A Fortis question...

[Kentucky Rifle]

We were in Zermatt, Switzerland. It was my 46th birthday and, as a gift, my wife purchased me a "Fortis Flieger Automatic" 24 hour watch. It's been a wonderful watch! I'm now 53 and the watch has operated perfectly for these six years. However, I've noticed something that may be an indication of an upcoming problem. The screw-down stem doesn't "screw down" as far as it used to. About three quarters of a turn is about as far as it will tighten. Other than that and a slight scratch on the crystal (Sapphire crystal~ I must have done THAT during one of my tumbles down the basement steps.) Has anyone ever heard of this type of stem problem?

Thanks,
Will

 

[gregw45]

I'm no expert, but I can point you to some folks who know their stuff.

What the CPF is to flashlights; Timezone.com is to watches.
Here's a link to the Watchmaking and Repair Forum

Also, after you get a pointer or two here's a link that allows you to search for a watchmaker to handle the repair. awi directory

Best Regards

 

[tattoou2]

Sounds like a thorough CL&A is all you may need...great watch!

 

[K-T]

Ahhh, Zermatt...nice snow there...sorry. Back on topic. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twak.gif

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Tattoo, What's a "CL&A"? You're right about the "great watch" part. Although I find it quite odd that in the 6 years I've owned my Fortis, one ONE guy has said ~Great Watch"!

K-T, Fot some reason Zermatt is my favorite town. I think it's the quiet. (No cars allowed) However, those sneaky little electric things have just about ran over me three or four times!

Will

 

[Roz]

Will,

A CL&A is a cleaning, lub & adjustment. Watch term for a tune up essentially. It sounds like you'll want your seals tested/replaced at the same time. I imagine there is a small o-ring in the stem that may be worn.

Gregw45 steered you in the right direction. Definitely go with someone from the awi directory. Now the question is are you willing to ship? Some of the best guys I deal with are in IL or WA, now AZ.

 

[tattoou2]

Will, Roz is 100% on target!

Thanks, Roz.

 

[avusblue]

I wonder if the stem screw is cross threaded. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif I hope not.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

There is an old guy in Bardstown (25 or 30 miles from here). He's an old German watchmaker. My father in law took some antique clocks down there, and now they run great, He then let the old guy take his Rolex completely apart and do a "CL&A". It also came out perfectly. Maybe I'll just call him, rather than send this watch off somewhere. It means a lot to me. Know what I mean?

Will

 

[madecov]

The part that the crown screws on to is the case tube.
it is not unusual for the tube to lossen up after a few years.
Most watch companies replace the tube as a matter of course when doing a complete service. It is the only way to maintain the water resistance.

I've seen this happen on almost every Rolex my friend gets in for service. I've seen case tubes that were so loose you could not screw the crown down more than a 1/2 thread.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Sheesh guys~
I'm a little apprehensive regarding this.
I don't want to send my watch back to the factory in Grenchen, Switzerland because once I got off in Zurich and my bags went on to someplace in Germany. And, though I have a lot of confidence in the Bardstown guy, this Fortis means a lot to me and I simply HATE to let it out of my sight.
HUMMMmmmm. Sounds like a trip back to Switzerland is my "only" option." /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif " No matter though. Switzerland is our favorite vacation spot. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif (Hate the plane ride though.)

Will

 

[madecov]

Fortis has a US service center as they are sold in the United States. Do a search on the web for them and contact the US service center. It'll probably be about 4-6 weeks for turn around. None of the watch companies are very fast. You'll get another warranty of about a year.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Madecov~
Thanks. I'd like to get it cleaned up like new again, plus *somehow* I've gotten a couple of scratches on the crystal. I want a new one. ~Weird, because I thought sapphire wouldn't scratch.

Will