Types of rubber used with Rolex seals

[SpicyMikey]

Here's a strange question but I want to know since I deal with some caustic chemicals sometimes. Easy solution is to keep my watch away from such chemicals, but that still doesn't satisfy the curiosity!

Any of our experts know more specifically what materials are used for these various O rings, gaskets, etc, in a newer rolex? Certain it is not natural rubber, but what type of synthetic rubber do they use? Butyl, Neoprene, EPDM, Silicone, etc. Thanks!

[fsprow]

They are fluoropolymer. Viton is one brand name. Extremely resistant to corrosion, chemical attack, heat and cold.

[yoniman]

Originally Posted by fsprow

They are fluoropolymer. Viton is one brand name. Extremely resistant to corrosion, chemical attack, heat and cold.

Will a dab of WD40 help maintain the outer gasket of the crown?
Just asking haven't...


It's just all about health, happiness & family. The rest are just necessary inconvenience we have to deal with.

[fsprow]

[QUOTE=yoniman;10588208]Will a dab of WD40 help maintain the outer gasket of the crown?
Just asking haven't...


NO, WD40 will just attract dirt.

[SpicyMikey]

Originally Posted by fsprow

They are fluoropolymer. Viton is one brand name. Extremely resistant to corrosion, chemical attack, heat and cold.

Thanks! I tried to do some searches but nothing really specific comes up. Even when trying to order parts. No material details

Mike

[Bruce_Wayne]

Here is a link to various chemicals and O-ring chemical compatibility. Not always straight forward by sayings an O-ring is resistant to all acids or all caustics. I would recommend that when you are handling whatever caustic material, you are using proper PPE. If it is not convenient to remove your watch, make sure it is covered.

https://www.aceglass.com/html/3dissu...e/download.pdf


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[SpicyMikey]

Originally Posted by Bruce_Wayne

Here is a link to various chemicals and O-ring chemical compatibility. Not always straight forward by sayings an O-ring is resistant to all acids or all caustics. I would recommend that when you are handling whatever caustic material, you are using proper PPE. If it is not convenient to remove your watch, make sure it is covered.

https://www.aceglass.com/html/3dissu...e/download.pdf


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Thanks that's a good document! As I suspected Viton is not really the best option for these gaskets. I wonder why rolex chose to use this material for seals

Mike

[padi56]

Originally Posted by SpicyMikey

Thanks that's a good document! As I suspected Viton is not really the best option for these gaskets. I wonder why rolex chose to use this material for seals

Mike

Simply because it's worked well over the past 20 plus years on countless millions of Rolex watches without problems, if I remember Rolex uses both Viton and Nitrile seals that can be slightly lubricated with Fomblin grease where needed like say on crown tube but a tiny amount.

[18078pres]

wd 40 extracts moisture so don't use it on anything rubber. Silicone is good for rubber.

[SpicyMikey]

Originally Posted by padi56

Simply because it's worked well over the past 20 plus years on countless millions of Rolex watches without problems, if I remember Rolex uses both Viton and Nitrile seals that can be slightly lubricated with Fomblin grease where needed like say on crown tube but a tiny amount.

True. And chemical resistance is certainly not the only important quality. Resistance to repeated compression and release for the crown seal for example. I guess it would be foolish to second guess their decision on material choices

Mike

[padi56]

Originally Posted by SpicyMikey

True. And chemical resistance is certainly not the only important quality. Resistance to repeated compression and release for the crown seal for example. I guess it would be foolish to second guess their decision on material choices

Mike

In the real world today how many would even think of putting any watch near any chemical hazard that could damage the watch or harm the owner,so there is no need for any second guess on any decision. As Rolex has used the proper W/R material for use by anyone one that has plain common sense.That is to stay well away from any harmful material that could harm the owner or the watch.

[SpicyMikey]

Originally Posted by padi56

In the real world today how many would even think of putting any watch near any chemical hazard that could damage the watch or harm the owner,so there is no need for any second guess on any decision. As Rolex has used the proper W/R material for use by anyone one that has plain common sense.That is to stay well away from any harmful material that could harm the owner or the watch.

Agree. But what if it's unintentional and unwitting?

Have you ever noticed that your answers are often snarky. Why is that? There's way too much of that on here (in my opinion) but as a moderator I just think you should hold yourself to a higher standard and use a less condescending tone. But maybe that's just me.

Mike

[padi56]

Originally Posted by SpicyMikey

Agree. But what if it's unintentional and unwitting?

Have you ever noticed that your answers are often snarky. Why is that? There's way too much of that on here (in my opinion) but as a moderator I just think you should hold yourself to a higher standard and use a less condescending tone. But maybe that's just me.

Mike

Can assure its just you.

[SpicyMikey]

Originally Posted by padi56

Can assure its just you.

Have to say I'm not surprised you said that. I'm sure you think it's never you. Im sure you feel theres no need to be reflective of someone else's opinion. Best of luck to you


Mike

[SpicyMikey]

Originally Posted by Bruce_Wayne

Here is a link to various chemicals and O-ring chemical compatibility. Not always straight forward by sayings an O-ring is resistant to all acids or all caustics. I would recommend that when you are handling whatever caustic material, you are using proper PPE. If it is not convenient to remove your watch, make sure it is covered.

https://www.aceglass.com/html/3dissu...e/download.pdf


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Hey Bruce Wayne, Thanks again for that link. It can be useful for other things as well. Heres another pretty good site that does the same in a more interactive way. Definitely bookmarked it for general purpose use in the future. Check it out.

https://www.customadvanced.com/chemi...nce-chart.html

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by padi56

Can assure its just you.

I have always found Peter’s comments to be extremely helpful and well informed. He has, on occasion, put me in my place which I probably deserved! He has strong opinions but they’re based on a great deal of experience.

[Nelson6]

One thing I'm curious about is the seals being exposed to concentrated UV, such as what you get with cell phone sterilizers. It seem to me this might be a great way to sterilize you watch without harming it. Anybody know?

[SpicyMikey]

Originally Posted by Nelson6

One thing I'm curious about is the seals being exposed to concentrated UV, such as what you get with cell phone sterilizers. It seem to me this might be a great way to sterilize you watch without harming it. Anybody know?

I know my AD is using something like that right now as they begin accepting jewelry and watches in for service here in Florida. The new reality I guess.

Mike

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Nelson6

One thing I'm curious about is the seals being exposed to concentrated UV, such as what you get with cell phone sterilizers. It seem to me this might be a great way to sterilize you watch without harming it. Anybody know?

UV is detrimental to gasket integrity. It’s not something to worry too much about if you just wear your watch outside on a sunny day. But I wouldn’t make a habit of leaving a watch under a UV lamp for months on end.

The occasional exposure (a couple of minutes once a week say) will probably amount to the difference in gasket deterioration between the watch of somebody who lives in Florida compared to somebody who lives in Scotland.

[Robf52]

Don't clean with an ammonia solution; Viton has very poor chemical resistance to ammonia.

[jim.cannataro]

Originally Posted by SpicyMikey

Thanks that's a good document! As I suspected Viton is not really the best option for these gaskets. I wonder why rolex chose to use this material for seals

Mike

Having serviced dozens of vintage Seikos I can tell you exactly why Rolex uses viton. The crystal gasket of old seiko sports watches was made with viton. They also used regular rubber gaskets for the caseback and crown gaskets. When you disassemble the watch the caseback gaskets are completely hardened like plastic. They just crack and fall apart. The crystal gasket which is Viton is like new. It's soft and still doing its job.

This is why Rolex uses this material. The gaskets will do their job for decades (50+ years if maintained) rather than 5 years or so with rubber. This is very important as most people don't service their watches regularly.

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