The stem & crown is what allows the watch be set. A stem is attached to the crown of the watch and goes into the movement. The watch stem/crown on new and vintage timepieces can be delicate and may easily break or become damaged by a sudden impact or pressure. Without these key pieces, it will be impossible to set the time. If you have a broken watch stem/crown, it can most likely be replaced with original parts to ensure the highest quality repair. Not only can you have difficulty using a watch properly with a damaged watch stem/crown, but it can put your watch at risk of getting water damage. One of the worst things that could happen to one of your watches is water damage. If left unfixed, your watch will react with the oxygen in the air and will eventually begin to rust. This is something that no one wants to happen to one of their treasured timepieces. The watch stem/crown is another opening leading to the timepiece’s movement. When not properly sealed or in place, this can cause moisture to leak into the movement, causing other possible damage to occur. There are several ways to avoid stem and crown damages from occurring:
- Make sure to always have the stem and crown closed unless you are setting the watch
- Don’t force the stem and crown to open or close if it is giving you trouble
- Learn the proper way to use the stem and crown (some watches have a screw-down style crown)
- Don’t apply too much pressure when setting your watch
- If your stem/crown is in need of repair, our watch makers carefully disassemble the watch and replace the stem and/or crown with identical parts to ensure the appearance and function of the watch. We time test the watch to ensure its accuracy.
Time After Time offers a variety of repair and replacement services. For simple repairs, our in-house staff at any of our locations will be able to help find a solution or repair the issue with your watch. If you need a new watch battery, watch crystal repair, or have another issue with your watch, Time After Time has a 6500 sq ft. state-of-the-art repair shop. We offer a free watch repair estimate by an expert watchmaker who will fully examine your watch and ensure it receives all the proper care it needs. Additionally, Time After Time is able to offer several other great services such as:
- Replacing your watch battery
- Setting watch markers and hand alignment
- Refinishing your watch dial
- Restoring vintage timepieces
- Replacing crystals
- Ultrasonic cleaning of watch case and band
- Precautionary maintenance such as battery & diagnostic testing
- Water resistance testing
- Replacing your watch gasket
- Sizing your watch band
- Replacing your watch band
- Customized engraving and dials
Our US-based, Swiss-grade watch repair shop is able to provide any service to your timepiece. Plus, we offer free estimates and guarantee all repairs. WE SERVICE AND PROVIDE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER PARTS FOR THE FOLLOWING WATCHES:
- ROLEX
- MOVADO
- HAMILTON
- TISSOT
- G-SHOCK
- BULOVA
- CITIZEN
- NIXON
- MICHELE
- SEIKO
- FOSSIL
- RAYMOND WEIL
- GUCCI
- LUMINOX
- KATE SPADE
- SWISS ARMY
- MICHAEL KORS
- TAG HEUER
- SKAGEN
- KENNETH COLE
- INVICTA
- ROLEX
- BREITLING
- OMEGA
- EBEL
- PATEK PHILIPPE
- And many other brands!
Get A Free Watch Repair Estimate!
FAQs
Watch Repair Pricing
| Service | Starting Price |
|---|
| Crystal Replacement | $59.99 |
| Stem & Crown | $69.99 |
| Movement Clean & Overhaul - Quartz | $129.99 |
| Movement Clean & Overhaul - Mechanical | $249.99 |
3 more rowsThe knob on the side of your watch is called the crown. The little stick that allows it to be held together is known as the stem. These two parts work together to let you set the time on your watch.
Can a watch stem be replaced? ›
If you have a broken watch stem/crown, it can most likely be replaced with original parts to ensure the highest quality repair. Not only can you have difficulty using a watch properly with a damaged watch stem/crown, but it can put your watch at risk of getting water damage.
What is the average price to fix a watch? ›
The cost for a mechanical watch repair will depend on what's wrong with the mechanism. The most common problems are broken mainspring, crystallized lubricant, and rusted or stuck parts. If it is just one of those issues then the cost to fix should be around $100-200.
Is it difficult to replace a crown? ›
Generally speaking, the procedure for replacing an old dental crown is just as simple as the original crown-making process. If you suspect that your old dental crown needs to be replaced, contact a dentist in the Scottsbluff area today for an evaluation.
What is the stem on a watch called? ›
A watch crown or winding stem is the small ribbed knob located at the 3 o'clock position on most mechanical and automatic watches.
How to measure watch crown for replacement? ›
Using your Digital Caliper, measure the outside diameter of the case tube where the crown fits on. This measurement must be precise as it ensures a properly fitting crown and a water resistant seal. Using your Digital Caliper, once again, measure the diameter of the threads located inside the crown on the stem.
What holds a stem in a watch? ›
If the watch doesn't have a small bolt, it has a spring mechanism holding the stem in place. The dimple looks like a small, circular indentation and is usually right next to the stem. It is often close to the edge of the watch, but sometimes it is between some of the screws holding the watch components together.
What is a crown stem? ›
The stem's primary function is to allow the user to interact with the watch's internal mechanisms. By turning or pulling the stem, also known as the crown, one can set the time, date, or wind the mainspring in a mechanical watch.
Are watch crowns universal? ›
The crown and stem are specific to each other and the model of the watch, so you cannot put in a random crown and stem and expect it to fit. The interior of the crown and the back of the stem are threaded; they're designed to screw into each other.
Rolex – the iconic Crown logo
The Rolex logo has remained consistent since the brand was founded in 1905 and chose 'Rolex' as the name of its watches in 1908.
What does a watch crown look like? ›
A small ribbed knob or a rounded cut diamond mostly located at the 3 o'clock position, the watch crown is an essential and integral part of wristwatches. Despite the evolution of watches from manual winding to digital ones, a watch crown remains a vital and complex yet underappreciated part of watches.
Is it worth fixing an old watch? ›
Here are a few things to consider: Rarity: If the vintage watch is rare or highly collectible, it may be worth investing in repairs to preserve its value. Sentimental value: If the vintage watch has sentimental value, such as being a family heirloom or a gift from someone special, repairing it may be the best option.
Can you repair a broken watch crown? ›
The jeweler will remove the damaged stem and crown and replace them with new matching parts. If a repair is possible, the jeweler will use specialized tools to fix any cracks or threads in the original pieces.
Can the glass top of a watch be replaced? ›
However, most of the time it is definitely possible for you to have the glass of your watch replaced.
