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Can't find a way to get the dial out

hanseman
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hanseman New Member

hanseman

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Hi,
So I'm on my third watch trying to learn the art of restauration of vintage watches. I've manage to almost completely dissemble this Swiss made Cimier when I got stuck on trying to get the dial out. 
I can't see any more screws that are visible. 
I've tried remove the "front ring" around the dial but that seems to be attached to the case itself.
I've tried remove the "back ring" but it seems to be one with the case as well. 
I really tried figuring it out scanning the case for a solution, but the only logical would be for the "front ring" to be taken off so the dial screws comes visible. Could it be glued?

 

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ManSkirtBrew Super WRT Addict

ManSkirtBrew

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That front bezel almost certainly comes off. You can see some wear that might suggest where a case knife has been used to pry it off.

Looking at the photos, it looks like the back was a friction fit as well, but if it screwed off, I would try unscrewing the front bezel first, just in case. Do you have one of those case opening rubber balls?

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hanseman New Member

hanseman

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52 minutes ago, ManSkirtBrew said:

That front bezel almost certainly comes off. You can see some wear that might suggest where a case knife has been used to pry it off.

Looking at the photos, it looks like the back was a friction fit as well, but if it screwed off, I would try unscrewing the front bezel first, just in case. Do you have one of those case opening rubber balls?

 

Yes it would wouldn't it?! 

That is actually just dirt on that picture! I took some pegwood and scraped it off. I've put it under the stereo scope to see if there is a smal gap between the case and "front bezel"(?), but I can't see that there is one. To me it look like it's "one". 

Also, I tried to use the glass removal tool along with a rubber ball to get the front bezel off, but it's solid! So strange... 

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nickelsilver Distinguished Member

nickelsilver

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I'm certain that the brass ring with the cutouts in it, that fits the inside periphery of the case, comes out, and then your movement will come out (once you release the stem, should be the little button sticking up near it on the movement). It may take some convincing to come out, but it should come out. The dial screws should be on the side of the movement, so until you get it out you won't have access to them.

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hanseman New Member

hanseman

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40 minutes ago, nickelsilver said:

I'm certain that the brass ring with the cutouts in it, that fits the inside periphery of the case, comes out, and then your movement will come out (once you release the stem, should be the little button sticking up near it on the movement). It may take some convincing to come out, but it should come out. The dial screws should be on the side of the movement, so until you get it out you won't have access to them.

Of course, that was it! Never seen a solution like this, but the brass ring came loose quite easy which holded the stem in place, after that it went smoothly. Thanks both of you!

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