Winding Crown Tightness

[lance5]

How snug do you tighten the crown after winding or setting the time/date? I assume there is a seal or gasket in the crown or barrel to help prevent water intrusion but is it necessary to really crank down when tightening or is just snug sufficient? I've received my watch back from a watchmaker and have barely been able to loosen a new crown but also been told by another watchmaker that many people wear out the threads prematurely because they tighten the crown too tightly.

[Old Expat Beast]

Just snug, finger tight is fine.

[MonBK]

Snug will do it.

[crowncollection]

Finger tight without to much force.

[viper9669]

Not too tight.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by lance5

How snug do you tighten the crown after winding or setting the time/date? I assume there is a seal or gasket in the crown or barrel to help prevent water intrusion but is it necessary to really crank down when tightening or is just snug sufficient? I've received my watch back from a watchmaker and have barely been able to loosen a new crown but also been told by another watchmaker that many people wear out the threads prematurely because they tighten the crown too tightly.

Well its doubtful if you would damage the threads by screwing down too tightly, unless you use a tool like say a mole grip.But over tightening will damage the in-crown head seal. All any screw down crown needs is just screwing down just slight finger tight.

[lance5]

Thanks everyone - I am much more comfortable now with little/slight finger pressure.

[cop414]

Slightly finger tight is my rule.

[Racerdj]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Just snug, finger tight is fine.

I do the same.

[Urosfan]

Finger tight

[Scottie]

I screw mine down and check it everyday. Now I am wondering if it's to tight.

[116618wannabee]

A smidge past snug Similar torque to replacing screw top on a 2 litre bottle of Coca Cola

[Cc1966]

Snug it down smartly ~ but not too tight.