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Wittnauer crystal wrench

UrgurTheGurgur

By UrgurTheGurgur
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UrgurTheGurgur Member

UrgurTheGurgur

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After repairing and servicing my father's great grandfather's Elgin pocket watch(picture heavy post coming of this). I returned it to him this past Sunday as an Easter gift. After dinner, he handed me his uncle's 60's Wittnauer Automatic which hasn't run in years and asked if I could take a look.

The caseback is stamped "Use All Proof 1200 Wrench" From what I gather, it is a tool which compresses the crystal so it can be lifted out. But try as I might, I cannot find an "All Proof 1200“ wrench. I did manage to find This tool on the Bay. Can anyone tell me whether it will work on this Wittnauer?

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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If you have one of these little monkeys you could try it. This tool is a must for anyone repairing watches. There are many tools for removing glasses. Many years ago many makers would bring out there certain tool for opening their watches, I had many,  this universal tool was better then most.

159.102.jpg

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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28 minutes ago, clockboy said:

If purchasing one DON'T buy the cheap Chinese  version they don,t work. Purchase the Bergeon made one.

Thanks clockboy the cheap Chinese ones weren't about in my days. I see a lot of Chinese watch tools on ebay and they don't look very good.  

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clockboy Distinguished Member

clockboy

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1 hour ago, oldhippy said:

Thanks clockboy the cheap Chinese ones weren't about in my days. I see a lot of Chinese watch tools on ebay and they don't look very good.  

I did have a Bergeon lift tool but at the time was struggleing with low domb crystels so purchased the Chinese one to see if it would work better. However I just found the build was crap & just did not work yes I suppose I could file & dress the claws but what a per larva. As the saying goes you get what you pay for.

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UrgurTheGurgur Member

UrgurTheGurgur

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Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for a used Bergeron lift.

As to the one I linked in my post. I just thought the Longines one might work for the Wittnauer. Because I believe Longines owned Wittnauer at the time this watch was made. But there is probably only one way to tell. Right?

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bobm12 Distinguished Member

bobm12

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And careful since a used -- or abused -- Bergeon could be worst than a new Chinese...they won't work, either one! And you will have to dress every claw risking to offset the "balance" of the tool. Still the construction may be better in the end with the used one...Always a gamble buying used, especially when they are not that cheap.

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