Is it just me or does it require more effort to start threading a stainless steel pocket watch case compared to a gold filled case?
Joey

Hi Joey,

In my limited experience, it just depends on the case and life history of the case. I have several SS cases that are quite friendly and a couple I've spent a fair amount of time dressing the threads on to get to where they will play well at all.

I'm especially fond of the silveroid, nickle or trade mark swing cases in either 18 or 16 sizes. My biggest issue seems to be where the hinge pin is fitted through the threads at the top. The slightest flaw here can make life miserable.

The toughest ones to sort out are the ones that have taken a hit from the side making the bezel, case or both out of round. Makes fitting crystals a bear too.

Dave has a special set of bezel ring re-shaping pliers I'm trying to talk him out of... he's not taking the bait yet though.

Being a career mechanic, dressing threads and making things round again is old hat and almost therapeutic for me.

Take care,

Paul

Paul,
Thanks for the reply. It just seems the few ss pocket watch cases I have are a real pain to get screwed down. I do not have any trouble with the gold filled cases. I do not believe the cases are cross threaded or out of round. Is is possible to apply some sort of grease to the threads?
Thanks again,
Joey

Actual Stainless steel is self-galling. When and if the threads are not perfectly clearanced, they STOP! I would look for some graphite dry lube you could put on a Q-tip and swap directly onto the threads.

I've had good luck using auto valve grinding compound, on the threads. You must clean the case good when your done.

Stainless Steel is much tougher than any other metal used in watch cases. Plus it does not oxidize easily. So I would assume that to re-thread a SS case would be more difficult that any other type a watch case.

I agree with Paul that the nickle cases are the ones to gladden the heart when it comes to easy threads. I love the nickle cases as they were the most used and the toughest at the time. However a good quality stainless with a bit of lube should be fine.