorporates a device which stops the movement when the crown is in the set position, and in that position the flow of current from the energy cell is interrupted so the cell is not being discharged.

The Timex electric has an hourly beat of 21,600. The large balance has a temperature compensated hairspring and the rate can be adjusted in the usual way by moving the regulator. It can be checked in all positions on a normal watch rate recorder, and dismantled and repaired with conventional tools. For checking the battery voltage, a high ohm volt meter of about 20,000 ohms per volt is sufficient.

Cells: The energy cell is guaranteed for 12 months. Use only genuine Timex Energy Cells, Type A. Other types, although they look the same, may not deliver the necessary voltage or life and, in addition, may leak, seriously damaging the movement.
Timex Model 40, dial side
Dial side
Timex Model 40, movement side
Movement side
Photos courtesy of ranfft.org

Exploded View

Model 40 movement, exploded view
Model 40 · 28 Components
Ref.Component
100Plate Assembly
110Train Wheel Bridge Assembly
121/1Balance Bridge Assembly
145Dial Rest
200/2Friction Pinion
200/3Friction Spring
206Center Wheel Assembly
210Third Wheel Assembly
227Seconds Wheel Assembly
255Hour Wheel Assembly
260Minute Wheel Assembly
401/1Setting Stem with Crown
495/3Stem Bracket
498Friction Washer
498/1Hour Wheel Washer
721Balance Assembly
740Hairspring Wedge Pin
751Dial
850Hour Hand
851Minute Hand
852/1Sweep Second Hand
4020/1Shunt Bridge
4080Contact Spring Assembly
4330Index Lever Assembly
4360Index Wheel Assembly
5121/1Balance Bridge Screw
9433Set Spring
54020/1Shunt Bridge Screw

Disassembly for Cleaning

The case back on the Model 40 and 41 Electrics comes off in its own way. Case back removal

The Caseback and Cell

1

Insert a knife blade in the opening notch on the bezel and snap the caseback off. The locating tab on the caseback is used for orientation of the back during reassembly.

2

The movement is protected by a movement cover having access for regulation. The energy cell is loose and may be removed for testing. Any cell with a voltage of less than 1.5 volts, or one known to have been in service in excess of one year, should be replaced.

Caution: Avoid short circuiting the cell by metallic connections between the outer case and the negative pole, as this short circuit could shorten the life of the cell.
The caseback, locating tab, energy cell, case and opening notch
Fig. 40.3 · Caseback & Cell

The Movement Cover

3

The movement cover may now be removed. It is held in place by two tabs which seat in a recess in the bezel. The movement will stay with the bezel, since it can only be removed through the crystal side.

The movement cover and its tabs, and the movement in the bezel
Fig. 40.3 · Movement Cover

The Stem

Since the only function of the stem in the Model 40 is to stop the movement and set the hands, the stem retention has been simplified by combining the stem and setting pinion and providing a novel stem bracket, 495/3. There are no screws or levers holding the stem.

Releasing the Stem Bracket

4

Pull the stem into the set position, maintaining a slight outward pull.

5

Place the points of a heavy set of tweezers into the space between one side of the stem bracket and the stem. Gently release one side of the bracket from the stem by pushing the ear of the bracket in the direction of the arrow. The stem will tilt sideways.

6

Still maintaining the outward pull, repeat the process on the other side. When both sides of the stem bracket have been released, the stem will come out completely.

7

To replace the stem, firmly press it in place with a slight rotating motion so the stem pinion teeth will mesh with the minute wheel teeth.

Inserting tweezers between the stem bracket and the stem
Fig. 40.4 · Stem Bracket

Out Through the Crystal

8

Remove the crystal using a Timex crystal lift or a conventional crystal lift. The movement and reflector ring can now be removed through the crystal side of the bezel.

•

Take note of the movement locating tabs in the bezel. When reinserting the movement, be certain it is in its proper position with respect to these tabs, otherwise the reflector ring and crystal will not seat properly.

The bezel, movement, reflector ring and crystal
Fig. 40.4 · Case

The Dial and Hands

9

Remove the sweep second hand. The minute and hour hands need not be removed.

10

Straighten the four tabs on the dial and remove the dial assembly.

The dial assembly and sweep second hand lifted from the movement
Fig. 40.5 · Dial Assembly

The Cell Retaining Spring

11

To examine the function of the movement, replace the stem, place the movement on a suitable movement ring and clamp the energy cell in place with an energy cell retaining spring, available on request from a Timex Material Sales Division.

Caution: The negative pole of the energy cell must touch the contact spring assembly (4080). The positive pole is grounded to the movement. Never cause a metallic connection between the insulated and uninsulated parts of the movement, as this short circuit could shorten the life of the cell.
The energy cell held by the retaining spring
Fig. 40.5 · Retaining Spring

How the Cell Sits

•

Cross section through the retaining spring, energy cell and movement, dial side.

Cross section of the energy cell, retaining spring and movement
Fig. 40.5 · Energy Cell, Section

The Shunt Bridge

12

The energy cell should be removed before proceeding with further disassembly.

13

Remove the shunt bridge screw and carefully lift the screw end of the shunt bridge from its post. The opposite end is held in place by a tab overlapping the plate; shifting the screw end slightly to the left will unhook this tab.

Caution: This operation should be carefully carried out so as not to disturb the hairspring or balance. After the shunt bridge has been removed, the shunt bridge screw should be put back into place and tightened.
The shunt bridge and shunt bridge screw
Fig. 40.5 · Shunt Bridge

The Balance Bridge

14

Remove the two balance bridge screws, then the balance bridge assembly and the balance.

Caution: Be certain that the shunt bridge screw is in place before removal of the balance bridge, otherwise the train wheel bridge will be disturbed.
The two balance bridge screws, the balance bridge assembly and the balance
Fig. 40.8 · Balance Bridge

The Train Wheel Bridge

15

Remove the shunt bridge screw. The train wheel bridge and dial rest may now be removed.

The train wheel bridge assembly, minute wheel assembly and dial rest
Fig. 40.8 · Train Wheel Bridge

The Contact System

Rotate the balance slowly from its rest position with a clean brush. The instant the contact spring touches the contact pin fixed on the balance, current flows through the balance drive coil. The current induces a magnetic field which opposes the field of the magnet, and this opposition imparts an impulse to the balance when the magnet is in place.

The Contact Closing

•

The contact spring, contact pin, contact jewel and balance coil.

The contact spring meeting the contact pin on the balance
Fig. 40.6 · Illustration 1

The Return Stroke

•

After the balance returns to its neutral position the same process is repeated in the opposite direction. Repeat this test several times until the drive action is fully understood. The function of the remainder of the movement is fully mechanical.

The contact made on the opposite swing of the balance
Fig. 40.6 · Illustration 2

The purpose of the contact jewel is to limit the physical contact between the contact pin and contact spring, so that the flow of electrical energy occurs at a precise position during the rotation of the balance.

Pointing at the Balance Staff

•

The contact spring must be pointing exactly to the centre of the balance staff.

Caution: The contact spring requires very careful treatment. Protect it from scratches and deforming and avoid excessive bending while adjusting. Do not touch the contact area at the end of the spring: no rubbing, grinding or polishing in this area. Handle it with the same care as a hairspring. Its length is fixed at the factory and no attempt should be made to adjust it.
The contact spring aimed at the balance staff centre
Fig. 40.7 · Contact Spring

Centred Between Disc and Balance

•

It should be centred horizontally between the impulse disc and the balance.

Cross section showing the contact spring between the impulse disc and the balance
Fig. 40.7 · Contact Spring, Section
Never oil the contact: the contact pin, contact jewel and contact spring must NOT be oiled. The presence of oil on these parts would interrupt the flow of current to the drive coil.

Index Train & Stopping

Figure 1

•

The impulse pin on the balance, when moving clockwise, engages with the fork on the lever and moves the lever counterclockwise. Pin D on the lever engages with the index wheel and moves it forward approximately three quarters of one tooth. The magnets A, B and C attract the tips of the index wheel teeth and move the wheel forward the remaining quarter tooth. Magnet C also attracts the draw lever on the index lever and holds the index lever in place.

The index wheel, index lever, magnets A, B and C and pins D and E
Fig. 40.9 · Figure 1

Figure 2

•

If, for any reason, the index wheel is not positioned correctly by the magnets, pin E on the lever turns the index wheel to its correct position, so that the next engagement of pin D, actuated by a clockwise rotation of the balance, will advance the index wheel correctly.

The draw lever, index lever, balance staff and impulse pin
Fig. 40.9 · Figure 2

The Friction Pinion

•

Setting friction for the dial train is provided by a spring connecting the friction pinion and the third wheel. The third wheel and friction pinion may be separated by lifting the friction pinion with tweezers, which unsnaps it from the friction spring. To reassemble, press the pinion firmly back into place. It is not necessary to remove the friction spring from the third wheel.

Cross section of the third wheel, friction spring, friction pinion, hour wheel and center wheel
Fig. 40.9 · Friction Pinion

The Stop Mechanism

The balance stop mechanism is purely mechanical.

Running Position

•

The tip of the stem butts against the stop lever and keeps the tip of the stop lever away from the balance impulse disc.

The stop lever held clear of the impulse disc by the stem
Fig. 40.10 · Running Position

Stop Position

•

With the stem pulled out into the set position, the tip of the stop lever butts against the impulse disc on the balance, stopping the balance.

The stop lever against the impulse disc
Fig. 40.10 · Stop Position

The Seconds Wheel Friction Washer

•

A friction washer is located between the plate and the seconds wheel, domed slightly. Check that it has not become damaged during disassembly. Too much friction will cause too great a drag on the movement; too little will cause an erratic sweep second hand action.

•

A tab on one leg of the washer fits into a slot on the plate to prevent it from turning.

The seconds wheel and friction washer
Fig. 40.11 · Friction Washer

The Dome

•

The dome is .010 approximately, twice the thickness of the seconds wheel.

The friction washer dome, .010 approximately
Fig. 40.11 · Washer Dome

Cleaning & Lubrication

Lubricant change, June 1974: Timex Service Bulletin No. 111 replaced the factory oil for this model. Moebius Synt-A-Lube oil is used instead of Elgin M56B oil. (It supersedes Bulletin No. 108.)

Timex has found, after careful investigation, that the best way to clean the movement is to disassemble it only to the point of removing the balance bridge and the balance.

The balance should be cleaned separately in a small jar to avoid damage to the coil. The coil is composed of ultra-fine copper wire and should not be handled with tweezers or other sharp instruments. Only standard watch cleaning solutions should be used throughout. Particles adhering to the magnet can be removed with Scotch tape.

The movement should be re-lubricated in the normal manner using only high grade watch oils; Elgin M56b is used in factory assembly. The balance bearings should be filled half full before inserting the balance.

Other lubricating points are the impulse pin or fork slot, the index lever pivots, the index wheel teeth, all wheel pivots, the junction of the center wheel pinion and friction washer, and the junction between the minute wheel and dial rest. Apply grease, Hamilton PML type, to the stem where it is held by the stem bracket.

Caution: Do not lubricate the contact spring or contact pin on the balance. Do not use oil or greases containing silicone. Since the watch contains permanent magnets, no attempt should be made to demagnetize it.

Reassembly

1

Third wheel

2

Friction washer

3

Index lever

4

Index wheel

5

Seconds wheel

6

Stem bracket

7

Stop lever

8

Contact spring

9

Train wheel bridge and screw

The third wheel: place the friction pinion, pinion side down, on a flat anvil. Next place the movement plate over the friction pinion. Finally snap the third wheel, together with the friction spring, over the post of the friction pinion. This method avoids damage to the hole in the movement plate.

Balance Endshake

•

The balance bridge screw on the 9 o’clock side serves to adjust the balance endshake. Tightening this screw will reduce the endshake. Use caution while adjusting to avoid damage to the points of the balance staff.

The balance endshake adjusting screw on the movement
Fig. 40.13 · Endshake Screw

The Hairspring and Regulator

•

Inspect the hairspring to be certain it is properly adjusted. The hairspring should be in light permanent contact with the inside edge of the regulator slot, and is held in this position by a tab extending from the regulator.

The hairspring in light permanent contact with the regulator slot
Fig. 40.13 · Regulator Slot

When replacing the dial assembly, pre-position the hands to 12:00 before inserting the tabs on the dial into the plate, then bend the tabs to secure the dial. Replace the sweep second hand by driving it just below the end of the sweep second staff. Be certain the sweep hand is set below the chamfer on the top of the staff.

Reflector Rings

Flat and Serrated

•

The first Model 40 and 41 movements were produced using a plain FLAT reflector ring. Timex later changed it to a SERRATED style. If the watch being serviced contains a flat ring, it should be replaced with a serrated ring, Timex part number 930/3.

Cross sections of the flat and serrated reflector rings in the bezel
Fig. 40.14 · Illustrations 1 and 2

The Cup Ring

•

Beginning in early 1971, Timex further modified the reflector ring to a thin CUP style. This style must be used ONLY in conjunction with the FLANGE type dial.

Caution: The cup reflector ring CANNOT be used on a dial having no flange, and the serrated reflector ring CANNOT be used on a flange type dial. When ordering, specify which type is required: cup type or serrated type.
Cross section of the cup reflector ring against a flange type dial
Fig. 40.14 · Illustration 3

Parts