Is it possible to replace the crown without opening case back?

[timelord]

I know that this might sound like a silly question. However, as the crown is screwed onto the winding stem, is it possible to replace it without having to remove the case back as to release the winding stem from the movement?

Is there a tool that would hold the winding stem from the outside of the case to hold it in place while still engaged in the movement to allow removal of the crown while the winding stem is still in the movement in an attempt not to open the case back? Excuse my ignorance and thanks for any feedback. but I would hate to open the case back, simply to avoid compromising the water resitance from the last successful pressure test

[TimeToGo]

I think it is more complicated than that. Discussed before:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...eplacing+crown

[watch watcher]

They sell crowns separate from the stem?

Just replace the case back gasket if you are worried about water resistance.

[TimeToGo]

Here is Jocke's "how to procedure" to get started (2nd page):

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...t=23817&page=2

[timelord]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Here is Jocke's "how to procedure" to get started (2nd page):

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...t=23817&page=2

Thanks, but I could not see any of the images in that thread. My question was whether it was possible to remove the crown from the stem without opening the case back?

[kanikune]

Simple no.
Unless you use brute force. <- This will yield nonfunctional crown.

[jatco]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Here is Jocke's "how to procedure" to get started (2nd page):

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...t=23817&page=2

.
That,... is a Scream...!!! Laffed my ass off..!! Hadnt seen that B4..!!

Originally Posted by timelord

Thanks, but I could not see any of the images in that thread. My question was whether it was possible to remove the crown from the stem without opening the case back?

..Seriously...??? - Certainly not from that /\ post...!!

[Cc1966]

Nope ~ got to go internal...

[Tools]

Originally Posted by timelord

I know that this might sound like a silly question. However, as the crown is screwed onto the winding stem, is it possible to replace it without having to remove the case back as to release the winding stem from the movement?

Is there a tool that would hold the winding stem from the outside of the case to hold it in place while still engaged in the movement to allow removal of the crown while the winding stem is still in the movement in an attempt not to open the case back? Excuse my ignorance and thanks for any feedback. but I would hate to open the case back, simply to avoid compromising the water resitance from the last successful pressure test

You are more likely to break the stem or compromise water resistance by attempting this than you would by simply unscrewing the back and properly replacing the crown...

There is no magic released or any special sealing going on at the caseback when you unscrew it - it's just an o-ring gasket..

[timelord]

Originally Posted by Tools

You are more likely to break the stem or compromise water resistance ..

so you are saying that it is possible to successfully remove the crown without breaking the stem at the cost of compromising the water resistance? How is possible to remove the crown in this manner?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by timelord

so you are saying that it is possible to successfully remove the crown without breaking the stem at the cost of compromising the water resistance? How is possible to remove the crown in this manner?

I didn't say that at all..

However, the crown simply unscrews from the stem. You have to hold the stem firmly to "break" the loctite. Attempting this while still in the watch and you are likely to ruin the seals inside the tube that seal around the stem, or breaking the stem itself which is hardened steel and brittle to lateral loads..

[timelord]

Originally Posted by Tools

I didn't say that at all..

However, the crown simply unscrews from the stem. You have to hold the stem firmly to "break" the loctite. Attempting this while still in the watch and you are likely to ruin the seals inside the tube that seal around the stem, or breaking the stem itself which is hardened steel and brittle to lateral loads..

Thanks Tools for clearing that up. Makes perfect sense. Great advice!!!

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by timelord

Thanks Tools for clearing that up. Makes perfect sense. Great advice!!!

FYI, Tools is NOT saying you can do this without removing the caseback.

A Rolex is a precision instrument; don't compromise it by taking shortcuts if you are going to work on it.

Opening the caseback is not that big a deal; do it right or don't do it at all...

[jatco]

Let's not beat a death horse...! Move on.....Sorry if this might be a bit of a 'crass' reply, - but as most of us has viewed their opinions... You have to 'Internal'... ! - Done deal...!!

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by jatco

Let's not beat a death horse...! Move on.....Sorry if this might be a bit of a 'crass' reply, - but as most of us has viewed their opinions... You have to 'Internal'... ! - Done deal...!!

This after 9 replies?

Maybe a little less coffee might be a good idea...

[jatco]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

This after 9 replies?

Maybe a little less coffee might be a good idea...

.....yeah, you're right...Sorry 'bout that!!!!! My first week back to work after being
off for 2 months. Yikes...
Sorry Timelord.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by jatco

.....yeah, you're right...Sorry 'bout that!!!!! My first week back to work after being
off for 2 months. Yikes...
Sorry Timelord.

[jatco]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

... ..(..eventho 9 replys answered the question... )

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by jatco

... ..(..eventho 9 replys answered the question... )

Hell, 9 replies is nothing for TRF; just start a thread asking how everyone cleans their Rolex...

[Rikki]

That's some funny S**t