hi all,
I kinda stupidly was trying to straighten out the bent crown of my cal 552 Seamaster when i broke the stem inside of the crown. I don't know how to order a new piece, but I'm desperate for both. If anyone could advise, it would be very much appreciated! Attached are photos to help out because I'm the farthest thing from a WIS.

 

tell us where you are and someone will likely be able to recommend a good watchmaker. fix that right up.

 

i can't really afford a watchmaker. I'm in new york and have had some bad experiences too. I was hoping someone could tell me where to get the parts? I tried ebay and the one seller with the cal 552 stem canceled my order because she didn't have it in stock. do I need a 552 stem? would a 550 one work?

 

Oh, it's only the stem for a watch. That's fixable. For a minute I thought you were talking about a good wine glass and I was going to join you in weeping.

Where is that thread on DIY f ups? That's twice in 2 days I could have linked to it.

 

There it is ladies and gents, 20k posts.....

 

Holy fecken sheeyat! I didn't realize how much I yak.

 

i realize it's my own fup, but the stem was rusty and the crown wasn't original... I figured i'd give it a shot and didn't realize it would be so hard to buy one part.

 

at least it wasn't 'oh look, another speedmaster thread. I'm so surprised.'.

though I guess being a mod, he can do what he likes..

 

You think it's hard to buy? Wait'll you try to repair it!

Well, not anything I wish..... but close.

ps - it's "Hey, is this another Speedmaster thread? Imagine that!" but I like your version too so I'll implement that on occasion.

 

i've replaced a watch stem and crown before but I was given the parts. I honestly was just seeing if someone could advise me on if the parts might be interchangeable and maybe if anyone had references to measurements needed

 

You're aware that the stem may have to be cut and fitted to the crown?

Try Ofrie and other supply houses for replacements.

 

I'm aware of that and the proper measurement, cutting, and filing techniques needed. I've tried all the corners of the internet supply houses, but I'm not finding the 552, only the 550. It looks like they are the same movement, the 552 just has more jewels, but I don't know so I figured I'd ask. I do appreciate you actually giving some contributing help though! Thank you!

 

The 550 stem will fit the 552.

See info here, 550 is the base caliber, 552 parts are highlighted in blue, so the stem is OK.

 

Pretty costly to break stuff trying yourself......

 

I have no advice to give but please do update if you are able to fix it yourself. If the process isn't terribly long it'd be nice to see some pictures on how you repair.

And it's your watch so do what you want with it. Watchmakers and any type of expert were once inexperienced and made plenty of mistakes too, so good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

http://www.windingstems.com/windingstems.php?caliber=552
Here you should be able to get the stem

 

Just be carful when undoing the stem screw that you only turn it 1 1/4 turns to release the stem ,if you unscrew the stem screw all the way you are going to have to remove the movement and take of the dial to get it back in place .
Not something I would like to under take.

 

There is no screw...you press a button on these to release the stem.

As noted the 550 stem is the right one for these, so for 550 to 562. It's when the quick set date comes in with the 563 that the stem changes...

The current replacement crown for this case is part #069ST42522.

Cheers, Al

 

Apologies Al , I should have looked at the movment more closely .

 

Big thanks to Archer and JimInOz!!! I really do appreciate the actual help!