Omega SMP Asian to Swiss 7750 switch, stuck and need help!

[NaviChief]

Well after tinkering around with some asian 21j's (some generously donated by fellow members), I decided I wanted to try upgrading a broken Seasmaster chrono I had to a Swiss 7750 like a few brave and skilled members have done lately...

I got the hands off without breaking or scratching anything (phew)...

I got the face off the old movement....

I even swapped the date wheels so it would be correct (lots of anxiety there)....

But when I just tried to mount the face on the swiss 7750, I can't get it to go the last mm or two down flat against the movement.


So here are my questions for those smarter than I,

Does mounting the face require a special technique?

Should I stop being a wimp and just push down harder?

Do I have to file the feet down?

Any other tips for the journey would be appreciated too.....Thanks, and pray for me!

 

[bignasty]

Did you release the tabs on either side of the movement to insert the face?

 

[NaviChief]

Haha, no sir. I would have if I knew they existed! That made it much better. The face is on, the hands are on (except for center seconds), and it is ticking away! Still a long way to go though...

I have to figure out the center seconds problem.

I am going to file the threads off of one of the stems I have and shorten it to make it a non-screw down crown since the rep crown is crummy and causes problems. By the way, I am guessing you unscrew the stem out of the crown counter-clockwise? I could not find instructions on how to seperate the two anywhere.

I noticed I scratched up the hour hand a bit too....oh well.

Thanks for the help bignasty, FYI... I am the proud owner of an old project of yours, the swiss 7750 serie speciale. I have to say you are a big part of the inspiration for me doing this project. Cheers!