Stripped Crown Threads

[Pandacat]

I have this inherent fear that every time i screw in the crown on my OP 39, i will strip the crown threads.

How common is this problem?

Or am i just overthinking?

[spare]

The second...
Never heard of that to happen, was engineered for it to function properly as you do, and it the worst case scenario: an easy fix/replacement when you bring it in for service.

How do you think the original OPs from the 40s survived up till now?

[Simon_jrees]

Originally Posted by spare

The second...
Never heard of that to happen, was engineered for it to function properly as you do, and it the worst case scenario: an easy fix/replacement when you bring it in for service.

How do you think the original OPs from the 40s survived up till now?

This. My recent Daytona service led to to having a new crown as it was worn, still held the water resistance but worn none the less.

[Dan Pierce]

Strip away, the crown tube is replaceable.
dP

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Pandacat

I have this inherent fear that every time i screw in the crown on my OP 39, i will strip the crown threads.

How common is this problem?

Or am i just overthinking?

Just thread it in slowly, there is no need to rush.

And as Fan said above, if the threads were to strip, you can replace the crown tube

[Cryten]

As far as I'm aware the crown and tube are replacement items at service time anyway.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Pandacat

I have this inherent fear that every time i screw in the crown on my OP 39, i will strip the crown threads.

How common is this problem?

Or am i just overthinking?

Overthinking it, dont forget there were thousands of Rolex manual wind Rolex they got wound up daily for decades with screw down crowns.Plus the fact that crown tubes are just normal serviceable disposable items, that are always replaced as part of normal routine service.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by padi56

Overthinking it, dont forget there were thousands of Rolex manual wind Rolex they got wound up daily for decades with screw down crowns.Plus the fact that crown tubes are just normal serviceable disposable items, that are always replaced as part of normal routine service.

Very good point

[Dezie]

Originally Posted by padi56

Plus the fact that crown tubes are just normal serviceable disposable items, that are always replaced as part of normal routine service.

You make it sound like a gasket lol. It's a precision part and not replaced during a routine service.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Dezie

You make it sound like a gasket lol. It's a precision part and not replaced during a routine service.

Crown tubes are always replaced as part of service, its a fully disposable item its just a threaded metal tube nothing more,and sometimes winding crowns too again just disposable service items.

[Dezie]

Originally Posted by padi56

Crown tubes are always replaced as part of service, its a fully disposable item its just a threaded metal tube nothing more,and sometimes winding crowns too again just disposable service items.

Instead of repeating the statement you made previously, why not post a link to an authorised repair centre where this is shown to be part of a routine service?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Dezie

Instead of repeating the statement you made previously, why not post a link to an authorised repair centre where this is shown to be part of a routine service?

Look at post 21 a authorise Rolex service watchmaker,and a plain and simple fact at full RSC service crown tubes are always replaced as part of service.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Dezie

Instead of repeating the statement you made previously, why not post a link to an authorised repair centre where this is shown to be part of a routine service?

A crown tube is a standard replacement, unless it is gold then you're charged extra.

I'm an RSC watchmaker, hopefully that is enough proof for you...

[samson66]

Originally Posted by padi56

Crown tubes are always replaced as part of service, its a fully disposable item its just a threaded metal tube nothing more,and sometimes winding crowns too again just disposable service items.

That's good to hear. My DJII is (not sure I am saying this right) double threaded. Like the owner before me tried to force it and missed the threads. So, many times I start to close the crown and feel it getting hung up. I back it out and turn the crown some more and try it again. Usually I find the correct threads but it is annoying. Thinking I'll just deal with it until I get to the regular service interval unless I'm damaging it by waiting?

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S10 using Tapatalk

[armypilot]

The crown/tube threads gave up the ghost in 2000 after 20 years on my 1980 GMT-Master. I'm now 20 years into this crown and tube. When they go, it's an easy fix and I'm sure I'll get 20+ years out of that set as well.

[Shadow Play]

Originally Posted by padi56

Overthinking it, dont forget there were thousands of Rolex manual wind Rolex they got wound up daily for decades with screw down crowns.Plus the fact that crown tubes are just normal serviceable disposable items, that are always replaced as part of normal routine service.

I’m more than happy to take your advice on crown tubes, if it stretches to Breitling (sorry to go a bit off topic).

I believe the Avenger Seawolf’s crown tube is attached to the mid case. As such if it is stripped down the whole mid case is replaced (presumably a far more expensive repair).

Is there anything else that could be done by a competent watch repairer, rather than replacing the whole mid case as Breitling apparently do?

[77T]

Originally Posted by Shadow Play

I’m more than happy to take your advice on crown tubes, if it stretches to Breitling (sorry to go a bit off topic).



I believe the Avenger Seawolf’s crown tube is attached to the mid case. As such if it is stripped down the whole mid case is replaced (presumably a far more expensive repair).



Is there anything else that could be done by a competent watch repairer, rather than replacing the whole mid case as Breitling apparently do?

Maybe PM Fleetlord here on TRF. He had the unenviable experience of the problem you’re worried about.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=510904

A watchmaker could drill out the threaded section of the midcase, then find a tube size (s/he will likely have to go to the next size up). The new hole will be tapped, which cuts threads into the midcase metal. Then find a generic crown with the correct thread pitch and o-ring so you get some semblance of water resistance.

The reason this shouldn’t be done is the titanium and the new generic tube’s metal may start a galvanic response that eventually pits the midcase.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Shadow Play]

Originally Posted by 77T

Maybe PM Fleetlord here on TRF. He had the unenviable experience of the problem you’re worried about.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=510904

A watchmaker could drill out the threaded section of the midcase, then find a tube size (s/he will likely have to go to the next size up). The new hole will be tapped, which cuts threads into the midcase metal. Then find a generic crown with the correct thread pitch and o-ring so you get some semblance of water resistance.

The reason this shouldn’t be done is the titanium and the new generic tube’s metal may start a galvanic response that eventually pits the midcase.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thank you. Much appreciated

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Shadow Play

I. . .

Is there anything else that could be done by a competent watch repairer, rather than replacing the whole mid case as Breitling apparently do?

You should have your own thread as this will likely be lost in the original topic.

As to stripped threads in the case, yes a manufacturer would likely replace the mid case.

However, a craftsman would carefully drill out the stripped threads and either press in, or loctite in, a plug. The plug would then be drilled out and tapped with the appropriate threads to once again accept a standard tube.

[mgsooner]

Try this: while applying gentle inward pressure (toward the case) turn the crown backwards. You will feel a "pop" when the crown seats. Then screw it down. This works to perfection on my 214270. It does not work on my 114060.

[GBD]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

Try this: while applying gentle inward pressure (toward the case) turn the crown backwards. You will feel a "pop" when the crown seats. Then screw it down. This works to perfection on my 214270. It does not work on my 114060.

So much this! Doing this will avoid any chance of ever cross-threading.

[Ec2016]

It can certainly happen, but doubt you will have to worry about it. If it somehow becomes an issue, it is easily replaced. They will probably not even charge for it during normal service.

I’d only worry if the crown doesn’t “catch” at all, but even if there is only minimal catch (1/4 turn), it’s fine.

[DCheeta]

I wore the same 14060 for almost 20 years, in that time I must have screwed and unscrewed the crown thousands of times and never stripped the threads. You paid a lot for your Rolex, and that's because they're built to last.

And, like everyone else said, the tube can be replaced at service time anyway.

[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

I wore the same 14060 for almost 20 years, in that time I must have screwed and unscrewed the crown thousands of times and never stripped the threads. You paid a lot for your Rolex, and that's because they're built to last.

And, like everyone else said, the tube can be replaced at service time anyway.

Out of curiosity, what is on your wrist these days?

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

Out of curiosity, what is on your wrist these days?

Mostly an Explorer 1 214270 mk.II

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Pandacat

I have this inherent fear that every time i screw in the crown on my OP 39, i will strip the crown threads.

How common is this problem?

Or am i just overthinking?

It's not common at all; you would have to be He-man to actually "strip" the threads.

What does happen is that, over time, the threads wear, just like the gears inside the movement. When they are worn out, then they no longer engage properly.

You might deform the threads a bit if you crank it down with a pipewrench.

[Vinnee]

This is a very good point. But what do you wear these days?

[Robf52]

overthinking it. Wind, wear and enjoy.

[Polarexplorerii]

Originally Posted by Robf52

overthinking it. Wind, wear and enjoy.

[Megalobyte]

It’s nothing to get wound up over. Or is it.... :)