The final part of the Elgin A-8 “Jitterbug” restoration focuses on the intricate reassembly of the chronograph mechanism and the final casing of the movement. With the base gear train already operational, the host painstakingly reinstalls the stopwatch-specific components, including the pillar wheel, the operating levers, and the hammers responsible for the reset function. Strategic lubrication is applied to the heart cams and high-speed pinions to ensure the 108,000 VPH oscillation doesn’t cause premature wear on the 80-year-old parts. The project concludes with the delicate installation of the dial and hands, followed by the movement being secured back into its original case, resulting in a fully restored and functional piece of WWII aviation history that once again exhibits its signature high-frequency “jitter.”
