Monaco LS. Lost the start/stop-button :-(

Mr.Jacobsen · Sep 30, 2024

Hi! I had my watch in a pocket for some hours today. Took it out, and noticed a little spring
in the pocket (Uniform, at work). I later saw, that the button at the upper part was missing.
LUCKILY i found it, also in the pocket of the uniform. I can easily put the spring inside the
little "tube" with the serrated edges, and also place the button where it belongs, but it does´nt
stay there; it´s loose.

The function of the start/stop is luckily not affected; it does work as it should.

I think there is no other solution than going to a proper watchmaker?

Does anyone here have experienced the same?

Regards, Christian

BillC3 · Oct 2, 2024

From the picture, my guess is the pusher pin inside the case unscrewed itself from the button. If that's the case, the only fix will be to open the case, remove the movement and screw the pusher back into the button (maybe with a touch of loctite).

Unless you feel comfortable working on the insides of the watch yourself, you should take it to a watchmaker. Fortunately, it looks like you have all the parts, so this should be a relatively simple job for any qualified watchmaker.

flawless · Oct 2, 2024

This looks like there's metal inside the pusher cap - it's quite possible that it has sheared off, so you'll require a complete replacement pusher and pin (these are often sold as a set of pusher cap, pin, and tube).

Took a quick look on Cousins UK, but not surprising that the Monaco LS pusher isn't available as a generic.

Mr.Jacobsen · Oct 3, 2024

Thanks to all! I took it to the watchmaker (After making this attached image: It´s from the watch-part, the centralized serrated "tube" with the pusher-pin inside). It seems like the little pusher-pin has broken off. So i better have them to fix it.

BillC3 · Oct 3, 2024

Now that I can see the close-up, I concur with @flawless that the pusher pin is broken and you need a replacement. If the watchmaker is careful, he should be able to get the broken bit out of the pushbutton, so he should be able to re-use that and everything will still match.

Mr.Jacobsen · Oct 4, 2024

Thanks to all! I´m now just waiting for the watchmaker to call me regarding the issue.....And using my Monaco "TwentyFour" the days 😀

flawless · Oct 4, 2024

BillC3
Now that I can see the close-up, I concur with @flawless that the pusher pin is broken and you need a replacement. If the watchmaker is careful, he should be able to get the broken bit out of the pushbutton, so he should be able to re-use that and everything will still match.

I believe it's unlikely - they're usually fitted with threadlock and, even if you heat it to release that, it's extremely difficult to undo the stub when there's no slot for the screwdriver.

BillC3 · Oct 4, 2024

flawless
I believe it's unlikely - they're usually fitted with threadlock and, even if you heat it to release that, it's extremely difficult to undo the stub when there's no slot for the screwdriver.

I respectfully disagree. I have removed plenty of broken-off bolts and studs, and that looks like a simple job. Most threadlockers release at 300 degrees F (high-temp ones at 350), and I've seen left-hand drill bits as small as 1.5mm. Should only take a few minutes with a heat gun and a small mill or drill press.

Worst case, if the watchmaker buggers up the button trying to remove the stub, it would have needed to be replaced anyway.

flawless · Oct 4, 2024

BillC3
I respectfully disagree. I have removed plenty of broken-off bolts and studs, and that looks like a simple job. Most threadlockers release at 300 degrees F (high-temp ones at 350), and I've seen left-hand drill bits as small as 1.5mm. Should only take a few minutes with a heat gun and a small mill or drill press.

Worst case, if the watchmaker buggers up the button trying to remove the stub, it would have needed to be replaced anyway.

I've done a couple of pusher replacements, and never tried honestly - the replacements have always included caps. I've still got the old ones, so might give it a go when I've got time.