Crown repair on high end franken

[wrath04]

Hi all, I'm hoping to get some advice on repairing a high end Rolex 16800 franken (gen matte dial, hands, bezel, insert, crown, date wheel with modified Yuki movement).

I was winding it the other day and the crown came off the stem . I can wind the movement but can't set the time or date.

Any idea if this is an easy fix? Do I need to source a new crown? Any recommendations on a trusted shop to repair this? Shipping off a high end franken like this is a bit nerve wracking!

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[KushBandit]

Assuming the stem didn't break, I would remove the stem from the movement and use a tiny amount of blue or purple loc-tite on the stem threads to the crown. Don't use red.

 

[W47chl0v3r]

I second that. Always blue loctite but you’ll need to hold the stem itself when it’s screwed in so the threads are tight. That’s my advice which requires the caseback be removed and the stem taken out. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that then take it to a watchmaker. If it’s a high franken then they barely know the difference and just act cool. This is a 5 minute job no more than $20

 

[wrath04]

Got it. Sounds like a simple enough job, but I think I'll find a local watchmaker rather than testing my luck on a DIY job. Appreciate the help!

 

[Oascom]

Looks like you need new crown.

 

[johnlogan]

Looks like you need new crown.

Is it just a straight stem + crown swop, remove and insert ?

 

[Oascom]

Is it just a straight stem + crown swop, remove and insert ?

Yes, you might be able to reuse stem if you can get the clutch off it. Heat it up with torch and remove, if you can't you need to cut new steam to correct length.

Easy stuff for any watchmaker

 

[Blackieray]

Assuming the stem didn't break, I would remove the stem from the movement and use a tiny amount of blue or purple loc-tite on the stem threads to the crown. Don't use red.

I know about the blue loc-tite, but why not the red?

 

[Oascom]

I know about the blue loc-tite, but why not the red?

Red is stronger. Need heat to remove.

 

[KushBandit]

I know about the blue loc-tite, but why not the red?

Red loctite is usually used for something you want permanent. As was mentioned, you need to heat it up if you want it removed. If the stem breaks, and you used red loctite, the crown is most likely trash