Unworn 2008 GMT - Service

[rmwill]

Hi, I just acquired an unworn safe queen ceramic GMT from 2008. Seems to be running about 5 seconds fast per day. Given the length of time it it sat, should I send it for service? Should I wear it for a few weeks and see if it improves? Thanks!

[e dantes]

Give it some time. +5 seconds is still pretty darn good, and even within specs for 2008 model.

[CFR]

Even if it doesn't improve, I wouldn't get it serviced. +5 sec/day would be fine with me. And quite frankly, I'd be kicking myself if I got it back from servicing and it was running at even -1 sec/day. I'd much rather have it running fast than even a little bit slow: With any movement that hacks, I prefer to avoid having to adjust/align the minute hand. I also hate being without the watch for 1-3 months, especially when I know nothing is actually broken and it's not grossly inaccurate. But that's just me, and others might say get it serviced.

[rmwill]

I can live with 5 seconds/day. I was just wondering about lubricant breakdown over time.

[214270Explorer]

Get it serviced when it starts giving trouble, or the time-keeping drastically changes.
They were using pretty good lubricants by 2008.

As a matter of fact, my year 1987 OPD (worn maybe 1/3 the time) was not serviced until 2016 and all it needed was general clean/re-timing service plus new seals. And they ALWAYS replace the old barrel spring as a matter of preventive maintenance on any older watch. As the spring gets weak, the watch tends to start gaining time (not what you were normally seeing as far as time-keeping.)

Your watch seems fine for now. Enjoy !!

[FTX I]

I would. Faster than you could say cucamonga.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I would. Faster than you could say cucamonga.

I'm curious why you would do that - That watch is running fine.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

I'm curious why you would do that - That watch is running fine.

Fair question. I'm on the preventive camp I think if that makes sense. Also i'm friends with my watchmakers and I always find excuses to visit them. However, in this case I'm sure I'd service it to prevent wear on the movement. Im not sure all the oils are fine (as far as I know they use a couple different ones depending on the part) so I'd send in no doubt. Better safe than sorry I guess.

[TheVTCGuy]

Looks like I am going against the popular vote in this thread but I WOULD definitely get it serviced. The oils were good by 2008 but they are 12 years old. Bas, or someone else will hopefully chime in but oils do dry, I would want it serviced and make sure everything is at optimum performance.

BTW Congrats on a great find!

[VonSomething]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Looks like I am going against the popular vote in this thread but I WOULD definitely get it serviced. The oils were good by 2008 but they are 12 years old. Bas, or someone else will hopefully chime in but oils do dry, I would want it serviced and make sure everything is at optimum performance.

BTW Congrats on a great find!

This guy nails it. Definitely get it serviced, those oils are dried up. Synthetic oils usually last 3-7 years.

The latest oils Rolex use are good for 9-12 years (why service intervals are suggested every 10 years now). Not sure which oils were used in 2008 but pushing on 12 years it's up for a change.

[rmwill]

Thanks for the great advice. Inevitable followup question: Use the RSC or an independent watch maker? I have read another recent thread about RSC alternatives, and I would ideally like to find someone local to patronize. I am in the Detroit area. Thanks again!

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by vonsomething

this guy nails it. Definitely get it serviced, those oils are dried up. Synthetic oils usually last 3-7 years.

The latest oils rolex use are good for 9-12 years (why service intervals are suggested every 10 years now). Not sure which oils were used in 2008 but pushing on 12 years it's up for a change.

+1.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by VonSomething

This guy nails it. Definitely get it serviced, those oils are dried up. Synthetic oils usually last 3-7 years.

The latest oils Rolex use are good for 9-12 years (why service intervals are suggested every 10 years now). Not sure which oils were used in 2008 but pushing on 12 years it's up for a change.

Not really.
Rolex oil doesn’t dry up
My wife’s DJ from 2000 received it’s first service in 2020. No additional worn parts, just a regular service sufficed and only because it was running too fast.
I have another one running without service since 1998, still going strong as well.

I pressure test my own watches and have never had a seal failed either on any of my 8 Rolex.

Only service if they play up, 5, 10, 15 years don’t matter one bit.
5 seconds fast per day is perfectly fine and in itself no valid reason for a service

[Wigwag]

Originally Posted by joli160

Not really.
Rolex oil doesn’t dry up
My wife’s DJ from 2000 received it’s first service in 2020. No additional worn parts, just a regular service sufficed and only because it was running too fast.
I have another one running without service since 1998, still going strong as well.

I pressure test my own watches and have never had a seal failed either on any of my 8 Rolex.

Only service if they play up, 5, 10, 15 years don’t matter one bit.
5 seconds fast per day is perfectly fine and in itself no valid reason for a service

I've witnessed Rolex watches with bone dry escapements within 2 years of manufacture.

Sounds like you've been lucky!

[VonSomething]

Originally Posted by joli160

Not really.
Rolex oil doesn’t dry up
My wife’s DJ from 2000 received it’s first service in 2020. No additional worn parts, just a regular service sufficed and only because it was running too fast.
I have another one running without service since 1998, still going strong as well.

I pressure test my own watches and have never had a seal failed either on any of my 8 Rolex.

Only service if they play up, 5, 10, 15 years don’t matter one bit.
5 seconds fast per day is perfectly fine and in itself no valid reason for a service

You are wrong. Synthetic lubrication will dry up and evaporate at some point. When that happens it will add friction and wear on pivots /gears. That will eventually cause metal sheering.

Rolex didn't magically invent a synthetic oil with an unlimited life span. If lubrication didn't dry up, Moebius synthetic oils wouldn't have limited shelf life of anywhere between 2-8 years for their products.

Not getting your watch serviced in the intervals recommended will lead to more tear and wear on the components which then eventually will need to be replaced. Definitely more costly than having a quick re-lubrication done.

I'm sure I could also drive my car for several years without changing the engine oil and it will run perfectly fine - right up until the point it doesn't and I'd need to replace engine components.

[Wigwag]

Originally Posted by VonSomething

You are wrong. Synthetic lubrication will dry up and evaporate at some point. When that happens it will add friction and wear on pivots /gears. That will eventually cause metal sheering.

Rolex didn't magically invent a synthetic oil with an unlimited life span. If lubrication didn't dry up, Moebius synthetic oils wouldn't have limited shelf life of anywhere between 2-8 years for their products.

Not getting your watch serviced in the intervals recommended will lead to more tear and wear on the components which then eventually will need to be replaced. Definitely more costly than having a quick re-lubrication done.

I'm sure I could also drive my car for several years without changing the engine oil and it will run perfectly fine - right up until the point it doesn't and I'd need to replace engine components.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by VonSomething

You are wrong. Synthetic lubrication will dry up and evaporate at some point. When that happens it will add friction and wear on pivots /gears. That will eventually cause metal sheering.

Rolex didn't magically invent a synthetic oil with an unlimited life span. If lubrication didn't dry up, Moebius synthetic oils wouldn't have limited shelf life of anywhere between 2-8 years for their products.

Not getting your watch serviced in the intervals recommended will lead to more tear and wear on the components which then eventually will need to be replaced. Definitely more costly than having a quick re-lubrication done.

I'm sure I could also drive my car for several years without changing the engine oil and it will run perfectly fine - right up until the point it doesn't and I'd need to replace engine components.

The car analogy is not really valid if you look at wear and tear influenced by combustion temperatures.

The newest 32.. series movements I don’t expect to run for 10 years or more looking at the lubrication problems on so many of them for which is still no fix afaik. Some of them needed a full service when they were still smelling new.

Our old trusted 31.. series trusted workhorses are a different breed.

Extra charges when servicing those movements outside the intervals remains a big question mark and is perhaps more the exception than the rule.
Many examples on TRF where watches have run decades trouble free.
Besides, typical wear parts i.e. mainspring are replaced standard anyway as part of the service and are already included in the service costs.

Nothing against premature service but nothing to gain either. One thing we do know for sure is that you will be without your watch for two months and that is unbearable

To each their own

[Rori]

I was watching this video on YouTube just a couple of hours ago and he says that an unworn watch that has been sitting in the safe will need servicing as the oils coagulate and affect the movement...

https://youtu.be/aRzimFa7Cbs


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[rmwill]

The guy in the video is holding it :)

[rmwill]

Seller took much better photos than I :)

[THC]

How about some pics of this queen ?

[rmwill]

Need to post a few more times to embed links :)

[rmwill]

Coming soon.

Originally Posted by THC

How about some pics of this queen ?

[Watchsama]

Sounds a little bit risky. I think I would have sent it in

[csaltphoto]

I was in a similar position with my safe queen purchase. It looked new inside and out but was +10/day and upon inspection the lubricants were dried up.

I used an independent since all it needed was lube/seals/mainspring. If I had been wearing it steadily for 10 years I might go with RSC/Indie with parts account.

[Bladeshot]

Needs a service. Nice find!

[faz]

I would have it serviced. Just for peace of mind. Need not go to RSC, an independent local to you perhaps.


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[TheVTCGuy]

Great pics and find! As for whom to take it to, it’s really your choice, however you feel more comfortable. I kind of agree with the couple posts that recommend an REPUTABLE independent. We are lucky to have one in my city that is exceptional, I am sure you could find one in Detroit; maybe with the help of this forum.

PS. Cranbrook, class of 79.

[Onikage]

I wouldn't put that under the knife either. Maybe if it's going to be your hard user. It would go into my rotation as is. And nothing would be sheering off or grinding away.

[THC]

Outstanding OP ..