Removing the crown stem from an NH35 movement is simple once you know where to press — but the release point is small enough that it can be surprisingly difficult to find the first time.
The important thing is not to force anything. With the crown in the correct position, a light press on the stem-release lever allows the winding stem to slide out of the movement.
This guide shows you where the NH35 stem-release lever is, how to remove the stem safely and what to check if it does not come out easily.
Where is the NH35 stem-release lever?
Look at the movement from the back, where the rotor and mechanical components are visible.
Follow the crown stem to the point where it enters the movement. Immediately beside this opening is a very small metal release point connected to the setting lever.
This is the part you need to press.
It is much smaller than many first-time builders expect, so a loupe or magnifier can make identifying it considerably easier.
The NH35 stem-release point sits immediately beside the opening where the winding stem enters the movement.
Once you have identified it, the actual removal takes only a few seconds.
1. Push the crown into its normal position
Before attempting to remove the stem, make sure the crown is fully pushed in to its normal winding position.
Do not leave the crown pulled out in the date-setting or time-setting position.
This is important because the position of the setting mechanism changes as the crown is pulled through its different positions.
With the stem in its normal position, the correct release point is ready to be pressed.
2. Support the movement securely
Place the NH35 movement in a movement holder or on a suitable watch cushion.
If the dial and hands have already been installed, keep the movement dial-side up and make sure that no pressure is placed on the hands.
Use finger cots when handling the movement to avoid fingerprints and oils.
You should be able to access both the release lever and the crown comfortably without needing to hold the movement in your hand.
3. Press the release lever gently
Use the tip of a fine tweezer or another suitable watchmaking tool to press the small release point beside the stem opening.
Only light pressure is required.
You are not trying to push the lever deeply into the movement. A gentle press is enough to disengage the mechanism holding the winding stem in place.
Be precise. There are several small components in this area of the movement, and pressing harder does not make the stem easier to remove.
4. Pull the crown stem straight out
While keeping light pressure on the release lever, gently pull the crown and stem away from the movement.
The stem should slide out with very little resistance.
Pull it reasonably straight rather than twisting or levering it sideways.
As soon as the stem begins to move freely, you can release the lever and remove the stem completely.
Place the crown and stem somewhere safe if you will be reinstalling them later.
What if the NH35 crown stem won't come out?
If the stem does not release easily, stop rather than pulling harder.
Check these things first.
Make sure the crown is fully pushed in
The NH35 stem should be in its normal position for removal.
If the crown is sitting in the date-setting or time-setting position, push it fully back in and try again.
Check that you are pressing the correct point
The release lever is very small.
A loupe or close-up photograph makes it much easier to identify the exact point rather than pressing somewhere nearby.
Use light, controlled pressure
The release mechanism does not require much force.
Press the release point gently while applying a small amount of outward pressure to the crown. You should feel the stem become free.
Don't force the stem
If the stem remains firmly locked in place, something is not correctly positioned.
Pulling harder can damage the stem or the movement's keyless works. Recheck the crown position and release point instead.
How do you reinstall an NH35 crown stem?
Reinstalling the stem is even simpler.
Align the stem with the opening in the movement and carefully slide it straight in.
Push gently until it seats securely in the movement.
You should not need excessive pressure.
Once installed, check the crown through its positions:
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Normal position for winding
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First position for setting the date
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Second position for setting the time
Check that the hands move correctly when setting the time and that the crown remains securely attached.
Watch how the NH35 stem is removed
The release point is much easier to understand once you see it being used.
VIDEO: Removing Crown Stem (Sportsman)
The video shows the process during a Horologic Sportsman build, after the dial and hands have already been installed.
If you're assembling a complete watch, you can continue directly with Step 5 of the complete Horologic Build Guide.
Can removing the stem damage an NH35 movement?
Not when it is done correctly.
The NH35 is designed so that the winding stem can be removed during watch assembly and servicing. The key is to use the intended release point and avoid unnecessary force.
Most problems happen when someone cannot identify the release lever and begins pressing other components or pulling hard on the crown.
If the stem does not release with gentle pressure, stop and check what you are doing rather than increasing the force.
Do you need to cut the NH35 stem?
When building a watch from individually sourced components, an NH35 winding stem will often need to be shortened to match the particular case and crown combination.
Getting that length right is a separate part of watch assembly.
With a Horologic watch, this step has already been taken care of. The crown stem is supplied pre-cut to the correct length, so you do not need to measure, cut or file it yourself.
You simply remove and reinstall it at the appropriate stages of the build.
Building a complete NH35 watch
Removing the crown stem is only one small part of assembling an automatic watch.
A complete build includes fitting the dial, installing and aligning the hands, opening the case, placing the movement inside, reinstalling the crown and stem, sealing the case and attaching the strap or bracelet.
If you're working on the hands as well, see our guide to fitting watch hands on an NH35 movement.
Or follow the complete Horologic Build Guide for the entire process from start to finish.
Build your own automatic watch
Horologic makes mechanical watch assembly accessible at home.
Choose one of our curated designs and receive the compatible components, specialist tools and step-by-step guidance needed to assemble a real automatic watch by hand.
The NH35 movement arrives fully assembled and the crown stem is already cut to the correct length. You fit the dial and hands, case the movement and finish the watch with its strap or bracelet.
No previous watchmaking experience is required.
Designed in St-Prex, Switzerland · Shipped worldwide