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Bifora Automatic 23 Jewels - remove movement from case

Lomingen
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Lomingen Member

Lomingen

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Today I started working on a Bifora Automatic, but I was unable to remove the movement form the casing. I did not see any case screws or clamps and I was not able to find another way to open the case further. I can remove the winding stem but not all the way. The opening in the side of the case seems not to be big enough.

This is the first time for me with this specific watch and for sure all the experts here can point me to the right direction. Do you have further ideas of how to open the case? Please help.

Here are some pictures. Hopefully you can help.

Unbenanntes Bild1.jpg

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mikepilk Distinguished Member

mikepilk

Posted
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Looks like it's a front loader - i.e. has to be removed from the front.

Have a close look at the front bezel, there should be a small gap in it somewhere where you can remove it. 

The stem should be removeable. Do you know the movement number? 

Can you give better pics of the movement with more light !

 

Lomingen Member

Lomingen

Posted
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I had a lot of problems with recognizing these front loaders. Perhaps you can find the right gap to apply preassure? Without experience or knowledge I am afraid to break something. Here are pictures of the side and better pictures of the movement and a picture of the stem as far as it will go. A movement number I was not able to find. Maybe under the weight from the automatic?

Thank you so much for your help.

IMG_3399_1.JPG

IMG_3398_1.JPG

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mikepilk Distinguished Member

mikepilk

Posted
Posted
18 minutes ago, Lomingen said:

I had a lot of problems with recognizing these front loaders. 

The clue is : if the dial is bigger than the hole in the back of the case, it can't come out that way !

I can't see any gap under the bezel on the crown side, have a look between the lugs. 

Are there any letters under the balance wheel ?

To remove the stem, try unscrewing this screw about 2 turns.

image.png.0b7de347123ddd38c31cb94aae50116c.png

 

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Lomingen Member

Lomingen

Posted
  • Author
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I tried the screw but it did not help. The stem still goes only that far.

Some other idea: Could it be that the ring on the outside should be removed? I marked int blue in the picture. It looks like the red gap is not closed under the stem and it is not alligned with the hole in the case. Could it be that this ring should come out on the movement side and free the movement as well?

I have not heard of a case like that but it very much looks like. At the moment I cannot move this ring at all but before trying harder I ask. Still way to afraid of breaking something. 

Unbenanntes Bild.jpg

mikepilk Distinguished Member

mikepilk

Posted
Posted

I hadn't noticed the ring.  Once the stem is removed, the movement and ring should come out the back. 

The stem looks almost out, but corroded, and possibly bent.  Is it only corrosion stopping it coming out ?

Try turning and jiggling it as you pull. 

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