Rado Diastar ETA 2836-2

[Wesley881]

Hi all,

I was presented with this yesterday by a co-worker who says it's been sleeping for a few years and would love to get fixed up.  Looks like it certainly was no small investment.  I've not dealt with too many automatics, but the exploratory surgery went well last night.  It was pretty apparent that it took a direct hit to the crown as there is a good-sized flat in it and a crack in the bezel to boot.  The dial pins were sheared right off and the top balance jewel and cap were knocked clean out...ouch!  I found the jewels floating around under the date wheel (they look good) and the keeper was unfortunately eaten by the calendar gear train.  I got it reassembled and it's going to run fine so I am trying to locate the keeper.  I see an entire balance assembly on eBay for <$20 so I may just pull parts or replace altogether when I clean it.  I think the keyless works may have sustained some serious damage as the stem can come out when advancing to position 3 for time setting.  Nice 25j movement, and quite a dial!  

[Wesley881]

CORRECTION:  By 'keeper' I think I mean shockproof spring.  Is the assortment for Chinese watches on Cousins likely to have a compatible one?  I imagine if they fit ETA clones then they could be interchangeable?

 

[Marc]

If you identify the movement then just buy the one you need. Cousins do them in packs of 5 for £2.95 for Incabloc and £6.50 for Novodiac.

[clockboy]

Agree with Marc you need to identify to movement to source parts. However what are you doing with regards the case.

[Wesley881]

Thanks for the tips, I also found a wide range of parts from Otto Frei for this movement, so I think I'm covered for parts. As for the case, I may try some high temperature epoxy. It's a lot like JB Weld, only more fluid and it comes in a disposable syringe. I think at best I can fill the crack and polish it down flush with the case and from there hit it with a gold paint pen to blend.

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[Ady9281]

Can anyone tell me the model number for this watch i've been looking everywhere. It will start with R1 , i think . Thanks

[AndyHull]

Fixing the casting looks like it might be a little tricky, simply because getting the epoxy in to that crack could be problematic. A slow setting and relatively watery epoxy, like JB weld is probably a good bet. Apparently epoxy can be thinned with acetone or denatures alchohol, to some degree but I've never tried, so I can't verify this. Try this experiment with some scrap before you commit to doing it where failure is not an option, and don't breath the fumes.

Also take a little time to think how you intend to clamp the crack shut without marring the rest of the case. A good firm clamping should shrink up the gap till it is almost invisible I suspect. Be careful not to over do the pressure too, you don't want to cause further damage.

Remove any "glue squeeze" while it is still unset, as it can be tricky stuff to remove once cured.

Leave the epoxy to set for at least as long as the time stated on the instructions, better still, twice as long. Also I would suggest that you avoid "5 minute epoxy". I've yet to find any that actually comes close to curing to a usable state in five minutes, and the five minute stuff isn't generally as robust as the slow curing types.

Edited December 26, 2018 by AndyHull
Added hyperlink

[clockboy]

I recently used "JB Weld Original Cold Weld Formula Steel Reinforced Epoxy 8265". This glue is incredibly strong BUT the joints must be absolutely clean & grease free. It also dries a dark grey colour and it needs 24hrs to completely dry. 

[AndyHull]

If the grey colour is likely to be an issue, then you can add pigments to epoxy (including "gold" pigment), which might help disguise the crack.

Search ebay/ali/amazon for something like "Gold Mica Powder Pearl Pigment" and you will see there are quite a number of options.

The pigments will slightly lower the bond strength, but given that this is a casting that is not normally subject to loading or shock, this is probably not a major concern.

[AndyHull]

This might also be of interest. -> https://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-VINTAGE-RADO-DIASTAR-CASE-2836-2846-GOOD-CONDITION-SPAREPART-001-/113296385296

.. depending on your budget, and whether or not it is a perfect match for your movement of course.

Edited December 27, 2018 by AndyHull