Need Help Fitting a stem

[saswatch88]

hello WRT,

I have a vintage ww1 trench watch. It is a doctor/nurse watch with center seconds. These types were very rare during this period and i believe only two manufacturers produced the movements. I believe the one i have is a Gallet have no clue the caliber since i cant find any info on these movements. the watch did not come with a stem and crown. I have 4 different stems that fit into the watch perfectly both in size and length. but none of the slots for the setting lever pin line up therefore stem can always be pulled out and wont set the time. not sure what the square part of the stem is actuall called but it seems like its too long and the end closest to the crown which has the lip that seats against the winding pinion is too far out. These stems came from other trench watches of the same ligne size but not the same movement. I have tons of bestfit swiss stem  assortments and they are all the same with the square winding part being too long for the setting lever pin. The chances of me finding a parts movement are slim to none so does anyone have suggestions on how to fit a new one. i tried machines some of them but it just doesnt work. i dont have a lathe.

[Nucejoe]

Hi, check my post in thread by AdamC titled " Omega stem shaft pivot hole problem" 

Using a pair of old tweezers, stem vice  and a bit of sand paper as lathe for OD reduction on the winding stem.

The square  corners can be filed some, to facilitate rotation.

You can turn manually or by electric dremel.

If you like the approach, Please feel free to msg me via forum for furthure discussion.

Regards joe

[saswatch88]

[saswatch88]

sorry i meant setting lever pin, not clutch lever.

[Nucejoe]

In wind position, set lever is to come to rest just next to wind pinion but NOT TOUCH it,  if in contact the two will grind when winding, so I think the length you marked  as TOO BIG is to be shortened by aprox 3/10 mm or so.

While grinding the square,  I would choose a equip set up that minimizes free hand operation as much as possible you are mimicing a lathe. Home made lathe.  .

As you get to the final stages of reduction, using the same old worn out fine sandpaper gives a better finsh. 

Finally the end of the stem is to be cut and its tip rounded.

Best wishes