One for the More Knowledgeable! WIS /Watchmakers

[worktolivelife]

Modern Rolex worn as an occasional/dress piece , given a full wind everymonth just to keep things moving/ oils circulating,
is there a real need to get a service at say 5-6 years is there real evidence/danger/fact of oils deteriorating and drying/breaking down merely through age, after this period or merely precautionary! advice from Rolex

thanks

steve

[SPACE-DWELLER]

The 5 year service interval is a thumb rule

If your Rolex is keeping time well and you are not actually swimming with it, there is no reason to have it service after 5 years.

Actually, the OFFICIAL Rolex-recommended service interval is 18 months!

The booklet "Your Rolex Oyster" actually says so, I quote:

"It is advisable to have your Rolex Oyster tested approximately every eighteen months to verify that the case crown and crystal are intact"



Ha! Rolex would like that, wouldn't they? Keep them money coming!

[Nick Hacko]

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[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by Nick Hacko

In reality most watch owners could not care less. They are like chain smokers who no longer
pay attention to grim TV anti-smoking ads. "If it aint brkoe dont fix it".

I've got to admit, Nick, that's pretty much been my attitude, even though I gave up the cancer sticks a few years ago.

I did take my oldest Rolex (1983 DJ) in for service about 6 months ago. Turns out it had been serviced about 8 years ago - so that's not too bad. Next time I'm in my serviceman's neighborhood (next month), I will take my '86 DD and '91 DJ in for service, just to make sure they keep running smoothly.

[Nick Hacko]

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[Rockrolex]

Trust me, Nick. This guy is good. That's why I won't let anyone else service my watches.

Besides, I buy a lot of my wife's jewelry from there, so they do treat me well.

[Bama]

Thanks for the good info Nick.

[worktolivelife]

Originally Posted by Nick Hacko

Inside the watch 'things' move, but the oil actually does nor 'circulate'.

The amount of oil required to lubricate and reduce friction between moving part
is actually very, very small.

After 4-5 years oil basically 'dries out' - it no longer stays where it is supposed to stay -
between pivots and bearings. It really does not matter if watch is running or not,
the oil simply no longer act as lubricant.

Suppose you decide not to service the watch after that period but instead continue to wear/ wind it.

From that moment on, the watch is actually 'running on dry'.
Both larger and smaller components are affected, but usually components in the middle of the gear train
suffer the most because they turn relatively fast and are close to source of power (mainspring).

This could go on for another 5-6 years. Surprisingly enough most watches not only run on dry but actually still keep reasonably good time. (The only indication of stage 2 is low power reserve).

In stage 3, metal particles and dust are grinding away finely polished pivots and jewels. After 15 years with no cleaning and lubrication, most pivots, jewels, balance staff, centre wheel and cannon pinion, barrel and barrel arbour, rotor post and auto wheels are worn out and although your watch is still ticking (+/- 30 sec per day) the damage is done.
This damage is now permanent and irreversible and cleaning and oiling alone would no longer be sufficient
to restore the movement to chrono specification.

In reality most watch owners could not care less. They are like chain smokers who no longer
pay attention to grim TV anti-smoking ads. "If it aint brkoe dont fix it".

Thanks!!! for the clarification, my thoughts now [as its time related not useage] might as well wear and enjoy it 24/7 come rain shine and "patina" come 5 years still gonna need a service even if its not really been "worn" !!!! as a watch should and enjoyed otherwise whats the point of firstly a "nice watch " secondly , WELL actually dont think there is a secondly!!!!

steve