3717 chrono seconds hand - flutter?

Hi all,
So before posting this question, I searched the archives and got some excellent info (mostly from Jack Freedman and MF) but I couldn't answer my question entirely:

I have a brand new 3717-01 (bought in April). I love the watch. It runs great, keeps perfect time, and the chronograph runs great too - except that I notice a slight flutter or hesitation in the chrono second hand at certain parts of the dial when the chronograph is running. (I think that this chrono seconds hand has 5 ticks per second normally - so it is never a perfect "sweep.") But occasionally it looks like mine jumps/hesitates. It's not a major problem. The chronograph is still accurate, and if I hold the watch a few feet away from my eyes, it looks OK. But when I look at it closely I can definitely observe the occasional flutter.. when it happens it looks like the seconds hand is only using 2 or 3 ticks for that second (instead of the smooth 5 ticks).

My original diagnosis from the archives is that the "tension spring" may need to be fine tuned to soften the sweep of the center seconds hand. Or, maybe this is something that will just improve and resolve itself over time? Is it normal behavior for this movement to have small fluctuations in the sweep of the center seconds hand? Maybe I'm being overly sensitive to the small fluctuations of the sweep...

Or, do I need to take my watch in to my AD to get checked? My AD is 3+ hours away and I really don't want to make the trip to deliver my watch nor do I want to part with this amazing time piece for too long. Again, it doesn't seem to be a major issue, but seeing as it's a brand new watch and I'm not an expert, I wanted to run it by the forum and see what you guys thought.

I greatly appreciate any advice, insight, or feedback into this matter. Thanks,

-Jon

Over-analysis? Maybe...

I would guess this is common as I experience the same exact issue with my GST Perpetual Chronograph. I purchased the watch 6 years ago and observed the "fluttering" chrono seconds hand as you described. Of course, I was never really timing anything with the chronograph, just admiring some of the features of my new watch.

Well, six years later, there is still the familiar flutter- the watch works very well and remains a steady 1 or 2 days on my wrist per week and keeps near-perfect time.

Over the six years, I have observed that the fluttering has improved a little. Meaning, it has "smoothed" out a little.

I don't think sending it in will help you. You'll just be without your watch for 8+ weeks.

Come to think of it... I don't think I ever used my chrono to time anything of significance - perhaps a "center cut" filet on the grill. So that's why I never chose to act on the "flutter".

PS - I think flutter is a great word to describe this. I recall posting a similar question on this forum 6 years ago and I did not have the right description.

A few thoughts....

Hi Jon,

I do think you should have this checked out --but not now. It is not serious, at least from your description.

One reason why we don't deal with service issues on the forum (and yours is a service issue, even if it's not a real problem or an incident with servicing) is that we can't evaluate the watch fully from a written description. Someone needs to see the watch to diagnosis it better.

However, if you watch is fully working: that is, if it's winding, maintaining a power resreve when worn, keeping relatively accurate time, etc., then I wouldn't rush. There's nothing that needs fixing now.

My St Ex chrono has a stiff crown. That is, it needs a little too much pressure to wind. I think a minor cleaning and some lubrication will absolutely fix the "problem". But I'm certainly not going to send the watch in just for that.

One of the better suggestions I read, years ago, on the Internet, was to wait until shortly before the warranty expires. Then send the watch in, with a list of all those minor things. Aside from having all those things looked at, I'll bet in almost all instances you'll also get a free overhaul out of doing so. ;)

Regards,
Michael

Thanks.

Thanks Michael and Richard. Appreciate the response. The watch is an absolute beauty and works great. I think I may be oversensitive, or maybe I just have the power to temporarily bend space/time.. :) Sorry about the post being a "service" one.

Happy Father's day to all the dads out there.

-Jon

I will take a look at my one

but I dont recall seeing the "chrono flutter".
Nice description of your issue.
Andrew