Frozen stem on old Omega

[skridlov]

I have an old Omega ladies watch which I would guess is pre-1920. The keyless work is horribly corroded and I think that the winding wheel is rusted onto the stem. The clutch moves freely but it's impossible to withdraw the stem and I'm guessing that the cause is rust. I sprayed a little WD40 around this area and left it to stew for about a week but still no loosening. I'm attaching a snap - I've subsequently removed the setting lever and bridge.. Any ideas on how to free this up would be appreciated.

Roy

 

 

 

Edited June 12, 2017 by skridlov
better pic to follow

[vinn3]

wd40  is not the right stuff !  penetrating oil and -or - heat  will do the job.  vinn

[skridlov]

Yet another reason to buy a micro-torch. Or some PlusGas (that probably dates me...)

[wls1971]

I had a similar problem a while back with a J.W.Benson wristwatch the parts looked worse than the ones in your picture the winding pinion had welded its self to the stem, I disasembled as much as I could and then put it in a ultra sonic cleaner for about four minutes that was enough to free the winding pinion from the stem, Then I soaked the rusted parts in strong tea overnight and then ran the whole lot through my cleaning machine the parts came up far better than I could have hoped for.

I didnt use any kind of cleaner in the ultra sonic just distilled water.

[WatchMaker]

I would have used penetrating oil in these circumstances.

An alternative for a household remedy is to mix up a paste of white vinegar and baking soda. This is relatively gentle but should eat into the rust enough to free things up.

I've never tried the tea approach suggested by @wls1971 but remember this as a positive approach from a previous posting. 

[skridlov]

OK.

I have some "Shock & Unlock" from motorcycling days. Sprayed a little around the stem. 

Problem with the other methods is that the movement is pretty much complete in its case (with almost impossible to remove without destroying them original leather straps.) I can't see any practical way to strip it without first getting the stem out and dismantling to some degree. Letting it fester with the penetrating fluid. Slightly concerned about how much leverage I can put on the crown in an attempt to budge the stem.

Roy

[wls1971]

Would you have enough clearance to remove the movement from the case with the winding crown removed from the stem if that will unscrew ?

[skridlov]

I'll try that shortly!

Roy

[skridlov]

 

Would you have enough clearance to remove the movement from the case with the winding crown removed from the stem if that will unscrew ?

Brilliant worked easily.- and (as usual) obvious once someone's pointed it out. Thanks again.

Roy

[vinn3]

I use the p. oil and heat to  remove the crown from the stem, once it is out.  heat:  a mini torch is neat.  some experts use a paper match !  with good results.  vin