Jump to content
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
  • Current Donation Goals

removing the crown on a cheap movement


docdoc

Recommended Posts

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 by docdoc
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are the stems standard ? I mean if I break this one (see how optimist I am) and buy a new one
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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)

gripper.jpg

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)

5860.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...
Please Sign In or Sign Up