Jump to content

A little tip that may help someone.


Recommended Posts

As a complete novice I am somewhat nervous about offering tips to you experts. However I had occasion to remove the caseback from my GS Mk2 pocket watch. It is so well machined there is virtually no visible joint to put a blade in without scratching it plus I did not know if it was screw on or not. I was thinking I needed a suction device which I don't have.

After a few vodkas I came up with the idea of using the suction windscreen mount off my Garmin sat nav. It worked a treat. I also used it on my stepdaughter's Rolex ''replica'' which is tiny and has the authentic style Rolex caseback.

I'm sure you guys have tools for every occasion but this tip might just get a hobbyist like myself out of trouble.

  • Like 5
  • Thanks 1
  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I had a similar brainwave for a different problem. There is a watch called the Seiko UC-3000 which has a battery that is a bit large for the design and is a very tight fit. The temptation to use an little leverage to get it out is great, but it sits in the middle of a large coil. Half the watches in this family that don’t work you can bet someone has damaged the coil trying to change the battery. Little suction cups for 29p iirc from my local shop did the job. Plop one on the battery and you can get enough pull on it to get it out without damaging the coil.

dfd9940842aab7eeafc4f400ef76253d.jpg

3432e6c1b89951a2937fb31faafc0cb8.jpg


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have one of those cheap “sticky balls” that I use to start Case backs. It helps avoid cross threading as it limits the pressure downward as you rotate. 

The dies tend to want decent pressure to stay engaged and that is more than a tiny lead-in thread should see. 

The sticky ball allows rotation with little downward pressure. 

Start by rotating backwards (unscrew) until you hear the click of the lead dropping in. Then screw it on until snug before switching to the die to snug it up fully. 

Another case back tip for stubborn ones is to invert a can of duster air so the super cold liquid comes out and spray the back until it Frost’s up. Then quickly get the die on there and start unscrewing. This worked for me with a titanium back on a titanium case. That stuff loves to gall. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, Tudor said:

I have one of those cheap “sticky balls” that I use to start Case backs. It helps avoid cross threading as it limits the pressure downward as you rotate. 

The dies tend to want decent pressure to stay engaged and that is more than a tiny lead-in thread should see. 

The sticky ball allows rotation with little downward pressure. 

Start by rotating backwards (unscrew) until you hear the click of the lead dropping in. Then screw it on until snug before switching to the die to snug it up fully. 

Another case back tip for stubborn ones is to invert a can of duster air so the super cold liquid comes out and spray the back until it Frost’s up. Then quickly get the die on there and start unscrewing. This worked for me with a titanium back on a titanium case. That stuff loves to gall. 

    god show;   also,  after "the click" or if you don't hear a it.  before you start the screw,  look to see if the open edge slot is even all around the case.  vin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Hello, I am about 5 months into watchmaking and I love it!   The attention to precise detail is what really attracts me to it. (and the tools!) I am working on a 16 jewel 43mm pocket watch movement.   There are no markings besides a serial number (122248) .  The balance staff needs replacement. The roller side pivot broke off.  I successfully removed the hairspring using Bergeon 5430's.  I successfully removed the roller using Bergeon 2810.   Did i mention I love the tools?! I removed the staff from the balance wheel using a vintage K&D staff removal tool  with my Bergeon 15285 (that's the one that comes with a micrometer adjustment so it can be used as a jewel press as well as a traditional staking tool...it's sooooo cool...sorry..  can you tell i love the tools?) No more digressing..  I measured the damaged staff in all the relevant areas but I have to estimate on some because one of the pivots is missing. A = Full length  A= 4.80mm  (that's without the one pivot...if you assume that the missing pivot is the same length as the other pivot (I'm sure it's not)  then A = 5.12 mm...(can I assume 5.00mm here?) F=  Hair spring collet seat  F=  .89mm   (safe to assume .90 here? .. I am sure that my measurement's would at least contain  .01 mm error ?) G = balance wheel seat  G = 1.23 mm  (1.20mm?) H  =  roller staff  H =  .59mm  (.60 mm?) B  = bottom of the wheel to roller pivot   B  = 2.97mm  (3.00 mm?)     here I am estimating  again because this pivot is missing. So my friends, and I thank you profusely,  can you point me in the right direction as to how to proceed? Do i buy individual staffs?  or an assortment?   Since I don't know exactly the name of the manufacturer, will that be a fatal hindrance?   Tbh, I'm not even sure what country of origin this movement is. Thank you!    
    • Thats why i asked that question earlier, what happens if lubrication is placed directly on top of epilame ?  As opposed to walled within its non epilamed area . I'm not saying its right, i have no idea , just asking questions. 
    • thinking of where epilam should be removed did you know there was a patent that covers this? At least for the escapement I'm attaching it. GB1057607A-1 epilame.pdf
    • Back home...printing now.  Will report results
    • Oh well, if Master @nickelsilver says it's the way to go, then it is the way to go! I stand corrected! 🫡 Are there any other places where you're supposed to remove the epilame from the contact point of rubbing? I don't think so! Thanks for the effort @Neverenoughwatches, much appreciated! 🙂👍
×
×
  • Create New...