The Rust.

[Luthier]

I have a PAM with decorated 6497, and display case back. One of the gears is slightly rusted. I applied WD-40 for 48 hours, didn't take it off. What would happen, if I'll unscrew this gear and pull it out for hand brushing?
Thanks!

 

[cybee]

Looks like a rusted crown wheel there. i have had some luck in the past with Simichrome polish and a little elbow grease. If you can't find any way to take it off let me know. I have a non-operative gen 6497 crown wheel you can have.

Maybe some 200 grit wet sandpaper would work too..Just a thought.

You can remove the screw and take the crown wheel off, just beware of the click and the little click spring that sits underneath the crown wheel. Might be easiest to remove the click and spring too,but watch that the spring
does not fly away on you.

 

[Dr.Verylong]

The wheel to the top left also has some rust.

 

[P4GTR]

If you've had it a while, maybe it's time to just have the movement serviced.

 

[Luthier]

That's what I'm afraid of - flying parts. Sure, I can do it under the towel, but I never disassembled 6497 before, I'm afraid, I wouldn't know, where these flying parts came from.

No it's a new watch, works perfectly.

 

[cwazy1]

this is the series of events you need to do before pulling the gear

1. unwind the movement.
-either wait or hold the locking mechanism back and let the barrell unwind
2. unscrew the screw holding that gear
3. take off the gear and screw.

nothing will fly. there are no springs. just a gear and a screw.

 

[Luthier]

Thanks, cwazy!!!
Watch is unwinded, so, I'll follow your advice.

 

[frigpig]

This wheel holds the main spring tension. There is a tear down at the ETA site for this movement that's exceptionally good. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[frigpig]

Here we go!

http://www.eta.ch/swisslab/6497/6947.html

Any questions on unmounting the movement see here. Little something I put together a while back.

http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/easy-teardown-mods-132673?t=132673

 

[cybee]

If you still need a new wheel just let me know...but trust me on flying parts, I've had screws squirt of screwdrivers and end up in the Bermuda Triangle of watch parts.

Luckily you are working with a large screw with that movement.

 

[Luthier]

@cybee - I'll definitely do it under the towel. If I'll kill this wheel - I'll ask for yours, thanks a lot, mate!!!
@frig - priceless info, thank you!!! Saved both.

 

[smokiedabong]

I would just get a new ratchet wheel if you want that same perfect finish, it's only a few bucks. Simichrome might work but you need to be really careful, I managed to take to a polished finish some of my parts really fast and destroyed the brushed pattern.

 

[cybee]

I would just get a new ratchet wheel

Ratchet wheel, thank-you. For some reason I keep calling it the crown wheel which is the smaller one next to it.:

 

[Cynikal.Mindset]

If you still need a new wheel just let me know...but trust me on flying parts, I've had screws squirt of screwdrivers and end up in the Bermuda Triangle of watch parts.

Luckily you are working with a large screw with that movement.

damn Bermuda triangle of watch parts...I lost a 7750 day star driving wheel in there...one second it was on the bench, next second gone!

 

[smokiedabong]

damn Bermuda triangle of watch parts...I lost a 7750 day star driving wheel in there...one second it was on the bench, next second gone!

Reminded me of this

 

[sub4me]

You forgot the return trips to Home Depot to return unwanted and unused items purchased, LOL.

 

[Luthier]

After soaking this ratchet wheel in WD-40 overnight, then in acetone overnight, I got little result, and cried for help. Today got an envelope from RWI Headquarters. Brand new ratchet wheel, and even the screw. Thanks, cybee, I owe you one!!!!!!!

 

[wat44]

that was wheely nice of him

 

[ThinkBachs]

Here's my suggestion if no replacement parts are available:

 

[Luthier]

Why you're so late, TB???