How can I release the setting stem from a Waltham wrist watch? I was replacing the battery & pulled out the stem (not sure how) but when I went to put it back, it wouldn't go. So I took the watch from the case, tried to put in the stem, it went in & now I can't get it out to return it to the case.

Patty, April 2006

Push on the stem release and remove the stem and crown assembly. The release is usually at the edge of the movement near the stem. Look for a steel lever with a dimple or slot near its end. If you don’t see it, pull out the stem and push it back – do this several times. Watch for a lever with a dimple that seems to appear and disappear into the movement as the stem is pulled in and out.

Sometimes the stem and crown need to be in the “wind” position (all the way in) or the setting position (all the way out) to locate the dimpled lever. In either case, when the lever appears, press it to release the stem.

Sam D, April 2008