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having trouble removing watch winder and stem

crazyinjun
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crazyinjun New Member

crazyinjun

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Hi i have a Baume and Mercier Automatic watch that I'm trying to repair.  It has some resistance when turning the hands between 12 and 3pm marks so I wanted to lubricate some areas to see if that helps. I have watched Marks' video on youtube and tried to unscrew the bolt screw (attached picture highlighted in blue) but it's not budging.  Does anyone have a similar movement and experience?  Any suggestions on how to release it? TIA!

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AdamC WRT Addict

AdamC

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I’m not sure if it would be frowned upon by the watchmaking fraternity, but this has only happened once to me and it took about three days of soaking the screw (tiny amount on screw) in penetrating oil (e.g., WD40). It still needed gentle encouragement but it shifted it. However, I did then proceed to strip and clean the watch completely and needed to replace some heavily corroded keyless works components. I expect you’ll have the same.

Good luck and hope that helps.


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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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1 hour ago, AdamC said:

I’m not sure if it would be frowned upon by the watchmaking fraternity, but this has only happened once to me and it took about three days of soaking the screw (tiny amount on screw) in penetrating oil (e.g., WD40). It still needed gentle encouragement but it shifted it. However, I did then proceed to strip and clean the watch completely and needed to replace some heavily corroded keyless works components. I expect you’ll have the same.

Good luck and hope that helps.


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Nothing wrong in that. I would have said the same thing. I expect you have rusty parts and that is why it won't release. 

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Nucejoe Distinguished Member

Nucejoe

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This approach is unconventional. I would apply penetrating oil, let soak over night and; 

Release the power at the click.

Remove rotor and winder module.

Remove the ratchet and crown wheel.

You would get somewhat better access to apply penetrating oil to the set lever screw, let soak for a night or two, attack the screw. Avoid excessive oiling.

You would expectedly discover rusted parts underneath, best to be prepared for complete overhaul.

Good luck.

 

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Koen Watch Enthusiast

Koen

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I don't think it's the stem screw that is jammed?? So I guess it's easer to take out the compleet movement, remove the hands and dial before you go use oils and chemicals to unloose that screw.

Thats just what I would do, but I am not a specialist.

 

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Watcher Watch Enthusiast

Watcher

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Mark has a video showing how to get at the keyless works from the top plate side.

Unwind the mainspring

Remove the automatic winder

Remove the ratchet wheel

Remove the barrel bridge.the set lever screw may be tight in the bridge (oil it) but levering off the bridge should be possible.

Then the keyless works will be exposed and you can more easily sort out the problem.

This is the professional way forward.

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crazyinjun New Member

crazyinjun

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Thank you for the suggestions..I tried the wd-40 over night but still can't get it to budge.  I can turn the bolt screw in and out as though I'm using the crown, but it won't turn past that.  The suggestions you provide are way past my level of comfort so I'll just take it to a professional and see if they can fix it! Thanks again for the tips! :)

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AdamC WRT Addict

AdamC

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More than likely more hidden corrosion in the keyless works. For example, it could be the stem is seized in the clutch wheel or the setting lever won’t shift despite the screw being turned now. Shame the WD40 hasn’t freed the parts enough. As I said, it took till about the third day until my one freed. Good luck!

 

 

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