Maybe someone can help out a newbie. I have a 10 spoke sleeve wrench and I was sure I could use this to let down a mainspring. Am I wrong or do I just need a smaller fitting. Thanks in advance for some input. Mario

what size watch 18,16,12?
I would not use the sleeve wrench to let the spring down
size 16 and under watches have a click just hold the crown and with small scredriver push the click to unwind the spring and just hold down to crown so will not unwind too fast.
here is video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rGWiTpD1_0

Thanks for the help. The only problem I have is the watch I have (16s waltham)is there is no case or stem with it. What would I use as a winder?

you will need one of those winders
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAG...&hash=item4ac4ccf2e4

or the purpose made bench winder and letdown set of keys such as these to fit everything from wrist watch to 18 size, and they are a pleasure to use

Mario,

If you don't want to spend the money there is another way. Just take an old crown and stem and it will do the job just fine.

I would also suggest using a piece of wood like a tooth pick to hold the click so as not to take the chance to add any scratches to the movement.

Regards,
Larry