A Quick Guide To Removing A Broken Stem From A Watch Movement

Whether you own a Seiko, Rolex, Tag Heuer, or Nixon, you need to take care of your beloved timepiece as best as possible because of how even the smallest of mistakes can lead to more problems. Specific issues, such as having dirt in the minuscule parts and mechanisms or having even a droplet of water where it isn’t supposed to, can lead to many issues, which is why it pays to take extra care.

Out of all the different problems that watch owners run into during their ownership experience, dealing with a broken stem in the movement often takes the cake for various reasons.

The perils of broken stems

Whether it might be because you bent the crown the wrong way, accidentally dropped the watch, or snapped off the crown stem midway through, broken stems might be tiny yet dealing with them is no small task.

Broken stems often lead to a more significant set of problems that come about with a “domino effect” because even the smallest of shards can lead to other mechanical issues. Although dealing with the problem in question is difficult as is, it can grow even more complicated depending on how much of the broken stem is inside the movement. However, carrying out the right approach can make a world of difference in getting it fixed.

Dealing with a fragment that’s giving you trouble? Try these extraction methods

Generally, dealing with a broken stem is an effort that requires varying approaches to ensure that everything goes according to plan so that the piece is brought back to normal. Let’s go over two methods that you can use to deal with the pesky problem in question:

If the broken stem is visible or still accessible: The Tweezer Method

With this method, you’ll need to place the movement face-down while applying something that can support it and prevent the second-hand post from receiving any pressure from the mechanism.

On specific dive watches (such as the Seiko Turtle or Tuna models), you’ll need to ensure that the chapter ring supports the movement so that the removal is swift and easy. Once everything is in place, and all the necessary measures are arranged, you’ll need to press down on the crown stem release spot and use a pair of tweezers to pull the stem out bit by bit at the same time!

If the broken stem is out of reach: The Tapping MethodIf you discover that the broken stem prevents you from adequately removing it or reaching it with your smallest pair of tweezers, you may need to tap it out.

With this movement, you’ll need to hold the movement in one hand and keep it perpendicular to the working surface alongside the hole where the stem goes in pointing downwards. At the same time, you’ll need to use your other hand to apply a tool that will press down on the crown stem release spot.

By the time you have all your tools in place to make way for the following steps, you’ll need to maintain your hold and flip your watch over and gently tap the movement until the stem dislodges. However, you’ll need to be careful because an excessive amount of force may shock and damage the movement, so be patient!

Once you have successfully managed to remove the broken stem from your piece, be sure to replace it with a new top-quality stem from Crystaltimes USA’s store. If you want an even more dramatic change, consider switching out the entire crown and stem assembly. It’ll be like you have a whole new watch!

Conclusion

Dealing with a broken stem from a movement in your watch is never a pleasant experience because of all the different details and factors that need to be handled. As much as you’d like to take care of your timepiece and prevent such problems from happening, there are some days where your best efforts won’t suffice, but using the methods mentioned above will quickly solve the problem.

When it comes to supplying Seiko Mod Parts in the USA of various types for any watch model, we’ve got everything you’ll ever need to make your timepiece unique. Bring out your creativity and escape ubiquity in the world of Haute Horlogerie by visiting our website and ordering mod parts for your watch today!