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rdwiow · 2 April 2009, 08:02 AM

Hi

I am new to this forum, but quite active with other watch forums, I look forward to participating here.

I have a question that hopefully somebody can help with. I have a 16610 and the crown thread and seal is rather dry, I did a google search on what I should use and it suggests Fomblin UT18. I can only find this in 100g tubes at a horrendous price! Is there an alternative or anywhere that will decant a smaller amount? I have used silicone grease in the past but it doesn't give the same smoothness.

Any help appreciated

Rob

diablojota · 2 April 2009, 08:10 AM

How long have you had the watch for?

rdwiow · 2 April 2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diablojota

How long have you had the watch for?

Hi

I have not had the watch long, but it dates from 1999.

Rob

Tools · 2 April 2009, 08:18 AM

Welcome to the Forum..

Fomblin is what Watchmakers would use to lube the case tube threads.. I don't see why your Dealer's watchmaker wouldn't simply lube that for you. Have you tried Otto Frei (Ofrei.com) for your lube needs ?

Perhaps a member has a better source for someplace in your area....

I live in the Desert and have never had an issue with dry "O" rings on any of my watches.....

chicagowatchman · 2 April 2009, 08:26 AM

I would not mess with it.....you already used another lube on it a while back maybe that messed it up?

diablojota · 2 April 2009, 09:06 AM

Considering it is a 1999 and your seals are drying up, my recommendation would be to have it serviced by either a Rolex Service Center or an independent watchmaker (there's a list on this forum for recommended watchmakers). That would be one of the things they would replace in a service.

txbikerdude · 2 April 2009, 09:55 AM

yea like the others said, is there a AD that will take care of this for you? I am wondering if you get any of the lubricant on the metal if it will tarnish it

Mr. K · 2 April 2009, 05:00 PM

Rob,

Let me know what you end up doing, I have the same issue but my watch does not need an overhaul either.

rdwiow · 3 April 2009, 03:19 AM

Thanks for all your input, I don't have an AD near me, so it will have to wait I think.

Many thanks
Rob

TheDude · 6 April 2009, 09:12 AM

So...

I have been racking my brain about where I have heard "Fomblin" before. Back in the early 90s, there was an auto polish called "AutoFom" that contained Fomblin.

I seriously doubt you'd want to use it in your watch, but I'm happy I finally figured out why that word rang a bell.

GMT Time · 6 April 2009, 09:23 AM

I use the WD40 pen on all of mine works great!

RJC · 13 May 2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMT Time

I use the WD40 pen on all of mine works great!

WD40 will rot an 'O' ring!!

GeoGio Greece · 6 April 2009, 09:27 AM

Long time user of Subs, (since 1971) and my experience says DO NOT use anything, as with pollution and dust, hair and sweat salts, any lubricant will become a "grinding" mean and ruin your threads and the seal in the crown.

I used to unscrew some threads the crown, just BEFORE exposing the "O" ring (when watch was dry), and clean by a soft toothbrush the part between the case and the "O" ring from all "derbis" collected. After that, with a pin I was checking the "elasticity" of the "O" ring. If this was good, there was no way the various particles would go any further inside. If not, and the "O" ring was "dry", I would change the "O" ring. And mind you, my watches were used for diving, in sea water and in the Greek dry climate with lots of dust.

So, I would suggest to have the "O" ring checked and changed if dry. If in good condition, nothing can get to the threads.

pdxrolex · 13 May 2009, 01:48 PM

Fomblin UT18 is expensive, has anyone used "Silicone 7" or the other o-ring sealers out there?

Art 1 · 13 May 2009, 08:12 PM

My AD does it for me at no charge, it takes about 60 seconds. I think the normal fee is $25 or so.

chu88y · 13 May 2009, 08:57 PM

wd40 is not a lubricant,its a degreaser,wd40 stands for Work Days 40

padi56 · 13 May 2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chu88y

wd40 is not a lubricant,its a degreaser,wd40 stands for Work Days 40

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJC

WD40 will rot an 'O' ring!!

I beg to differ have been using it for years with no harm whatsoever.

FIVE PRODUCTS IN ONE - THE 5 FUNCTIONS

CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, marks and grease making it easy to wipe away. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape, and stickers

PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements

LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and hold firmly to all moving parts

PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts

DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits. Turn the power off before you spray

PRODUCT INFORMATION

WD-40 protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck or jammed parts, displaces moisture, and lubricates just about anything. WD-40 is also great when it comes to cleaning grease, grime, and other marks from most surfaces. This high performance lubricant will also drive out moisture.Suitable for use on all metal and non-metal surfaces including wood, glass, vinyl, rubber,silicon and most plastics.

RJC · 13 May 2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

I beg to differ have been using it for years with no harm whatsoever.

FIVE PRODUCTS IN ONE - THE 5 FUNCTIONS

CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, marks and grease making it easy to wipe away. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape, and stickers

PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements

LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and hold firmly to all moving parts

PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts

DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits. Turn the power off before you spray

PRODUCT INFORMATION

WD-40 protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck or jammed parts, displaces moisture, and lubricates just about anything. WD-40 is also great when it comes to cleaning grease, grime, and other marks from most surfaces. This high performance lubricant will also drive out moisture.Suitable for use on all metal and non-metal surfaces including wood, glass, vinyl, rubber,silicon and most plastics.

Speak to any Dive equipment manufacturer - WD40 + O-rings don't mix!

But, hey, each to their own!!

nc42acc · 13 May 2009, 09:02 PM

I thought WD40 stood for "Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try".

alfaguy · 14 May 2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nc42acc

I thought WD40 stood for "Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try".

You sir are correct! Actually the way it was explained to me, 40th formulation, same diff...

Ken

1512, 16622

Z-Sub · 14 May 2009, 09:06 AM

I think you just need to push the crown in a bit harder and turn it and then after several uses, you should notice that "grinding" feel of the thread dissappears. At least that is my experience with my two subs.

chu88y · 13 May 2009, 09:08 PM

was informed by our engineer,when I wanted some to lube a squeaky door at work

chu88y · 13 May 2009, 09:12 PM

just googled it and "I stand corrected" does exactly what it says on the tin lol

scottjal · 13 May 2009, 10:14 PM

WD40 discussions aside the watch doesn't need a quick fix it needs an overhaul, till then I would assume the watch isn't watertight and the movement needs cleaning/lube anyway.

On the WD40 I thought it was developed by the military to be a "water displacement" protection stuff. I only ever use it as a degrease and to aid in taking things apart but lets face it there is something better for every task you use the stuff for. Lubrication there are far better oils, degreaser the auto parts cleaner cuts better with easier cleanup and for stuck bolts any liquid wrench penetrating oil type thing penetrates faster and deeper, for protection the oil in WD40 is very light and dissipates quickly. WD40 is a hack tool.

newsboy · 14 May 2009, 03:23 AM

Get a Professional to do it

pdxrolex · 14 May 2009, 04:30 AM

Petroleum based products rot rubber.
WD-40 should not be used. Silicone based grease or Fomblin.

PeterT · 14 May 2009, 04:48 AM

This thread is spooky as I actually took delivery of some Fomblin UT 18 today for this very job. It had to be ordered from Switzerland and took 4 weeks to arrive.

https://www.watchtool.co.uk/bergeon-...eeb7d87be68e7b

I know it is good stuff as a few weeks ago I took one of my watches to Rolex London as I had a gritty crown thread. The lady at St James Square lubricated with Fomblin and all is now super smooth.
This set me thinking as we have quite a few watches with screw down crowns and I thought time to buy some.
I researched all over the place for somewhere to sell me just enough to do the job, with no joy. Just under £40 for 20g is expensive but the train fare down to London cost about £25. I thought buy it once, use it sparingly and keep it for years!!

PeterT

gtronn · 3 May 2012, 11:59 PM

I use ClickLube UT-18 for the o-rings, crown threads, gaskets, etc. It has the Fomblin UT-18 grease in it. Comes in a 5 gram click pen. It's very neat and easy to apply, no mess.

azguy · 4 May 2012, 12:04 AM

a useful old thread brought back to life, thanks

2 April 2009, 08:02 AM	#1
rdwiow "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: UK Posts: 11	Rolex Crown lubricant Fomblin UT18 Hi I am new to this forum, but quite active with other watch forums, I look forward to participating here. I have a question that hopefully somebody can help with. I have a 16610 and the crown thread and seal is rather dry, I did a google search on what I should use and it suggests Fomblin UT18. I can only find this in 100g tubes at a horrendous price! Is there an alternative or anywhere that will decant a smaller amount? I have used silicone grease in the past but it doesn't give the same smoothness. Any help appreciated Rob

2 April 2009, 08:18 AM	#4
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	Welcome to the Forum.. Fomblin is what Watchmakers would use to lube the case tube threads.. I don't see why your Dealer's watchmaker wouldn't simply lube that for you. Have you tried Otto Frei (Ofrei.com) for your lube needs ? Perhaps a member has a better source for someplace in your area.... I live in the Desert and have never had an issue with dry "O" rings on any of my watches..... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

2 April 2009, 08:26 AM	#5
chicagowatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago IL Watch: Platinum DDMasterp Posts: 1,983	I would not mess with it.....you already used another lube on it a while back maybe that messed it up? __________________ Men's Platinum Day Date Masterpiece Men's 18k Day Date Crown Collection Men's Franck Muller 18k Conquistador Cortez Men's SS Cartier Pasha MEMBER # 5534 USA CHICAGO IL

6 April 2009, 09:27 AM	#13
GeoGio Greece "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: George Location: Athens, Greece Watch: es --> A lot ! Posts: 2,327	Long time user of Subs, (since 1971) and my experience says DO NOT use anything, as with pollution and dust, hair and sweat salts, any lubricant will become a "grinding" mean and ruin your threads and the seal in the crown. I used to unscrew some threads the crown, just BEFORE exposing the "O" ring (when watch was dry), and clean by a soft toothbrush the part between the case and the "O" ring from all "derbis" collected. After that, with a pin I was checking the "elasticity" of the "O" ring. If this was good, there was no way the various particles would go any further inside. If not, and the "O" ring was "dry", I would change the "O" ring. And mind you, my watches were used for diving, in sea water and in the Greek dry climate with lots of dust. So, I would suggest to have the "O" ring checked and changed if dry. If in good condition, nothing can get to the threads. __________________ Rolex owner since 1971. 5513 and 16700 the loved ones. DJ WG Jubilee 16170 for wife - U series Oyster Perpetual WG 177234 for daughter V-series

14 May 2009, 09:06 AM	#21
Z-Sub 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So Cal, USA Watch: Not a ONEWatch Man Posts: 7,383	I think you just need to push the crown in a bit harder and turn it and then after several uses, you should notice that "grinding" feel of the thread dissappears. At least that is my experience with my two subs. __________________ SS Submariner Date "Z" SS SeaDweller "D" SS Submariner "Random" TT Blue Submariner "P" SS GMT-Master ll "M", Pepsi Pam 311, 524, 297

2 April 2009, 08:10 AM	#2
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	How long have you had the watch for?

2 April 2009, 09:06 AM	#6
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	Considering it is a 1999 and your seals are drying up, my recommendation would be to have it serviced by either a Rolex Service Center or an independent watchmaker (there's a list on this forum for recommended watchmakers). That would be one of the things they would replace in a service.

2 April 2009, 09:55 AM	#7
txbikerdude Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: texas Posts: 622	yea like the others said, is there a AD that will take care of this for you? I am wondering if you get any of the lubricant on the metal if it will tarnish it

2 April 2009, 05:00 PM	#8
Mr. K "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Mark Location: Seattle-ish Posts: 6,078	Rob, Let me know what you end up doing, I have the same issue but my watch does not need an overhaul either.

3 April 2009, 03:19 AM	#9
rdwiow "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: UK Posts: 11	Thanks for all your input, I don't have an AD near me, so it will have to wait I think. Many thanks Rob

6 April 2009, 09:12 AM	#10
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	So... I have been racking my brain about where I have heard "Fomblin" before. Back in the early 90s, there was an auto polish called "AutoFom" that contained Fomblin. I seriously doubt you'd want to use it in your watch, but I'm happy I finally figured out why that word rang a bell.

6 April 2009, 09:23 AM	#11
GMT Time Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 75	I use the WD40 pen on all of mine works great!

13 May 2009, 01:48 PM	#14
pdxrolex "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US Posts: 123	Fomblin UT18 is expensive, has anyone used "Silicone 7" or the other o-ring sealers out there?

13 May 2009, 08:12 PM	#15
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	My AD does it for me at no charge, it takes about 60 seconds. I think the normal fee is $25 or so.

13 May 2009, 08:57 PM	#16
chu88y Banned Join Date: May 2009 Location: LONDON Watch: SDDS Posts: 660	wd40 is not a lubricant,its a degreaser,wd40 stands for Work Days 40

13 May 2009, 09:02 PM	#19
nc42acc "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Marty Location: North Carolina Watch: out!!!!! Posts: 502	I thought WD40 stood for "Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try".

13 May 2009, 09:08 PM	#22
chu88y Banned Join Date: May 2009 Location: LONDON Watch: SDDS Posts: 660	was informed by our engineer,when I wanted some to lube a squeaky door at work

13 May 2009, 09:12 PM	#23
chu88y Banned Join Date: May 2009 Location: LONDON Watch: SDDS Posts: 660	just googled it and "I stand corrected" does exactly what it says on the tin lol

13 May 2009, 10:14 PM	#24
scottjal "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Scott Location: SC Watch: GMT II Posts: 464	WD40 discussions aside the watch doesn't need a quick fix it needs an overhaul, till then I would assume the watch isn't watertight and the movement needs cleaning/lube anyway. On the WD40 I thought it was developed by the military to be a "water displacement" protection stuff. I only ever use it as a degrease and to aid in taking things apart but lets face it there is something better for every task you use the stuff for. Lubrication there are far better oils, degreaser the auto parts cleaner cuts better with easier cleanup and for stuck bolts any liquid wrench penetrating oil type thing penetrates faster and deeper, for protection the oil in WD40 is very light and dissipates quickly. WD40 is a hack tool. __________________ sj

14 May 2009, 03:23 AM	#25
newsboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: SS White Daytona Posts: 1,060	Get a Professional to do it

14 May 2009, 04:30 AM	#26
pdxrolex "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US Posts: 123	Petroleum based products rot rubber. WD-40 should not be used. Silicone based grease or Fomblin.

14 May 2009, 04:48 AM	#27
PeterT "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: England Watch: 16613 16710 16600 Posts: 1,021	This thread is spooky as I actually took delivery of some Fomblin UT 18 today for this very job. It had to be ordered from Switzerland and took 4 weeks to arrive. https://www.watchtool.co.uk/bergeon-...eeb7d87be68e7b I know it is good stuff as a few weeks ago I took one of my watches to Rolex London as I had a gritty crown thread. The lady at St James Square lubricated with Fomblin and all is now super smooth. This set me thinking as we have quite a few watches with screw down crowns and I thought time to buy some. I researched all over the place for somewhere to sell me just enough to do the job, with no joy. Just under £40 for 20g is expensive but the train fare down to London cost about £25. I thought buy it once, use it sparingly and keep it for years!! PeterT

3 May 2012, 11:59 PM	#28
gtronn "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: USA Posts: 1	I use ClickLube UT-18 for the o-rings, crown threads, gaskets, etc. It has the Fomblin UT-18 grease in it. Comes in a 5 gram click pen. It's very neat and easy to apply, no mess. Attached Images

4 May 2012, 12:04 AM	#29
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	a useful old thread brought back to life, thanks

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