16013 crown tube to case seal/sealant?

[rjsalvi]

Hi All,

I'm replacing a stripped crown tube on my 16013 and after pulling the old tube out, I've noticed there doesn't appear to be any sort of seal/sealant between the tube and case. My background in automotive suggests to me that mating like metals -- without any sort of impermeable buffer -- would lead to leaks...even on machined surfaces.

On reassembly, I don't want to use Loctite, I could not find a part number for a gasket, so my question is: what would be the downside of using a very thin film of plumbing silicone?

Thanks for any guidance.

[Ashton_Horologist]

Why don’t you want to use loctite?

More importantly, why not take it someone who knows what they are doing?

[rjsalvi]

If you're suggesting loctite, can I assume you know what you're doing? If so, which formula should I use?

[rjsalvi]

I've made a corporate decision to use Loctite 545 formula. Thanks.

[Tools]

Loctite 545 is pipe thread sealant.. Why would you think that this is appropriate for a watch?

Typically, watch Loctite is low strength 221. The Loctite is used to keep the tube from unthreading easily with the constant friction of unscrewing the crown. It isn't part of, or necessary for sealing the case, that is the job of the gasket.

[77T]

Originally Posted by rjsalvi

I've made a corporate decision to use Loctite 545 formula. Thanks.

221 or 222 will be easier if you replace the tube later. I know this news isn’t useful if you’ve already buttoned it up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[rjsalvi]

tools and 77T >> thanks for the heads up.

No, the watch is not buttoned up yet and no sealant has been ordered yet as well. 545 seemed appropriate because it's non-hardening and the tube is threaded SS. I'll pick up some 221 because the crown tube has been replaced on this watch two or three times previously (vintage 1983) and if I have it for decades to come, I'll anticipate it may need replacing again.

Thanks again for the information. I appreciate it.

[rjsalvi]

Just a follow-up...the old dog is good to go! Replaced the crown tube, crown tube o-ring, crown gasket, bottom cover gasket and end links. One of the original end links was missing the "barrel" inside the bend , so the stress was transferred to the bracelet, instead of the end link. Also, a dab of Loctite 222 was used on the crown tube to case threads. At some point I may need a new crown, but the current one does tighten down.

All in all, I'm happy to be back on the road and thanks again for the guidance!

Edit: I had posted a link (pic), but I don't have 10 posts yet, so it won't allow uploading it. Oh well, just picture a 36mm two-tone DJ. :-)

[Tools]

Sounds good.

Anybody can attach a photo using the paperclip icon, as long as it meets the size parameters.