Winding backwards - okay for every Rolex?

[willski]

Hi all,

I know (believe) the myth of winding backwards harming a watch stems from old grandfather and wall clocks' gears not disengaging, and it is okay to wind backwards on modern Rolex.

However, does this apply to ALL Rolex (e.g. including bubble backs), or is it only after a certain reference/time period that it's okay?

Thank you.


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[R.W.T.]

Don't worry. It is a ratchet situation it is designed to do that. It won't hurt anything as long as the stem is properly lubricated.

[77T]

Here's a diagram as just an example that I pulled from Internet quickly (credited on pic).
Not directly harmful as you can see the teeth are beveled to allow stem to slip in one direction and engage in the opposite direction.
The indirect issue would be long-term wear on the very top edge of each tooth if you were ocd and did this for hours each day...

[willski]

Thanks for the information. Was not 100% sure this applied to all vintage Rolex as I'm not as familiar.


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[offrdmania]

Moving hands backwards only hurts old free standing and wall clocks along with pre 20th century pocket watches that use a key to wind