servicing a 16600

[Z_Z]

I'm planning on servicing my Sea Dweller, 16600, M series from 2008 for the first time.

I'm going to get it serviced with a Rolex trained, independent watch maker. However, he only has the caseback gasket and only one gasket for the crown. He will also be unable to service the Helium escape valve.


In light of the above, I have the following questions:

1. Where could I source the gaskets from, apart from Rolex dealerships?

2. Can I get away with just changing the two gaskets and still have a waterproof case?

3. Does the HEV have to be serviced?

4. Finally, things to look out for and instruct the watchmaker for the service.

Thanks.

[SearChart]

If he can't acquire those gaskets I'd find another watchmaker...

[Tools]

Originally Posted by SearChart

If he can't acquire those gaskets I'd find another watchmaker...

If he can't acquire gaskets, he certainly would not be able to order parts from Rolex for the movement and there are many parts inside that are considered "expendable" at service.

I would look for an Independent with a Rolex parts account.

[toxicavenger]

If he is Rolex trained and don't know how to get those parts then are sure he wasn't Folex trained instead?

[scubadiver1]

I would feel safer going elswhere, too many issues here for this guy to be up to standard to service a fine watch like yours, it could end up costing you more in the long run, send it to a RSC and sit back and wait till it returns like new.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by scubadiver1

I would feel safer going elswhere, too many issues here for this guy to be up to standard to service a fine watch like yours, it could end up costing you more in the long run, send it to a RSC and sit back and wait till it returns like new.

Totally agree - you will not be able to rely on this and have peace of mind. To only service this in part particularly as regards seal/gasket replacement would be a bad move. RSC whilst expensive, is the way to go!

[flintsghost]

Realizing that you are in a far off land...go to the Rolex Service Center for your region. Being Rolex trained means nothing without the correct parts. After installation he will need to be able to pressure test it also.

[biswajeetmis15]

Hello,

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[SearChart]

Originally Posted by biswajeetmis15

Hello,

You can generate servicing a 16600 through forum posting Websites
and Quotes is the best place for. Ask People about
your and reply them on their with your website

Do you even English?

[Andad]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Do you even English?

Post of the week?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Post of the week?

I responded to one of those Indian spam posts that were quite active here in the tech section. There were numerous of these comments throughout the threads, all from 1 post new accounts. I reported most of them and they got deleted.

[Glyph]

One Place I have always found to be Top Notch is Watchmakers International.
Bob & Phillip Ridley have service four of my Rolex watches and I've had nothing but a great experience.

[kilyung]

The problem with the OP's watchmaker isn't knowledge or experience (servicing a simple 3-hand movement isn't difficult) but having access to parts in case something is broken is the issue. I would never undertake servicing a movement without access to parts.

[Harvie]

I would wager that none of the after market watch service people have the tooling to install and recertify it to waterproof to 4000ft.

Mine cost 700 plus a couple of parts, this time, and it looks brand new all over again.

Over the years I have spent more servicing the watch than it cost new.

[Valenciawatchrepair]

My father and I have this same issue. He went to New York in 1987 and was trained by Rolex. But, sometime around 2008 or so, he quit playing their game. So, now he does not have a parts account. We still service watches, but sometimes when a part is needed we have to send the customer elsewhere. Although, since I started working with him and now on my own, I've yet to see a HEV Case in my shop. Small towns for ya.

[occb2]

It is just an odd question. I started learning how to work on watches 5 years ago. Through the years I have learned to do the 3135, I have 3 watches with them and for the last 15 years I have been sending them out for service. Now I can do them. The gaskets are simple. You always....ALWAYS...change the tube and crown gasket. Period. I would also change the case back gasket. While I can say I have no clue about they H'valve. I would say, yes, it should be changed. The only thing I wouldn't mess around with is the crystal gasket. If your crystal has to come off, for like polishing the case or any other reasons then yes change that too.

As far as parts location. If he is Rolex trained. He will have a Rolex watchmaker ID number and can order any part he wants. If he is like me then he has to either rely on his local AD or friend. If he is really into servicing Rolexes he has to have a connection. What happens if during service he finds that the teeth on the hour wheel are getting worn? Or a winding wheel is beginning to show wear? They have to be changed. Now if he worked on "A" Rolex once, that does not make him a Rolex trained watchmaker. I am not a Rolex trained watch maker.

There is nothing better than a Rolex that comes back from the service center after service. Only thing better is the day you buy it. That watch will be amazing and have another warranty.

[Andad]

So why not just report the post?

One day it could be a genuine one.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by directioneng

So why not just report the post?

One day it could be a genuine one.

There have not been any since my post, might have worked But you're right

[MaxPowers]

I'm not sure about the "rules" elsewhere, but here in Denmark it would be (almost) impossible to acquire any original watch parts, whether it concerns movement parts or case parts. The service centers are a part of the shops. No shop, no service center = no parts. I'm a Rolex watchmaker (or rather was) and even though I'm still in contact with the people I worked with, it could be impossible for me to attain parts of any kind, because of Rolexs strict policy.
I would recommend that the OP go to an official Rolex service center. If you are uncertain that you cannot get original parts, you shouldn't attempt repairs. You would risk that your watch would go from a Rolex to a Bolex.

Edit: sorry for answering on an older post.

[DocMorpheus]

I would not let this guy touch my watch.

[FabioPascua]

I believe that HEV’s don’t get serviced, the are replaced.
I will get my 2003 16600, serviced early next year (2018), I’ll let you know when I review my bill....

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by FabioPascua

I believe that HEV’s don’t get serviced, the are replaced.
I will get my 2003 16600, serviced early next year (2018), I’ll let you know when I review my bill....

Yes, they are replaced.