Push button stem release Procedure ??

[Endeavor]

Recently, working on a Molnija 3602, which has a push-button stem release, I couldn't get the winding stem back in. The keyless works were in the neutral or "winding" position. Had to strip the hands, the dial and found the clutch-wheel detached from the clutch lever, or the other way around if you like. After several dry-runs I noticed that in order to get the winding stem back in successfully, the keyless works had to be in the "time-setting-position". In this position the clutch-wheel was pushed firmly, and hold in place against the main plate. In the neutral or winding position, any movement to the clutch-wheel, while inserting the stem, caused the clutch-wheel to disengage from the lever. By having the clutch-wheel pushed firmly against the main plate, inserting of the stem didn't cause this disengagement.

Also some main-plates do have a protruding bushing where the tip of the winding stem sits in, but this bushing also centralizes the clutch-wheel in the time-setting-position;

Working on another watch and speaking to a fellow enthusiast, I was advised to make sure to engage the keyless works in the time-setting-position before pulling the stem. Failure to do so, and the chances were high that I wouldn't be able to get the winding-stem back in, with the obvious consequences of having to remove the hands, dial etc etc.

My question are; are there any advised procedure what's the best & safest ? Pro's & con's? Are there "One size fit all" procedures ??

Please your thoughts and or comments ?

Thanks on beforehand

 

Edited March 6, 2017 by Endeavor

[vinn3]

those push button types are prone to that problem,  if you just want to take the mvt. out of the case,  put the stem back in and locked soon as possable.

[Endeavor]

@vinn3 Thanks vinn3, but "which procedure is the best, and in general" is the question here .....

[vinn3]

the best proceedure is to buy the proper crystal.

[vinn3]

woops, !  wrong post.  i usually have a spare stem to keep the crown gear "in line'

[Endeavor]

23 minutes ago, vinn3 said:

i usually have a spare stem to keep the crown gear "in line'

Could you please elaborate on that?

[Endeavor]

Perhaps my questions were confusing? Taking the above observations in consideration, please allow me to rephrase them;

1) is it better to pull a winding stem with the keyless works in the winding (neutral) position?

or

2) Is it better to pull a winding stem with the keyless work in the time-setting position?

or

3) It depends .....

It would be nice to also receive technical support why one way is preferred above the other, or why it "depends"....

Hope to hear ......

[WatchMaker]

I'm not answering this question ... just saying it is a very timely one to ask for me too!

If I have a movement where it's a screw to remove the stem then happy days. If it's a movement where it's a push button things aren't always straightforward. I've just worked on an MSR T43 and, like you, had no choice but to remove the hands and dial in order to figure out why things wouldn't seat properly after a simple mainspring replacement. Don't push the button enough you can't get the stem out; push too much and something becomes displaced. Grrr.

So with the general question being what's the fail safe way to deal with push button stems so they can be removed and put back with confidence by not messing something up in the keyless works ... then it's a second from me for any good advice.

[vinn3]

yes, the "push buttons'' are newer - and interesting. ill bet there a book or a video on that..   later vin

[anilv]

I believe on the ETA movements where the push-piece is in a 'slot' you are supposed to remove the stem when it is in the time-setting position. (ETA 2836 etc).

Anil

[Endeavor]

@anilv Does your remark suggest we are drifting to the "it depends" answer?

[Neileg]

Yup, it depends. Some movements (esp quartz) have a lever with a dimple. This dimple is only visible and pressable when the stem is in the correct position.

Where the stem and keyless works are in good condition, the stem will only come out in the correct position. When there is wear or damage it can be pot luck.

Have I screwed up the keyless works by getting it wrong? Oh yes.

Neil

[anilv]

5 hours ago, Endeavor said:

@anilv Does your remark suggest we are drifting to the "it depends" answer?

Hi Endeavor,

I've had problems with ETA movements ... removing and installing in the handsetting position helps.

Not sure about other movements. On a related note, Miyota autos sometimes do not handwind after setting the time. This is usually because the intermediate winding wheel does not move freely. Pulling the crown to hand setting position and flicking it with your finger to get it back to the neutral position sometimes works.

Anil