Tag Monaco crown broken off
Discussion
Hi
My Tag Monaco crown has broken off.
I've read that can dissolve the rest of the stem out of the Crown using alum.
I've also been told that if it goes to tag they're going to want to service and repair the Watch costing lots of money which I could do without at the moment.
Has anyone carried out this repair their self before and how difficult is it?
Also is there anywhere where parts can be purchased?
And lastly could anyone recommend someone who could carry out the repair for me?
Thanks Tom
My Tag Monaco crown has broken off.
I've read that can dissolve the rest of the stem out of the Crown using alum.
I've also been told that if it goes to tag they're going to want to service and repair the Watch costing lots of money which I could do without at the moment.
Has anyone carried out this repair their self before and how difficult is it?
Also is there anywhere where parts can be purchased?
And lastly could anyone recommend someone who could carry out the repair for me?
Thanks Tom
OGR4M said:
Nigel_O said:
Do a search in this forum for "Variomatic" - seems to be a well-regarded and often-recommended independent specialist
I believe he’s taking some well-needed respite from duty after a health scare, but he’s the man you need to collar when the time is righthttp://www.angleseywatches.co.uk/
Variomatic said:
Back in the saddle for the past week or so 
Not a huge problem to dissolve the old stem but takes a few days to work - you can speed it up using acids but there's a risk of damage to the crown that way. New stem is no problem.
That's great thanks, I'm not in no major hurry.Not a huge problem to dissolve the old stem but takes a few days to work - you can speed it up using acids but there's a risk of damage to the crown that way. New stem is no problem.
I'll get started on dissolving the stem.
What's the best way to contact you regarding getting it repaired?
Many thanks
The link in Andrew's post above has contact details.
To get the best results from the alum, you need to have a saturated solution. The easiest way is to mix it into warm / hot water and keep adding until no more will dissolve. When it cools some of the alum will crystalise out again and the liquid will be saturated.
Use a plastic or glass container because its action relies on the different electropotential between the stainless steel crown and carbon steel stem. If there's other metal involved (like the container) then there's a risk that will get attacked first.
It also works quicker if you can keep it warm - on top of a radiator is fine. it'll work without warming, just slower.
Check it after a day or so and you should see a black scummy residue in the centre of the crown where the old stem screws in. Gently dig that out with a pin or piece of wire and leave for another day, repeat as necessary until you have a decent depth of hole.
To get the best results from the alum, you need to have a saturated solution. The easiest way is to mix it into warm / hot water and keep adding until no more will dissolve. When it cools some of the alum will crystalise out again and the liquid will be saturated.
Use a plastic or glass container because its action relies on the different electropotential between the stainless steel crown and carbon steel stem. If there's other metal involved (like the container) then there's a risk that will get attacked first.
It also works quicker if you can keep it warm - on top of a radiator is fine. it'll work without warming, just slower.
Check it after a day or so and you should see a black scummy residue in the centre of the crown where the old stem screws in. Gently dig that out with a pin or piece of wire and leave for another day, repeat as necessary until you have a decent depth of hole.
RiggaTheMighty said:
As much as I respect the advice above, I can fit a new crown and stem for you for about £25.
If all else fails, just an option.
That's what it had in the end. Should be safely back with him tomorrow.If all else fails, just an option.
The threadlock used on the old stem was preventing electrical contact between the stem & crown so the alum trick doesn't work (it relies on forming an electrical cell). With an available crown replacement is usually the quick / easy option but the OP had a specific question about a process, hence the advice about how to go about it,
Besides, offering straight answers to questions asked keeps safely on the right side of the forum's "no advertising" rule
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