Greeting folks,
I'm new here, but not to the hobby (in my case) of watch repair. I purchased a set from Bob T. when he lived very close to where I do. Heck, that was over 15 years ago, VHS tapes course. I enjoyed the heck out of them, and learned a lot, as I gradually got over the initial fear of opening up a watch. I used to me a member of the NAWCC, but let that membership lapse as other things took priority in my life. I wasn't making a lot of time for watches. I have a small collection of some pretty nice ones, with American RR watches making up the most. So I retain an interest in horology, at least as far as maintaining timekeeping antiquities. Anyway, thanks for the lessons and for running this site, Bob. I'll definitely pop in now and then.
Problem du jour: I remember Bob mentioning Agassiz in one of the VHS lessons when making an named example of a quality Swiss maker. I am now in possession of a beautiful Agassiz (old style straight bridges) ladies pendant watch (18K/cobalt guilloche/diamonds) that I bought with the intention of selling over the Holidays. Well, as I started to get my auction blurb going, I noticed that I couldn't get the crown to pull out into winding position. There are no buttons, nail-sets, pins, etc., with which to engage the setting. It must be a "conventional" pendant setting type. I am loathe to open this one up, because it has a mint guilloche dial. It's so gorgeous that I'm afraid to be the first one to mar it in what's probably a 100 year-old plus life.
My question is: Does anyone have any tips on convincing this stem set to give in to my demands? I'm trying to avoid tearing it down, but will if need be. The other problem there is that even when I loosen the detent screw 2 full turns the stem will not pull out of the movement and case. There are no signs of any type of rust anywhere in the watch. And, as I said, the watch is near mint and a stunner. Any help is appreciated.
Cheers.