Component record · Keyless work
Setting Lever
VerifiedA small spring-loaded lever within the keyless works that pivots to slide the clutch between winding and setting positions.
What it does
Converts the stem's in/out (axial) movement into the sideways motion needed to disengage the clutch from the winding train and engage it with the setting train, or vice versa.
How it works
One end of the setting lever engages a groove machined into the stem; when the crown (and hence stem) is pulled outward, the lever pivots on its screw, and this pivoting motion pushes the yoke sideways, sliding the clutch pinion along the stem's squared section.
A separate setting lever spring provides the detent tension felt as the definite 'click' when pulling the crown to the setting position, and holds the lever firmly in either the wound or set position during use.
Evolution
Design details vary between keyless-works patents, but the lever-and-spring principle for converting axial to lateral motion has remained the dominant keyless-works solution since its introduction.
Known variations
- Standard set-lever/yoke arrangement
- Rocking-bar keyless works, which achieves a similar function via a different lever geometry
Identification for collectors
- A crown that fails to stay in the pulled (set) position, or won't return to winding, usually indicates a weak or broken setting lever spring
Common failure modes
- Broken or weakened setting lever spring
- Worn pivot causing imprecise engagement
- Bent lever from mishandling during stem removal
Photographs
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Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.
Sources & references
- de Carle, D., Practical Watch Repairing
Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.