Explorer ii 42 2011+ - Repair Questions

[NaptownJon]

Hello - first time poster here.

I was having trouble with my Rolex, purchased as an estate piece from an authorized rolex reseller. Had the watch a little over two years and started having issues with power reserve, then it would occasionally stop after initially being wound.

I sent it in for service and here is the feedback I got... Can anyone help me understand what could have happened here? Just want to know if this was something I could have prevented and just wasn't aware of it or any other feedback is welcome.



Watchmaker Comments

The escape wheel and pallet fork are not commonly replaced parts. Getting price/availability information on what is essentially a new movement for Rolex (caliber 3187) took some doing (and some jumping through hoops).



Quote for repair

Overhaul & Refinish
Complete hand disassembly of watch and movement. Separation and ultrasonic cleaning of individual movement components. Fix-A-Drop (Epilame) treatment and application of synthetic lubricants to friction points during hand reassembly. Replacement of gaskets around the case- back and winding crown and subsequent (wet) pressure test to manufacturer depth ratings. Re-casing of movement, dial, and hands. Additional (dry) pressure test. 8 position timegrapher calibration to the timing accuracy standards set by the manufacturer. 48 hour test of the automatic. And, unless otherwise specified, the watch will be refinished (polished) to factory specifications. This includes brushed, high-polished, and bead-blasted finishes. Custom engravings will not be polished unless we are instructed to do so.

Mainspring
Coiled spring converts tension into the power necessary to drive the hands. Stored tension (power reserve) is generated through manual winding and/or the motion of the rotor. Rolex Original part.


Escape Wheel
Geared to the watch's drivetrain, which applies torque to it from the Mainspring. Rolex Original part.

Pallet Fork
Releases the Escape Wheel one tooth at a time and keeps the Balance Wheel moving. Rolex Original part.

[RichardF]

Originally Posted by NaptownJon

Hello - first time poster here.

I was having trouble with my Rolex, purchased as an estate piece from an authorized rolex reseller. Had the watch a little over two years and started having issues with power reserve, then it would occasionally stop after initially being wound.

I sent it in for service and here is the feedback I got... Can anyone help me understand what could have happened here? Just want to know if this was something I could have prevented and just wasn't aware of it or any other feedback is welcome.



Watchmaker Comments

The escape wheel and pallet fork are not commonly replaced parts. Getting price/availability information on what is essentially a new movement for Rolex (caliber 3187) took some doing (and some jumping through hoops).



Quote for repair

Overhaul & Refinish
Complete hand disassembly of watch and movement. Separation and ultrasonic cleaning of individual movement components. Fix-A-Drop (Epilame) treatment and application of synthetic lubricants to friction points during hand reassembly. Replacement of gaskets around the case- back and winding crown and subsequent (wet) pressure test to manufacturer depth ratings. Re-casing of movement, dial, and hands. Additional (dry) pressure test. 8 position timegrapher calibration to the timing accuracy standards set by the manufacturer. 48 hour test of the automatic. And, unless otherwise specified, the watch will be refinished (polished) to factory specifications. This includes brushed, high-polished, and bead-blasted finishes. Custom engravings will not be polished unless we are instructed to do so.

Mainspring
Coiled spring converts tension into the power necessary to drive the hands. Stored tension (power reserve) is generated through manual winding and/or the motion of the rotor. Rolex Original part.


Escape Wheel
Geared to the watch's drivetrain, which applies torque to it from the Mainspring. Rolex Original part.

Pallet Fork
Releases the Escape Wheel one tooth at a time and keeps the Balance Wheel moving. Rolex Original part.

This does not look like a RSC estimate where did you send it ?

[behardt]

Red flags. This is not a rolex certified repair guy. "new movement", "jumping through hoops" to get parts. Probably won't use correct lubricants, etc. Doesn't have to go to RSC or even AD, but find a Rolex certified repair guy.

[Juantxo]

You ought to have sent the watch to a Rolex service center (NY or Dallas). You might still be able to do so. That's a rather new watch which might still be under warranty. Sending a Rolex no a random watchmaker or to a store (even if an authorized dealer) is never a good idea as far as I am concerned. Well, I've never done so.

[behardt]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

You ought to have sent the watch to a Rolex service center (NY or Dallas). You might still be able to do so. That's a rather new watch which might still be under warranty. Sending a Rolex no a random watchmaker or to a store (even if an authorized dealer) is never a good idea as far as I am concerned. Well, I've never done so.

Only issue I have with RSC is that its a crap shoot as to who works on your watch. They have good people and not so good people. With my watchmaker, I know exactly what I'm getting.