Removing stem from compressor-style case

[GuyMontag]

I can't seem to get the crown off of the stem that rotates the inner bezel in this Elgin compressor-style case. I assume the crown comes off like a normal crown by turning CCW but I can't seem to get a good purchase on the gear part to allow me to unscrew the crown. Considering the rust on that gear part I wouldn't be surprised if the stem and crown are rusted too. I have removed the inner bezel that is shown in the photo and thought about using a pin vise to grab that gear but am afraid I will damage it and would never be able to find a replacement.

Any suggestions on getting the crown off?

 

[CYCLOPS]

possibly a threaded gear or t-piece stem, I can not see inside the gear recess an ascertain if it contains a screw.....I am sure someone here has delt with one of these case crowns....

[GuyMontag]

2 hours ago, CYCLOPS said:

possibly a threaded gear or t-piece stem, I can not see inside the gear recess an ascertain if it contains a screw.....I am sure someone here has delt with one of these case crowns....

There doesn't appear to be a screw on the inside of the gear.

I have tried holding the gear with needle nose pliers and heating the crown with a soldering iron but the crown is inset in the case and it's hard to get a good grip on it when trying to turn it CCW.

[Kalanag]

55 minutes ago, GuyMontag said:

I have tried holding the gear with needle nose pliers and heating the crown with a soldering iron but the crown is inset in the case and it's hard to get a good grip on it when trying to turn it CCW.

I bet the crown is a conventionally screwed on type and you are on the right track. You should remove crystal and lunette to get better access to the gear. So you could block the crown and turn the gear.

[GuyMontag]

1 minute ago, Kalanag said:

I bet the crown is a conventionally screwed on type and you are on the right track. You should remove crystal and lunette to get better access to the gear. So you could block the crown and turn the gear.

I have it stripped down to just the case now, those were just photos from the disassembly. I was trying to turn the crown while holding the gear, I think I'll give your suggestion a try and trying turning the gear instead. One thought I had was that if I had enough 3D modelling skill (I don't), I could 3D print a jig that would fit over the gear and allow me to turn it that way without risking damaging the teeth. I'm really hesitant to use too much force on the gear as if it breaks, the watch would just have to go in a drawer or on ebay for parts as I would never be able to find a replacement part.

[RichardHarris123]

I would soak in rust remover, then penetrating oil.  Source a tube just larger than the gear, and fill with glue from a glue gun.  I know the glue hasn't got much shear strength but over the surface area it might work.  Worst case scenario, the glue shears, not the gear.

[GuyMontag]

32 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I would soak in rust remover, then penetrating oil.  Source a tube just larger than the gear, and fill with glue from a glue gun.  I know the glue hasn't got much shear strength but over the surface area it might work.  Worst case scenario, the glue shears, not the gear.

I had thought about doing that. Is there a concern that if I can't get the crown off that the water from rust remover and penetrating oil might get trapped within the crown/stem assembly?

[Kalanag]

2 hours ago, GuyMontag said:

… I'm really hesitant to use too much force on the gear as if it breaks, the watch would just have to go in a drawer or on ebay for parts as I would never be able to find a replacement part.

You are absolutely right! Do not risk too much!

You could heat the gear up and melt a plastic lever on. Might be better than any 3D-printed tool.

[RichardHarris123]

2 hours ago, GuyMontag said:

I had thought about doing that. Is there a concern that if I can't get the crown off that the water from rust remover and penetrating oil might get trapped within the crown/stem assembly?

Agreed but that's where WD40 excels, water displacement.