Skydweller rotor noise... help

[skdweller]

hello All, my first post here and happy to be a new member. I recently purchased a Used Rolex Skydweller from an AD in Maryland and as I wear the watch more and more I 've noticed a very loud almost grinding noise coming from what I believe is the rotor when I move my arm rather fast. I've reached out to this authorized dealer and even sent him a video of the noise coming from this watch. he says it is normal as the new bearing config of the 90001 movement/rotor. they also mentioned that bc of the larger 42mm case the noises will be more prominent.
he says that if it is keeping time correctly , which it is, it is best not to open it for service, but he is happy to take it back for a look inside.
I just don't buy this reply from them. I have a sub, a date just, and a pelagos tudor and they are all very smooth and quietly running. please let me know your opinions as I am gutted and disappointed from my most admired rolex… the skydweller!

BTW is there a way to upload a quick video of what the watch sounds like here?

thank you all in advance

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by skdweller

hello All, my first post here and happy to be a new member. I recently purchased a Used Rolex Skydweller from an AD in Maryland and as I wear the watch more and more I 've noticed a very loud almost grinding noise coming from what I believe is the rotor when I move my arm rather fast. I've reached out to this authorized dealer and even sent him a video of the noise coming from this watch. he says it is normal as the new bearing config of the 90001 movement/rotor. they also mentioned that bc of the larger 42mm case the noises will be more prominent.
he says that if it is keeping time correctly , which it is, it is best not to open it for service, but he is happy to take it back for a look inside.
I just don't buy this reply from them. I have a sub, a date just, and a pelagos tudor and they are all very smooth and quietly running. please let me know your opinions as I am gutted and disappointed from my most admired rolex… the skydweller!

BTW is there a way to upload a quick video of what the watch sounds like here?

thank you all in advance

What you're hearing is pretty normal for the movement now that Rolex is incorporating ball bearing mounted rotors in their designs.

Believe me, there are noisier and much noisier automatic winding movements out there but it's a feature unfortunately

Your most viable options are to get used to it, go with a Rolex with a 31xx movement or older vintage Rolex if it has to be a Rolex.
Alternately, get a quartz watch or an exclusively manual wind watch.
There's loads of choice out there now that you are becoming aware of something you think may be an issue for you

[Tools]

For decades Rolex used a solid axle and captive jewel bushing because it was absolutely quiet, and one of Rolex hallmarks.

People complained that they were stuck in the dark ages and needed to upgrade to ball bearing rotors!!!!

Now that they have, people are complaining about the noisy new rotors.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Tools

For decades Rolex used a solid axle and captive jewel bushing because it was absolutely quiet, and one of Rolex hallmarks.

People complained that they were stuck in the dark ages and needed to upgrade to ball bearing rotors!!!!

Now that they have, people are complaining about the noisy new rotors.

Right

[Mystro]

It shouldn’t be that audible so much as you can feel it spin on the bearings. They all do it AP, Omega, Panerai, etc... The protocol for any rotor or main spring question is to do a power reserve test. Simply wind it 6o times and sit the watch down and keep track how many hours until it stops. Rotor noise is a good as it means the rotor is free spinning and winding the watch with your wrist movements. Sounds like a bunch of flees playing castanets inside the case.
A modern movement with rotor bearings not feeling the rotor is usually a sign of trouble.

[Jpccarguy]

Originally Posted by Mystro

It shouldn’t be that audible so much as you can feel it spin on the bearings. They all do it AP, Omega, Panerai, etc... Rotor noise is a good as it means the rotor is free spinning and winding the watch with your wrist movements.
A modern movement with rotor bearings not feeling the rotor is usually a sign of trouble.

The noise and feeling the rotor spin also applies to my GS spring drive. Odd at first, after having a 3135 DJ, but not distracting.

[horseShu]

My experiences with: rolex 3135 and 3185, omega co-axial 8500, and seiko 4R35.

seiko is the noisiest rotor. the 8500 and 3185 are pretty quiet.
looks like i need to see this new ceramic ball-bearing rotor of Rolex for myself.

[Agoloz]

A video will be good to demonstrate how loud the noise is so a comparison can be done.

[skdweller]

Originally Posted by Agoloz

A video will be good to demonstrate how loud the noise is so a comparison can be done.

here's a quick vid

[Agoloz]

Originally Posted by skdweller

here's a quick vid

That don't sounded right. Better have it check to prevent any further damage.

[JamieDm4]

Guarantee you it's not as loud as my Breitling Old Navitimer with the valjoux 7750 movement. Sounds like a chainsaw cranking up every flick of the wrist.

[minhc88]

My skydweller us very quiet.. no matter how vigorous I move my wrist.

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

[skdweller]

Originally Posted by minhc88

My skydweller us very quiet.. no matter how vigorous I move my wrist.

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

I was just curious; do you wear yours daily? thanks!

[minhc88]

Originally Posted by skdweller

I was just curious; do you wear yours daily? thanks!

No I don't. Doesn't get too much wrist time recently.

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

[David5807]

Originally Posted by minhc88

My skydweller us very quiet.. no matter how vigorous I move my wrist.

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

Same here, I've never heard mine making any loud noises.

[TruthBalance]

Just had a comparable noise start coming from my 5 digit Sub Date. Have sent to RSC for service. Will report when I hear back from them.

[skdweller]

quick vid for review

[brotherlouie]

Originally Posted by skdweller

quick vid for review

That does not sound right at all.. get that looked at, could lead to more serious damage in the future.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by skdweller

quick vid for review

That watch is sick. No doubt about it. If the dealer is being equivocal about it I would get it straight to a Rolex RSC and worry about the dealer later.

[casadecamporolex]

My SkyD is no different sounding than any of my other watches.
Does it operate with full function?

[skdweller]

Originally Posted by casadecamporolex

My SkyD is no different sounding than any of my other watches.
Does it operate with full function?

the watch works with very good time keeping (5 seconds slow in 2 weeks) and all the other gmt functions and calendar spot on. but the stone rateling is killing me

[supernova]

How old is the watch? I had a loud rotor grinding in my 8 year old 116710 and brought it to my AD who sent it to RSC. Needed a service and came back perfect and quiet. Quite sure there shouldn't be an audible sound from the rotor especially a grinding noise.

[skdweller]

Originally Posted by supernova

How old is the watch? I had a loud rotor grinding in my 8 year old 116710 and brought it to my AD who sent it to RSC. Needed a service and came back perfect and quiet. Quite sure there shouldn't be an audible sound from the rotor especially a grinding noise.

It was first sold in 2015, and it shows as barely worn. So less than 5 years old.

[Vinnee]

My Submariner is very quiet, regardless how.i move my hand.

[D.P.G.]

No matter how hard I try I can't hear the rotor or an ticking on my new GMT Master ll yet it runs perfectly and winds it self very well. No I don't have a hearing problem I get tested yearly as a job requirement and my last test was in March.

[wilsonpepper]

On my Skydweller, the rotor made noise too, so I dropped the watch off at Beverley Hills RSC.

They told me that they discovered "micro" metal shavings in "the movement", and that HDQ wanted the watch sent back to Europe so they could examine with microscope to determine what failed.

Took six weeks for me to get my watch back from Rolex. They told me that the "movement" was replaced (not repaired).

This was last year I think October 2019.

On my wrist right now, and no noise at all. Dead silent, no rotor ball bearing "feel" as some have described above, just smooth silence, the same as the rest of my 16 Rolexes in my collection.

Also FYI I do have a Hublot Big Bang Skeleton, and it does have the ball bearing rotor "feel" and noise. I loaned it to a friend and after a week they gave it back to me because "it made funny noises" !!

[skdweller]

Originally Posted by wilsonpepper

On my Skydweller, the rotor made noise too, so I dropped the watch off at Beverley Hills RSC.

They told me that they discovered "micro" metal shavings in "the movement", and that HDQ wanted the watch sent back to Europe so they could examine with microscope to determine what failed.

Took six weeks for me to get my watch back from Rolex. They told me that the "movement" was replaced (not repaired).

This was last year I think October 2019.

On my wrist right now, and no noise at all. Dead silent, no rotor ball bearing "feel" as some have described above, just smooth silence, the same as the rest of my 16 Rolexes in my collection.



Also FYI I do have a Hublot Big Bang Skeleton, and it does have the ball bearing rotor "feel" and noise. I loaned it to a friend and after a week they gave it back to me because "it made funny noises" !!

thank you for this info!!! I'm hoping that I resolve this issue with the ppl I bought this used item from. I'm really hoping to keep it as both an investment and a collector's item.
It seems that Rolex had a bad batch or run on the SD models. more people should post about their issues .

[Moondoggy]

Interesting, mine too makes a noise when I move my wrist quickly back and forth, however it certainly is not a grinding noise it is more of a very light whistle sound, which I believe is the ball bearing rotor.
This only happens when I do move my wrist quickly back and forth.

I cannot open that link, buy good luck with it and keep us posted.

Cheers

[notchview]

Never heard a peep from my SkyD.

[Moondoggy]

Originally Posted by notchview

Never heard a peep from my SkyD.

What year is yours?

Also for me it takes a certain effort to hear the whistle, I would never hear it otherwise.

Put the watch to your ear while on your wrist, flip it back and forth say 90deg (12 o'clock to six o'clock angle)......hear anything?