Eta 2824 2 Crown Stem Removal

ETA 2824-2 Stem/Crown Removal

Eta 2824 2 Crown Stem Removal

There is good design and there is bad design. And there is design that is both – or is it bad design trying really hard to be good?

Take for example the stem release/detent button on an ETA caliber 2824-2 (and clones thereof)… lots of noobs go poking their tweezers in the hole, jamming the button and screwing up the keyless works. It doesn’t mean they are idiots, it just means they are inexperienced. After all, the shape of the opening is a circle over a circle shaped button, which typically would be a welcome invitation for the needle-like tip of closed set of watchmaker’s tweezers. However, to the right and left of the opening are rectangular shaped wings – here is the good and bad design: The rectangular shape is designed to be the exact size for a 1mm screwdriver (black color), which when using correctly, prevents pressing the button too far.

It’s mind-boggling that one of the most well known Swiss calibers, used in the widest variety of watches for over 50 years, still has such basic misunderstandings and inconsist info in the watch community – partly due to the nature of the internet and know-it-alls giving incorrect instruction without proper research/experience. But largely due to the official documentation being so poor, lacking even the most rudimentary information.

Perhaps simply engraving “1mm” near that hole could have saved thousands of collective hours of watch tinkerers around the world. Or maybe making the button itself more rectangular or the opening less round. Sellita SW200-1 (2824-2 clone) has a more oval button (probably for easier machining), but at least they have documentation readily available with clear and concise instructions on proper stem removal (image below).

Sellita Sw200 1 Stem Extraction Instructions

There are lots of videos on YouTube offering the correct way to remove the crown and stem… using tweezers. That may be fine for a seasoned watch technician, but not for someone new enough to the sport to be watching tutorials. Use the screwdriver as the design (good or bad) was intended.

And please don’t even get started on what position to put the crown in before removing the stem. It’s time setting position 🧐

You are reading Caliber Corner, the world's most popular resource for watch movement pics, specs, mods and DIY repairs. Follow @calibercorner on Twitter, Instagram but NOT Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube. Join our mission to spread movement awareness!

Join the discussion on ETA 2824-2 Stem/Crown Removal?

  • Keep comments respectful and follow our community guidelines.
  • Keep comments on the topic of ETA 2824-2 Stem/Crown Removal

For off topic or general watch questions, post in the Caliber Corner Forum.

guest

1 Comment
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Gregory H.
Gregory H.
1 year ago

I did this before. Pressed in that button too far and it got stuck. I had no idea it should be done with a screwdriver! Thank you again for the useful wealth of information!

Seagull Caliber St19

Join our mission to spread movement awareness!

Members Online

  • keepthetime mahaxamut

Recent Forum Posts

Sponsors

1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x