Thanks so much Archer! I've been wondering what to do about my crown with broken off stem within. Didn't want to get a replacement as mine is the original style decagon for my Constellation. Again, thanks so much! I'll be sure to post results.

 

Here is a video of mine bubbling away....

and link to my channel with some vintage Geiger counter videos as well.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdBIn-eTU4Wa7ttfSTy_G5A

 

Alum will not dissolve stainless steel, so it works fine for removing a carbon steel stem from a stainless steel crown.

 

Is there an echo in here...

 

I guess wisdom just needs repeated.

 

I believe after several days the broken stem has been dissolved. Dose anyone know the depth of the hole in the crown? Mine measures at a little over a millimeter. This is for Constellation 168-005.

 

Looks clear to me.

 

Thanks Archer, and thanks so much for the instructions for this method.
Gurn

 

In the past have used a dedicated screw tool, after having loosened the loctite with heat

 

Alum advice above very accurate. Works for most and I’ve had success with it in the past most times.

 

I had the same problem and the decision is - new crown and new winding stem

 

Very interesting information here! I have an old logo Speedmaster crown that might need some time in the bathing tub.

 

I suppose my experience of burning a broken tap out of a copper bus bar with an EDM is a little too macro for this discussion?

Tom

 

I have used Vissin to remove broken off steel parts in watch movements. I ordered it from my watch tool and parts supplier. Alum certainly is cheaper. Good luck, Tim

 

Remember that time when I thought I could use an old Bulova press that didn’t have the correct dyes to install my bezel after I replaced the crystal



Me too... so instead of buying a $15 press that works now I get to buy some “alum” and a new stem. Still some threads on my crown, but probably not enough to grab.



Is this the right stuff?

 

Yes, it is.

 

Always learning something new in this forum! Very interesting indeed.

To the OP, I hope you manage to get it sorted soon!

All the best,
Chris

 

Thank you guys for sharing this. If I only knew before.... I could have saved some vintage crowns

 

Wow

 

Good to know. Would alum be ok to use on an 18k crown? I have a gold Vulcain Cricket that has a snapped tube.