Loose barrel cover

[AlexeiJ1]

Hi All

Recently acquired a Rolex 6303 with a Cal 645.
The barrel cover was loose from poor workmanship. I bought a similar Cal 600 cover which looks correct but still doesnt hold.
Is there a way to stake a barrel closed? I tried tapping the rim in a little but may have damaged a tooth. Please help!!!!!!!

If anyone has a source on Cal 645 parts I would be indebted. Willing to pay good money for a part to get this flipping watch back together (3 months on my bench so far).

Alex

[rodabod]

If you own a lathe then you could spread some of the material (preferably in a vice rather than punching) and then turn it concentric if need be. 

Has the barrel or barrel rebate been stretched or worn? It can happen when a spring suddenly breaks. On larger clocks this can even shatter the barrel wall (been there). 

[rodabod]

Also check that the barrel lid is not domed, as this obviously reduces diameter. 

[AlexeiJ1]

I don't have a lathe sadly.
The barrel cover appears flat as I ordered a replacement which was either NOS or very good condition. The original was flimsy and buggered.
It had been worked on by Indonesian watchmakers who are not to a very high standard. The watchmaker who sold the watch is based next to a rice filled.

He did bizarelly have a Jean Claude Dato Compax rolex in pieces on his bench!!!!!!!!!

Is a broken barrel tooth something that can be repaired? should I write off the barrel. Will it just slip past that tooth if I file it down?

Edited March 11, 2019 by AlexeiJ1

[anilv]

Check if the barrel wall is cracked.

Damaged tooth on barrel.. while the watch may work, there will be a shock to the train when the barrel reaches the broken tooth and releases. Not good for the train.

Your best bet would be to look for a new barrel with lid.

Good luck!

Anilv