Can't remove movement from Doxa circa 1950

dralexmv · March 5, 2018

This is my first watch repair after having fiddled with a bunch of old movements so I am a bit saddened that I am already stumped; maybe you guys can help me.

I am trying to remove the movement from this Doxa's case. I have removed the case screws and the stem expecting the movement to fall right off. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be enough to get this movement out. I have tried using a hand lever to very gently pry it out with no luck. I have read that some movements must be removed from the front by using a case back knife and popping the bezel out. I am not entirely sure if this is the approach to attempt on this Doxa. I'd like some confirmation before I damage the case accidentally.

Here are the pictures of the Doxa, case and movement: https://photos.app.goo.gl/beTh0vEhQMxbrR2n2

clockboy · March 5, 2018

Strange because it looks like the movement does remove from the back. It must just be a tight one. If it does not budge then you could try removing the crystal & hands & if the dial is not sitting on a case rim push it out from the dial side.

anilv · March 5, 2018

I would try to remove the bezel by using a sharp knife. A case tool may not be able to get in the gap.. a paper cutter blade will. Don't twist as the paper-cutter blade will just break, rotate the paper cutter blade and move it along the edge. Once the gap is bigger then you can use a case knife.

Good luck

Anilv

clockboy · March 5, 2018

3 minutes ago, anilv said:

I would try to remove the bezel by using a sharp knife. A case tool may not be able to get in the gap.. a paper cutter blade will. Don't twist as the paper-cutter blade will just break, rotate the paper cutter blade and move it along the edge. Once the gap is bigger then you can use a case knife.

Good luck

Anilv

Good spot Anilv looking at the pics again it appears the bezel does remove.The movement will then come out from the front.