GMT II gaining 4 sec/day

[numbsy]

Hello,

My gmt II is gaining about 4 seconds per day.
I don't mind it but should I be concerned/have it serviced? ( It was last serviced in 08 )

Thanks! :)

[FlyingMoose]

My LV has varied between -3.6 and +6.4 per day (weekly average).

[nauticajoe]

No need. Its within COSC specs. Try lying it on its side at night.

[Mockingbird]

If it's within COSC specs don't bother. Honestly, I gave up on accuracy tests a long time ago. It's just not what watch ownership is about in the end. You're guaranteed to worry and second-guess yourself all the time. I just decided to save myself that trouble, and I'm completely content as long as it doesn't have absurd readings that are noticeable like +30 or 45 seconds a day.

[The Waddler]

I had a similar issue. I rang the service centre in St. James', London and was told that their margin is between -4secs to +6secs. That's from Rolex themselves and this was Tuesday!

Hope that helps.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Mockingbird

If it's within COSC specs don't bother. Honestly, I gave up on accuracy tests a long time ago. It's just not what watch ownership is about in the end. You're guaranteed to worry and second-guess yourself all the time. I just decided to save myself that trouble, and I'm completely content as long as it doesn't have absurd readings that are noticeable like +30 or 45 seconds a day.

Have to agree with Charlie you guys make me smile with wanting spot on accuracy from any mechanical watch.And the OP just gaining 4 seconds a day considering the escapement of any 28000BPH mechanical watch in 24 hours pushes the gears 432,000 times. Since a day has 86,400 and only 4 seconds out and watch is only showing 99.996% accuracy what more could anyone ask from any mechanical watch..

The COSC Spec when testing the bare uncased movement,with no winding rotor or dial or hands.Special ones are fitted at COSC and the COSC test is a AVERAGE of between -4 + 6 over 24 hours.

[Mystro]

+4 seconds is o.k. Its not great but not terrible.

[Watch Professor]

I wouldn't

[RRGHOST1]

It does not bother me about how accurate to spec my Rolex is,and padi56 is spot on here. Even if your watch gains or loses a couple of minutes a day, does it really matter, just correct it, its not that difficult. My GMT runs my quartz Citizen pretty close and for a mechanical watch its incredible. People get so hung up on this accuracy thing, no wonder it makes the likes of padi56 smile, it makes me too.

[zak98]

within cosc specs just fine.. but a bit out of rolex's "superlative chronometer..." designation.. but would not worry about it at all!!!!

enjoy a great watch!

[sakuraba]

I wouldn't regulate if it's within COSC. You should be ok.

[NorthernPike]

After regulation at RSC Toronto my LV is better than excellent. I last set it May 23. For close to a month it varied less than a second. For whatever reason, it gained a bit after that. Its now at plus 5, (That's total; Not per day) but that hasn't changed for about a week now.
Amazing accuracy is attainable.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by zak98

within cosc specs just fine.. but a bit out of rolex's "superlative chronometer..." designation.. but would not worry about it at all!!!!

enjoy a great watch!

A Swiss chronometer is a Swiss chronometer and if the movements are a certain size are tested to the same standard no matter what the brand.And a Superlative chronometer is no better than any other swiss tested chronometer.

A chronometer certificate is not a guarantee of future accuracy only a certification of the bare movement tested at the COSC at that time of testing. Watch movements that have been certified can get out of adjustment and perform quite poorly and have to be regulated.Most movements that were not certified could still exceed the COSC standards with just simple regulation.Many of the manufacturers may have simply chosen to bypass the expense of the certification process at COSC its quite expensive to test every single movement. But today the COSC is little more than a pure marketing tool and means little in actual performance only the fact its been tested.

The term "Superlative Chronometer" is a now trademark of Rolex. The addition of the word "Superlative" in front of the official designation of Chronometer, is merely a Rolex marketing ploy angle, to give it a more distinguished sound to the chronometer status of their products, in other words complete bullsh#t. As all watches that have earned the privilege of bearing the official Swiss designation of Chronometer have to meet the exact same C.O.S.C. standards. Any words added before or after the official designation of Chronometer are merely marketing and bullsh#t, which Rolex sometimes can be very good at.There are not any different grades or levels of chronometer certification,but Rolex would like you to think there is.Likewise the wording Certified Chronometer also means nothing different than just plain Chronometer,its a redundant phrase word,since getting Chronometer status is the certification, the certified is just more complete bullsh#t to make it sound better.

The European DIN 8319 and Japanese equivalent are to a far higher standard than the now very antiquated Swiss COSC . The Din standards as stated in the regulation consists of a 15-25 day monitoring period for each mechanical watch in the following positions very similar to the Swiss test crown left, crown up, crown down, dial up and dial down.Tested at temperatures from 8c-38c,the average daily variation cannot be more than five-seconds.The Swiss COSC could go up to 10 seconds in the first 10 days of testing.And DIN test the movement is tested inside its real case rather than inside a temporary case for later installation like Swiss COSC.

The DIN tested movements must endure the environmental and positional tests without losing more than 4 seconds, or gaining 6 seconds, per day.And normal DIN standards are -2 +4 seconds over 24 hours Swiss COSC -4+6.Fact today 90% of all movements submitted to the Swiss COSC and Rolex is the biggest contributor pass this antiquated test first time.

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by Mockingbird

If it's within COSC specs don't bother. Honestly, I gave up on accuracy tests a long time ago. It's just not what watch ownership is about in the end. You're guaranteed to worry and second-guess yourself all the time. I just decided to save myself that trouble, and I'm completely content as long as it doesn't have absurd readings that are noticeable like +30 or 45 seconds a day.

Spot on Charlie!

[TempoKing]

For a Rolex this (?) is considered "perfect" time keeping.

[Ken Cox]

My 1986 GMT II has consistently gained a small but different amount of time after each servicing.

It presently gains exactly 4.8 seconds a day, when averaged out over a week or a month.

I reset it when it gets two minutes fast.

My watchmaker says he can regulate it closer to zero if I send it back to him, but, I don't like not having my Rolex.

Following the servicing before this latest one, my GMT Master II gained 1.5 seconds a day, exactly, day in and day out.

I don't like a watch that loses time, but I find anything between zero and +6 more than acceptable.

[robsteve]

Originally Posted by numbsy

Hello,

My gmt II is gaining about 4 seconds per day.
I don't mind it but should I be concerned/have it serviced? ( It was last serviced in 08 )

Thanks! :)

If you get it serviced at Rolex Canada, they set them up to +4 sec a day as their standard. I was looking at some paperwork that came back with my wife's watch and this is what was on the note that came back from service.

Robert

[springbar]

Originally Posted by rolexplorer2

It does not bother me about how accurate to spec my Rolex is,and padi56 is spot on here. Even if your watch gains or loses a couple of minutes a day, does it really matter, just correct it, its not that difficult.

In another thread there's a discussion of the SubC vs. GMC-IIc in which the titular complication of the GMT (the 24-hour hand) is overlooked, another where Daytona owners admit to never using the chrono feature, and now we're invited to agree that accuracy in a wristwatch doesn't matter.

What, so long as Rolex spells their name right on the dial, we're happy?

Regarding regulation: it should be possible to eliminate all fixed error, leaving only random error. If your watch varies between, say, +3 and +4 seconds daily, you should be able to tweak that to -0.5 to +0.5.

[numbsy]

Thanks for all the replies TRF! :)

[Chipmunk]

Originally Posted by Mockingbird

If it's within COSC specs don't bother. Honestly, I gave up on accuracy tests a long time ago. It's just not what watch ownership is about in the end. You're guaranteed to worry and second-guess yourself all the time. I just decided to save myself that trouble, and I'm completely content as long as it doesn't have absurd readings that are noticeable like +30 or 45 seconds a day.

x2 A very accurate statement, Charlie.

[NorthernPike]

Originally Posted by robsteve

If you get it serviced at Rolex Canada, they set them up to +4 sec a day as their standard. I was looking at some paperwork that came back with my wife's watch and this is what was on the note that came back from service.

I dropped mine off and picked it up personally and never saw such notation on my paperwork. I posted a pic of my receipt in an earlier thread. From my limited experience with Swiss watchmakers, I believe they usually regulate a watch to a little on the plus side, maybe 1 or 2, believing that a fast watch is better than a slow one. When I left my Sub with them I told them that belief, and specifically and clearly requested that the watch be set to Zero. I was told that my request would be passed on to the watchmaker. Apparently, it was.

I concur with springbar's opinion regarding regulation.

[learningtofly]

Here it from the horse's mouth...

[robsteve]

Originally Posted by NorthernPike

I dropped mine off and picked it up personally and never saw such notation on my paperwork. I posted a pic of my receipt in an earlier thread. From my limited experience with Swiss watchmakers, I believe they usually regulate a watch to a little on the plus side, maybe 1 or 2, believing that a fast watch is better than a slow one. When I left my Sub with them I told them that belief, and specifically and clearly requested that the watch be set to Zero. I was told that my request would be passed on to the watchmaker. Apparently, it was.

I concur with springbar's opinion regarding regulation.

It was a little insert in the repair box, not on the invoice. This was about five years ago that it was serviced.

Robert

[paverman]

Originally Posted by springbar

In another thread there's a discussion of the SubC vs. GMC-IIc in which the titular complication of the GMT (the 24-hour hand) is overlooked, another where Daytona owners admit to never using the chrono feature, and now we're invited to agree that accuracy in a wristwatch doesn't matter.

What, so long as Rolex spells their name right on the dial, we're happy?

Regarding regulation: it should be possible to eliminate all fixed error, leaving only random error. If your watch varies between, say, +3 and +4 seconds daily, you should be able to tweak that to -0.5 to +0.5.

I have to agree with this statement. While I'm not obsessed with exact precission, isn't that what makes these high end pieces special, and for that matter worth the price? It's the engineering, precision and finishing that seperate the high end manufacturers from the average. If accuracy doesn't matter in a $5000 - $10,000 time piece, I guess I'm missing something.
My 2 cents.

[Mockingbird]

Originally Posted by paverman

I have to agree with this statement. While I'm not obsessed with exact precission, isn't that what makes these high end pieces special, and for that matter worth the price? It's the engineering, precision and finishing that seperate the high end manufacturers from the average. If accuracy doesn't matter in a $5000 - $10,000 time piece, I guess I'm missing something.
My 2 cents.

You're confusing the luxury and premium markets, Rolex is in the luxury market which is more focused on advertising and brand image. If you want a well tested and accurate watch go buy a Jaeger or PP. Don't buy a Rolex which are tested to be between -4 and +6 and then complain about accuracy.

[springbar]

Originally Posted by Mockingbird

You're confusing the luxury and premium markets, Rolex is in the luxury market which is more focused on advertising and brand image. If you want a well tested and accurate watch go buy a Jaeger or PP. Don't buy a Rolex which are tested to be between -4 and +6 and then complain about accuracy.
_____________
What are you listening to right now?http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=129041
The collection: IWC Mark XVI (my new baby), Jaeger LeCoultre Master Geographic SS, Omega PO 42mm Rubber Strap ,Omega SMP Black 41 mm, Omega Speedmaster Pro (Moon Watch), Omega Deville Prestige YG, Rolex Submariner 14060M, Rolex GMT Master II Black Bezel (sadly sold), Rolex Air King, Tag Heuer Aquaracer, Breitling B01 Chronograph, and hopefully many more!

If you actually believe in these made-up categories, why are you sad to have sold your Rolex GMT-Master II? Were you bowled over by a particularly well-done Rolex advertisement?

[watchluvr4ever]

My current Datejust runs about 6 seconds fast per day but really as long as it is within COSC specs I don't really mind.

[Mockingbird]

Originally Posted by springbar

If you actually believe in these made-up categories, why are you sad to have sold your Rolex GMT-Master II? Were you bowled over by a particularly well-done Rolex advertisement?

I never said that I myself want perfect accuracy or testing, I loved my GMT because of its design, features, history and utility in addition to its dashing aesthetics. Rolex does belong to the luxury market though, which is actually the market I prefer myself. If I wanted to, instead of my collection I could own a PP, the truth is though, that in SPITE OF the brandname and marketing I love Rolex's designs and engineering.

I've never been a large fan of advertising, just pointing out that if you really want perfect accuracy from a mechanical, either buy a Seiko or move to the premium market.

But there is really no denying that hierarchy in the luxury market is determined by marketing, and that's Rolex's strongpoint. In the 60s Omega was the king of the luxury market, but they almost went under during the quartz crisis, a period of time that Rolex used to emphasize "Swiss Made" and other such devices that got them to be #1 in the general public's eyes. (these devices can be attributed to for saving the Swiss watch industry)

[tgoose1]

Well, I mind if my watch is not running within a couple seconds or less. Hell, I have 50-60 year old pocket watches that easily beat COSC standards. Most Rolex watches, in excellent working condition and adjusted by a professional watchmaker, can be tuned within (+ or -) one second/24-hours. For best results, establish a local relationship with a good watchmaker who you can revisit post regulation for fine tuning if necessary to attain desired results. I've done this with multiple Rolex watches with great results. This is not brain surgery for a competent/trained technical with the proper tools. I ran into a retired friend who had been given a DateJust for 25 years of service, and I noticed he was still wearing his DJ and inquired about it. He said it was the worst watch he had ever owned, but continued to wear it going on 14 years now primarily because of corporate memories and what it stood for. I inquired why he felt it was an inferior watch, and he said "because it gains 12 seconds every day and has for the past 13 plus years". I told him he had an extremely accurate watch, just needs a technician to regulate it, probably to within a second or two. He replied that he did not know it was adjustable!

[paverman]

Originally Posted by Mockingbird

You're confusing the luxury and premium markets, Rolex is in the luxury market which is more focused on advertising and brand image. If you want a well tested and accurate watch go buy a Jaeger or PP. Don't buy a Rolex which are tested to be between -4 and +6 and then complain about accuracy.

I really don't believe that I'm confussing anything, and as I stated, I'm not particularly hung up on extreme accuracy. I never complained about accuracy of -4 to +6 seconds. I do , however, expect a high priced watch, luxury or premium, to be accurate. I own many different brands, including PP, AP, Vacheron, JLC, Panerai and several Rolex models and while they're all examples of quality workmanship and impecable detail, they are watches, timepieces. I for one am drawn to collecting these pieces for one, because of the engineering and workmanship that goes into a mechanical piece. They're truley amazing works. If accuracy isn't important, strap on a really fancy, well marketed sundial.