Query re lubrication

[strafer_kid]

Just wondered if there is a need to apply a tiny amount of lubrication to threads on exterior of winding tube or below bezel for ease of movement. Have never seen it specifically referred to and perhaps it a non starter? Any thoughts guys?

[smallcandle]

No.

[Mandalay]

Just asked the same question on the tech forum. Great minds think alike.

[Tools]

White Lithium grease is used on the Crown Tube threads.. (trade name Fomblin)

[Sub13]

As my father once said, "any oil you can see is just attracting dirt".

Service as required and dont fix what isn't broken.

[Mandalay]

Originally Posted by Tools

White Lithium grease is used on the Crown Tube threads.. (trade name Fomblin)

Thanks Tools. Just put some on and the difference is night and day. I appreciate all your help.

[Joearch]

Originally Posted by Mandalay

Thanks Tools. Just put some on and the difference is night and day. I appreciate all your help.

Where does one obtain Fomblin?

[wctm68]

Spray some WD-40 on it. Make sure you apply a lot to really work it in the grooves...

[2ar2c1]

a bit of a brush with an old toothbrush, then a touch of lubricant and the crown screws down like butter.

[Mandalay]

Originally Posted by Joearch

Where does one obtain Fomblin?

I just used a high grade Lithium grease. Fomblin is just the trade name (and very expensive). Can be purchased on the internet or probably Home Depot or Lows. It took me very very very little. A speck did it for me.

[Mandalay]

Originally Posted by wctm68

Spray some WD-40 on it. Make sure you apply a lot to really work it in the grooves...

I thought you were smoking something and then I saw you were from Hawaii and knew it.

[strafer_kid]

Guys

Much obliged for the advice!

[cop414]

Interesting thread. If one were to grease the threads on the stem would it be okay to use any white lithium grease or should be be the fomblin brand, that stuff is pretty pricey.

[Doug T]

I would take it in to a certified Rolex dealer if there was a problem screwing down the crown. If I was to lubricate it myself, I'd be concerned about using anything that would attract dust or dirt.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Doug T

I would take it in to a certified Rolex dealer if there was a problem screwing down the crown. If I was to lubricate it myself, I'd be concerned about using anything that would attract dust or dirt.

Good point Doug but I'm wondering if a speck of grease on those threads would circumvent something becoming a problem in the future... also once the crown is screwed down the threads as well as any lubricant on them are not exposed to any dirt.
Don't know why I'm even wondering since I only pop the crown on my Sub every month or so to give a wind and reset the time every 3 months...

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by cop414

Good point Doug but I'm wondering if a speck of grease on those threads would circumvent something becoming a problem in the future... also once the crown is screwed down the threads as well as any lubricant on them are not exposed to any dirt.
Don't know why I'm even wondering since I only pop the crown on my Sub every month or so to give a wind and reset the time every 3 months...

Hey Tim,
I would skip the DIY grease job. Never had a problem in 35+ years with crown threads wearing prematurely.

[subtona]

Wd 40= nooooooooooooooo

As far as bezel, cleaning it occasionally is all thats needed, mostly giving it a good roation under water (always being sure crown is in closed position)
In rare instances if bezel gets really gunkked up, remove it and give its parts a wipe.

[ViperB]

Originally Posted by cop414

Good point Doug but I'm wondering if a speck of grease on those threads would circumvent something becoming a problem in the future... also once the crown is screwed down the threads as well as any lubricant on them are not exposed to any dirt.
Don't know why I'm even wondering since I only pop the crown on my Sub every month or so to give a wind and reset the time every 3 months...

It should not be a problem. I had a white gold President service by the Rolex Service Center and it had the white grease on the tube when I got it back. I wasn't sure that was on purpose and called Rolex. Was told maybe the watchmaker put a little more then needed but no big deal. That if it bother me to just wipe it off with a Q-tip or sent it back to Rolex.

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by wctm68

Spray some WD-40 on it. Make sure you apply a lot to really work it in the grooves...

dont do it ,,, wd40 is tragic stuff ok round the farm i guess , but even then there is better out there , it has no uses round watches at all.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Cc1966

Hey Tim,
I would skip the DIY grease job. Never had a problem in 35+ years with crown threads wearing prematurely.

Yep, def a if it aint broke kinda thing I guess.

[dysondiver]

next thing is contact with o rings , ,,, i use crystolube , oxygen safe lube for viton and rubber ,, but thats just getting silly , if you were that worried , draw a couple of lines up the threads with a pencil , dry graphite ,,,
this pencil is starting to wear a bit now , its been used in a few threads in the last week , and i dont mean stem threads ,,,lol

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by cop414

Interesting thread. If one were to grease the threads on the stem would it be okay to use any white lithium grease or should be be the fomblin brand, that stuff is pretty pricey.

Not on the stem but the crown tube threads.

[DJJon]

I am under the assumption these screw threads are designed for gall-free operation without lubrication. Matter of radius of curvature on male threads and mating patterns. Rolex tolerances and machining are superb so it should be child's play for them.

Since these threads bear no force and the elastomer seals provide the water resistance, it should be good for years without lubricants. The crown and crown tube are replaceable at service time.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by DJJon

I am under the assumption these screw threads are designed for gall-free operation without lubrication. Matter of radius of curvature on male threads and mating patterns. Rolex tolerances and machining are superb so it should be child's play for them.

Since these threads bear no force and the elastomer seals provide the water resistance, it should be good for years without lubricants. The crown and crown tube are replaceable at service time.

As was mentioned, the Threads come from the factory with Fomblin grease and any CW21 Rolex watchmaker will likely lube them as a matter of course during a service. The o-ring seal is also greased.

Of course, anybody can clean the lube off their threads if it bothers them, just as anybody who wants them lubed can do so as well.......

[DJJon]

Thanks Tools. Appreciate the info. - you do know your Rolex mechanical stuff !

[77T]

If you have many watches and want to apply Fomblin to the stem threads DIY - then this old thread is helpful: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=193188

Otherwise your regular watchmaker might simply do it gratis...

Yes, the branded watch lubes are expensive but I've learned that other case lubes for watches (ahem, http://www.esslinger.com/kt-22-micro...tchmakers.aspx) will perform equally well...