Jump to content

Stem tube broken


Recommended Posts

Hi All

I'm a beginner.  This is an Elgin 344.  The tube stem is broken off with the remainder still stuck in the crown.  I've never dealt with this before.  Can it be repaired at the beginner level?  What tools are required?

Many thanks

Charlie

IMG_4620.thumb.JPG.f42a1ed544db1c54bfce2a762fb9d491.JPG

IMG_4617.thumb.JPG.731ea5cd8dfe85f116890d4593eb303b.JPG

 

IMG_4625.thumb.JPG.f8134df2e39e1bbfdd570e715ad78dea.JPG

IMG_4626.thumb.JPG.6a455385291bef054528496bbc67f025.JPG

IMG_4628.thumb.JPG.8bccb01db11afbe51ff1dc3e4ac484bb.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Charlie  It the tube is broken off in the case you will need to drift it out from the inside with a brass punch.  Check before hand that it is not a screwed in variety, most were pressed in . As these were fitted to the case in the factory and wether they can be obtained as a spare part I do not know. with the use of a lathe one could be made to fit...  There are porpose made tools for removing these tubes, chesk with Esslingers or Jules Borel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, watchweasol said:

Hi Charlie  It the tube is broken off in the case you will need to drift it out from the inside with a brass punch.  Check before hand that it is not a screwed in variety, most were pressed in . As these were fitted to the case in the factory and wether they can be obtained as a spare part I do not know. with the use of a lathe one could be made to fit...  There are porpose made tools for removing these tubes, chesk with Esslingers or Jules Borel.

Is this the right tool? https://tinyurl.com/qsbp7ys

Thank you

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have removed tubes by just by gently turning a cutting broach inside the tube. Maybe I have been lucky but all of the tubes I have changed twisted out real easy. I pushed the new tubes in by adding a touch of loctite first & just pushing in the new with an appropriate size punch. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

check if it is screwed in or press fitted as watchweasol said, probably pressed. If you have a staking set, you can use that to get the remaining piece of tube out. if it comes out in one piece, measure the diameter and look on ebay for Clark watch parts, they might have a good solution, or some chinese sellers offer a variety of different tubes and stems assortment

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Watchtime said:

I mean using a fitting stake to drift it out, the case surely won't fit the staking set

Oh, in that case even a small bolt will do if the tip is shaped correctly. Assuming is a parallel tube as mentioned above. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, jdm said:

You know, thinking better I recommend against trying to push from the outside in any case. Good rule is having things leaving the way they went in. One could even consider getting a tool for that

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10000014322393.html

Thanks.  I've not ordered from aliexpress.  Suspect it's a chinese version of the Horotec tool in the above link.  The Horotec costs $130 more.  Is it worth the extra?  I'd hate to wait a month for the chinese tool and then have it break at first attempt.

Thank you

Charlie

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, Lc130 said:

Thanks.  I've not ordered from aliexpress.  Suspect it's a chinese version of the Horotec tool in the above link.  The Horotec costs $130 more.  Is it worth the extra?  I'd hate to wait a month for the chinese tool and then have it break at first attempt.

I don't have that tool. We have many topics running about Chinese tools in general, about this here we would be just guessing. It's really up to each one to decide if to spend $60, $190, or almost nothing to remove a broken tube.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Watchtime said:

ad carefully try drilling it out?...not the best but if nothing is left?

The most common method I've seen, and what I also do myself is to drift it out with a punch like watchweasol suggests. The tapping action as you hit the punch with a light hammer usually unseats the pendant tube quite easily.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/7/2020 at 3:14 PM, rodabod said:

The most common method I've seen, and what I also do myself is to drift it out with a punch like watchweasol suggests. The tapping action as you hit the punch with a light hammer usually unseats the pendant tube quite easily.

Is it punched out from the inside or outside of the case?  If inside, the punch would have to be at an angle.  Does that create a problem?  What is the specific tool used?

Thank you

Charlie

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Charlie  Done carefully with a punch is no problem as long as you are careful and work on the edge of the tube turning the watch as you do so. The method advocated by clockboy is also painless as the broach grips the tube and with a twisting action and drawing the tub out.  For a one off the tool is an expensive luxury and may never be used again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, Lc130 said:

 If inside, the punch would have to be at an angle.  Does that create a problem?

Yes, as in that wrong approach would not work.

14 hours ago, Lc130 said:

What is the specific tool used?

Linked above from AliX and I think you had located the original product already.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/9/2020 at 9:56 PM, Lc130 said:

Is it punched out from the inside or outside of the case?  If inside, the punch would have to be at an angle.  Does that create a problem?  What is the specific tool used?

 

From the inside. I’ve attached a photo of a Longines WWW which I’m currently working on. The pendant tube was broken. It is unique on this model, so I am turning a new one on a lathe. The punch is from a staking set. 
 

 

51C240A3-D016-4DA6-899A-ACC38C3F6209.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I should add that you tap the punch with a lightweight wooden hammer, or a very light metal hammer. There is very little force applied. Similarly, when re-inserting a new pendant tube, if it doesn’t seat fully from pressing alone, then I will slowly tap until it is seated, possibly with some sort of buffer like boxwood to protect the end of the tube. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Getting back to the issue which is us guys repairing or just enjoying horological exploits. The big worry now is how sound is Cousins as company going forward. The of cost if this 8 year legal battle will be astronomical. Cut backs will happen noticed already how the Cousins catalogue is half its size this year. The main supplier going out of business will hit the UK horological community in a big way.    On the Brexit issue it was about a sovereign country being able to make its own laws and trade with any country in the world. I cannot see what was wrong with this. For those who wish to re join the cost would be very high indeed.
    • Yes, it's the same (old) song and it's getting worse & worse;  
    • 🤔 leaving the EU meant that UK was no longer part of the convention and have already been turned down an independent reapplication. I'm pretty sure courts have to be held in Switzerland in this case. There will be a lot more watches stashed away in draws  tbh, folk wont be able to afford to maintain them. Cheap watches will be bought and top end watches by folk with plenty of cash that can pay for service and repair. The expensive once in a lifetime gifts and everything else inbetween will be at the forgotton when they stop working. I know i was being a numpty, get used to it 😄 Anybody that knows will boycott them, but besides repairers who will know. Nope will never buy one, i made that decision as soon as i learnt about this. 
    • although not in this case.  It was the Lugano Convention and its deficiencies that allowed a Swiss court decision in the first place.  This isnt really a Brexit issue at all.  A decision that affects both the EU and the UK should never have been heard in Switzerland. I bet the authorised service centres in the UK are pretty pleased.  It's a massive shame, though; I believe watch owners should be able to choose to have their watch serviced by whoever they trust.
    • Hi guys I think that old hippy is correct, it opens the gates for china to manufacture aftermarket spare parts. considering that they already do work on behalf of the Swiss I guess this decision gives the a little more legitimacy to tool up and I am sure they will take advantage of the situation either with or without the blessing of the Swiss watch industry  Having read about the protectionist machinations of the Swiss in the history of Europe they were the only ones to get fat at everybody else’s expense. I think the outcome could have been guessed at but ,  fair play to Cousins UK for standing up to them.  Now the question,  will everybody boycott Swiss watches and Swatch, no way they will still fill their coffers.  Me I stick with the Japanese once renowned for cheap shitty watches who came good through industrial effort and don’t for get the Russians that most dismiss as low grade crap. Wouldn’t buy a swatch product ever how about you all.? a
×
×
  • Create New...