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Grrrrr Broke the Crown on my Omega

CBM1590
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My new-to-me vintage 60’s Omega winder needed the time set and I gingerly slide the crown outward to do so…and it popped right off. It had been service in 2021. And here I was thinking that this Christmas gift was ready to go in the box. Geez. I’m sure I’m not the only one that this has happed to, but dang I thought I was done.
 
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CBM1590
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Duracuir1 Duracuir1
Crappy feeling indeed.
IMG_5058.jpeg
mine is now fixed.
I’m assuming it will have to be sent off to have repaired. Now I might be in a race to get it done by Christmas. Heart-sinking feeling for sure…
 
Dan S
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Possibly the stem just came unscrewed.
 
CBM1590
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Dan S Dan S
Possibly the stem just came unscrewed.
I gently tried to screw it back on but was afraid to try to hard. Didn’t work. I’ll put it under a scope and examine to see if it is indeed a break.
 
Dan S
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I wouldn't try to screw it back in, anyway. Even if it is just unscrewed, you'll still want to remove the stem and install it correctly in the crown with a tiny bit of thread locker. If you're not familiar with these steps, it would be a job for a watchmaker anyway.
 
CBM1590
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The silver lining is that it happened now rather than later after gifted. At this point I’m considering reaching into my savings and buy two cherry, already serviced, Seamasters for the gifts for my sons. Trying to do it cheaper didn’t work. Sifting through what’s available, the quality I need, and in my range will be the difficult part.
 
X350 XJR
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These use a two part stem, should snap back in place.
 
Canuck
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Put the crown back on the case tube, press it inwards and turn it slowly until you feel a “click”, then press the crown inward, firmly. It should re-attach to the inner part of the two piece stem.
 
CBM1590
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Canuck Canuck
Put the crown back on the case tube, press it inwards and turn it slowly until you feel a “click”, then press the crown inward, firmly. It should re-attach to the inner part of the two piece stem.
Thank you. Will give it the old college try. Appreciated.
 
watchyouwant
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Canuck Canuck
Put the crown back on the case tube, press it inwards and turn it slowly until you feel a “click”, then press the crown inward, firmly. It should re-attach to the inner part of the two piece stem.

That . Sometimes you can aid the " snap back in " female part with the crown with a very fine pointed arts brush and a miniscule amount of lubricant, brushed into/onto the slit. With common sense wisdom you can not damage anything by pressing it in. Just make sure, you feel that the crown part of the stem " catches " the counterpart inside. You will feel a slight movement towards the case, if both parts are aligned. If you are unsure, take a pen and mark the crown and the case at that position. Then do it a second time and see, if that location corresponds. Good luck !
 
CBM1590
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Canuck Canuck
Put the crown back on the case tube, press it inwards and turn it slowly until you feel a “click”, then press the crown inward, firmly. It should re-attach to the inner part of the two piece stem.
That worked. Much obliged, Sir!
 
Canuck
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CBM1590 CBM1590
That worked. Much obliged, Sir!

You’re welcome! Remember this procedure because there is about a 90% chance it will happen again!
 
X350 XJR
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Canuck Canuck
there is about a 90% chance it will happen again!

That being said, it would probably be a good idea to check for worn parts, the male stem (the part sticking out of the movement) and the female part attached to the crown.
 
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