I wanted to get some opinions or suggestions for my new problem. I am working on my infamous Montblanc Timewalker and the minute hand keeps coming loose. Bergeon sells a tool called a tube tightener. It's only $589.00! Cheap huh?

Is there something that you guys might use that will be a little more cost effective? Normally I would just change the hand to a new one, unfortunately Montblanc does not sell parts to "unauthorized" dealers.

Staking set?

I was worried a staking set may crush the tube. I would rather get one of those instead of a tool that I might only use a couple times.

A staking set will handle this, just proceed with care.

Then a staking set it is.

Does the minute hand have a tube, as second hands typically do? If it doesn't this tool probably wouldn't help. If it has a tube, another technique I've read about is to squeeze it in a collet in a lathe.

Or a pin vise..

Regards

Peter

If you use a pin vice on the second hand tube, put a broach through the tube so you don't close the tube too much.

You're right it doesn't have a tube. My bad. Any other suggestions. New minute wheel?

Peter, if you have access to The Watch Repairers Manual, by Henry B. Fried, he describes how to reduce the size of the holes in hands in chapter 3.

Gary

Peter, check out John Duvalls Helping Hand tutorials, there is a section on fitting hands you may find helpful:

Fitting & Installation of Pocket Watch Hands

That was very informative. Thank you.

Gorilla Glue