Watch Workbench: Sticking Stem Release Button On Vintage Seiko Movement

 

Seiko 6119-6040:

I have been resurrecting an old Seiko 6119, and struck a problem that is apparently not uncommon. The stem would not lock into place. When you pulled the crown to set the time, it would come out of the case, stem and all – clearly not a good thing. I found a solution that hopefully will help others.

The watch originally arrived without a crown and stem which might have been due to this issue. I took a crown and stem from a donor 6119 and set about resurrecting what is a very attractive vintage watch.

The issue lies with the Stem Release Button which enables removal of the stem and allows you to separate the movement and dial from the case for cleaning or repair. Normally the button would bounce back into its correct position ready for reassembly but with this watch the button stayed down in the release position and would not re-engage the stem after assembly.

This photo shows the Stem Release Button in its correct position before re-inserting the stem.

Two basic solutions were found in an online search. One is to gently wiggle the stem (or a small screwdriver) in the stem aperture with the hope of freeing the mechanism and returning the button to the top of its channel. The second is to do a complete breakdown of the movement to reset its components, clearly the job for an experienced watch repairer. 

Wiggling the stem didn’t work for me but I continued my google search and found a similar solution that worked beautifully. With a big thank you to Tritto on WristSushi Forum here is the advice – 

“First, get yourself a staple. Straighten it out and bend over the last 1/2 millimetre at a right angle. With the dial up insert the bent end of the staple facing upwards. What you're looking to do is push the first little lever just inside the movement. With any luck you will hear a distinct click and you'll reset the keyless works.”

Here is a photo showing my movement, the stem and the improvised staple tool. I can tell you that the click is clearly audible when you get it right. The release button was back at the top of its guide and the stem gave reassuring clicks as I pushed it back into place and re-engaged the winding and date adjustment mechanism. Job done!!

Another satisfying journey in horology and a big thank you to the watch community.