Issue with the crown on my DJII

[samson66]

I'm noticing more and more lately after I set the time or wind my Datejust II that I'm having trouble getting the crown to screw back down. It feels like the threads may be partially stripped or the threads just aren't matching up if that makes any sense? Like it starts to turn then quickly gets hung up, which requires me to pull the crown back out and try from a different starting location. Usually requires two or three tries to get the right spot where is screws in snug.

Any idea what might be going on here?

Should I go ahead and call the RSC and send it in for repairs? It's not in warranty.

Thanks.

[Flywheel]

Might be cross threaded. Replacing the stem and crown isn't that big of a deal.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Flywheel

Might be cross threaded. Replacing the stem and crown isn't that big of a deal.

"Cross threaded" that is what I was trying to come up with - didn't know the word for it. Yes, I think that is exactly what is going on.

Would you recommend sending up to RSC in New York, going to a local Rolex dealer, or going to an independent shop with a Rolex parts account for this particular issue?

[Flywheel]

Originally Posted by samson66

"Cross threaded" that is what I was trying to come up with - didn't know the word for it. Yes, I think that is exactly what is going on.

Would you recommend sending up to RSC in New York, going to a local Rolex dealer, or going to an independent shop with a Rolex parts account for this particular issue?

You'll get different opinions here, but I personally would start at my local AD. If it's a good jewelry store, like mine is, they might be able to do it there. And quickly.

[Muzz]

The crown and tube are usually replaced during a service. Ideally it would be great to time the replacement of this when it is due for a servicing if you can. Not sure how old your piece is, but that would be the direction I would go. Additionally I think that will be the feedback from RSC (I am guessing).

Sorry to hear this.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Muzz

The crown and tube are usually replaced during a service. Ideally it would be great to time the replacement of this when it is due for a servicing if you can. Not sure how old your piece is, but that would be the direction I would go. Additionally I think that will be the feedback from RSC (I am guessing).

Sorry to hear this.

The problem is this watch is only a few years old. Kind of early to get a full service from RSC. Wondering what it would cost to just repair it vs what it would cost to have it done in conjunction with a service?

If those two numbers are close, maybe I just go ahead and get it serviced...

[explodingtaco]

How many is a few years?

And this happened to mine before my last service.

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by samson66

The problem is this watch is only a few years old. Kind of early to get a full service from RSC. Wondering what it would cost to just repair it vs what it would cost to have it done in conjunction with a service?

If those two numbers are close, maybe I just go ahead and get it serviced...

I figured that was probably the case unfortunately. An independent would be able to assist you quite easily and quickly. I just have a gut feeling that RSC would try to push for the service.

I hope the numbers are close to offset the headache. Sorry to hear this. I have had a similar experience on a vintage piece and just used an independent to fix the issue as to avoid a service that I didn't want to do.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by explodingtaco

How many is a few years?

And this happened to mine before my last service.

It's three years old

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using Tapatalk

[explodingtaco]

Your in a rock/hardplace for sure.

2 more years send it in, but maybe an independent can work in it for cheap.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by samson66

"Cross threaded" that is what I was trying to come up with - didn't know the word for it. Yes, I think that is exactly what is going on.

Would you recommend sending up to RSC in New York, going to a local Rolex dealer, or going to an independent shop with a Rolex parts account for this particular issue?

I would doubt if its cross-threaded expect its a bit of dirt on the threads just unscrew and use a small brush to clean the threads.Then put a tiny bit of Fomblin grease on threads with say a tooth pick. Fomblin is a brand name for white lithium grease and that's whats Rolex themselves use.

[kilyung]

What Peter said. I regularly use a dry toothbrush and get the crud off the exposed threads and apply a dab of Fomblin to great success. Tip: when threading the crown close, start by closing counterclockwise before securing the crown clockwise.

[samson66]

Bear with me, I just want to make sure I understand how to do this

I unscrew the crown, then pull it out to the the last indent

Then I use a toothbrush to brush the part of the stem I can get to

Then I apply Fomblin grease to the stem and use a toothpick to sort of push the grease into the hole the stem comes out of?

Do I have this right?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by samson66

Bear with me, I just want to make sure I understand how to do this

I unscrew the crown, then pull it out to the the last indent

Then I use a toothbrush to brush the part of the stem I can get to

Then I apply Fomblin grease to the stem and use a toothpick to sort of push the grease into the hole the stem comes out of?

Do I have this right?

Just use the Fomblin grease on the crown tube threads only just a small amount.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by padi56

Just use the Fomblin grease on the crown tube threads only just a small amount.

OK thanks

Any suggestions on where to get this Fomblin grease?

[clb89]

theres one on ebay or esslinger

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by padi56

I would doubt if its cross-threaded expect its a bit of dirt on the threads just unscrew and use a small brush to clean the threads.Then put a tiny bit of Fomblin grease on threads with say a tooth pick. Fomblin is a brand name for white lithium grease and that's whats Rolex themselves use.

Originally Posted by kilyung

What Peter said. I regularly use a dry toothbrush and get the crud off the exposed threads and apply a dab of Fomblin to great success. Tip: when threading the crown close, start by closing counterclockwise before securing the crown clockwise.

You guys are great

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You guys are great

Agree

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by samson66

OK thanks

Any suggestions on where to get this Fomblin grease?

You are looking for White Lithium grease.
It comes in small tubs and or spray cans depending upon your requirements.
Some has PTFE in it which can be a good thing.
It's available every where you can get aftermarket Automotive parts and accessories. Very handy for various jobs around the house including greasing water tap spindle threads and spindle O-Rings, bonnet locks and strikers on your car and car door hinges, Trailer tow ball hitches and threads, etc.

Also don't forget Kilyung's recommendation to back wind(turn anti-clockwise) the crown whist applying slight pressure to engage the thread.
In doing this technique you can feel the Crown thread sort of "drop in".
That's always going to be your best way at finding a positive engagement point to start the thread cleanly if you're having trouble and helps to minimize the possibility of cross threading fine threads.

[Ritch99]

Originally Posted by samson66

I'm noticing more and more lately after I set the time or wind my Datejust II that I'm having trouble getting the crown to screw back down. It feels like the threads may be partially stripped or the threads just aren't matching up if that makes any sense? Like it starts to turn then quickly gets hung up, which requires me to pull the crown back out and try from a different starting location. Usually requires two or three tries to get the right spot where is screws in snug.

Any idea what might be going on here?

Should I go ahead and call the RSC and send it in for repairs? It's not in warranty.

Thanks.

Different starting location? Im not sure what that means...there is only one starting location. The threads on the inside of the crown and on the tube are a single cut thread...only one place that each starts. Thats why your crown ends up in the same position every time.