For those seeking to create or obtain a high‑quality repack, several archives and institutions hold original manuals and brochures:
Sight a sharp distant target. Flip the telescope in its transits (Face Left vs. Face Right). The horizontal crosshair should intersect the exact same point.
Apply a few drops of odorless mineral spirits or a dedicated penetrating oil directly to the seam of the spindle.
Soak metal components (never optics) to loosen the gunk. Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs to clear the teeth of the horizontal and vertical circles.
: Take photographs of every component before and during removal. The assembly order of Hilger & Watts instruments is complex, and misaligned spacers can lead to collimation errors.
Use Isopropyl Alcohol (99%) or a specialized degreaser like naphtha.
: An alternative model, often with different specifications. A later “Mark II” version had its own dedicated manual, covering features like the circle reading system, telescope, bubbles, and illumination.
There are several reasons why a repackaged or reprinted manual for the Hilger Watts theodolite may be necessary:
For the main vertical and horizontal axes, the process involves removing the telescope from its bearings . Clean the spindle and the sleeve thoroughly.
In essence, the , ensuring that a Hilger & Watts theodolite owner can still access the manufacturer’s original guidance on setting up, levelling, angle measurement, and adjustment.
Verify that the line of sight is aligned with the axes.
Start with the institutional archives listed above to identify the exact title of your manual. Then, search online auction sites, contact specialized surveying equipment forums, or look for resellers who offer digital repacks of vintage technical manuals.