Any service concerns with "new" Old Stock Rolex?

[CTTiger]

Would any service be typically needed for a "new" watch that's been sitting in the box for 5 - 10 years?

[mjclark32]

I doubt it, I would ask the AD to have it pressure tested. You can use the $500+ service cost to your advantage while negotiating.

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the Forum!

I would not be too concerned about 5 year old but a 10 year old is a different story.

[CTTiger]

Thanks!

[CTTiger]

TimeToGo - what in particular would you be concerned about on the upper end of that range (8-10 yrs)?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by CTTiger

Would any service be typically needed for a "new" watch that's been sitting in the box for 5 - 10 years?

Quite a few years ago now think it was around 2000 if I remember correct I bought several Rolex Tudors from a guy over in Germany,now all these Tudors were from a huge private collection,and all were from the mid 1960s early 1970s. They were all BNIB never been worn boxes tags papers etc,and as far as I know not even wound since bought new in almost 30 years. But before buying and placing down quite a large amount of cash I wound them and tried them all and they all worked fine.Now I sold most but kept a few and one lady Tudor for the wife,now this watch was from late 1969 very early 1970s and it had been sat in its box for over 30 years.But when I got back to the UK I just gave it a full wind and it started straight away, and ran well and kept excellent time.And some of you guys worry about modern day Rolex with modern day oils sat at ADs for a few months or even 5 plus years.But after a month of the wife wearing it I gave it to my watchmaker friend to give it a service and check it over.He remarked there was still some oil on the vital parts and movement was still as new, but he did give just a oil and seal service to be sure. Now that was around 10 years ago, wife wears the watch almost daily 24/7 and it still keeps remarkable time for a old timer but is now over due for a full service.

[77T]

Originally Posted by CTTiger

Would any service be typically needed for a "new" watch that's been sitting in the box for 5 - 10 years?

Welcome to TRF!

Yes...
If it is not an AD selling it, then have it opened by a good certified watchmaker (doesn't really matter if AD or not).

1. Ask to have the condition of lubricant checked for early evaporation.
2. Ask about condition of seals/gaskets around case and tube/crown.
3. Have it regulated.
4. If all's well, then have it pressure checked to Rolex's original water-resistant rating with crown unscrewed, and then screwed-down.
5. Have the clasp and springbars checked, too. (Just a precaution against a faulty part.)

Now many may take issue or about all this - -

But it is just good sense to put some of the financial savings you got buying NOS into safety/security.

[Clay]

I have a Y Series NOS 16600 Sea Dweller from 2001...The watch has never been worn...All stickers still on the case etc...
I was told by my watchmaker that if I'm not going to wear it, then just leave it as is...Don't bother winding it...
Were I to begin wearing it, he recommended I take it and have it looked at first ...
Makes sense to me...

[shofzr]

A watch sitting for extended periods (years) is not a problem, the oil does not drain away like an engine would, no need to periodically wind a stored watch the oil in a watch just stays where it is put. If the watch is not running its not wearing out.
The thing to be a little concerned with is the gaskets, but a pressure test will confirm the condition of the gaskets.
Then a check on a timing machine will give a good indication to the condition of the oil in the movement, if amplitude and timing results are within tolerance you should be good to go.

[CTTiger]

Very helpful info, thanks guys...think I'm going to like it here!!!