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CAPDSSD · 1 November 2011, 04:50 AM

....on this forum and on the internet in general for a definitive answer to the question: What is (are) the o-ring material (s) in a Rolex?

Some suggestions have been Nitrile and Viton. Seems like EPDM might be a candidate.

The name Viton (a fluoroelastomer) shouldn't be used without the little circle R since it is proprietary. It is excellent at chemical resistance but not as good as some other compounds in sealing (under certain situations).

Rubber compounding is art and science and there are many and varied compounds labeled generically as EPDM or Nitrile (Buna-N), as well as the fluoroelasomers.

So if multiple compounds are used in our watches, what are they (generically) and in what application are they used? Do all watches use the same material?

316lad · 1 November 2011, 04:56 AM

Ummmmmm!

Tools and Padi and others will be along shortly I'm sure to answer your question but a more descriptive title would better "lay the bait" for them to come and feed, and, in doing so avail you of their incredible knowledge on these technical matters.

dooder202 · 1 November 2011, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPDSSD

....on this forum and on the internet in general for a definitive answer to the question: What is (are) the o-ring material (s) in a Rolex?

Some suggestions have been Nitrile and Viton. Seems like EPDM might be a candidate.

The name Viton (a fluoroelastomer) shouldn't be used without the little circle R since it is proprietary. It is excellent at chemical resistance but not as good as some other compounds in sealing (under certain situations).

Rubber compounding is art and science and there are many and varied compounds labeled generically as EPDM or Nitrile (Buna-N), as well as the fluoroelasomers.

So if multiple compounds are used in our watches, what are they (generically) and in what application are they used? Do all watches use the same material?

Rags · 1 November 2011, 05:31 AM

ersnyder · 1 November 2011, 05:48 AM

I would think Neoprene as it has a wide range of resistance but still soft enough for a good seal. One of our "resident watchmakers" ought to be along soon to give the truth!

Johny · 1 November 2011, 06:42 AM

a very interesting subject.

mrbill2mrbill2 · 1 November 2011, 07:08 AM

I do not know, but I would go with nitrile.

CAPDSSD · 2 November 2011, 12:18 AM

Well, I guess there is a reason I didn't find much in my search.

Maybe this is highly proprietary.

Or maybe no one really cares?

CAPDSSD · 3 November 2011, 12:40 AM

Sorry to bump. It won't happen again.

Below is the most I've been able to find on the subject (anywhere), but the information is still vague.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...-ring+material

My curiosity stems from a background of dealing with material properties. My MSME degree was materials based. Fourteen years at a pump company made me familiar with o-rings and the materials of which they are made.

O-rings are not simply gaskets (as I've seen the term used, even in Rolex literature). In a properly sized gland, they become a reactive seal, i.e., the higher the pressure, the better they seal. I'm pretty sure Rolex uses them as reactive seals.

So the next factor, after sizing of the gland, is the material. We don't want the seal drying out and cracking (due to loss of plasticizers and other lubricants). It can't shrink or swell over its life (due to interaction with chemicals with which it may come into contact). Crown o-rings need to be able to resist abrasion.

These tiny seals are pretty important to all Rolex watches, especially the depth-rated ones.

So what are they made of?

OK. I'm done.

1 November 2011, 04:50 AM	#1
CAPDSSD Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Huntington Bch CA Posts: 258	I have searched..... ....on this forum and on the internet in general for a definitive answer to the question: What is (are) the o-ring material (s) in a Rolex? Some suggestions have been Nitrile and Viton. Seems like EPDM might be a candidate. The name Viton (a fluoroelastomer) shouldn't be used without the little circle R since it is proprietary. It is excellent at chemical resistance but not as good as some other compounds in sealing (under certain situations). Rubber compounding is art and science and there are many and varied compounds labeled generically as EPDM or Nitrile (Buna-N), as well as the fluoroelasomers. So if multiple compounds are used in our watches, what are they (generically) and in what application are they used? Do all watches use the same material?

1 November 2011, 05:31 AM	#4
Rags 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chuck Location: SW Florida Watch: 16233,16610,214270 Posts: 11,196	__________________ 16233 Y Serial Datejust 16610 Z Serial Submariner 214270 Explorer *114300 Oyster Perpetual* *76200 Tudor Date+Day*

1 November 2011, 06:42 AM	#6
Johny "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: john Location: Scotland Watch: sub 16610Lv Posts: 13,523	a very interesting subject. __________________ "AFTER DARK" BAR AND NIGHT CLUB GM.

1 November 2011, 07:08 AM	#7
mrbill2mrbill2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Mr. Bill Location: South Florida Watch: 16610 Posts: 6,148	I do not know, but I would go with nitrile. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of the Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons - ID # 13

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1 November 2011, 04:56 AM	#2
316lad "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: UK Posts: 1,642	Ummmmmm! Tools and Padi and others will be along shortly I'm sure to answer your question but a more descriptive title would better "lay the bait" for them to come and feed, and, in doing so avail you of their incredible knowledge on these technical matters.

1 November 2011, 05:48 AM	#5
ersnyder 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Eric Location: Long Beach CA USA Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 4,102	I would think Neoprene as it has a wide range of resistance but still soft enough for a good seal. One of our "resident watchmakers" ought to be along soon to give the truth!

2 November 2011, 12:18 AM	#8
CAPDSSD Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Huntington Bch CA Posts: 258	Well, I guess there is a reason I didn't find much in my search. Maybe this is highly proprietary. Or maybe no one really cares?

3 November 2011, 12:40 AM	#9
CAPDSSD Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Huntington Bch CA Posts: 258	Sorry to bump. It won't happen again. Below is the most I've been able to find on the subject (anywhere), but the information is still vague. http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...-ring+material My curiosity stems from a background of dealing with material properties. My MSME degree was materials based. Fourteen years at a pump company made me familiar with o-rings and the materials of which they are made. O-rings are not simply gaskets (as I've seen the term used, even in Rolex literature). In a properly sized gland, they become a reactive seal, i.e., the higher the pressure, the better they seal. I'm pretty sure Rolex uses them as reactive seals. So the next factor, after sizing of the gland, is the material. We don't want the seal drying out and cracking (due to loss of plasticizers and other lubricants). It can't shrink or swell over its life (due to interaction with chemicals with which it may come into contact). Crown o-rings need to be able to resist abrasion. These tiny seals are pretty important to all Rolex watches, especially the depth-rated ones. So what are they made of? OK. I'm done.

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