1991 Rolex Sub

[PACEVIPER]

Hello guys. New forum member here at least as far as posting goes. I bought new in 1991 a 16610 Sub. It admittedly is a safe queen with very little actual wear time. It has never been serviced and it keeps +or- 1 sec a day. I have decided to send it in for service when it gains or losses 2 sec or more a day as my local watch guy says he wouldn't touch it as no one else could regulate it during a service any better and most likely not as good. Am I following a reasonable course or should I send it in ASAP...........Thanks Jimmy

[DevinH]

Pictures or it didn't happen.


Sent from my iPhone 6s using Tapatalk

[japenney]

Send it in. 15 years is deserving of a service. I would not go longer than 10 personally. You risk serious damage and drying of internal lubricants , griding of gears, the longer you wait. You watch may be plus minus 2 seconds a day and still have serious issues inside.

[ronricks]

Post some pics

[PACEVIPER]

Originally Posted by ronricks

Post some pics

Will when I get home

[Mfrankel2]

Originally Posted by japenney

Send it in. 15 years is deserving of a service. I would not go longer than 10 personally. You risk serious damage and drying of internal lubricants , griding of gears, the longer you wait. You watch may be plus minus 2 seconds a day and still have serious issues inside.

This. Costs will go up as more and more parts wear down

[vtprose]

Originally Posted by DevinH

Pictures or it didn't happen.


Sent from my iPhone 6s using Tapatalk

IMHO you happen to be a pain in the butt. the OP was asking a legitimate question, just answer it or post your own photos on your own thread. Every post does not require a photo or did I read the rules and not notice that expectation?


Or simply ask for a photo, stop with the passive aggressive calling him/her a liar and accusing someone like that. Is there a reason that you don't believe this post, could he be just lurking here coming up with these obscure scenarios? I've seen threads that maybe justified the necessity for a photo to corroborate a questionable or odd question. This isn't like that.
How did that serve you to ask it in that manner?

[dreamalaska]

Sounds like a good plan - if it ain't broke don't fix it. The three U.S. Rolex service centers will be my only choice if the time ever comes. Be aware of all that a service includes at the RSCs, they've been known to replace vintage parts with updated pieces (like hand replacements) without informing the owner first. Root around on here for info on the service centers (and the notorious New York shop reputation) on here - lots of good and enlightening reading

[Tools]

Originally Posted by PACEVIPER

Hello guys. New forum member here at least as far as posting goes. I bought new in 1991 a 16610 Sub. It admittedly is a safe queen with very little actual wear time. It has never been serviced and it keeps +or- 1 sec a day. I have decided to send it in for service when it gains or losses 2 sec or more a day as my local watch guy says he wouldn't touch it as no one else could regulate it during a service any better and most likely not as good. Am I following a reasonable course or should I send it in ASAP...........Thanks Jimmy

Your watchmaker is right. It is very unlikely that after a service it will be timed as well as it now is.

[Sublover2166]

I would service it alone due to the fact back in the early 90's Rolex was not using the full synthetic movement oils they use today. And the fact that the O rings and crystal gasket are 15 years old. I would definitely not swim with it in the ocean or pool.

Rik Dietel can service your watch and regulate it to fantastic specs. He serviced mine and it averages + .5 seconds fast per day. Almost quartz accuracy. Send it to him in Florida.
Time Care Inc. 727-215-8870
Spend the 500 bucks and get her serviced.

[PACEVIPER]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

I would service it alone due to the fact back in the early 90's Rolex was not using the full synthetic movement oils they use today. And the fact that the O rings and crystal gasket are 15 years old. I would definitely not swim with it in the ocean or pool.

Rik Dietel can service your watch and regulate it to fantastic specs. He serviced mine and it averages + .5 seconds fast per day. Almost quartz accuracy. Send it to him in Florida.
Time Care Inc. 727-215-8870
Spend the 500 bucks and get her serviced.

I've decided too err on the side of caution and send it too Rik. Right now the cost will most likely be minimal. I've heard nothing but good things about him and Vanessa. But I am on the East Coast so it will most likely be sent too him........Thanks for the input....Jimmy

[Old Geezer]

While I am sure it looks new as you say and keeps excellent time, 25 years in a safe or on your wrist takes it toll on seals and lubricants. I would be concerned about water resistance and condition of the lubricants if I started wearing it routinely.
I have a '92 vintage sub and service it about every 8 or so years. It's going in soon. I've never had any issues going this time in between services.

[Old Geezer]

While I am sure it looks new as you say and keeps excellent time, 25 years in a safe or on your wrist takes it toll on seals and lubricants. I would be concerned about water resistance and condition of the lubricants if I started wearing it routinely.
I have a '92 vintage sub and service it about every 8 or so years. It's going in soon. I've never had any issues going this time in between services.

[kilyung]

I only send my watches in for service when they exhibit signs of needing it. How to tell before it's too late? I pressure check my watches regularly for signs of seal deterioration and also monitor the timing on a timegrapher to see if the movement needs service.

[MovieGuy]

Originally Posted by japenney

Send it in. 15 years is deserving of a service. I would not go longer than 10 personally. You risk serious damage and drying of internal lubricants , griding of gears, the longer you wait. You watch may be plus minus 2 seconds a day and still have serious issues inside.

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

I would service it alone due to the fact back in the early 90's Rolex was not using the full synthetic movement oils they use today. And the fact that the O rings and crystal gasket are 15 years old. I would definitely not swim with it in the ocean or pool.

Is it just me or isn't a 1991 watch 25 years old???

[PACEVIPER]

I've been trying to post a few pictures. Anyone give me a few tips. Not sure what pictures would suffice as a 16610 looks pretty much like any other. Although mine is pretty but I'm partial. I haven't set it in a week and it about 1/2 sec fast. According to the US official time site. Since I've been wearing it everyday for a couple of months and mindful of the no service state I've kept a carefull eye on it.

[PACEVIPER]

[PACEVIPER]

[RKTudor]

Originally Posted by PACEVIPER

Attachment 765702

What a beauty!

[AzHadEnuf]

Originally Posted by PACEVIPER

Attachment 765702

Great lookin watch! My 16610 has had a similar life like yours. E series, bought new in the early 90's, spent most of its life in the back of my dresser drawer. Maybe wore it 100 times. Started wearing it in a rotation about 2 years ago, ran great. All of the sudden it was running +15 secs. It was time. Basic service, just springs, seals and oil. The movement had not ground itself into dust. Running at +3. Enjoy!

A shot of mine.

[dankatz]

Originally Posted by MovieGuy

Is it just me or isn't a 1991 watch 25 years old???

^This. Scratching my head too until I read this post! Given the regulation I'd say no, but after 25 years, it's probably a good idea to lube it up. Given the condition, I would request NO POLISH at service time.

[Sublover2166]

Originally Posted by MovieGuy

Is it just me or isn't a 1991 watch 25 years old???

Good catch! Brain fart on my part, bad math
My 16613 was purchased in '97 and she will be 20 in Feb.

[RKTudor]

Love the patina on the bezel pearl.

[PACEVIPER]

[fskywalker]

Nice 16610. Your box looks more deteriorated then my S series 16610, but if yours is 1991 then is about 4 years older than mine. I would probably ask your watchmen to take a peek inside to see how lubricated the movement looks and replaced the case gasket / pressure test at least to play safe.

[Cryten]

Why ASAP anything? Are you going to change the way you use the watch?

If it's a safe queen, and you're going to continue to wear it occasionally and carefully then leave it alone. It's not old enough to warrant the "catch any wear early or pay a fortune" argument.

[PACEVIPER]

Originally Posted by Cryten

Why ASAP anything? Are you going to change the way you use the watch?

If it's a safe queen, and you're going to continue to wear it occasionally and carefully then leave it alone. It's not old enough to warrant the "catch any wear early or pay a fortune" argument.

I'm now wearing it everyday. Where as before it might see ounce every month or two. The main thing I worry about is the lube. I normally don't swim in it but do rinse it under the tap with Dawn every now and again.

[joli160]

It's keeping excellent time and if it does consistently than no need for a service. Don't trust the water integrity though, seals are probably porous.
The bill for a service at a RSC with replacement of possible worn parts is not that much higher than service for a younger watch.
Most common wear parts are included in the service quote already anyway.

[HogwldFLTR]

Nice looking watch; if worried about water resistance I'd get is serviced or at least tested.

[dankatz]

And beautiful watch!