The wiggling quartz watch second hand -- this is one of the most common problems jewelers face when changing watch batteries. It is usually is caused by an obstruction in the gears of the watch. Most of the time we discover this only after we have replaced the battery. There in lays the problem.

NO OPEN POLICY;
Before we get to that particular problem, we need to discuss whether or not you should open the watch to check the battery in the first place. There is a new product you need to know about. It is a pulse tester. A Pulse Tester senses the electronic pluses that a quartz watch makes when the battery is good enough to make the watch run. When using this, the jeweler has no need to open the watch to check the battery.

All you need to do is place the watch on the device and if the light flashes you know the battery is good. This eliminates the need to open the watch and prevents you from replacing the battery in a watch that has problems other than the battery. Let's say that the watch is running slow or stopping. Most of the time this will have nothing to do with the battery. This device is a real time saver and goes a long way to limit the liability risk we face when replacing a battery.

THE ACCELERATOR
Now let's say that you have determined a battery is needed, and after replacing it the second hand only wiggles. This is when an accelerator comes in handy. Place the watch on the accelerator. When activated, the device causes the watch's hands to spin rapidly. In most cases, this will correct the wiggling second hand.

These devices are called the Horotech Pulse and Turbo and cost approximately $50 each. They can be ordered from most good watch material houses.

If the hands still only wiggle after using the Turbo, then the watch is in need of a movement repair or replacement.

About the Author

Dan Gendron is a nationally recognized authority on helping retail jewelers become profitable with watch repairs with his Profitable Quartz Watch Repair Seminars. He also offers a video series on this and other subjects, that help retail jewelers become self-sufficient with watch repairs. Visit Dan's Website, www.watchfix.com