I have a 166010 Seamaster. It came with an in correct crown, so I bought a new one, removed the stem, and used a pin vice to remove the crown from the stem. I installed the new one and the tried to reinsert the crown and stem. I can’t seem to get the stem inserted all the way. It will go in far enough to wind the movement, but I can pull it out and it won’t set the time or sit flush with the case.

Is there a trick to reinserting the stem? Or did I damage the stem somehow?

 

Probably to short now.

 

Because of the new crown? I tried it with the crown that I am replacing too and the same thing happens. With both crowns, there’s space between the crown and case when I try to reinsert the stem. It’s like the stem just won’t reinsert far enough.

 

Are you pressing the set lever while inserting the stem?

 

Nope! That was the trick. Crown and stem are now installed!

However, I’m still not sure it’s quite right. Its a bigger crown than was on it initially, but it’s still difficult to wind and set time. I’m wondering if the crown stem is just a hair too short.