Vintage pocket watches from e-bay (winding stems needed)

Mallard · April 23

Hi, I'm very new to watchmaking and this is my first time posting here.

I've bought a lot of 10 vintage pocket watches size 0s from e-bay and just got them today.

Most of the balance wheels sprung quite freely and thus seemed like a worthy endeavor as a first batch for exploration.

I've just realized that none of them have any winding stems. Is there any way I could source appropriate winding stems for the movements? There seems to be assortments of various stems selling in bulk on aliexpress, but would any of them fit?

I've read on other threads that some people lathe their own stems (which is waaaay out of my current skill set, which is pretty much nil). Others say that you 'just have to try a few and see if they fit'.

I would much appreciate any advice for this matter. Thanks!

Edited April 23 by Mallard

nickelsilver · April 23

These are all American movements (with the exception of the "Rubis"), and are all almost certainly "negative set" which means the stem is part of the case. So it's normal that they are all missing- they are with their cases. You will need male square bench keys to wind/disarm them. Vintagewatchstraps has a great writeup on the different systems. But basically, any American "x" size movement will fit any case for that size, possibly with some adjusting of the stem position. With Swiss movements, there is some interchangeability between calibers, usually within the same maker's range, but not really overall- there are thousands of different stems out there.

Edited April 23 by nickelsilver

Mallard · Monday at 05:23 AM

Hi nickelsilver, thanks for the great explanation and the links! I'll take a good look in the article.

Quote

But basically, any American "x" size movement will fit any case for that size, possibly with some adjusting of the stem position.

Especially this is great news to hear! Looking through forums and youtube videos I was informed to 'fist find a case and then fit a movement for it'. But seems that's not the case for pocket watches at least?

I guess I should be looking to find some 'male square bench keys' for now. I was thinking of winding the mainspring using a screwdriver directly, but I found a thread that you've replied on, saying that it could damage the spring.

mikepilk · Monday at 08:51 AM

I started on pocket watches as they are easier to work on than wristwatches. Many had gold cases, which is why there are so many movements for sale. I was always on the look out for cases, for as Nickelsilver says, a 16s movement will fit any 16s case* (with tweaks to the stem).

I also started hand winding mainsprings, before I had winders. It can be done without damage, but it's quite hard on the fingers. But you can make homemade winders, see here

* some movements, eg "railroad grade", have a setting lever on the edge of the dial at about the 1 -2 o'clock, so need a special case.