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Thread caught in helium escape valve

F
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Hello,

I purchased my Seamaster 300M second hand and it came with a piece of blue thread wrapped around the inside of the helium escape valve/screw.

I cleared most of it by simply pulling and unwinding, I didnt realise how bad the problem was until the thread got caught and snapped. There is still a fair bit of thread left wrapped around the screw that I cant access.

Has anyone got any advice to clear it out? It is almost certianly not water tight and I am currently sheltering it.

Thanks and regards,

FluffyHaggis

UPDATED: added photos. Apologies for poor quality, I only have my phone.
1.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg 4.jpg
Edited:
 
Archer
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Looks like just something wrapped around the threads - should be able to get something thin in there to get it out. Other than that you would have to contact the seller, depending on how long ago you purchased it. I use use some #5 tweezers to get it out personally. If needed the movement can be removed and the HEV unscrewed to remove the cap, but of course you would need to take this to a watchmaker for that.

Just FYI - the HEV has water resistance even with the cap unscrewed...
 
F
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Archer Archer
Looks like just something wrapped around the threads - should be able to get something thin in there to get it out. Other than that you would have to contact the seller, depending on how long ago you purchased it. I use use some #5 tweezers to get it out personally. If needed the movement can be removed and the HEV unscrewed to remove the cap, but of course you would need to take this to a watchmaker for that.

Just FYI - the HEV has water resistance even with the cap unscrewed...

Shows how much I know! Thanks for the advice
 
F
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Hi again

I had to order the micro tweezers and a lupe tto properly have a go at the thread.
I can access it but now I can see that it is wrapped tightly twice around the shaft!
I am still struggling to get it off.. not knowing the material, wonder if submerging it for a whihle would be worth a try?

This is my regret buying off the grey market, F*ck knows what the guy was doing to get it stuck in there

Thanks
 
Evitzee
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F FluffyHaggis
Hi again

I had to order the micro tweezers and a lupe tto properly have a go at the thread.
I can access it but now I can see that it is wrapped tightly twice around the shaft!
I am still struggling to get it off.. not knowing the material, wonder if submerging it for a whihle would be worth a try?

This is my regret buying off the grey market, F*ck knows what the guy was doing to get it stuck in there

Thanks
I have a dental pick that I use for situations like this, you can get into tiny places with a very sharp hooked end. Not sure what else is going to work in such tight quarters. You may have to take it to a good watchmaker and have him deal with it.
 
alam
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Evitzee Evitzee
I have a dental pick that I use for situations like this, you can get into tiny places with a very sharp hooked end...

but be very careful! as this may cause other and more serious issues as previously discussed here
 
Gruesome
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You can't really blame the previous owner for wearing something blue once in a while... Sure it would have been nice if he had noticed this, and removed it himself, but I can see how this would go unnoticed. Certainly better than some nick that you overlooked when buying it. And as Al (Archer) said, the perfect opportunity to buy some #5 tweezers! Just don't poke your eyes out!
 
kkt
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You bought the watch second hand. Are you taking it to a watchmaker soon?
 
Gruesome
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For what? To have the helium refilled? (Thanks for the link, Alam!)
 
Japanred
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I’d let a local watchmaker service it and at the same time clean it up and get the cotton out.
 
STANDY
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I would hit it with a cigarette lighter from the caseback side. Should burn it quickly........

( it’s not my watch 😁 )
 
Archer
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STANDY STANDY
I would hit it with a cigarette lighter from the caseback side. Should burn it quickly........

( it’s not my watch 😁 )

Did you by any chance keep a lighter handy to burn loose threads off your uniform before daily inspections?
 
STANDY
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Burnt a thread off only a few days ago. 😉
 
Archer
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STANDY STANDY
Burnt a thread off only a few days ago. 😉

Mine was a while ago, but I kept one handy for the same purpose...back in the day...
 
Tony C.
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Is anyone else reading this thread in "Munchkin" voices? 🙄
 
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