Liban is not that well known but this is probably the fourth Liban watch I’ve repaired. All of them were Art Deco style watches or smaller dress watches.
This one did run but only intermittently. The movement is the AS 1200.
The winding stem was also too short so the crown couldn’t be pushed back in enough. As a result, the watch was always in the time setting mode unless you pushed the crown and turned it at the same time.
The movement is heavily tarnished and discolored. I don’t know what would’ve caused this. It’s mainly focussed around pivot holes, bearing jewels and around the edge of the plate.
Perhaps someone cleaned it with the wrong kind of cleaning solution.
Disassembly
Before you start working on a mechanical movement, make sure to remove all the power from the mainspring.
Move the click away from the ratchet wheel while letting the crown slip between your thumb and index finger.
You can use an old oiler or a peg wood to move the click away from the ratchet wheel.
Remove the balance and the pallets.
Turn the movement around and lift the cannon pinion. You won’t be able to remove the center wheel later if you forget this.
Remove the ratchet wheel and the crown wheel (shim was missing) and lift the barrel bridge.
Lift the wheel-train bridge and remove the escape wheel, the 4th wheel, the 3rd wheel, and the center wheel.
At first glance, it looks like the escape wheel has a separate bridge. But if you look closely, you see that both sections of the wheel-train bridge are connected at the edge.
Lift the main barrel with a piece of Rodico so it doesn’t accidentally engage the wheel train. You can also remove it after you lifted the wheel train, just to be safe.
Lift the center wheel, the 3rd wheel, 4th wheel, and escape wheel.
Flip the movement around and start with the bottom plate.
Remove the motion works and the keyless works. I ordered a new spring for the return bar because the old one was heavily oxidized.
Pre-clean the pivot holes and bearing jewels with a peg wood.
Clean all the parts in the watch cleaning machine.
Assembly
Start with the main barrel and the wheel train.
Reinstall the wheel-train bridge.
Install the barrel bridge, the crown wheel, and the ratchet wheel.
Don’t forget the shim for the crown wheel. I had to order a new one.
Turn the movement around and start with the motion works and the keyless works.
I fitted the new spring for the return bar or yoke that I ordered.
I also fitted a new winding stem and trimmed it to the correct size.
Flip the movement to the top plate and reinstall the pallets and the balance.
What do you think of this Liban watch? Do you have a similar one or another Art Deco watch that you love? Let me know in the comments below.