Split winding stem - service tip.

[hofnerpres]

Whilst doing lots of work on a one piece case Omega Dynamic my frustration mounted having to wind and set the hands with the movement out of the case. The split stem leaves just the male stub to deal with and the matching female crown doesn't always want to slip on. Also clicking it on is difficult - it's a hard push and holding the movement is awkward when out the case.

If you have the Etachron balance regulator adjusting tool it's a good fit on the male stem stub and will allow you to wind and adjust the hand settings with accuracy and ease. Just use fine pliers to pull out the stem for hand movements.

[GuyMontag]

I was just cursing at the Roamer that I am currently setting the hands on as the crown part of the split stem just doesn't want to stay on at all when out of the case. The Etachron tool worked perfectly!

[KarlvonKoln]

I will have to try that.  What I usually do is grab one of my stem extenders (I have female-end and male-end both)  and I put it in a pin vise.  I find it easier to use than the crown when a movement is out of a case.  I thought about using a piece of brass tube to slide down over where they join to keep them together while I turn them.

[GuyMontag]

4 hours ago, KarlvonKoln said:

I will have to try that.  What I usually do is grab one of my stem extenders (I have female-end and male-end both)  and I put it in a pin vise.  I find it easier to use than the crown when a movement is out of a case.  I thought about using a piece of brass tube to slide down over where they join to keep them together while I turn them.

 

I have an Esslinger stem extender kit and just tried that but I didn't have any sizes that were big enough to fit over the movement side of the stem. I guess they must come in bigger sizes.

[KarlvonKoln]

There are a few stems out there that are a bit bigger than standard.  Not sure what to do about those - besides using the Etachron tool.  Always good to have a backup plan though.