Does gen (compatible) tube fit in the BP 7mm crown?

[GenTLe]

Hi guys, as from this thread: http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/171423-how-to-kill-a-watch-%C2%B0%C2%B0%C2%B0/  I broke the tube of a PVD coloured GMT Master II from BP.

 

I've just seen that the BP tube (case side) is smaller than the gen, and I've already got a 2.7mm drill bit and a M3x0.35 tap, so that I can modify it to fit a rolex gen/compatible new tube.

Now my question is: I've already checked that the 7mm crown of my BP GMT was using an A=4.35mm (see below) tube, but will the gen tube with A=4.35mm have the same thread type as the BP crown? 

Has anyone tried to screw a gen/compatible tube into a BP crown and can he confirm that it screws correctly?

 

And, last but not least: my crown is complete of the stem and I'd like to avoid to remove the stem (I'm a beginner and I don't want to destroy it), how should I properly screw the tube into the crown making it stable (not prone to unscrew) but also not damaging the case part thread (like using pliers)?

 

Thanks!!!! GenTLe

Edited July 12, 2014 by GenTLe

[GenTLe]

I reply to my self, correct me if it's wrong. Looking this thread: http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/158953-blue-ceramic-sub-built-on-bp-case-attempt-2/ the gen tube will fit.

Moreover the tube must be screwed to the case and not (like I was thinking) to the crown.

[dbane883]

Its a good idea to loctite the tube to the case. Do NOT loctite the tube to the crown

[jpz5142]

Setting the tube will be one thing, you've got the right bits. Are you going to freehand this or do you have a drill press? Might want to use a rat tail file to remove the remaining bit of the old tube that's still inside the old threads. Once the new tube is set your might find that it sits differently than the old tube and that your old stem is either too long or too short, we're hoping for just right but never know. I think that the crown threads will be a fit for the gen spec tube, I've read of guys putting gen crowns on BP tubes before. Can always try to fit it on the tube now so that you'll know before you start. Good luck and keep us posted!

[GenTLe]

Its a good idea to loctite the tube to the case. Do NOT loctite the tube to the crown

 

Eheheh, I'll do, I've here a medium strength screw locking Loctite compound (i'll not use the high strength one that will make it unscrew-able in the future)

 

Setting the tube will be one thing, you've got the right bits. Are you going to freehand this or do you have a drill press? Might want to use a rat tail file to remove the remaining bit of the old tube that's still inside the old threads. Once the new tube is set your might find that it sits differently than the old tube and that your old stem is either too long or too short, we're hoping for just right but never know. I think that the crown threads will be a fit for the gen spec tube, I've read of guys putting gen crowns on BP tubes before. Can always try to fit it on the tube now so that you'll know before you start. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

I've a vertical drill machine (I'm 38 and I'm a do-it-by-yourself guy from when I was 12, so I've built a good tool assortment with the years, other than what my father left me when he passed over 29 years ago), and I've already done all, now I'm just waiting the tubes from CousinsUK Give a look to the progresses here: http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/171423-how-to-kill-a-watch-%C2%B0%C2%B0%C2%B0/

 

Thanks (to all of you for your suggestions, and specially to MyManMatt which I also stressed with PMs )

[live1]

drill and tap bp case to use gen crown tube

[GenTLe]

drill and tap bp case to use gen crown tube

 

Already done  -> http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/171423-how-to-kill-a-watch-%C2%B0%C2%B0%C2%B0/

[ilikewatchestoo]

Good info. Looking for something similar thoughts?