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Elgin 291 pocket watch crown needed

bonusbuilt1950

Registered User
Sep 14, 2022
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I have an Elgin 291 movement in a Keystone base metal case, size 16S. I put a new sleeve in the case and the crown is badly worn to the point of it is very hard to wind. I've been looking fror a new crown on Ebay and other places and it's tough to find one that fits. Half the listings do not have sizes at all or they're too large. I bought a selection of used ones and none fit, too large thread size. Kind of a hap hazard system out there to find one.
My size is 7.0 diameter, 2.75 thick and thread size is 1.4 x .30 . It is a Flat top style. I have 3 pics below. I need a gold plated or similar.
Anyone have one they would sell or part with? Any good sources for one? Open to suggestions. Thanks!
IMG_2889.jpg
IMG_2890.jpg
IMG_2891.jpg
 

Skutt50

Registered User
Mar 14, 2008
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Gothenburg
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the crown is badly worn to the point of it is very hard to wind.
To ease the winding you can file deeper slots in the old crown. I have done it a few times and it does miracles. I even had some crowns with some metal coating that had started flaking. After peeling off the flaked bits and some filing, they were usable again.
Use a pointed file for saw teeth or a watchmakers file for screw heads. Just go over each slot to deepen it.

Probably not the final answer you are looking for but it will do the job until you find a suitable replacement.
 

bonusbuilt1950

Registered User
Sep 14, 2022
188
102
28
68
Country
To ease the winding you can file deeper slots in the old crown. I have done it a few times and it does miracles. I even had some crowns with some metal coating that had started flaking. After peeling off the flaked bits and some filing, they were usable again.
Use a pointed file for saw teeth or a watchmakers file for screw heads. Just go over each slot to deepen it.

Probably not the final answer you are looking for but it will do the job until you find a suitable replacement.
That's an idea. Did not think of that. a temp fix for now.
 

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