Jump to content

Making watch case gaskets.

Plato
 Share

Recommended Posts

Plato WRT Addict

Plato

Posted
Posted

I've got an unusual size gasket (31.6mm inside diameter x 34.8mm outside diameter x 0.5mm) that I can't find on Cousins so I decided to try and make my own.

I bough two A4 sheets of 0.5mm thick nitrile rubber, an Olfa compass cutter and a cutting mat. I didn't think it would be easy and I wasn't wrong. After about 20 attempts I think I've managed to make a suitable gasket...

The gasket on the left is the original, the middle one is my best and the one on the right is uneven.

The best technique I could come up with is to cut a square of rubber and stick it to the cutting mat with double sided tape. After honing the blade once I cut out the largest diameter. Then, after honing the blade again I cut out the inner diameter. I then carefully removed the outer rubber then inner rubber.

There are better cutters online but they're pretty expensive and there's no guarantee they'd cut better.

Not sure if I'd ever need to make another but any tips would be appreciated.IMG_20210711_145334.thumb.jpg.89e929baec5eaac1561af2ff89fae9d6.jpg

  • Like 2
spectre6000 Distinguished Member

spectre6000

Posted
Posted

The way I've made gaskets in the past is with a punch. You'd need a circular blade cutter of the exact OD/ID size though... I've not seen them that large, nor have I seen them adjustable.

This may border on heresy, but what about RTV? I assume there's a channel for the gasket. A fine layer of grease on one face will allow it to release. 

Another may be to 3d print a gasket mold, then fill it with RTV or two part silicone...

I'm sure there are other ways as well...

  • Like 1
Plato WRT Addict

Plato

Posted
  • Author
Posted
1 hour ago, spectre6000 said:

The way I've made gaskets in the past is with a punch. You'd need a circular blade cutter of the exact OD/ID size though... I've not seen them that large, nor have I seen them adjustable.

This may border on heresy, but what about RTV? I assume there's a channel for the gasket. A fine layer of grease on one face will allow it to release. 

Another may be to 3d print a gasket mold, then fill it with RTV or two part silicone...

I'm sure there are other ways as well...

Does RTV set? Could I form some sort of mould to the correct dimensions? 

I can't see dies/punches working for me due to the cost.

spectre6000 Distinguished Member

spectre6000

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, Plato said:

Does RTV set? Could I form some sort of mould to the correct dimensions? 

Yes. Not sure what country you're in, but pick a FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Store), and peruse the chemical section. Permatex is the brand I usually see around here. There are different formulations for different applications; most of which aren't exactly applicable. The baddest stuff going is the Ultra Black formulation, but watches are a different kind of engine...

You'd need to make a set of ID/OD forms, and plan for some sort of release strategy... Cooking spray maybe? Teflon? Then goop it in, and scrape off the excess with a razor blade or some such. It'll stay pliable and resistant to oil/water for a good long while in conditions far beyond what any watch would have thrown at it.

  • Like 2
HectorLooi Distinguished Member

HectorLooi

Posted
Posted

I've made gaskets and valve parts from dental impression silicones. Some of them were used in extremely harsh environments, like the insides of an autoclave, and they performed better than the original part.

I recently restored a Bulova Accuquartz 224. The gasket had expanded and was very difficult to reseat. I tried cutting my own gasket with a similar circle cutter but the blade tends to go off on a tangent ( literally ). Esslinger had the gasket for $6.95 but the shipping cost to Singapore was $36. I ended up buying from a seller on ebay. 

  • Like 1

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Klassiker
      Automatic vs Manual movement servicing

      By Klassiker · Posted

      Agreed. There are many different automatic winding mechanisms, each with their own quirks wrt. lubrication. Access to the specific service instructions is the ideal. Otherwise, ask here for advice on the movement you are working on.
    • luiazazrambo
      WWW Eterna sucked me in.

      By luiazazrambo · Posted

      I put the original broken glass (whats left of it) behind the acrylic. This is how it originally looked like. A cheap clock but I like it. Very noisy when the alarm comes wake up guaranteed! 🙂
    • mbwatch
      Automatic vs Manual movement servicing

      By mbwatch · Posted

      If at all possible, find a service guide for the automatic movements your work on, because the lubrication procedures may have different requirements or rely on oils you would not use in a manual wind train (in addition to the braking grease you mentioned). Some autos like older Seikos do not have a manual wind option, so the procedure of letting down the mainspring without being able to use the crown may require a screwdriver in the ratchet wheel screw and great care. Do you have an auto movement you were planning to start with?
    • LittleWatchShop
      Breitling Navitimer 806

      By LittleWatchShop · Posted

      I am an amateur, so there's that. I do not get fixated on amplitude, lift angles, and beat error. However, 4.8ms would bug me if it were my watch. But you must judge your own skills to appreciate the possibility of going backward. I suggest, that you button it up let your friend enjoy the watch for now. As your skills progress, come back to it and correct it. I assume that this watch has a fixed hairspring pin. Some modern watches have an adjustable pin along with adjustable regulator. These are trivial to get in beat. I own a valjoux 726 my dad gave me on my 18th birthday (a looooong time ago). I broke the ratchet wheel with an aggressive wind 4 yrs ago. I have been waiting for my skills to progress before doing a service. I am close. Your advice is well placed and I will apply it.
    • tonydagee
      Unitas 6376

      By tonydagee · Posted

      I didn’t find any anomaly to the left of the red mark…reflection? this is the balance in its pivot in the inverted assembly. i can’t see any obvious kinks  and the spring is flat as far as I can see. Either the stud screw is missing, or it’s glued in… I don’t know. I’m loathe to fiddle with it. Any further insights? Thanks!
×
×
  • Create New...