newf

Hi, Guys, Is there a standard size for the repro Rolex crowns and stems for the 2824-2 and 2836-2 ETA movements? Here's a crude drawing of what I've measured from a crown for a daydate and the crown from a sub. Just been looking through some ads from Andrew and Joshua - seems like they're using the 2836-2 for most of the Rolex models - so I seems as if the only difference would be the case tube and crown - looks as if the same stem would work in all cases. Am I right in thinking this? Thanks, Newf

Hi, Guys, The crown doesn't fit - the diameter of the crown going through the tube is too large. Fortunately, last evening, a friend of mine showed up with a $30.00 Rolex replica with a crown with the correct diameter to fit the crown tube on the case - we cut the stem to fit - took a few tries as we didn't want it too short and all works fine. Forgot to mike the diameter of the crown and it's length - will reve it tonight and do so - will also measure the other crown and then hopefully order some for replacements. As far as the stems - I think I only need the watch movement number to order them - assuming that the 2836-2 ETA movement has has a standard replacemant stem. Thanks for all the help - and the learning experience is priceless. Newf

Hi, Freddy, Thanks for the fast reply. The movement is the ETA 2836-2 and the short stem that is shown is the one that was in the watch. The part in the circle was attached to the stem and sticking out through the tube - barely - I'm supposing this is the threaded part of the crown that fits over the stem. So what I need is a crown with that type of stem attachment. Again, thanks, Newf

Hi, Guys, Here's a pic showing the stem with the crown fitting just above the stem. I'm trying to find a replacement. A couple of dealers have said they've sent one but so far none have shown up. Bought this watch in October and haven't worn it yet. The stem and crown attachment are circled in red - you can see the larger crown above it - it's just too large a diameter to fit through the crown tube. Where can I buy a new replacement? Thanks, Newf

Hi, Spike, Beautiful job - bet the pics don't even come close to doing it justice. Newf

Hi, fitmic, Just had an email from Andrew - both sites are alive and well checked them myself - 8:30 PM EDT Newf

Hi, Folks, Does any one know the different crown sizes used on the models of the Rolex reps such as that used on the DateJust, DayDate and Yacht-Master? It seems as if the case tubes are different sizes also. Any info greatly appreciated. Newf

Hi, Guys, I spent most of this morning looking through the Yellow pages and located a local watchmaker who will work on repros - in fact, owns a couple himself. Gave him my DayDate to fix the keyless works and clean at the same time. Will let you know the results in a week or so - I'm still waiting for a proper crown for this watch - seems as if it was broken off where it attaches to the stem when I got it back from China where I had sent it for dealer repairs - never did find the crown among the packaging. This is a Rolex YG stick face with the proper VIII at the 8 o'clock position that I ordered in October - delivered with the second hand fallen off - returned it and then it came back with the broken crown. Beautiful watch but I haven't worn it as much as 5 minutes yet. Hopefully this gent will get me on the right road. I'm learning that in this hobby Patience is indeed a virtue - either that or spend a year in watch repair school yourself. Newf

Hi, Folks, Any watch repairmen in Canada besides The Zigmeister - I presume he is back logged by not accepting PMs until some time in April? Did a real stupid thing - used a pin to release the crown and stem - and of course the keyless works went for a dump - now need it repaired. Looked at the great keyless works tutorial and figure it is just beyond me at this time.

Thanks, The Zigmeister, The simpler the better and cheaper in the long run. Newf

Hi, Folks, A couple of questions from a newbie to watch repair. When removing the crown / stem from the Asian ETA 2836-2 and Asian 21J movements found in many Rolex reps, what is the proper position for the stem? Is it at the first position where you wind the watch and the hands are still moving? Do you pull it all the way out to stop the hands before removing the stem? Does it make any difference to the keyless works if the stem is removed in either position? Thanks, Newf

Excellent reply -another url saved for a later date. Tried it on the rep Rolex but there aren't any inserts to fit a knife - but I'm assuming that there must be some way to pop off the bezel without ruining it. Newf

Hi, Folks, I posted this here hoping to attaract a larger audience rather than in the Tutorial section. Has or could someone do a pictorial on the way a bezel such as on a Rolex Sub or Yachtman actually work? How is it kept on the case, what causes it to click as it is moved and what is the different workings between the uni-directional such as on the Sub and the bi-directional such as found on the Yachtsmaster? Could a bidirectional such as on a Yachtsmaster be converted to a uni-directional as is on the Sub. Thanks, Newf

Hi, Folks, Here's a noobie review of the Rolex Yacht-Master offered by Andrew at Trusty-Times. First impressions - for $78.00 you can't go wrong especially if you have another watch on order to combine with this one for the so called free shipping. Luckily I did. Now for all you photo people who are also into photography, these pics were all shot in ambient light at the breakfast table on an overcast day and no interior lighting or flash - my camera is a Canon PowerShot S-3 point and shoot with a few other selectable options. Here's the dial with the 2.5X cyclops - the dial color is a silver grey - which really complements the watch band color. Very pleasant to view. Next is the case back along with hologram and presumably correct number - have to check this out yet. I have an 8-1/4" wrist and the bracelet is out to its fullest extension and fits perfectly so it should fit the vast majority of people. The links don't exhibit any sharp edges and seem very flexible and the pins seem clean. I immediately took the watch apart to have a look at the innards - found a couple of pieces of lint about 1/16" round and a few pieces of heavy dust - probably the movement need to be cleaned and oiled - but don't forget this is only $78.00. The name was easily read inside the case back. Here are some shots of the movement - the last one showing the stem release and time regulator. And of course for last is the obligatory wrist shot. My only caveats so far is that when you pull out the stem to adjust the time - the dial face moves indicating the movement isn't fully secured in the case. I adjusted and tightened both movement hold down clamps but it still moves around - maybe they're the wrong size or just located improperly. The other is possibly nothing or at least something very easily fixed - the o-ring seems extremely thin. In fact it falls out when you open the case back - the other cheapie a friend gave has a rather substantial o-ring which needs to be almost pried out but fits snugly. Anybody have any suggestions as to which way the o-rings should fit. But other than that it's a bargain plus looks great to boot. Newf