Self-winding mechanical watches remain a symbol of engineering, even in the digital age. For many years, the Russian watch factory "Polyot" equipped its products with mechanisms that are rightfully considered classics of Soviet and post-Soviet watchmaking. A special place in the line is occupied by calibers based on 23 jewels, which combine reliability and maintainability.
Owners of such models often face questions about the accuracy of movement, the need for manual winding and the durability of friction units. Understanding exactly how it works self-winding rotor and why exactly 23 stones are used in the mechanism, allows you to extend the life of the device. In this article we will analyze in detail the internal structure, operating principle and nuances of operation of these mechanisms.
It is worth noting that Poljot calibers are often analogues of Swiss developments of the last century. This means that their design has been proven for decades, but requires the right approach to maintenance. Automatic winding they are implemented through an eccentric weight, which rotates with wrist movements, transferring energy to the drum.
Operating principle of the self-winding mechanism
The basis of the system is a rotor that performs oscillatory or rotational movements. Poljot movements with 23 jewels most often use unidirectional or bidirectional winding with a reverse clutch. When you move your hand inertial load turns, and through a system of gears the energy is transferred to the mainspring.
The key element here is the automatic winding bridge, which holds the rotor axis. It is this node that bears significant shock loads. If the mechanism stops starting with the movement of your hand, the problem often lies not in the rotor itself, but in the lubrication or condition of the gear teeth. Reversible wheel may wear out if the watch has not been serviced for a long time.
- 🔄 Rotor - a pendulum that captures the kinetic energy of the owner’s movements.
- ⚙️ Transmission gear — converts chaotic rotor rotations into unidirectional movement.
- 🔋 Mainspring — accumulates energy for the operation of the clock mechanism.
It is important to understand that the winding efficiency depends on the amplitude of the balance oscillations. If the watch is left motionless for more than 24 hours, it may become up. Models such as the Flight of 23 Stones typically have a power reserve of around 40-42 hours, which is standard for this configuration.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to spin the rotor with force with your fingers. Excessive force may cause the axle to break or the winding bridge mounts to become deformed.
The role of 23 stones in the caliber design
The number of stones in a mechanism is not just a marketing ploy, but a technical necessity. The Poljot calibers use 23 ruby bearings. These artificial stones serve as supports for the gear axles, where friction is greatest. Ruby inserts have high hardness and low surface roughness, which minimizes metal wear.
The distribution of stones in a self-winding movement has its own characteristics. Some of them (usually 2-4 stones) are allocated specifically for the automatic winding unit. This reduces friction in the reversing wheel and on the rotor axis. If there are fewer stones in the mechanism, then some friction pairs work “dry” or against metal, which reduces the service life.
| Mechanism assembly | Number of stones | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Descent (escape wheel) | 2 | Stroke adjustment |
| Balance | 2 | Balance axis support |
| Automatic winding (reverse) | 2-4 | Rotation transmission |
| Central wheel | 1 | Second hand support |
The presence of 23 jewels in the “Poljot” movement indicates a fairly high degree of automation of the winding process and protection against wear. However, even rubies require lubrication. Special watch oil applied in microscopic doses. Over time, it thickens, and the stones cease to perform their sliding function, starting to work as an abrasive.
Why rubies?
Artificial rubies (aluminum oxide) are used because they are chemically inert, do not oxidize, and are hard. This reduces the coefficient of friction and prevents metal shavings from appearing in the mechanism.
Typical faults and their symptoms
The use of mechanics with age inevitably leads to wear and tear. Self-winding Poljot watches are characterized by a number of specific problems. Most often, owners notice that the watch begins to lag or even stops in the middle of the day, although it was wound up at night.
One of the common problems is the automatic winding spring jumping off or breaking its mounting on the rotor. In this case, you may feel that the rotor rotates too freely, without characteristic resistance, but the watch does not start. Spring failure requires replacement of a unit or complex re-soldering/reassembly.
- 🛑 Stopping the move — the watch wakes up before the power reserve expires (less than 30 hours).
- 🔊 Extraneous noise — rattling or grinding noise when shaking (problem with the rotor).
- ⏱️ Unstable progress — the clock is either fast or slow in different positions.
Another common malfunction is wear of the tooth on the automatic winding wheel. Because this assembly experiences jerking loads, the metal may fatigue. If you hear a cracking sound when you actively move your hand, this is a bad sign. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the damaged gear, which requires the presence of a donor mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: If the watch starts to hurry or move jerkily, stop using it immediately. Continued operation may result in the balance being destroyed and the yoke breaking.
Periodically (once a month) check the tightness of the back cover. Depressurization of the housing is the main reason for the entry of dust and moisture, which kill the lubricant most quickly.
Comparison with Japanese and Swiss counterparts
Poljot movements are often compared to the popular Miyota (Japan) or ETA (Switzerland) calibers. Structurally, Soviet and Russian developments are close to Swiss standards of the mid-20th century. The main difference lies in the materials and quality of surface treatment.
Japanese movements such as the Miyota 8200 or 9000 series often have more modern bridge designs and use the latest generation of synthetic lubricants. However, Polet wins in maintainability: finding spare parts or a donor mechanism in the post-Soviet space is much easier and cheaper. Caliber 23 stones from "Polet" is structurally simpler, which makes it less sensitive to the quality of service in the field.
Swiss analogues (for example, ETA 2824) are distinguished by a higher beat frequency (28800 p/h versus 19800 or 21600 for Polet). This results in a smoother sweep of the second hand and better accuracy. But for everyday wear, the difference of 23 stones versus 25 for the Swiss is almost imperceptible.
The main advantage of Poljot mechanisms is their modularity and availability of spare parts, which makes them ideal for training and restoration, while their Swiss counterparts require more expensive maintenance.
Rules of operation and maintenance
In order for a self-winding mechanism to serve for a long time, you must follow simple rules. First of all, this is the regularity of wearing. If you do not wear your watch every day, you will need to manually wind it periodically. To do this, carefully rotate the crown clockwise.
Do not tighten the crown all the way with force while the watch is already running. The self-winding mechanism has a slipper clutch that prevents the spring from breaking, but the constant tension is not good for the metal. It is optimal to make 20-30 revolutions in the morning if the clock has been standing overnight.
Manual winding sequence:1. Remove the watch from your hand (to avoid damaging the crown).
2. Rotate the head clockwise.
3. Feel the moment the resistance begins (do not press!).
4. Make 20-30 revolutions to fully wind.
Maintenance (cleaning and lubrication) must be carried out every 3-5 years. Even if the clock runs normally, the old oil thickens and turns into an abrasive paste. The technician disassembles the mechanism, washes the parts in a special solution and applies new synthetic lubricant to the friction points.
☑️ Checklist before submitting for repairs
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to turn the automatic winding rotor with your fingers to wind it?
Highly not recommended. The rotor is designed to withstand inertial loads from wrist movement rather than direct finger force. You could bend the axle or strip the mounting threads, leading to expensive repairs.
Why do Poljot self-winding watches run out quickly?
Most likely, the lubricant in the automatic winding unit has thickened or the spring has worn out. The cause may also be demagnetization of the mechanism or the ingress of dust, which blocks the free movement of the rotor.
How many stones should a good mechanism have?
For a full-fledged self-winding movement, the standard is considered to be from 21 to 25 jewels. 23 stones is a full-fledged working standard, ensuring reliable operation of all critical friction units.
Should I take off my watch at night?
If you wear your watch every day, it is not necessary to take it off at night, since the automatic winding compensates for the stoppage. But if the power reserve is running out, it is better to put them on a watch winder or wind them manually.