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Old 1 May 2022, 01:20 PM   #1
Ascari_2
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Bringing an 1803 back to its glory

Hi all,

So I recently had a pleasure of working on a TRF member's 1803 DayDate, and I thought some of you might enjoy seeing where the process started and where it ended. Side note, I of course got his permission to post about his watch. 

Before seeing it in hand, we chatted a bit and I got my first impression of what the watch was about. Sounded like the movement was alive to some extent, but it wouldn't wind. So we made plans to have the watch dropped off and a few weeks later it was in my hands. 



As the watch was being dropped off, we decided to take a quick peek to see if there was anything obvious. Taking the case back off and giving the crown a wind revealed a likely issue. While the ratchet wheel would spin, it was clear that the mainspring was not gaining any tension. So it was likely that something was wrong inside the mainspring barrel. But interestingly enough, we also noticed quite a bit of what appeared to be black dust and it was obvious that one of the reverser wheels was substantially wobbling. 
 


Soon the breakdown began and as you can see from the pictures below the black dust was everywhere on the bottom side of the movement. But aside from that, the movement looked to be in good shape.















As parts came off, the culprit for the black dust was discovered. It seems that one of the pivots on the reverser basically disintegrated causing the resulting metal shavings to appear in the form of the dust particles. This also was the cause of the woddle that was seen earlier in the reverser.  With the disassembly continuing, it also became obvious why the watch wasn't winding ... a broken mainspring. 







Luckily all the issues, along with the dust, were kept to the back side of the movement and the dial side appeared relatively clean.  I was particularly glad to see the dial, hands, and day/date disks in excellent condition. The breakdown proceeded as planned and a bit later the watch was in pieces ready for a thorough cleaning and a careful reassembly.













Once cleaned (and replacement parts obtained) the movement was carefully put back together.







Since the watch didn't run when I received it I didn't have any indication as to how well it should run.  But as the balance assembly went back in and I saw the "heartbeat" for the first time, I was very excited to see a relatively strong amplitude even before applying oil to all necessary points.  Sure the movement was far from being regulated, but it was on the right track.



Applying the oil to where it needed to go and mostly finishing the assembly, the amplitude increased quite significantly into a very healthy range.





Dial and hands going back on, the watch is starting to look like it did during its glory days. 





And soon back in its original case and regulated, it's looking better and better.



In the end, the watch came back to life beautifully.  Daily wearing it, it was averaging under +1 sec/day and looked perfectly on the wrist.  It was a pleasure to work on this stunning piece and I'm glad the owner will be able to enjoy it for years to come.

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Old 1 May 2022, 01:28 PM   #2
zapokee
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Absolutely outstanding - great save! Thanks for posting and telling the story in such great detail. That dial is to die for with its grey/lilac sunburst effect. Also loving the creamy day wheel.

How are there not Olympic medals for this kind of dedicated, specialist work?

(Thought: The watch needs a nice 20-mm-width strap rather than that narrower one (19 mm?) that exposes the spring bars. )
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Old 1 May 2022, 01:44 PM   #3
Ascari_2
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Absolutely outstanding - great save! Thanks for posting and telling the story in such great detail. That dial is to die for with its grey/lilac sunburst effect. Also loving the creamy day wheel.

How are there not Olympic medals for this kind of dedicated, specialist work?

(Thought: The watch needs a nice 20-mm-width strap rather than that narrower one (19 mm?) that exposes the spring bars. )
Much appreciated. It takes a bit of patience and dedication, but seeing a mechanical watch come to life and be able to work as a daily piece is tremendous.

As far as a strap, it was one that matched the case looks-wise the most and served me well while I test-wore the watch for a few days. However, despite being 20mm, it was previously wedged (not by me) on a 19mm Zenith case. Hence being squashed below its intended width.
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Old 6 May 2022, 03:12 AM   #4
Isochronous
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(Thought: The watch needs a nice 20-mm-width strap rather than that narrower one (19 mm?) that exposes the spring bars. )
It's difficult to get the spring bars out with a 20mm leather strap.

Sad that Rolex won't service an 1800 any longer. They will run for another 50 years with no problem. The better watchmakers will make parts for these movements if necessary. They keep the "maker" in watchmaker alive and well.
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Old 6 May 2022, 03:57 AM   #5
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The polished lugs don’t look that bad but I would have wanted the original finish on it
I have a feeling that the watch was worn a lot of much of what you see is sleeve polish. Looking closely, there are remnants of the brushed finish closer to the bezel with that finish dissipating as you move towards the tips. Considering this is a family heirloom, I think the owner appreciates visible signs of wear that came before him.

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It's difficult to get the spring bars out with a 20mm leather strap.

Sad that Rolex won't service an 1800 any longer. They will run for another 50 years with no problem. The better watchmakers will make parts for these movements if necessary. They keep the "maker" in watchmaker alive and well.
I wouldn't worry about it much (at least not now). The 1556 movement is 95% your standard 15xx series movement, sharing the vast majority of its parts with Caliber 1570. With that, sourcing replacement parts if any were to be necessary should be rather easy as the 1570 movement was used in most of Rolex watches in the 60s and 70s. But with regular service and inspection these are robust watches that should last over generations.
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Old 1 May 2022, 01:40 PM   #6
Dr.Smellody
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Beautiful watch. Great job bringing it back!
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Old 1 May 2022, 02:23 PM   #7
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Excellent story and result with just enough detail to remind us why vintage Rolex is so cool.
Thanks for sharing!
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Old 1 May 2022, 06:10 PM   #8
rootbeer7
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Beautiful watch & incredible work.
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Old 2 May 2022, 12:33 AM   #9
TimeLord2
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I love a happy ending! Beautiful watch and excellent work!
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Old 2 May 2022, 01:12 AM   #10
TuRo
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Looks great after a professional gentle seeing too.
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Old 2 May 2022, 02:00 AM   #11
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Great stuff!
All of us DD fanboys appreciate you taking the time and trouble to photograph and describe this process.
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Old 2 May 2022, 03:40 AM   #12
Incroyable12
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That greyish dial looks gorgeous.
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Old 2 May 2022, 04:09 AM   #13
swish77
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Amazing! Thanks for sharing.
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Old 2 May 2022, 12:54 PM   #14
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Beautiful!
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Old 2 May 2022, 12:57 PM   #15
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Beautiful!
Sorry to quote myself.

In your opinion, is there an amplitude range or point for an 1803 at which point you would recommend a service?
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Old 2 May 2022, 01:53 PM   #16
Ascari_2
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I appreciate everyone's comments.

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Originally Posted by Slimpee View Post
Sorry to quote myself.

In your opinion, is there an amplitude range or point for an 1803 at which point you would recommend a service?
The 1803 used Rolex's caliber 1556 which was based on the venerable 1530 movement. Caliber 1530 served as a basis for a variety of 15xx movements all of which were used in the Date, DateJust, DayDate, Submariner, and GMT watches. In my opinion, a well running 15xx movement will be in the 260 degree amplitude or higher range, though if the balance staff is a bit worn, it might be difficult to get above the 250s. That said, you also want to see a fairly consistent graph without a rather notable variation in the slope. You also don't want to amplitude to drop too significantly when the dial is in the vertical position (i.e., crown facing up or lugs facing up). This is where the various pivots in the watch come in greater contact with the jewels, and thus there is greater friction.
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Old 2 May 2022, 04:02 PM   #17
Slimpee
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I appreciate everyone's comments.



The 1803 used Rolex's caliber 1556 which was based on the venerable 1530 movement. Caliber 1530 served as a basis for a variety of 15xx movements all of which were used in the Date, DateJust, DayDate, Submariner, and GMT watches. In my opinion, a well running 15xx movement will be in the 260 degree amplitude or higher range, though if the balance staff is a bit worn, it might be difficult to get above the 250s. That said, you also want to see a fairly consistent graph without a rather notable variation in the slope. You also don't want to amplitude to drop too significantly when the dial is in the vertical position (i.e., crown facing up or lugs facing up). This is where the various pivots in the watch come in greater contact with the jewels, and thus there is greater friction.
That’s very helpful! Thank you!
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Old 2 May 2022, 06:17 PM   #18
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Very good photos
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Old 3 May 2022, 12:23 AM   #19
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Ascari_2

Thank you for such dedicated craftsmanship. The progress photos along the way and the detailed analysis of different aspects of the watch not only gave me confidence that you knew what you were doing, but also sparked an interest in me to start getting into horology. This is not an ordinary watch to me, as it was handed down two generations and I hope to do the same for my kids. Keeping it in lasting condition is without saying extremely important, and Im just so happy you were able to give it the love it needed. It is keeping almost perfect time. I can't say enough good things about the experience, and if any of the members on here ever need servicing, advice or perhaps looking to buy a time piece, I hope they can be assured they will receive good care from you.

To all the members on the forum that commented on my first post with advice and input, thank you! If not for coming here I don't think I could've had the same experience that I did. This forum rocks and I will continue to post updates from time to time. Take care everyone!
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Old 4 May 2022, 12:35 PM   #20
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To all the members on the forum that commented on my first post with advice and input, thank you! If not for coming here I don't think I could've had the same experience that I did. This forum rocks and I will continue to post updates from time to time. Take care everyone!
As if the watch head itself weren't cool enough, now you bust out that amazing bracelet! Anybody know what that's called? Something French, probably.
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Old 27 May 2024, 07:05 PM   #21
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Ascari_2

Thank you for such dedicated craftsmanship. The progress photos along the way and the detailed analysis of different aspects of the watch not only gave me confidence that you knew what you were doing, but also sparked an interest in me to start getting into horology. This is not an ordinary watch to me, as it was handed down two generations and I hope to do the same for my kids. Keeping it in lasting condition is without saying extremely important, and Im just so happy you were able to give it the love it needed. It is keeping almost perfect time. I can't say enough good things about the experience, and if any of the members on here ever need servicing, advice or perhaps looking to buy a time piece, I hope they can be assured they will receive good care from you.

To all the members on the forum that commented on my first post with advice and input, thank you! If not for coming here I don't think I could've had the same experience that I did. This forum rocks and I will continue to post updates from time to time. Take care everyone!
Was searching up information regarding 1803's on the forum and came across this beauty. I absolutely love the bracelet! These custom ones in addition to Rolex's Florentine one really pique my interest.
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Old 3 May 2022, 05:34 AM   #22
Gregorylausch
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Stunning watch.
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Old 3 May 2022, 07:56 AM   #23
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Absolutely stunning. Great post.
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Old 3 May 2022, 08:29 AM   #24
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Lovely watch & great work!
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Old 3 May 2022, 12:50 PM   #25
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Amazing work, my jaw dropped when I saw the final product.
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Old 3 May 2022, 07:57 PM   #26
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Awesome post. Thanks for taking the time.
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Old 3 May 2022, 10:07 PM   #27
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Great Story, it's comforting to know there are watchmakers who still have the skills and passion such as you.

And to the owner, that is a really sweet piece.

Chris
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Old 4 May 2022, 04:12 AM   #28
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That is amazing.
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Old 4 May 2022, 04:36 AM   #29
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Really nice looking watch and I'm happy it's getting the love it deserves. Good job OP and thanks for sharing.
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Old 4 May 2022, 04:48 AM   #30
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How does this work, the date window changes as well each day?
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