In a clock precision in the metalwork in the gears is important to cut down on friction, etc. But I'm not sure if the saem can be said for this ancient computer.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like what is important here is simply the ratios of the number of teeth on the different gears.

I mean obviously all the parts have to mesh when the device is cranked but it doesn't have to turn terribly smoothly to work.