Expert: Melvin Mills - 11/27/2008

Question
Mr. Mills, My Hamilton Quartz Dive watch (rated 20atm)according to the folks at Swatch is officially dead.  The crown will not loosen and I suspect the post/tube which it screws down on is damaged.  The Pennsylvania people told me the watch was old and all parts for it are obsolete. It seems to me that the mechanism should be available as a drop in replacement; which would hopefully include the screw down tube. Perhaps you could recommend a course of action to get her running again; if not I will pass her on to someone who may need a good case or other parts from within. Much Thanks, Rick

Answer
Frederick,

If you cannot remove the crown and stem, you won't be able to put a movement into that case. If you feel like you can get it out, check for availability of the movement or an appropriate replacement.

Find the movement model on the back of the movement.  Not the back of the case but the movement itself.  Give that movement to a supplyhouse and they will let you know if that movement is available.
If the Pennsylvania people you refer to are from Hamilton, then I suspect you are out of luck.  If they can't get a new movement, no one will be able to in all likelihood.

The case tube is generic and that can be replaced with no problem.

Mechanical watches are superior to quartz in this situation.  Anyone with skill on a lathe can make a new gear or any other part for a mechanical watch.  No one can make outdated electronics for a quartz watch.  

Let me know if you need any more help.

Kind regards,

Melvin