AI can be tremendously useful depending on the application. However, AI doesn't seem to be very useful in the field of horology, which should be clear for anyone who has read this thread. AI will likely become more competent in the field of horology with time, but until then, I think we need to be very sceptical. I read your post with great interest. For me, lots of new information and food for thought. I'm actually considering buying a superclone of a Rolex with a movement that closely resembles the calibre 3135 as much as possible. My plan is to disassemble it and examine every single component in detail to get a clear sense of the differences compared to the genuine parts. Finally, it’ll be time to bring out the hammer and/or the angle grinder and do what really ought to be done with every counterfeit. On that note, I believe Mark actually did just that in one of his videos... No, not a super clone, but here it is:  

Stems usually are threaded, male with female in the crown.  Did timex glue on crowns, I don't know.  The part you are referring to is the pendant or case tube. 

Hey All,  I picked up a old Timex Merlin watch at an auction. It is this exact model: https://heritage1854.com/1975/marlin-27671 The crown on the stem does not stay on the stem when it is pulled outwards so I cannot adjust the date or time. When the crown is pushed all the way on, I can wind it to power the movement. I found a repair manual for this movement that you can see here: https://heritage1854.com/m25 It says nothing about the crown being able to be separated from the stem. Whether is was designed that way, I could not tell you. My question is, how should I repair this? I am attaching images of both the crown and where the stem comes out of the case so you can have a look.    As you can see, the stem slides into the middle hole of the crown while the collar from the case (I am not sure what this is called sorry!) slips into the ringed gap around where the stem fits. The stem is not threaded (are stems ever threaded?) so I know it doesn't fit like that.  Any suggest and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello and welcome from Leeds, England. 

Can you post photos showing the crystal from the front and a side view of the bezel.