Is it time to service my D serial Sea-Dweller?

[roadcarver]

I recently started to wonder whether I will need to service my Sea-Dweller. I googled the 3135 cal movement and I found this interesting artcile in TZ.

http://people.timezone.com/mdisher/a...135/3135_1.htm

It may perhaps be time to service my beloved SD even though it has not noticeable issues in time keeping. It is probably best to bring my SD to the trusted RSC in Toronto for it's date with the spa? However the old saying goes if it is not broken, don't fix it.

However the bearing less rotor is what worries me.

Any of you regularly service your Rolex every 5 yrs?

[swissautopro]

Have you timed your watch recently? You will get a ton of opinions, and here is the first. I don't even consider service until mine begins to run fast, beyond +6. If you are still within COSC, you are OK IMHO. However, if you begin losing amplitude, your watch will begin gaining time, and it will be time for a service. My Daytona goes in next week. But definitely not to RSC.

[smallcandle]

Agreed that you will get plenty of opinions. Kind of like going to a vehicle forum and asking what kind of oil everyone is running... I typically go by the manufacturers recommendations.

[Z-Sub]

if it works fine then I would not especially if you rotate your watch and not putting it on winder.

I rotate mine and each watch gets less than a month of wrist time if that much except a couple "daily" wearers.

[topofk2]

Save your $$ if you can. If it ain't broke.... remember?

[Lagunatic]

if it is not broken, don't fix it

[azguy]

Time it

[stockae92]

i think the movement will keep on going for a long time.

the only thing that would concern me is the water proof-ness

i would just have the watch pressure test, and if it pass, then more wrist time.

if you don't dive or swim with the watch often, then i would service it every 10 yr or if the timing is off, whichever comes first.

just my $0.02. and none of my Rolex is 10 yr old yet :p

[withthesword]

preventive maintenance is just that. i liken the 5yr maintenance plan to taking care of my car. if i have to wait till something is horribly wrong with my car to get it fixed, it's too late.

a very minor (read cheap) problem caught early on could prevent a major (read expensive) problem later down the road.

Best Regards,

Matte

[roadcarver]

Thanks all for the suggestions and insights. I am currently timing it and I'll see what timing I get in the 24 hr period.

So far after ~ 6hrs it is still spot on referencing http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/... wow!

[Friedl41]

I am so glad about this tread ... i was about to ask the same question ,,, my sea-dweller is spot on and I had not have it serviced since i bought it in 2001 .. i always told myself ... how much better can it be if it is already close to perfect ... better don't touch it ... i had my 5513 serviced ,,, not because of the time keeping, because of power reserve ... when i wore it during the week it was fine ... but on the weekends, when i slept 2 hrs longer ,,, it stopped ,,, after the service is was like "new" (i followed the advice of Bucherer Basel at that time, who told me not to changes anything ... no hands, no dial, no faded bezel ...thanks god i listened....

[roadcarver]

Update: So after 36 hrs of synching with the GMT site, my SD is running spot on. I got my answer, no need to service it yet.

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by roadcarver

I recently started to wonder whether I will need to service my Sea-Dweller. I googled the 3135 cal movement and I found this interesting artcile in TZ.

http://people.timezone.com/mdisher/a...135/3135_1.htm

It may perhaps be time to service my beloved SD even though it has not noticeable issues in time keeping. It is probably best to bring my SD to the trusted RSC in Toronto for it's date with the spa? However the old saying goes if it is not broken, don't fix it.

However the bearing less rotor is what worries me.

Any of you regularly service your Rolex every 5 yrs?

Now and then I discuss the need and type of service with a couple of Rolex watchmakers that helps me out with my watches. They are both Rolex Geneva trained, and to summarize what we have been talking about:

* If you have a daily wearer, it is well worth checking out and lubricating the rotor axle every 3-4 years. This is the most sensitive part of the movement. I had the rotor axle replaced and lubricated on one of my watches some time ago. It took a day, and the cost was some USD 100. Included in that cost was also replacement of the rivets keeping the rotor weight in place, and adjustment of the jewels through which the axle passes/sits. Just checking the axle with some lubrication will most certainly cost less.

* Service interval for a daily wearer is still recommended every five years, but the consensus was that if the watch is running fine, it is OK to wait a couple of more years.

* Watches in rotation: Should be used at least every or every second month for some time to ensure that oils are kept and distributed correctly. Due to the change of viscosity of oils it is worth bringing them in for service every 8:th year.

* Pressure test every year if diving. Every second year otherwise.

So:

* Daily users: Check the rotor axle/lubricate after 3-4 years. Service after 5-8 years.
* Rotational use: Wind them at least once a month. Service every 8th year.
* Pressure test every second year (at least).

Some of my personal experiences:

* Had my 14270 serviced after eleven years of pretty much daily use. Was running within COSC, and passed pressure test, but the crystal gasket had cracks and the rotor axle was worn with the rotor touching the main plate.
* Had my wifes Date serviced after ten years of daily hard wear. Everything was in good shape! (Caliber 2235 - one of the best calibers ever!).
* Had a NOS (truly a safe queen) 20 year old DJ checked out last year. The oils around the rotor axle had dried - or rather the viscosity had changed too much. The watch was within 2 seconds a day, but using it unserviced would dramatically increase wear. Had it cleaned and lubricated. Gaskets where dry so they were all replaced.
* Replaced a dial on a watch that left Geneva five years ago... No need for movement service. Yet.
* Checked out an M serial Ex II recently (on it's fourth year). No need for service.

One thing to remember is that the mainspring of a Rolex is very strong, so it will keep the watch running although there may be poor lubrication in the gear train. That is why we see Rolexes running without service for 20 years.

My personal choice is to have watches checked out regularly (3-5 years depending on rotation), not necessarily have them serviced at that time, and pressure test every second year. It is easy for me, having several Rolex trained watchmakers in my home town.

Best,

A