Rolex Explorer Crown Won't Unscrew

[atleywatches]

Hello all -

I just bought a preowned Rolex 214270 (39mm Explorer) and cannot unscrew the crown to set the time.

Has anyone run into this issue before? I saw another thread where someone recommended a rubber band and some pliers but I'm very hesitant to try that.

I'm planning on taking it into an AD tomorrow to see if they can help but wondering if there are simple home tricks I can try.

[winst]

Don’t mess with it, just take it to the AD.

[Brian Page]

as said, take it to the AD

[Music and watches]

Don’t use that pliers. Just take it to the AD. Sometimes it’s screwed too tight making it hard to unscrew the first time. Once it’s unscrewed it should be a breeze. Don’t risk damaging it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[atleywatches]

Thanks everyone. Noted, will take it to the AD tomorrow and report back on the results.

[Daveh777]

Can you return the watch and /or insist it be made good? There could be damage to threads requiring repair or replacement. If not, I agree with Winst on taking straight to AD.

[atleywatches]

Originally Posted by Daveh777

Can you return the watch and /or insist it be made good? There could be damage to threads requiring repair or replacement. If not, I agree with Winst on taking straight to AD.

I assume if there is an issue I will be able to send it for a refund. But will try taking it to an AD first and hope it's a simple issue they can take care of.

Thank you.

[rkny]

I would try running it under warm water for a bit before I ran off to repair.

[subtona]

Small pliers gently around crown with gentle pressure for a moment.

If it doesn’t work you can send it out.

Remember lefty loosy, righty tighty

Had this happen to locking pusher on a Daytona when I received it back from service. It was No big deal.

[winst]

Originally Posted by subtona

Small pliers gently around crown with gentle pressure for a moment.

If it doesn’t work you can send it out.

Remember lefty loosy, righty tighty

Had this happen to locking pusher on a Daytona when I received it back from service. It was No big deal.

For the sake of a days wait do not do this. If it is something more than seized on original seller could refuse to take it back.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by winst

For the sake of a days wait do not do this. If it is something more than seized on original seller could refuse to take it back.

Yes I wouldn't be taking a pair of pliers to my brand new watch's crown either! AD all the way.

[TunaTuna]

Why would you take it to an AD? That is horrible advice. Return the watch to the seller! Then spend a little more to buy a nice one

[brandrea]

Hope you get it sorted OP

[asiparks]

I wouldn't be surprised if the AD reached into a draw and produced a pair of pliers....
Given the utter inability of some to use a screwdriver properly when sizing bracelets, you'll be lucky if they think to use a rubber band.....

[swiss_seth]

I would just put a buffer between the pliers and crown like thick duct tape etc. No steel on steel. I bet it will come loose.

The worse thing that happens is the tube unthreads from the case but dont back it out all the way if that happens.

My just need a new tube and crown/stem. Not a big deal for a repair. Overhaul too and your good for 10 years or more. A go way to spend 1300 dollars at a RSC

[Laszlo]

I would return it, not off to a good start.

[SearChart]

I've experienced it many times when working on watches. I use plastic pliers to get them loose again. In one case the tube unscrewed from the case as I was doing it

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I've experienced it many times when working on watches. I use plastic pliers to get them loose again. In one case the tube unscrewed from the case as I was doing it

Thanks for the technical input Bas. Always nice when a Rolex Watchmaker explains the solution they use on the job. Makes it easier to come up with DIY solutions at home.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by atleywatches

Hello all -

I just bought a preowned Rolex 214270 (39mm Explorer) and cannot unscrew the crown to set the time.

Has anyone run into this issue before? I saw another thread where someone recommended a rubber band and some pliers but I'm very hesitant to try that.

I'm planning on taking it into an AD tomorrow to see if they can help but wondering if there are simple home tricks I can try.

Very strange try a little bit of hot water run it from your tap over the winding crown that might work

[joli160]

Whenever my wife uses one of my watches I need a vice to unscrew them. Some people don’t understand finger tight

[George58]

Originally Posted by padi56

Very strange try a little bit of hot water run it from your tap over the winding crown that might work

hot as possible for a minute

[rambo99]

did you try winding the watch, and turn the hour/minute hand before payment? it is a crucial step to check if the movement is authentic without opening the caseback.

[HogwldFLTR]

I'd likely cover the crown with tape and try with a plier with special attention to how much force I exerted. I've done this before with good results. Curious about the outcome of this.

[blufinz52]

This happened to me recently with my Tudor BB GMT. I turned the watch around to use my left hand, which allowed me to use more force turning the crown away from me, instead of towards from me with my right hand. Sounds weird, but it worked.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by blufinz52

This happened to me recently with my Tudor BB GMT. I turned the watch around to use my left hand, which allowed me to use more force turning the crown away from me, instead of towards from me with my right hand. Sounds weird, but it worked.

This worked for me with a new seiko.

[atleywatches]

Thanks all for the replies! Will take it to an AD and make sure I know what they are doing before they do it (so will stop them from taking pliers straight to the crown...).

Will report back here later.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by joli160

Whenever my wife uses one of my watches I need a vice to unscrew them. Some people don’t understand finger tight

Man, that is a true statement. Recently had some work done on one of my watches, and I thought I was going to have to break out the vise grips.

[Little machines]

Good luck !

[atleywatches]

Well folks, this is embarrassing. Turns out the crown is perfectly fine. I took it to the AD and a very nice lady was able to unscrew it after a couple tries. I'd like to think I loosened it up for her but maybe I just need to work on my finger strength...

[Laszlo]

Happy ending enjoy your new watch!