Waterproof case tubes and crown questions

[ManSkirtBrew]

It's my first time working on a case like this. Benrus three star, where the entire crystal/movement/back pushes out from the front.

Two questions: first, the case tube fell out, and when I went to put it back, I realized it can't be pushed in to the shoulder because it interferes with the movement. Is this normal? I ask because pushed in this far, it's loose enough that it falls out.

I'm guessing I should buy a replacement, but I want to get the correct length.

And second: is there supposed to be an o-ring/gasket under the crown if this is supposed to be a waterproof/resistant case? There was some gelatinous goop in there when I disassembled it, which may have been a seal once upon a time. If so, how do I figure out what kind of gasket I need?

[watchweasol]

Hi   Do you have the caliber of the watch.  first question,  is the case tube the origional is the case hole worn. To get a replacement tube you are able to buy from cousins an assortment, that means many more than you will need so measure the case hole, Looks worn,  and order single tube if possible. They are usually a friction fit.  or the alternative is to refit the one you have using a suitable loctite cement and set it to the correct depth.  Again you can buy gaskets but probably best to replace the stem and crown as a pair, crown will come with seal in place. You will no doubt receive more advice so pick it over and decide which option is best for you.... cheers

[ManSkirtBrew]

4 hours ago, watchweasol said:

the caliber of the watch

Thank you for the reply! The movement is a Benrus CF1 / ETA 1256. As for the case, this is all I know:

 

4 hours ago, watchweasol said:

set it to the correct depth

This is what I don't know. Is the correct depth supposed to be seated firmly against the shoulder of the case tube? I'm assuming it needs to be far enough out to seal on the crown o-ring, but I don't know how to determine that. This is new territory for me.

[watchweasol]

Hi press the crown on to the tube then push the tube into the case  and see  1, if the tube neck protrudes into the case, 2 does the the shoulder on the tube meet up with the case.    I suspect that the tube fits up to the shoulder and the tube neck should not interfear with fitting the movement.   

[Geotex]

That is the Benrus style where the lug-less case and crystal pops out of the outer bezel as a waterproof unit. I've seen situations where this removed "capsule" without bezel/band is mistakenly listed online as some type of tiny pocket watch...

That design will leave the stem and tube extending out from the case with enough room for the bezel ring to fit in between, and middle of the tube often has a narrow section. I think the outer shoulder on your tube is meant to rest against the installed bezel ring, not the case. Here is a picture of a few that you can compare to yours.

[ManSkirtBrew]

Thank you both for the replies. This first picture above is as far in as it can go when the movement is installed--I pushed it in after the movement was in, and that's as far as it was allowed to go. Esslinger lists a lot of sizes, so I'll do some measuring and take my best guess at it.

[GuyMontag]

You can get a cheap assortment of crown tubes on Aliexpress (just ordered some today), but I can't comment on the quality as I haven't received them yet. This one is 12 sizes, 480 pieces and $8 delivered to the states.