I was trying to save a few bucks by replacing a dead watch battery myself, and the the screw that holds the battery bracket down went flying into an alternate dimension when it popped out of my tweezers. Ive been on all 4s for an hour with my head lamp and magnifying glasses looking. Its literally in the same place that everyones 10mm socket goes. Classic bonehead move - the cheapest part is the most difficult to replace, and now the project is useless without it.
Where in the actual berk does a person go to find an impossibly tiny replacement screw for a 15 year old not-very-expensive Kenneth Cole watch? Google has not been my friend. Model number is KCW3031, but that hasnt helped me much. I know you can buy a selection box of a zillion screws of different dimension, but given the micro-scale of the threads in play, Idont think the test and see approach would bode well for the longevity of the movement.
I know there are watch fans on this forum...Any advice?
Maybe look for a cheap, non running parts watch on eBay?
Mndsm
MegaDork
12/1/23 8:17 a.m.
Woody (Forum Supportum) said:
Maybe look for a cheap, non running parts watch on eBay?
My thoughts exactly.
They're not a "luxury" watch persay- they're made by Geneva watch group, whoever that is. They're gonna use an off the shelf movement- so if you can find out what THAT is, I'm assuming it can be replaced fairly cost effectively.
Magnet stick like they use to pick up roofing nails and wave it around the floor and areas, or go to the local eye glasses store and see if they can help
gsettle
New Reader
12/1/23 8:33 a.m.
Your local mom and pop jewelry stores (if you're in Cincy) should be able to help.
My dad was a watchmaker his whole life in my grandpa's jewelry store.
There was an annual watchmakers convention and I'm sure Dad talked about friends he made from Cincy there.
In reply to Placemotorsports :
Logically this should be an option, but magnetic effects inside a tiny watch movement is a no-no.
I like the idea to see if I cant just purchase a replacement movement. That shouldnt be too hard. Ebay 2nd hand unit sounds like a solid option B
Find a watch repair shop near you - I can't imagine that they wouldn't be able to get you what you need for less $$ than a parts watch
Turns out, the battery sits right up against the spacer that holds the movement in the center of the case. Theres a tab on that spacer that holds the battery in the movement - the little screw was redundant. This is the equivalent to having 2 washers and 3 bolts still laying on the floor when you stand up that Ikea bookcase you just finished.
