Broken o-ring

[julmaro]

The o-ring on my sub broke and it is stuck in the stem making it impossible to move the crown. Any ideas?

[dbutlerman]

Is the the O-Ring from the Tube? If so, open the watch, pull the crown into the time setting position, remove the stem, remove the o-ring, replace the o-ring - or stay out of the water, and replace the crown/stem assembly...

[julmaro]

Seems like I was mistaken...the watch was opened and the o-ring is intact but the local repair shop told me the tube is stripped and that I should by another case.?????? Hard to believe. Can the whole thing..tube, stem be replaced or the watch is kaput... Any ideas???

[freddy333]

In most cases, the tube is a separate component from the middle case. And unless it has been epoxied in, you can usually unscrew it by sliding a triangular hobby file into the tube so that it is wedged into the tube & then unscrewing the tube. Often, a gen tube (which usually requires a gen crown) can be screwed into the existing hole. Sometimes, the hole may need to be cleared of cement/glue before the new tube can be installed, or you may need to tap the threading to clear it (most of the watch parts supply houses - ofrei.com, julesborel.com, cousinsuk.com, etc) sell taps made for Rolex tubes for less than $40). If you decide to replace the rep tube/crown with another rep tube/crown, peruse ebay for replacements.