IWC Big Pilot Markus Buhler Rep - Crown Issue help?

[Afonasei]

Hi guys,

Sorry, newbie to this forum so apologies if this has been address already...!

I've got a Markus Buhler rep that I've had for about 18 months now, and its been pretty good up until a few months ago. I noticed that what felt like the threading in the crown of the watch was not as tight as it should be, so I was a bit gentler with it when twisting it back in. However, this morning after I had wound the watch, the crown would not lock back into position.

I was wondering, is this a common problem for reps? (I've got one of the cheaper Rolex BLNR reps that has a crown related issue as well) And how would I go about trying to fix it?

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[pancorjackhammer]

Yes common issue. Stripping of the threads on the crown or tube..

Your watch is not very common, it is a hand wound one if I remember correct. You can try to get a new crown from a TD and that could help if the threads on the tube are intact. Otherwise tube needs to be changed.

a diy move: you can take the crown out and squeeze the tube a bit with some pliers but just a bit. This sometimes helps.

Generally best to oil a bit the thread area when you get a new screw down rep and rotate the crown in the opposite direction first until you catch the thread. You can usually feel this point.

good luck fixing it.