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Fitting crowns to a Smiths watch

PeterDRG

By PeterDRG
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PeterDRG New Member

PeterDRG

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Hi

I´m Peter, a model engineer in Istria. I´m reasonably well equipped, with a Hobbymat MD65 and lots of accessories, a Hobbymat BF400 mill , a Boxford and lots of George Thomas stuff. I´m making a Chronos Wheel Engine, for which I already have the division plate and cutter head. I will be using it to make a weight driven brass alarm clock to the John Wilding design.

So much for the intro. (I couldn't get the intro page to work)

I have a Smiths wristwatch which I bought with money from my paper round 60 years ago. It is getting difficult to wind, as the crown is worn. I have a box of crowns in various sizes, but I have never worked on a watch before. Donald de Carle doesn't seem to say much about it. It is probably very simple, but I thought it safer to ask here first how to do it.

Are the destructions available anywhere, please ?

TIA

Cheers

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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

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3 minutes ago, PeterDRG said:

Are the destructions available anywhere, please ?

Welcome here. Beginners often get associated with destructions, but I don't think that will be your case here. From our host Mark Lovick, if you want to learn practical watchmaking I recommend you enroll his training at watchfix.com

 

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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

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1 hour ago, PeterDRG said:

 A firm grip whilst holding the stem and it will wind off ?

Don't force anything. If the crown doesn't unscrew with moderate force heat up the pipe a bit to loosen any thread locking agent that may be ther. 

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watchweasol Distinguished Member

watchweasol

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Hi  Bear in mind jdm's advice regarding force and heating it up to release thread lock. Also be reminded that watch stems have Tap numbers relating to stems and stems differ in thread diameters and taps.  The site "windingstems.com"has a co784727683_TapSizeChart.jpg.b2fcc5aa830ae6c1516aa8b2cc08caf9.jpgmprehensive list of available stems also Cousins uk.  But cousins use a differnt tap system so check your stem before ordering

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