Top 3 myths on TRF

[ThatSubGuy]

1. If a watch isn't worn for 10 years, you don't need to service it. (Buying NOS, or keeping a watch in a safe).

Wrong.

A mechanical watch needs oils/lubricant for all moving parts. This ensures they run friction free and don't cause any wear when metal grinds against metal. Even if lubricants/oils aren't being used, they still dry out. Depending on the oil used this would typically be anywhere between 3-8 years.

Getting the watch serviced includes re-lubricating all moving parts inside.

Will the watch still work if you don't service it? Sure, it could possibly run for another 10+ years or more. Is it advisable? No. It would just lead to higher service cost for needing to replace more internal parts due to increased wear. Other things like accuracy and power reserve also becomes questionable. Not to mention the waterproof rating if seals have dried up.

Just because "RandomGuy" online says it's not necessary and his watch still runs fine after 20 years, doesn't mean he is right and that you also don't need to.

2. Leaving your watch in a winder will cause excessive wear to the movement.

Wrong.

Of course not. Your watch is made to be worn, not just "sometimes" but ALL the time. They have been on the wrists of marines in battle, been through mud, in firefights, through swamps, ran thousands of miles, climbed mount everest and whatever else you could think of.

Unless your watchwinder vibrates more than a Sybian or spins at 10,000 RPM it will NOT cause more wear than wearing it on your wrist, as it was intended. In all likelihood it will probably cause less wear because it doesn't have to endure even wilder motions your arm makes throughout the day, or random bumps when you slam your arm against the wall/door.

If you are servicing your watch following the recommended schedule, there's no danger in having your watch on a winder 24/7.

It can only be "bad" for the movement if the watch has gone past its service schedule. (Back to myth #1)

3. Waitlists

There is no such thing as a waitlist as that would imply if you wait long enough it will eventually become your turn.

If the AD doesn't think giving you a 'hot model' would direct further business to their store, you most likely won't get one. You could still be "lucky", but how things are looking right now it's going to be hard to buy a desired piece and without purchase history the SA must have a strong impression that you're a future spender.

What's better than selling to a customer? Having that same customer return for more.

If you're in the market for a one and only "dream watch" which happens to be the SS Daytona, go buy it at a premium from a grey-market dealer. No AD will sell you one, regardless of how long you 'wait'. Unless you during this waiting time regularly go and buy other expensive items from his store.

The AD is much better off giving any incoming pieces to clients that have purchased big ticket items from their store and who will continue to do so out. He doesn't need to sell it to "Joe" that randomly comes in from the street. For him (if he is lucky) there's a 36mm Datejust MOP with a Diamond Bezel in the window.

If you've gotten a 'hot model' without any purchase history, then either:

* The AD must think you could be a good future customer.
* The model is actually not as hot as you think it is. They've simply run out of 'good' customers and now they're picking randomly from the bottom feeders list.
* You've been extremely lucky and the SA was in a good mood.

Enjoy your Tuesday guys.