removing the crown on a cheap movement

[docdoc]

I just bought the snoopy speedmaster which is a cheap entry level rep. But It is a good purpose to experiment things ! So I would like to change the glass on it for a more accurate acrylic domed glass. But as I am a total newbie to this world of watch I don't know where to find the release stem on the automatic movement of the watch to release the crown

Edited July 23, 2008 by docdoc

[Guest carlsbadrolex]

The button just above and to the left of where the stem enters the movement is the button you need to press.

That picture appears to show a button that is set a little deep. BUT, if it had been pressed too far and stuck there, the stem would come out... and not be kept back in.

[hiker01]

thanks

Is that an Asian 7750?

Like this:

Then, it had been suggested to push down really hard!

[docdoc]

Is that an Asian 7750?

Then, it had been suggested to push down really hard!

No I don't think so

Edited July 23, 2008 by docdoc

[FxrAndy]

I try to push it, quiet hard

[docdoc]

yes

Thanks, I will try that

[sssurfer]

Set the crown in winding position (fully pushed in) before removing the stem.

This will help to avoid keyless work problems when you will reinsert it.

[docdoc]

done (after some cold thrills

Edited July 25, 2008 by docdoc

[sssurfer]

The stem is screwed into the crown tube. As it does not unscrew, most likely a bit of glue was added.

Hold the stem firmly with small pliers, close to the tube (don't press the pliers on any other part of the stem) and try to unscrew.

If it does not work, then try again after applying heat to the crown (don't miss to remove the small rubber gasket before doing it). This should make the glue melt.

The best way to apply heat to the crown is with a solder iron. But also a gaslighter should work.

Stay advised that if you break the stem, 99% it will be impossible to remove the broken stem part from the tube and you will just have to throw away the whole crown.

[docdoc]

Are the stems standard ? I mean if I break this one (see how optimist I am) and buy a new one… Does it will fit in the movement ?

I will try the heat method.

Edited July 25, 2008 by docdoc

[spooky driver]

Doc you are making me nervous.....very good camera work BTW

[alligoat]

It's a $5 Chinese movement, so stems aren't available. You'd best leave it alone, cause if you break it you are SOL.

[spooky driver]

It's a $5 Chinese movement, so stems aren't available. You'd best leave it alone, cause if you break it you are SOL.

SOL??

[sssurfer]

Are the stems standard ? I mean if I break this one (see how optimist I am) and buy a new one

[docdoc]

I think I wil leave alone like this for now

[sssurfer]

Both the gen and rep stems should be 0.90mm diameter.

But you might have to trim the stem length a little.

If the gen stem is too long, then shortening it to the needed length is easy.

If it is too short, then you will have to use a stem extender -- no problem, as your pic shows plenty of room between the case and the movement, so you can fit the extender in.

[freddy333]

If you have a hand drill, slide the stem into the drill's chuck (with the crown sticking out) & clamp the jaws down around the wide, round base of the stem (make it tight, but not crushing-tight)

Once the stem is firmly held in the drill's jaws, you should be able to twist off the crown by hand. If not, try soaking it in WD40 for an hour or so & try again. If that does not work, try heating the crown as described previously.

If you plan to do this again, a pin vice will make the job alot easier (click the pic)

[docdoc]

thanks for the info, but I guess it is a little bit out of my league