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Fixing my Late Brothers Watch

GomBoo

By GomBoo
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

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GomBoo Watch Enthusiast

GomBoo

Posted
Posted

This watch was working up until recently when the stem came out. I can still insert the stem & wind but cannot set it.

I've tried all local watchmakers without any help. The Factory advised it was a 60's branded watch made here in the States.

I would love to get it repaired...fond memories require it.

Any help greatly appreciated.

G.B.

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Nucejoe Distinguished Member

Nucejoe

Posted
Posted

My condolences GB. To keep busy with watchrepair, the watch is very likely to be undamaged, just the set lever and set spring are disengaged or broken set spring at worst. I am using an old Ipad right now which can,t access the pix you posted. All needed is a close up of the keyless, you would need to remove the hands and dial plate to uncover the keyless. Best wishes Joe

GomBoo Watch Enthusiast

GomBoo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Joe, 

Thanks for the reply. The stem has come completely out. I can replace it and can wind the watch, it does run but the stem won't stay in. I have no ability nor the tools to investigate.

GB

wls1971 Distinguished Member

wls1971

Posted
Posted

Its a valuable watch that obviously has great sentimental value for you as well so I would not recommend doing anything yourself to the watch a picture of the stem would help a great deal of these watches where one piece cases and the stems where what would be termed a split stem.

Any competent watchmaker should be able to work on these watches.

MrRoundel Super WRT Addict

MrRoundel

Posted
Posted

That case looks to be what is called a monocoque case, aka one-piece. As Nucejoe says, it's probably simple. However, for a newbie the case will present a difficulty. The crystal has to be removed by using with the right sized clamping tool or blown out through the pendant/pipe, where the stem goes in.

It looks like a very nice quality, and quite striking looking, dress watch. Any jeweler/watchmaker that does anything other than replace batteries and sell earrings should know that it's a once-piece case that takes special treatment, but is not daunting. Sorry about your losing your brother.

Mark Lovick, the guy who runs this forum, has videos on youtube under thewatchrepairchannel. He shows how to improvise to blow the crystal out. That said, once it's out, you do need a special tool to get it back in. Good luck.

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rodabod Distinguished Member

rodabod

Posted
Posted

I’m wondering, since this is a “front loader” case, does this use a split stem? Quite often the male/female coupling corrodes or wears. Usually easy to replace. 

Nucejoe Distinguished Member

Nucejoe

Posted
Posted

Male part of two piece stems is to lock into the slot of the female piece. Stem winding but wont stay in, idicates widened female slot or broken male head. A pic of the stem can narrow the diagnosis down.

MrRoundel Super WRT Addict

MrRoundel

Posted
Posted

My WAG is that both pieces came out and then they came apart. I certainly could be wrong. Regardless, the movement will have to be removed in order to make it right again. You don't want to lose those stem halves, as they are rather hard to find.

Despite the job being pretty straightforward for someone who has worked on watches a bit, it's not a good job to attempt yourself. Especially on a watch with sentimental value. If you have to remove the dial to get to the set-lever that engages with the stem, there's a good chance of damaging that very nice dial and/or hands. And when you damage the dial yourself  you never forget it. Every time you look at the watch and see the scratch(es), you'll be reminded. Don't ask me how I know.

 

vinn3 Distinguished Member

vinn3

Posted
Posted

a  front loader cristol blow out!   i'll have to try  that.     for the replacing cristol you would have to a  "claw tool".   that means a high dome cristol.?   vin

rodabod Distinguished Member

rodabod

Posted
Posted

It may be as simple a fix as tightening a screw, but beat to take this watch to a watchmaker as opening the case on this type is tricky. 

GomBoo Watch Enthusiast

GomBoo

Posted
  • Author
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The problem I have run into...everyone around here maintains that parts would be very hard to come by and there is very little chance of getting it done at all.:thumbsd:

GB

GomBoo Watch Enthusiast

GomBoo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Here is all I know of the origins of the watch...I contacted what is left of JJ..

Thank you for the photos of your watch. I fully understand and appreciate its sentimental value and it appears to be in good condition. Unfortunately it’s US produced and we have no spare parts for it. However, I believe the watch is fitted with a standard Swiss movement and a local US watchmaker should be able to replace the broken stem.

Best regards,

 HANS RYSER

 Senior Advisor & Brand Ambassador

Just not sure yet how I should proceed.  

GB

 

MrRoundel Super WRT Addict

MrRoundel

Posted
Posted

Was the watch running before the stem pulled out? If so, it's likely that there are no parts needed. If there are parts needed, and it's a generic movement as JJ says, you should be able to get parts. If it needs a mainspring I'm sure the right size and type could be found. I don't know why you're getting a bit of a run around with it.

You just need to find a capable watchmaker (Doesn't have to be an old master.) who wants to help you. It doesn't look like a tall order to me.

rodabod Distinguished Member

rodabod

Posted
Posted
11 hours ago, GomBoo said:

Western NYS...

GB

Just find someone local who seems like a real watchmaker and not a battery-replacement person. The NAWCC may have a list of reputable repairers in the USA. Otherwise, there are other Americans here who I’m sure will offer advice. 

MrRoundel Super WRT Addict

MrRoundel

Posted
Posted

It appears that the old saying, "If you want something done right, do it yourself", has become "If you want something done, period, do it yourself".

In a state like NY, you shouldn't have to work so hard trying to give somebody a bit of money for watch service.  Strange times.

yankeedog Distinguished Member

yankeedog

Posted
Posted (edited)

Probably assembled  here.with a standard  or perhaps  more elaborate swiss movement.  Worth your time.as it is a nice watch with sentimental  value. I would  suggest that while having it repaired  you have it cleaned  and lubricated  as well. The stem is held in place by a lever which may be broken.my first guess would  be corrosion. The watch is stuck in the wind position. When an attempt to set it was made the lever snapped. But this is only a guess..any competent watch repairer  can do it. Unfortunately  I can reccomend  no one. If you do an image search on keyless works you should  be able to see how it works.it isn't at all complicated 

Edited by yankeedog
GomBoo Watch Enthusiast

GomBoo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

This place has been a great help.:woohoo-jumping-smiley-emoticon:

I've sent a deposit to the 'timeguy' referenced above for the repair and a complete service with no cosmetic work.

GB

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