How to remove and install the stem & crown for Seiko and Miyota movements

In this video, we'll cover the method to remove the stem from the movement. Removing the stem and crown is one of the required step before we can take out the movement and the dial assembly so this is a very commonly performed step in watch modding, repair and servicing. The movement is the heart of the watch, so we have to be careful with it during our watchmaking process. This technique is applicable to all Miyota 8 series and almost all Seiko mechanical movements (7s26, 7s36, 4r36, 7002, 7009, 6309, NH36, NE15 and more).

If you are new to watchmaking, we'd recommend watching this video first:

Useful content for future reference:
▶00:36 - Spots to press down while removing the stem and crown

Watchmaking tools/equipment mentioned for this video:
▶Finger cots
▶Tweezers

Join us to explore the possibilities of at-home watchmaking! We are working on everything from assembling/modding watches, regulating movements, and even bluing your own steel watch hands at home!
Happy watchmaking!

[djinconroe]

One of the biggest problems with finding information online now is that often you just need to know "one thing" and so many videos and tutorials try to be and contain "everything". Thank you for posting this. It's the single thing I needed to know that everyone else seems to assume I already knew". Perfect!

[ricardomendonca]

Excellent, straight to the point tutorial. Thanks and congratulations.

[Make_SPQR_Great_Again]

Damn this is some really quality content!!
Thank you for your effort!!

[markcoveryourassets]

Key words... put and keep watch crown/stem in winding position before stem removal.

[martinocando]

And I think I also damaged the keyless works on my first mod. Again, amazingly clear and detailed video. Thank you so much.

[hamshbala]

Hi my date wheel function isnt engaged and there are only two positions for my crown the winding and time setting on the nh35 i cant change the date

[DarylNewton]

Okay, I didn’t pay attention to the “winding position” part. What do you do if the stem was broken off in the movement and you can’t get it out?

[jurgenknol]

When I press down on the lever, I see it move (seiko sea urchin). However for the heck of it, I cannot get out the crown!!

[razoooor]

Why you shouldn't use the date function? I don't get that.

Edit. Ooooh I know why... Because you don't know what time is it and you shouldn't change date between 9pm and 3am am I correct?

[KB-lbec]

The angle at which u show the stem removal is poor. There’s so many micro parts to a watch, even though you circled it you basically circled everything in that general area ?

[alejandrocanoplus]

when I'm installing movement into the case, I'm running into this issue in which the crown will not engage. only when the movement is out it is that I can get it to work. How can I resolve this?

[omega_saxonia]

Hi, on my seiko 6119c the little pin wont come up again when inserting stem, so doesnt lock. Any help?

[supermanofkrypton]

Hi, can you please show me how to remove the stem for a 251.471? I have a Gucci YA101322 and the stem broke about 10years ago. Planning to try to change the stem myself. Please please help!