Replacing chronograph pushers: how interchangeable are they?

pdxleaf · Mar 19, 2023

Situation is one missing pusher cap that is proving impossible to find. It's also gold (plated, filled, Colored?) From a sixties 14K chronograph.

Suggested solution is to replace both pusher tubes and caps with same diameter thread as the case but larger, more common size caps.

Are threaded pusher caps from different manufacturers interchangeable, assuming they are European threaded and same diameter (eg a 2.3mm original for a 2.3mm diameter threaded hole?) Will it screw in without stripping the hole?

Were these somewhat standardized or was it mostly unique to a brand or reference?

I'm hoping to find replacements for my watchmaker to install.

Feeling a little desperate.

Thanks.

Dan S · Mar 19, 2023

There are several sizes but a watchmaker can probably find pushers to fit. However, it’s not just the diameter and threads, but also the way the pusher actuates the mechanism, it need to push far enough but not too far, etc. so your watchmaker may need to do some fiddling. It’s best to use someone experienced and patient. On one occasion my watchmaker needed to modify replacement pushers using a lathe.

pdxleaf · Mar 19, 2023

Dan S
There are several sizes but a watchmaker can probably find pushers to fit. However, it’s not just the diameter and threads, but also the way the pusher actuates the mechanism, it need to push far enough but not too far, etc. so your watchmaker may need to do some fiddling. It’s best to use someone experienced and patient. On one occasion my watchmaker needed to modify replacement pushers using a lathe.

Thanks, Dan.

You may have guessed that this is for my Gallet. Larry called me 2 days ago to day he couldn't find a pusher cap, after repeatedly assuring me he had a cap and it was no problem.

I am looking forward to getting it back, which he promised to do with a refund.

Dan S · Mar 19, 2023

pdxleaf
Thanks, Dan.

You may have guessed that this is for my Gallet. Larry called me 2 days ago to day he couldn't find a pusher cap, after repeatedly assuring me he had a cap and it was no problem.

I am looking forward to getting it back, which he promised to do with a refund.

Oh no, I didn't realize that. So unfortunate, since most likely the availability of parts was one of the main reasons you sent the watch there to begin with.

pdxleaf · Mar 19, 2023

Dan S
Oh no, I didn't realize that. So unfortunate, since most likely the availability of parts was one of the main reasons you sent the watch there to begin with.

The only reason was because they said they had a pusher.

Just want to move on at this point.

Stardust · Mar 19, 2023

Outsourcing was the name of the game back during the 20th century. Regardless of the watch brand, most hairspings were supplied by Nivarox. Singer made most dials, and so on. Despite all the claims of "in-house" manufacturing, this is still going on today. If the pusher is the standard 4mm diameter cap with 2.4mm threads, vintage examples in good condition should be easy to find. Gold versions are more rare as these were produced in lower quantities.

pdxleaf · Mar 19, 2023

Stardust
Outsourcing was the name of the game back during the 20th century. Regardless of the watch brand, most hairspings were supplied by Nivarox. Singer made most dials, and so on. Despite all the claims of "in-house" manufacturing, this is still going on today. If the pusher is the standard 4mm diameter cap with 2.4mm threads, vintage examples in good condition should be easy to find. Gold versions are more rare as these were produced in lower quantities.

Thanks.

sheepdoll · Mar 19, 2023

At least you seem to be dealing with the round plunger pushers.

The rectangle ones with the rounded edges are so fun to deal with. Especially when trying to match case parts and movements.

Time to break out the jeweler's saw and lathe. I am thinking that 3D printing and lost material casting may be an alternative. A few month back I got some SS rod from the hardware store.

The other thing is like the last week or so, where I bought yet another assortment of Landeron 48 parts. Did get lucky in that pushers I had fit one of the new cases. Two of the cases, were not Landeron 48. So it becomes a bit of a sysophean task pushing the rocks up the hill.

The more you get the more you seem to want. (Or you want to get something now, because it may not be there next week.) If only I had ... to complete ...

pdxleaf · Mar 19, 2023

sheepdoll
...Time to break out the jeweler's saw and lathe. I am thinking that 3D printing and lost material casting may be an alternative. ...

Footnote: My lost wax casting in bronze (actually, my sculpture, a foundry did the casting)

S.H. · Mar 19, 2023

You may find screwed pushers that fit but usually the biggest problem in my experience is the screw that fit into the cap and pushes against the chrono lever. No standard here... This screw must allow the correct travel to allow activating the mechanism, and also fit between the case and the movement. And fit the cap. And fit the tube.

Walrus · Mar 19, 2023

pdxleaf
Footnote: My lost wax casting in bronze (actually, my sculpture, a foundry did the casting)

Reminds me of the watch collection I keep under my mattress

eugeneandresson · Mar 20, 2023

So the Gallet returned?!

pdxleaf · Mar 20, 2023

eugeneandresson
So the Gallet returned?!

It's "in the mail."

eugeneandresson · Mar 20, 2023

pdxleaf
It's "in the mail."

🍿

Stardust · Mar 22, 2023

pdxleaf
Footnote: My lost wax casting in bronze (actually, my sculpture, a foundry did the casting)

She is gorgeous! Beautiful patina!

Stardust · Mar 24, 2023

pdxleaf
Situation is one missing pusher cap that is proving impossible to find. It's also gold (plated, filled, Colored?) From a sixties 14K chronograph.

Suggested solution is to replace both pusher tubes and caps with same diameter thread as the case but larger, more common size caps.

Are threaded pusher caps from different manufacturers interchangeable, assuming they are European threaded and same diameter (eg a 2.3mm original for a 2.3mm diameter threaded hole?) Will it screw in without stripping the hole?

Were these somewhat standardized or was it mostly unique to a brand or reference?

I'm hoping to find replacements for my watchmaker to install.

Feeling a little desperate.

Thanks.

What diameter pusher cap do you need?

pdxleaf · Mar 24, 2023

Stardust
What diameter pusher cap do you need?

2.2mm.

(The service center measured it. The watch is being returned to me in the mail and I haven't verified the measurement but 2.2 mm should be close.)

Stardust · Mar 24, 2023

pdxleaf
2.2mm.

(The service center measured it. The watch is being returned to me in the mail and I haven't verified the measurement but 2.2 mm should be close.)

I have never seen 2.2mm diameter pusher caps. It must be 3mm as this was the smallest Swiss chronograph pusher from the 20th century. Extremely rare and even rarer in gold.

Stardust · Mar 24, 2023

Stardust
I have never seen 2.2mm diameter pusher caps. It must be 3mm as this was the smallest Swiss chronograph pusher from the 20th century. Extremely rare and even rarer in gold.

Beautiful watch by the way.

pdxleaf · Mar 24, 2023

Stardust
Beautiful watch by the way.

Yep, i got mesmerized. "How hard can it be to find a pusher?"

Roland at RGM watches in PA has offered to take a shot at it. I'm hopeful.