How To Get Smooth Pushers On Old Watch

[wzy-hman]

Hi, Im wondering if anyone can offer some practical advice/suggestions on best techniques to revive sticky pushers on old LCD watches in general. Im thinking for early-mid 70s watches like Casio, Fairchild, Microma, National Semiconductor, Seiko, TI, Timex, etc. Im assuming there isnt a big difference between the brands but that might just be very naive.

When the pushers are sticky and/or getting stuck in the indented position (so you need to pull the pusher back out to get it to its normal/original position), what are the best ways to go about trying to restore them to smooth operation?

Ive tried looking around the forum and didnt find anything specific, however, apologies if this actually has been covered somewhere. Any views/ideas/suggestions gratefully received! Thanks in advance

[bucko170]

A good ultrasonic clean (module removed first obviously) followed by the application of a lubricant usually does the trick.

I used to use a watch oil to lubricate the pushers but I have been advised that some oils can degrade the rubber seal inside the pusher and a silicone spray would be a better option.

[wzy-hman]

A good ultrasonic clean (module removed first obviously) followed by the application of a lubricant usually does the trick.

I used to use a watch oil to lubricate the pushers but I have been advised that some oils can degrade the rubber seal inside the pusher and a silicone spray would be a better option.

Thanks for your insights, I have a few follow-on questions:
- Silicone spray ie WD-40? Do you just drip a bit onto the pusher and let it drip inside? Or full on spray? (also, if the case is coloured base metal eg gold tone, then is there risk the colour gets stripped?)
- I currently have zero knowledge of ultrasonic cleaners. In the context of mechanical watches, it generally seems its best for bracelets only. Can you steer me to the sorts of (economically priced) models that might be suitable for use on an LCD watch case? And also is there any specific type of cleaning solution that's preferred?
- And are there any alternatives to an ultrasonic cleaner that can be almost as effective?

Sorry for the mass of questions, I have a lot to learn!

[SASM]

I take a Silicone Spray. My wife had it already before we met the first time, so I paid 0,00€ for it. Needless to say she doesn´t use it at all*

[Seiko Kid]

This is bar far the best option ( and its for any watch type )

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Seiko-SILICON ... 1e82d57412

You can by it for £5 at a watch supply store but for a "click and deliver" to your own door , this is probably cheaper

[bucko170]

This is bar far the best option ( and its for any watch type )

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Seiko-SILICON ... 1e82d57412

You can by it for £5 at a watch supply store but for a "click and deliver" to your own door , this is probably cheaper

I have been looking for a suitable product for myself, do they do anything similar as an oil? Oil would be easier to work it's way into a sticking pusher than grease.

[wzy-hman]

This is bar far the best option ( and its for any watch type )

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Seiko-SILICON ... 1e82d57412

You can by it for £5 at a watch supply store but for a "click and deliver" to your own door , this is probably cheaper

I have been looking for a suitable product for myself, do they do anything similar as an oil? Oil would be easier to work it's way into a sticking pusher than grease.

I actually have some of this lying around somewhere. How does one "work it" onto a sticking pusher? Any particular technique beyond just trying to pour some into the base of the pusher where it is protruding from the case?

[Seiko Kid]

I always thought oil was for the mechanism of a mechanical. have a viscous product on a switch ( even in my electrical day work ) isn't right. You need something that sticks and doesn't run

If its still sticking then shave a gnats hair off the pusher gasket with a craft blade

[Seiko Kid]

This is bar far the best option ( and its for any watch type )

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Seiko-SILICON ... 1e82d57412

You can by it for £5 at a watch supply store but for a "click and deliver" to your own door , this is probably cheaper

I have been looking for a suitable product for myself, do they do anything similar as an oil? Oil would be easier to work it's way into a sticking pusher than grease.

I actually have some of this lying around somewhere. How does one "work it" onto a sticking pusher? Any particular technique beyond just trying to pour some into the base of the pusher where it is protruding from the case?

you can't "pour" grease !

[wzy-hman]

you can't "pour" grease ![/quote]

Yes, agreed. I meant try to poke it in with a pin or something ie how would it be applied in a meaningful way?

[wzy-hman]

If its still sticking then shave a gnats hair off the pusher gasket with a craft blade

Say I have a watch case with two buttons on the right at 1pm and 5pm, if they are sticky then how do I go about shaving a slight hair off the pusher gasket? Sorry, this might seem v elementary but Im a total noob on this. Feel free to direct me towards any info that you think already covers off all this. Thanks!

[Seiko Kid]

you have to dismantle the watch. take the back off, remove the module. then remove the E clip from the inside end if the pusher ( if it has one ) and pull out the pusher - then clean and work on it
some watches the pusher is just inserted from the inside but this is uncommon

it's likely it's just dirty

[wzy-hman]

you have to dismantle the watch. take the back off, remove the module. then remove the E clip from the inside end if the pusher ( if it has one ) and pull out the pusher - then clean and work on it
some watches the pusher is just inserted from the inside but this is uncommon

it's likely it's just dirty

Excellent, you gave me the hint I needed - thanks. Googling "watch pusher e clip" brings up some v detailed instructions. Sorry, I truly needed something that elementary