Community Stories

1332 Stem/Crown Replacement

SG1993
Posts
21
Likes
8
Hello all,

I've got an old 1332 Quartz that came with no crown. It works fine with a battery but has otherwise had a hard life. Evidence of light leakage and the stem was clearly broken.
Before I'm reminded of my stupidity for trying this myself, which I will certainly accept - an Omega repairer in Melbourne (from their website) quoted me $700 something for a potential crown repair. It cost me nothing and I like to learn. I also don't have that to spend on a watch that I could replace for less.

I've got the NOS stem and crown. I've removed the old stem and as thought, it was snapped at the crown end. Now I've tried inserting the replacement and while it does go in most the way after a slight rotation to catch the square end, it doesn't completely go in.

Any ideas?

Forgive my lack of correct terminology. Thank you all for your assistance and input.
1000000681.webp
View attachment 3052555
 
SG1993
Posts
21
Likes
8
Alright - this will probably reassure that I am absolutely butchering this task, but I think I've had a breakthrough.
I tried putting it in carefully once more, being careful not to force it or push etc. Upon turning it, it did turn one of the hands. Would this mean the clutch was out/engaged? Could it have been out when the original crown snapped off and that's why it won't go the full distance now, because the clutch is pulled out?

Sorry if that makes no sense.
 
Archer
Posts
28,224
Likes
72,307
Have you trimmed the stem to the correct length? Stems typically (but not always) have to be trimmed to fit the specific use, so they are left intentionally long...
 
SG1993
Posts
21
Likes
8
Archer Archer
Have you trimmed the stem to the correct length? Stems typically (but not always) have to be trimmed to fit the specific use, so they are left intentionally long...
I did read that was sometimes the case. I haven't done that yet but can this weekend. I incorrectly assumed a NOS stem wouldn't need it.

Should it click in otherwise though? Or will it always pull out with ease until I use the tightening screw.

Thank you!
 
Archer
Posts
28,224
Likes
72,307
SG1993 SG1993
I did read that was sometimes the case. I haven't done that yet but can this weekend. I incorrectly assumed a NOS stem wouldn't need it.

Should it click in otherwise though? Or will it always pull out with ease until I use the tightening screw.

Thank you!
Stems cut to length for Omega is a relatively new thing, so older stems are almost always needing a trim, unless you happen to get very lucky.

Once the stem is pushed in as far as it will go, tighten the screw. Then check to make sure you can pull the stem out to the time setting position without the stem coming out of the movement. If the stem is secure in the movement (you can push it in and pull it out a few times without issue) and the crown is still not up against the case, the stem needs to be trimmed.

Trim carefully - if you trim too short it won't be good.
 
AdamVT227
Posts
241
Likes
369
SG1993 SG1993
will it always pull out with ease until I use the tightening screw
that screw is what’s holding the stem secure in place , if you insert the stem without tightening the screw it will go out when you pull it .
 
SG1993
Posts
21
Likes
8
Right, so if I put the stem in and tighten the screw now with it being too long, I should at least be able to see if the stem does indeed work as meant to.

Thank you both!
 
SG1993
Posts
21
Likes
8
Everyone - fantastic but surprising news!
I tried it pre-trimming and the crown pulled out as desired, so I could set the time etc.

I looked at how much I'd need to shorten it by and thought it looked pretty close to the snapped stem.

Whacked the crown on that and it's working perfectly. Maybe it wasn't snapped after all, and the old crown simply fell off? Thread looked a bit crooked though which was why I suspected a snap.

I've now got a spare NOS stem too!
1000000690.webp
 
ken_hodson
Posts
220
Likes
510
That's cool. You might want to put a small bit of Loctite on the bit of stem that goes into the crown to secure it.
 
markschmithke
Posts
4
Likes
0
It is absolutely great that you could fix it yourself. I am having the exact same problem so seeing that you succeeded gives me a lot of hope. May I ask you where you bought the stem? Thank you 😀
 
SG1993
Posts
21
Likes
8
markschmithke markschmithke
It is absolutely great that you could fix it yourself. I am having the exact same problem so seeing that you succeeded gives me a lot of hope. May I ask you where you bought the stem? Thank you 😀
Hey Mark (and @VBOR who also had the same question),
I found a website offering all the tech manuals in PDF, and grabbed the part number from the 1332 manual. I'm trying to find the website now but can't.
The stem I bought was the 1332-9100 and it cost me $50aud including postage from the US. I got it off a seller on eBay. I then ordered the crown (part number 42077) and two individual screws for a total of $90aud including postage from Canada. Again, from eBay.
What I didn't add until now is that the stem is too long and sticks out somewhat as I put the loctite on afterwards. I've been meaning to get it loose and trim but haven't really had time.
What model are you working on?
 
markschmithke
Posts
4
Likes
0
SG1993 SG1993
Hey Mark (and @VBOR who also had the same question),
I found a website offering all the tech manuals in PDF, and grabbed the part number from the 1332 manual. I'm trying to find the website now but can't.
The stem I bought was the 1332-9100 and it cost me $50aud including postage from the US. I got it off a seller on eBay. I then ordered the crown (part number 42077) and two individual screws for a total of $90aud including postage from Canada. Again, from eBay.
What I didn't add until now is that the stem is too long and sticks out somewhat as I put the loctite on afterwards. I've been meaning to get it loose and trim but haven't really had time.
What model are you working on?
Hey Sg,

Thank you for your super quick answer and information!. I think I found the website you mentioned. Was it this one? http://primrosesupplies.com/Swiss Tech Guides/Omega tech Guides/1332.pdf

May first challenge is to remove the part of the stem left inside the movement and the rusty part sticked to the crown. But thankfully I found a website that sells them so I will order them soon. So step by step 😀

I am working on a Seamaster DL 396.0923
 
SG1993
Posts
21
Likes
8
markschmithke markschmithke
Hey Sg,

Thank you for your super quick answer and information!. I think I found the website you mentioned. Was it this one? http://primrosesupplies.com/Swiss Tech Guides/Omega tech Guides/1332.pdf

May first challenge is to remove the part of the stem left inside the movement and the rusty part sticked to the crown. But thankfully I found a website that sells them so I will order them soon. So step by step 😀

I am working on a Seamaster DL 396.0923

Nice! It wasn't that website but I saw that one and it has the same info so it works.
That's easy - I had to do the same. Loosened the stem set screw and just slid the stem out using a pair of very thin tweezers. I don't know what you'll do about the piece inside the crown. I was going to say hot water to melt the glue, but that might damage the old o-ring? Don't know, but good luck.
 
markschmithke
Posts
4
Likes
0
SG1993 SG1993
Nice! It wasn't that website but I saw that one and it has the same info so it works.
That's easy - I had to do the same. Loosened the stem set screw and just slid the stem out using a pair of very thin tweezers. I don't know what you'll do about the piece inside the crown. I was going to say hot water to melt the glue, but that might damage the old o-ring? Don't know, but good luck.
I think it will be more challenging than I expected, when I took out the movement out of the case I found out that there has been a LOT of rust so the stem is very stuck inside. I will have to disassemble the movement much more than I expected. Fortunately I found this watchmaker in YouTube that works in the 1332. Amazing.
Although it might seem crazy as I am just starting with watchmaking/fixing I want to take this as a project.

I will try to dissolve the stem from the crown with aluminium sulphate, I have seen that many people recommend it.

Thanks for the support SG!
 
VBOR
Posts
5
Likes
1
@markschmithke
Great video, I had a similar problem but with the the crown was broken off, but the crew part was still stuck with loctite/rust.
Heated up the crew part lightly with a lighter and was able to screw if off with minimum effort.
 
VBOR
Posts
5
Likes
1
@SG1993 Thanks for the part info, was able to order a proper new crown!
Quick question: whil I was taking apart the watch the plastic ring (see below watch) between the movement and the cast broke because of old age. Wondered if you know what the part is called/ what the number is?

WhatsApp Image 2025-02-11 at 22.30.09.webp
 
markschmithke
Posts
4
Likes
0
VBOR VBOR
@SG1993 Thanks for the part info, was able to order a proper new crown!
Quick question: whil I was taking apart the watch the plastic ring (see below watch) between the movement and the cast broke because of old age. Wondered if you know what the part is called/ what the number is?

WhatsApp Image 2025-02-11 at 22.30.09.webp
To be honest, I have no idea as it doesn´t appear on the guide I posted up there. Mine broke too but it still fits perfectly. I am thinking of just sticking it together as it only holds the movement in place.
 
VBOR
Posts
5
Likes
1
markschmithke markschmithke
To be honest, I have no idea as it doesn´t appear on the guide I posted up there. Mine broke too but it still fits perfectly. I am thinking of just sticking it together as it only holds the movement in place.
Good one, send a picture once it's finished, good luck!
 
2 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

R

Omega Seamaster 120m 2311.21 (midsize) - Crown replacement

Rmart3966 Watchmaking
Archer
Archer
Posts
8
Views
571
C

Omega 2531.80 - help with crown replacement / repair

cameronindoor Watchmaking
Bing813
Bing813
Posts
11
Views
1K
F

2012 First Omega In Space Crown Replacement

Freedom7 Modern Omega Watches
Donn Chambers
Donn Chambers
Posts
2
Views
307
torovega

Help Verifying Authenticity of Omega Speedmaster Reduced – Possible Crown Replacement

torovega Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
torovega
torovega
Posts
2
Views
256
mrEgon

Omega Seamaster 2937 crown replacement

mrEgon Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
mrEgon
mrEgon
Posts
0
Views
256
MrSubmariner

198.029 Skin Diver 300Hz Stem/Crown Question

MrSubmariner Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Deafboy
Deafboy
Posts
3
Views
2K