Seiko 6309a diver crown replacement

[Mperss920]

Recently purchased a seiko diver’s watch off eBay. Everything seemed in solid condition. I was winding it and accidentally removed the crown. I applied some pressure and rethreaded it but it felt a little off when pulling it half out vs fully out to adjust the date and time. The crown came off again and I need to replace it. Where can I get another one? 

[RichardHarris123]

Do you need to replace the crown or make sure it doesn't come off the stem? 

[Waggy]

Stems are cheaply available on Ali Express (link) or eBay, as for the crown, it may be easier to harvest one from a donor movement rather than just buying a crown. If its just a matter of it unscrewing itself as @RichardHarris123 is asking then blue loctite is your friend, I use the blue medium strength non-permanent version for crowns, which they also do in a stick (like a glue stick) you just poke the stem thread into the blue semi-solid goop and this leaves enough on the thread to do the job without having to worry about excess fluid.

Note 90 AED is about £19.00, but it may be cheaper where you are from

Edited May 14, 2024 by Waggy
typo

[Mperss920]

Thanks for the info. I need to replace the crown and prevent it from coming off the stem once I get a new one. What’s the best approach to matching the new stem to the existing watch? 

[RichardHarris123]

Why do you need a  new crown?  Post photos and we will help, a few parameters to take into consideration.  We could use the caliber or do a search.  Correction, we need the case number. 

Edited May 14, 2024 by RichardHarris123

[Mperss920]

I didn’t articulate my initial post. When the crown fell off the second time it got completely lost. Attached photos are what it looked like originally. Will add another when I get home 

[Mperss920]

Any info on matching a new crown to replace the old one would be great 

[RichardHarris123]

Seiko have case numbers, I  can't see it on your photos.  If you can find that we can look for a genuine crown.  If not, you need to measure the diameter of the stem, the distance between the lugs and the depth of the lugs. 

The case number will be something like this. 

[oldhippy]

The case number should be on the back. 

[mikepilk]

  On 5/18/2024 at 8:19 AM, oldhippy said:

The case number should be on the back. 

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Then put the case number in here https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/filter/search-seiko-case-parts and it should give you the crown 

[Mperss920]

The case number appears to be 6309-5820. Last two digits are pretty faint 

[RichardHarris123]

That number exists. 

[mikepilk]

[Mperss920]

I’m finding that site confusing to navigate. Is it unethical to register even though I’m not some kind of actual watch repair person?

[tomh207]

  On 5/18/2024 at 7:33 PM, Mperss920 said:

I’m finding that site confusing to navigate. Is it unethical to register even though I’m not some kind of actual watch repair person?

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There are a lot of us here who are not pro or running a watch repair business who use cousinsuk regularly. One thing to be aware of and can put some off is it will be on a business to business footing so the full gamut of consumer protection doesn’t exist as such.

 

Tom

[Mperss920]

That makes sense. Thank you all for taking the time to help me sort this out. It appears that the listing @mikepilk posted is the correct item. Much appreciated and cool to briefly step into a niche community and find it so supportive 

[VWatchie]

  On 5/14/2024 at 3:33 AM, Waggy said:

blue loctite is your friend

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The traditional glue for crowns is Threadlock Loctite. I use Loctite 290. It holds the crown well and when the crown needs to be removed you can just heat the stem a bit and it will come loose. Perhaps the blue type has some advantages?

Edited May 18, 2024 by VWatchie

[RichardHarris123]

As an alternative, clear nail Polish, the advantage is you can have a manicure at the same time. 

[Marc]

  On 5/18/2024 at 10:04 PM, VWatchie said:

The traditional glue for crowns is Threadlock Loctite.

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Interesting interpretation of "traditional". I would say that Loctite is definitely the up-to-date and appropriate stuff to use, however, it is a relatively modern solution. Before the advent of such esoteric solutions I believe that the "traditional" thread locker of choice may well have been a sugar solution. Once applied the water would evaporate and the sugar would crystalise, locking the threads tight.

[Waggy]

  On 5/18/2024 at 10:04 PM, VWatchie said:

Threadlock Loctite

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I think they all have their pros and cons, the one I suggested is a threadlock loctite product (Loctite is now owned by Henkel), In general I use the current one that is recommended on their Loctite page (link here)

 

I use blue (243) for the actual crown the (stick is actually 248 which is the stick version of 243), like I said it is very convenient for using on stems. Blue holds the crown for everyday use, but can be removed if you need to with a little heat. I use the red 277 for things like stem extensions where I have no intention of ever removing it. The purple I don't use (but I have seen some youtubers use it) as I think the blue is removable so why take the risk on a weaker product.

 

  On 5/18/2024 at 11:24 PM, Marc said:

I believe that the "traditional" thread locker of choice may well have been a sugar solution. Once applied the water would evaporate and the sugar would crystalise, locking the threads tight.

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This is interesting, and a useful bit of information to know

[VWatchie]

  On 5/18/2024 at 11:24 PM, Marc said:

I believe that the "traditional" thread locker of choice may well have been a sugar solution. Once applied the water would evaporate and the sugar would crystalise, locking the threads tight.

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“Traditional” was probably a poor choice of words. What I was trying to say was that I perceived Waggy's proposal as more modern than the now generally accepted one.

Water and sugar? Do you have a source on that or is it just a guess? Is the inside of the crown stainless? Water and metal don't sound like a very good combination otherwise.

[Neverenoughwatches]

  On 5/20/2024 at 9:05 AM, VWatchie said:

“Traditional” was probably a poor choice of words. What I was trying to say was that I perceived Waggy's proposal as more modern than the now generally accepted one.

Water and sugar? Do you have a source on that or is it just a guess? Is the inside of the crown stainless? Water and metal don't sound like a very good combination otherwise.

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Some things that we think of as relatively new or modern have been  around for a very long time. Alloy mainsprings, balance wheels and hairsprings and epilame for example were developed over 80 years ago. I use clear nail varnish for glueing crowns on, as well using it when making fibre bristle oilers and tweeking tools, its easy to apply if you get a move on after taking it out of the bottle and sets nice and hard.

[VWatchie]

  On 5/20/2024 at 10:17 AM, Neverenoughwatches said:

I use clear nail varnish for glueing crowns on

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I'm sure that works well but what if you need to replace the crown? Can it be removed without too much hustle?

[tomh207]

@VWatchie I expect dunking it for a while in acetone will loosen it up, that being the main ingredient of nail varnish remover.

 

Tom

[Neverenoughwatches]

  On 5/21/2024 at 9:01 AM, VWatchie said:

I'm sure that works well but what if you need to replace the crown? Can it be removed without too much hustle?

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Most solvents will dissolve nitrocellulose, but heating to release it probably isn't a good idea.