New Winding Stem...how long?

[dbutlerman]

Hey Folks -

I am building a custom project and I am not sure how long to make the winding stem. Is the some trick to it or is it all guess work? Put the stem in, trim, see if its too long??? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[highoeyazmuhudee]

thats what i do.

put it in as is, measure how far it sticks out past the tube with calipers, pull it back out, measure to be clipped, cut it... grind the clipped end to a round point so it doesnt cross thread and demagnetize the stem.

if its too short screwing it down will cause the watch to manually wind, expect to maybe use 3 stems on your first attempt to get it right.

[Ronin]

I managed to get it in one try using the following approach.

• Screw crown on full length stem (make sure it bottoms/is threaded all the way on.)
• Install in movement, thru case.
• Measure distance with caliper between top of tube, and base of crown.
• Unscrew crown from stem
• Cut [insert measurement] from stem.
• Hand file burrs.
• Test fit.
• (Lather, Rinse, Repeat as needed)
• When right, use Loctite 290 between stem and crown.
• Use stem lube before final assembly.

This is for Rolex style that has the 'spring' push in and turn. The above method should get you to the point where the spring action takes up the slack necessary to get a successful screw down.

If this leaves you a little long, just use a hand file to slowly take a little off as needed. If you only have one stem available, err on the long side (shorten your measurement) and hand file as needed. Diamond files work great.

[FxrAndy]

Yep trial and error is the only way realy,

[rsea]

The measurement seems to vary from job to job even with the same components. Cut leaving yourself plenty of leeway and file the rest checking constantly. As someone else make sure its fully inserted before taking your measurements. Its actually an easy job but take your time or you'll be back here asking where to buy another stem

Tapatalk.