CROWN REPLACEMENT

Crown & Stem Replacement

Complete Restoration for Mechanical and Automatic Timepieces

At Swiss Watch Precision, we understand that even the most careful watch owners can experience damage. One of the most common repairs we perform is crown and stem replacement, often caused by impact or stress during time-setting. What may appear to be a minor issue can, in reality, expose the internal movement to dust, moisture, and debris—posing a serious threat to your watch’s longevity and performance.

Why Crown Damage Should Never Be Ignored

If your watch has a broken, loose, or missing crown, it may continue ticking for a time, but it is now vulnerable to contamination. Dirt, dust, and microscopic particles can enter the movement, resulting in rust buildup and dried lubricants. In turn, this degrades the accuracy, power reserve, and water resistance of your timepiece.

To protect your investment, we never perform crown replacement in isolation. Instead, every crown service includes a full movement overhaul, water-resistance restoration, and complete case & bracelet detailing.

Proper Handling Advice from Our Experts

Our master watchmakers always offer one key piece of advice to our clients:
Never set, wind, or adjust your watch while wearing it on your wrist.
The torque applied while adjusting a watch at an angle is the #1 cause of broken stems and crowns.

The Swiss Watch Precision Process

1. Initial Assessment & Disassembly

• We open the case back and inspect for moisture damage or rust.

• The watch is fully disassembled: the movement, crystal, crown, and stem are separated from the case and bracelet.

2. Ultrasonic Cleaning & Inspection

• All movement components—wheels, pivots, mainspring, barrel, and plates—are cleaned using six proprietary ultrasonic solutions to remove old oils, dirt, and contaminants.

3. Full Movement Overhaul & Gasket Replacement

• The watchmaker reassembles the movement by hand, applying lubricants and replacing gaskets to ensure water resistance.

• If necessary, we also install a new acrylic or sapphire crystal to fully restore the timepiece.

4. Polishing & Exterior Restoration

• While the movement is being serviced, our polisher carefully removes scratches and imperfections from the case and bracelet.

• The entire case is given an ultrasonic bath and dried to a flawless finish.

5. Final Testing & Quality Control
Before we return your timepiece, it must pass rigorous testing:

• Amplitude measurement using sound-based diagnostic equipment

• Water resistance test simulating a deep dive using controlled air pressure

• Functionality check for all complications (time, date, moonphase, chronograph, etc.)

6. Power Reserve Analysis

• The watch is placed on a winding wheel that simulates wrist motion for 6–8 hours.

• It is then observed while at rest for 24–36 hours to ensure the movement is holding power properly.

Timeline & Turnaround

Crown replacement combined with full restoration can take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the extent of damage and part availability. At Swiss Watch Precision, we’re committed to giving every timepiece the care it deserves—ensuring it performs with the accuracy, durability, and elegance it was built for.