clean up a stem pipe

[diveboy]

long story, I'm trying to save an Elgin Lancer as they are just too scarce to let one go (late 1950's, swiss import.) I've only seen two in two years and this is one of them. When I got it, someone had removed the crown with a pair of side cutters and crimped the pipe for the stem and left the stem embedded in there as well. I took it gentle and pried it open little by little to allow enough movement on the stem to remove the movement from the mount. had to pry the dial off as the screws were blocked but the movement ring. 

I'm about to get it the replacement stem and crown via a donar movement and need to straighten out the pipe and get rid of the burrs, I'm not worried about it being perfect, just functional.

 

 

 

I'm new to watch repairs, so if you think this is something I should take to a watch maker / jeweler, then please say so. otherwise I'm happy to have a crack at it. 

Thanks in advance for your time and knowledge.

 

[rogart63]

Is the tube welded in? Or can it be replaced? 

[jdm]

I think you can file down the tube just as needed to bring it to good shape. That shouldn't affect the function of the crown.

[diveboy]

thanks, think its welded in

 

[bobm12]

Changing the length of the tube will need a new fitting of the stem if at all possible (rust, where gasket of crown seats, etc) for the crown to fit in correctly...worst case scenario, in worthless watches and as an experiment, I've drilled and converted to a "replaceable" tube "system" and fitted a new tube and crown...but honestly, I don't know what to recommend in your case. My methods sometimes are not orthodox but practical from the case specs stand point...or you can weld another stem if you have the proper equipment to do so...I normally don't.

[rogart63]

I think the best would be to do as jdm suggested? As it doesn't have to be watertight and there would be enough tube left. 

[bobm12]

I don't disagree Roger, only giving more options considering we don't really know how the stem and crown fit and the state of the thread in the crown (could be rusted and not safe to remove to make a good fitting). Maybe over thinking it but you might agree that the most vulnerable part of a watch, for water or anything to crawl in, is this part. You see, we have not pictures of the crown and stem...

[jdm]

These watches were never water resistant to begin with. The stem or tube length can't be changed because the crown has sit near to the case anyway.

As long the crown works in all positions it's fine. One has to deal with things as they are after all.

[diveboy]

thanks guys and yes, not a waterproof case and I don't wear my vintages in wet weather regardless, so not an issue. 

I tried fitting the new stem in last night and it appears I need to open the pipe up further as its not cleared enough to fit the stem through. I was thinking about using a thin drill bit and tapping it from the inside of the watch case to the outside to go with the shape of the pipe narrowing to try and open it up. good or bad idea ?

 

 

Edited April 5, 2016 by diveboy