Record lug-to-lug and the effective span including rigid end links. Use a similar camera distance and neutral wrist position; photographs support fit discussion but do not replace measurements.
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Case 44 — QC checklist: prioritise observable faults over pixel hunting · source wording exercise
A large crop makes tiny differences look dramatic. How can a checklist remain proportionate?
Review focus: source wording. Retain the source wording beside any paraphrase. Use the original answer fragment “Explain what the full-size image shows, what the crop adds and…” as the discussion anchor; no new event or result is supplied.
Exercise RWF-30442/44: address this question within its stated limits.
Regulation is possible if you want it closer. On many movements it's a quick adjustment by a watchmaker. Can you check whether the losing rate is consistent or getting worse? A stable -8 is a good candidate for simple regulation. A growing loss points to something else, such as falling amplitude, and regulation alone won't fix that.
Lug width is the essential one: the inside distance between the lugs where the strap fits. Measure with a ruler marked in millimetres, ideally reading it under magnification. Most watches use even numbers (18, 20, 22mm), but odd widths exist. If you measure 19 or 21, measure again and check the manufacturer spec before ordering.
Clarification for “Case finishing: distinguish a reflection from a surface mark”: the point beginning “Ask for photographs with the light moved and…” belongs to the question as written. It should not be read as a report that a new check, purchase or experiment has been completed. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.
Case 31 — Maintenance question: how do I tell if an automatic actually needs service?
Common advice says service every five years, but service is expensive and some people run watches much longer. What observable signs actually indicate a mechanical watch needs attention, as opposed to just being due on a calendar?
Exercise RWF-27479/31: address this question within its stated limits.
Case 30 — Strap dimensions: lug width, taper, thickness and spring bar diameter explained
Document spring-bar diameter, end-tip fit and the strap’s clearance using appropriate measuring tools. If dimensions or compatibility are uncertain, ask a watchmaker rather than forcing a bar or substituting an unsuitable part.
Method note for “Comparing dial colour under different lighting”: use “Compare controlled images where available and avoid calling a…” as a row heading in a proposed working record. Put the statement, its supporting source or measurement, and any unresolved detail in separate fields. This proposes a format; it supplies no additional evidence. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.
Method note for “QC photographs: perspective or a genuinely tilted index?”: use “Request a level straight-on image with the hands…” as a row heading in a proposed working record. Put the statement, its supporting source or measurement, and any unresolved detail in separate fields. This proposes a format; it supplies no additional evidence. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.
Case 12 — Case finishing: distinguish a reflection from a surface mark
Clarification for “Case finishing: distinguish a reflection from a surface mark”: the point beginning “Ask for photographs with the light moved and…” belongs to the question as written. It should not be read as a report that a new check, purchase or experiment has been completed. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.
Case 9 — Date window centring: compare the same date at the same angle
Different numerals have different optical centres. A comparison mixes two dates and unequal magnification. How can the evidence be improved?
Exercise RWF-21140/9: address this question within its stated limits.
Clarification for “Clasp photographs: what to request before judging alignment”: the point beginning “Request open and closed views from both sides,…” belongs to the question as written. It should not be read as a report that a new check, purchase or experiment has been completed. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.
Case 32 — Timegrapher reading context: what do rate, amplitude and beat error actually tell me?
A useful table has columns for date, position, winding state, lift angle, rate, amplitude and beat error. Keep the full recording so settings and stability can be checked.
Case 20 — Clasp photographs: what to request before judging alignment
Summary draft for “Clasp photographs: what to request before judging alignment”: the answer addresses “Request open and closed views from both sides,…”; the related point is “Separate cosmetic alignment from whether the clasp engages reliably;…”. Keep both connected to the opening question, and mark any conclusion needing further records as unresolved. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.
Case 40 — Shipping timeline: separate dispatch, handover and scan events · source wording exercise
Clarification for “Shipping timeline: separate dispatch, handover and scan events”: the point beginning “Ask the sender or carrier for clarification; missing scans alone…” belongs to the question as written. It should not be read as a report that a new check, purchase or experiment has been completed. Review focus: source wording. Retain the source wording beside any paraphrase.