A. Schild (AS) Calibre 1981 Watch Spare Parts: Technical Overview and Sourcing Guide
A. Schild (AS) Calibre 1981 is a manual-winding Swiss mechanical movement, prized for its reliability, compact construction, and practical date feature. Produced in the mid-to-late 20th century, this calibre is popular with collectors and watchmakers restoring vintage timepieces, especially those requiring a slim and precise hand-wound movement.
Key Technical Highlights
Calibre: AS 1981
Movement Type: Manual wind, mechanical
Diameter: 25.60 mm (11.5 lignes)
Height: 3.60 mm
Jewels: 17 synthetic ruby jewels
Beat Rate: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
Power Reserve: Noted for lasting over 40 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, sweep seconds, date (quickset by repeated crown pushing)
Shock Protection: Typically Incabloc or similar anti-shock system
Signature Marks: “AS 1981” on main plate
Common Spare Parts and Components
Mainspring and Barrel: Use original or new-old-stock (NOS) mainsprings for steady power delivery and correct torque.
Balance Wheel and Balance Staff: Crucial for precision timekeeping and shock resistance; exact fitting is essential for accuracy and resilience.
Pallet Fork and Escape Wheel: Commonly replaced escapement parts—authentic or NOS replacements ensure consistent accuracy.
Gear Train Wheels (Minute, Third, Fourth): Prone to wear over time; usually sourced from donor movements or NOS stock.
Setting Mechanism (Stem, Crown, Levers, Springs): Key for smooth winding, time setting, and date adjustment—split winding stems compatible with AS 1981 are commercially available.
Jewels: Synthetic ruby bearings arranged to minimize friction; replacement must match original design for longevity.
Hands and Dial Components: Maintaining period-correct hands and dials preserves vintage appeal and value.
Date Mechanism Components: Includes date disc, date jumper, spring, and unlocking yoke for reliable date quickset action.
Sourcing and Maintenance Tips
Use only original, NOS, or donor parts marked for AS 1981 to ensure integrity and performance.
Handle precision parts like balance assemblies and escapement components with care during service.
Employ modern synthetic lubricants sparingly, adhering to vintage lubrication standards for optimal longevity.
Always confirm the calibre number stamped on the main plate before ordering parts to avoid mix-ups.
Donor AS 1981 movements provide excellent sources for rare or worn replacement parts.
Why AS 1981 Spare Parts Matter
Genuine parts safeguard the movement’s accuracy, mechanical strength, and smooth function of the quickset date, crucial for restored reliability.
Proper restoration with authentic components preserves both the historical value and collectible appeal of these classic Swiss timepieces.
Well-documented technical data and a supportive watchmaker community make sourcing and expert repairs straightforward.
Maintaining the A. Schild AS 1981 calibre with original spare parts keeps these slim, robust watches running for decades while honoring their place in Swiss horological tradition.
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Stem, Crown, Hands & Spares might be available for this movement.
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