1979 Timex Restoration Project

[jbslus2]

Hi everyone, I'm trying to get some information on my grandfather's 1979 Timex watch as I would love to get it spiffed up and working again. I've read several threads on similar models and am a little confused as to what exactly applies to my case. The number on the face below the 6 is: 3422910879

1) What is the best way to source new crystal for this model? The crystal is cracked and will need to be replaced. I've found a few similar models on ebay that I could use the crystal from but they also look a little rough and I'd love to find crystal in better shape. Also, any tips on the actual replacement? Would it be best to purchase a crystal lift?

2) The watch appears to work intermittently but sometimes won't budge. I assume this means, at a minimum, it will need to be cleaned and lubricated. I've done some very basic repairs on other watches like battery and quartz spring replacement but I've never attemped cleaning and lubricaion. I will search the forum for general ideas but was curious if there were any certain things to look out for with this model.

Thank you so much for any help!

[RichardHarris123]

I know little about Timex other than what I've read on here.  You need to remove the bracelet for cleaning, remove the back and the movement, we can advise m , how to do so, once the back is removed.  The crystal needs removing and measuring, however, I believe that Timex had cas numbers that would tell you the crystal size. 

@JerseyMo, can you help? 

[watchweasol]

Hi I believe it’s a 108 movement made in 1979.        Manual atteched

108.pdf

[JerseyMo]

2 hours ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I know little about Timex other than what I've read on here.  You need to remove the bracelet for cleaning, remove the back and the movement, we can advise m , how to do so, once the back is removed.  The crystal needs removing and measuring, however, I believe that Timex had cas numbers that would tell you the crystal size. 

@JerseyMo, can you help? 

Timex did not maintain crystal size information.  So you will have to measure it.

[AndyGSi]

From the information I've got you need a Timex #37 lens.

Edit

There are also a number of lenses in the GS Catalogue for Timex.

 

GS Crystal Catalog.pdf

Edited February 9 by AndyGSi

[jbslus2]

28 minutes ago, watchweasol said:

Hi I believe it’s a 108 movement made in 1979.        Manual atteched

108.pdf 6.66 MB · 0 downloads

Wow... thank you so much for that!  Here's a photo of the watch with back removed.  To my uneducated eye it does look like the movement you mentioned. 

[jbslus2]

30 minutes ago, JerseyMo said:

Timex did not maintain crystal size information.  So you will have to measure it.

 

18 minutes ago, AndyGSi said:

From the information I've got you need a Timex #37 lens.

Thank you both for your reply.  If it does need to be removed, would you happen to know the best way to remove this crystal for measurement? And if it is a #37 lens, is there a straightforward way to order a replacement with that info? A quick google search didn't give me an obvious answer, unless it's hiding in plain sight which is very possible.

Edited February 9 by jbslus2
typos

[AndyGSi]

Looking at the case there's no bezel so it could just push out from the back once the movement has been removed but the correct way is with a crystal lift.

I think you'll be lucky to find a #37.

Here's one seller I've got marked for Timex, they've not got a #37 but do have some of the PA if you find one of these is correct.

Edit

Here's the 104 Service Manual showing cleaning procedure as mentioned in the 108 Manual.

Lighter fluid can be used as an alternative to watch cleaning fluid and then IPA as a rinse.

Model 104 Service Manual.pdf

Edited February 9 by AndyGSi