Help with movement removal

[LondonBloke]

Hi all

I am trying to remove a GP 17 jewel manual movement from its case. The movement is the Girard Perregaux 03 Calibre. I have removed the crown and stem, removed the two screws which I thought held the movement in, now it won't pop out, it does spin inside the case. I can post pics, but I wondered is there something I am doing wrong?

Thanks

 

[Raddave]

Post some pictures

 

[LondonBloke]

Hi Dave

Sorry, I'm terrible with this picture linking lark, I'm so used to uploading pics to another form (Not a watch forum) and when I've got to do anything different, its painful lol

Here is the pic

 

[Dochere2]

I don't know the watch but it may be a front mount. It looks like it could very well be. If it is, the dial overhangs the lip of the built in movement holder machined into the case. If that is the case, pop the bezel and she'll come out the front.

If not, some can be very tight and take a little prying and tapping to get them out, even if they spin. A lot of Dsn's I mod with movement holders have this issue and a little gentle persuasion goes a long way. Just make sure it indeed should come out the back first before you start persuading...

 

[LondonBloke]

Hi Dochure

I am very grateful. It does appear to have a bezel, but its perfectly flush with the watch case, it doesn't look like a bezel from a Datejust, or Explorer I, just a thin thing that is really tight and flush with the case. I will have a go at getting it off. Many thanks.

 

[Dochere2]

Upload a picture if you can. A lot of times you can tell if the dial or dial plate overlaps the case from the back side. It is hard to tell from that pic but if you inspect around the edge of the movement, most of the time you can tell how thick the movement is and you can see the back of the dial/plate extending past the edge of the movement. If you see this, it is most definitely a front mount. If it looks like the dial/plate are flush with the side of the movement, it should be able to pop out the back.

When inspecting the bezel, look for a tiny notch that may be present to aid removal; not all bezels have this. You may need a true bezel removal tool to do it properly. If need be, carefully start with a razor blade. You may need to give it a couple of taps to get it going and then work it around the case until the bezel pops off or you create enough room to use a small flat head or case knife to pop the bezel off.

Once confirmed that it is indeed a rear removal, I usually will grab the movement with a pair of soft nose pliers and turn the movement while gently pulling. There may be a sweet spot and occasionally on old watch's a lip that a portion of the movement needs to come out from. If the latter is the case, pay attention to orientation for reassembly.

 

[LondonBloke]

I'm very grateful for the help folks. I am hoping I can transfer this to my new case as my first little build.

 

[Dochere2]

It is pretty hard to tell but given the distance from the edge of the case to the edge of the movement versus the distance from the edge of the case to the edge of the dial, I'm going to say front mount. Give the razor blade method described above a go...

 

[LondonBloke]

Thanks Dochere, I'm very grateful. I'll let you know if I can get it off, hopefully with no trips to A&E.

 

[LondonBloke]

Thank you

I got it off. I used a tiny old screwdriver as the razor blade wasn't much cop. I found it was easy to get it off when I prized it away near the stem hole, the mid case was very thin above the hole and it was easier to get the screwdriver in.

I have a case on the way but I wouldn't mind looking for another case just incase Ive got the sizing wrong. The moment is 29mm, I have not measured the dial. Has anyone got any idea about a case for this?

Thanks

 

[Dochere2]

Beautiful!

Unfortunately I can't help you as far as the case off hand other than to suggest you check the dial measurement, as that will help you figure out the case you need. When you find one that fits the dial, you may need a custom movement holder and some spacers to get everything lined up properly...

 

[Dochere2]

I forgot to ask, no interest in refurbishing the original case? It looks rough but definitely serviceable...

With smaller movements and dials I find that scavenging for an older watch in good shape that meets the same/similar specs is sometimes easier than finding a new case. However, I have seen some pretty crafty people use larger, more accessible cases with custom movement holders and dial plates with surrounds to enlarge the "presence" of the original dial while being able to fit a larger case. There also may be a rep out there with a similar sized case that will work with little modification...

 

[LondonBloke]

Thanks Doch

I will update on this thread with pictures once I've moved it to the new case.


Edited to add - I just saw your second post. I am starting to look for older watches with useable bits, but for now, I want to put this dial and movement in a decent stainless steel case that is waterproof. The existing case is brass I think, with what must be a nickel plating, though I'm not 100% sure. Its a nice enough case, but it would need refinishing. I just want to play around at the moment and I love the idea of putting some old dials and movements into brand new cases, I'm sure its just a passing phase lol

 

[Dochere2]

Sub'd

 

[Raddave]

You got it bro ?

It came out the front ?

 

[LondonBloke]

Hi mate

Yes, it came out of the front. The bezel popped off very easily once I got a small screwdriver wedged in near the hole that the stem goes in. The metal was thin in this area so it allowed me to get in and get the mid case and bezel apart.

Thanks
M

 

[Raddave]

Cool Dealio !

Keep us posted as to your upgrades if you dont mind !