The routine covering the work to be done, however, may vary, depending upon the quantity of watches that are turned out. In the factories where large numbers of watches are adjusted the adjuster is trained in the various branches of watch work and eventually devotes his entire time to adjusting. The watches are generally turned over to him after they are all assembled and ready for the final balance and spring work, or after they have been finished and rated, in which instance he receives only those that are not within the requirements and he then makes the necessary alterations, after which they are again tested for results.
In some repair shops where large numbers of fine watches are handled, a similar system is used and one competent adjuster devotes his time principally to the work of timing and adjusting.
[41.]Considering the Watchmaker in the Small Shop One or Two Workmen.
By far the greater number of watchmakers are employed in stores having only one or two workmen who are required to do the cleaning and to make all repairs. For this reason an adjuster of equal skill could not do as much actual adjusting as could be done in either of the two previous instances, but for the same reason he would not be expected to do as much.
He can, however, adjust the high grade watches that he repairs just as closely, and he should not permit himself to feel that time and the nature of his position prohibits him from doing so. Whether it does, or does not prevent him from obtaining close rates depends entirely upon his training and understanding of the necessary details. If he is skilful and accurate, his output of work in the long run will not be reduced, his work will give better satisfaction and he will have less "comebacks" to take up his valuable time.
[42.]Advantage of Understanding Adjusting Even Though Watches are Not Tested in Positions or Isochronism.
To understand position adjusting thoroughly is of the greatest advantage in obtaining satisfactory time from any medium or high grade watches even though they are not to be tested in positions because vital points will receive intelligent observation where they would otherwise be overlooked.
[43.]Concerning Watchmakers of Limited Experience.
The previous notes and rules covering pinning points of the hairspring as detailed by the cuts and descriptions, together with the concrete adjusting examples to follow would no doubt be of sufficient note for watchmakers of considerable experience.
There are, however, many ambitious workmen who have not devoted any time whatever to the study or practice of adjusting and to whom some elementary study and practice may be quite indispensable.