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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component record · Keyless work

Winding Stem Square

Partially verified

The squared section of the stem engaging the clutch wheel.

What it does

Transmits crown rotation to the keyless work.

How it works

The square section lets the clutch wheel slide along the stem while still transmitting torque.

Evolution

Dimensions are calibre-specific, so stems are not generally interchangeable.

Known variations

  • Integral stem
  • Two-part split stem

Identification for collectors

  • A worn square makes the crown turn without winding.

Common failure modes

  • Rounded square
  • Bent or broken stem at the thread

Related photographs

Stem Winding and Setting Watch. - DPLA - 1690779f9826ae336aa2956bd1cf6bc0 (page 1)
Stem Winding and Setting Watch. - DPLA - 1690779f9826ae336aa2956bd1cf6bc0 (page 1) — Heidbrink, Bernard, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons file page
Stem Winding and Setting Watch. - DPLA - 1690779f9826ae336aa2956bd1cf6bc0 (page 2)
Stem Winding and Setting Watch. - DPLA - 1690779f9826ae336aa2956bd1cf6bc0 (page 2) — Heidbrink, Bernard, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons file page
Stem Winding and Setting Watch. - DPLA - 1690779f9826ae336aa2956bd1cf6bc0 (page 3)
Stem Winding and Setting Watch. - DPLA - 1690779f9826ae336aa2956bd1cf6bc0 (page 3) — Heidbrink, Bernard, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons file page

No confidently matched photograph of this subject has been found yet. These photographs show a closely related record, and are not examples of the type described on this page.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Practical Watch Repairing
  2. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  3. Daniels, G., Watchmaking

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.