I want to remove my quartz movement to dry moisture from inside my watch. How can I remove crown, so that I can remove movement? Watch is old Gruen. Not worth shop repair.

It is possible that the watch have moisture inside or water damage. You might need a new quartz movement, which I assume this is a digital watch.

Better get it dried up and serviced asap, as the moisture might have got into the movement. You dont want rust to be your next problem. But, some screw some dont....most people bring in the crown in one hand and the timepeice in the other-broken. If I'm thinking of the right watch, there is a release point inside the case that releases the stem.

I don't think storing a watch with the crown out accomplishes much. That I am aware of, pulling the crown out does not break the electrical connection between the battery and the watch. At least in looking at quartz movements, I don't see any electrical apparatus that insulates the crown in any way so that it could act as a switch. I think that in quartz watches that hack, pulling the crown out mechanically disengages or interferes with the drive train, but it doesn't stop the oscillator or stepper motor from running.
With quartz movements, at least those I have seen the internals of, (most ETA and ISA designs, some Rondas, a few Seikos), pulling the crown to the setting position does one of two things:
1) On better, jeweled movements - it breaks contact between the coil and battery, thus stopping the motor. The oscilator continues to be powered, but most of the current consumption is from the motor. These pulling the crown out does save battery life. Or,

2) On cheaper non-jeweled movements - it blocks the rotation of the second hand gear, and stalls the motor. These are observable by a "twitchy" second hand when the stem is out. This method actually kills the battery faster, as a stalled electric motor draws more current.

If you have the crown in the first click position (date set position) the date set wheel is most likely damaged. Otherwise, if it does not change in 24 hours, it is the date wheel itself that is damaged.

This happens in all watches over time, as even quartz watches must technically be serviced every 3-5 years. 90% of manufacturers quote this as the standard service rate for quartz and mechanical watches.

If this watch has sentimental value, and you will want to contact a local Certified Master Horologist or Certified Quartz Technician about replacing the movement. Replacing Timex movements is generally more expensive than purchasing a new watch.

If the watch is still in warranty, you may consider contacting Timex about replacing the watch free of charge at: [email protected]

mcdevito75 here, If your Wittnauer is a Quartz movement, look for a small piece of plastic, just under the crown (winder) remove this piece of plastic carefully and push the crown back down to start your watch, if it's an automatic movement, try to wind with the stem if you feel a resistance then winding will initially start yor watch by winding with 20--30 winds, if you feel no resistance when winding the simply rock your watch back and forth in your hand, you will detect something moveing inside the watch, this is the counter balance winding the watch, rock the watch back and forth for approx. 30 seconds to start an initial wind.

Tghere are really only two reasons a watch will stop unless they are damaged or wet inside. If it's a quartz watch the battery needs replacement. If it's a mechanical watch you have to wind it - even if it's a "self-winding" movement wind it to get it started. Turn the crown about 40 turns clockwise.

Often with battery powered watches the word "Quartz" will be written on the dial. In the abscent of that you can look at the mechanism inside (typically by removing the case back).

Alternately (this may not be an absolute confirmation) with the winder in neutral position i.e. pressed all the way in, turn the crown (winding button) and if it spins freely it's probably quartz. Because unless it's broken most mechanical watches click as the watch is
wound up (except some automatics which cant be crown wound).

Plus if it's working and left unworn for a few days yet continues to run it's probably quartz.
Please rate this solution.

You have to open the watch, take out the movement, take out the battery, dismantle whole movement and dry it in special watch cleaning machine. Do not hope the moisture is affecting the look of the watch only (misty) - it is definetely affecting movement and battery as well and your watch may stop for good after some time.
My advice - find your nearest watch repair shop and ask to dry it out.
Even if the visible mist inside watch has gone, there are still water in the watch movement.

Rate me, please.

Other case for a simple Casio quartz watch :

There are a few possible reasons why your watch is not working:

1. The battery is dead (sometimes even new watches have a dead battery in them).
2. The plastic piece between the crown and the watch case was not removed (this protects the battery from wearing down until you receive the watch).
3. You bought a watch with a damaged movement and it just will not work period so you may have to return it, exchange it, or have it repaired

These are the 3 reasons why your watch could not be working. The reason will fall into one of these 3 categories, so I hope this helps!