what if your new rolex could not be opened at service time?

[timelord]

I usually post in the watch tech section of this forum as most of my interest is tehcnical. I had a strange experience when I opened the case back of my 16610 submariner which I purchased mint some years ago while still under warranty. As with two other late model Oyster models the datejust and airking, I noticed both had some white grease around the threads which I assumed to be fomblin grease to lubricate the threads. However, my submariner did not seem to have any lubricant around the threads which could have been a human error at factory assembly.

OK, this is not such a big issue, but have recently learnt of galling of threads on stainless steel models which in laymans terms causes the case back to cold weld and becomes impossible to open, which is prevented by the application of this fomblin grease. In my situation I was lucky as it wasn't fused and even if it is a rare situation, it does happen with all sorts of threads.

However, what would happen if someone in a similar situation had purchased a new rolex and took it in for it's first service at the end of warranty to any RSC and it could not be opened? I wonder if the RSC would hold the customer responsible to pay for a new case?

[kilyung]

Yup. You'd be in for a new case back and full service at a minimum.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by timelord

I usually post in the watch tech section of this forum as most of my interest is tehcnical. I had a strange experience when I opened the case back of my 16610 submariner which I purchased mint some years ago while still under warranty. As with two other late model Oyster models the datejust and airking, I noticed both had some white grease around the threads which I assumed to be fomblin grease to lubricate the threads. However, my submariner did not seem to have any lubricant around the threads which could have been a human error at factory assembly.

OK, this is not such a big issue, but have recently learnt of galling of threads on stainless steel models which in laymans terms causes the case back to cold weld and becomes impossible to open, which is prevented by the application of this fomblin grease. In my situation I was lucky as it wasn't fused and even if it is a rare situation, it does happen with all sorts of threads.

However, what would happen if someone in a similar situation had purchased a new rolex and took it in for it's first service at the end of warranty to any RSC and it could not be opened? I wonder if the RSC would hold the customer responsible to pay for a new case?

If a very small word with a big meaning myself being around Rolex for well over 30 years, have not heard of one single case of any watch case that could not be opened.

[timelord]

Originally Posted by padi56

If a very small word with a big meaning myself being around Rolex for well over 30 years, have not heard of one single case of any watch case that could not be opened.

check out his reply 22 December 2011 in http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=209068 where he had a GMT 16750 which had to have the case back cut open as it had fused (galled being the correct term)

[timelord]

Originally Posted by padi56

If a very small word with a big meaning myself being around Rolex for well over 30 years, have not heard of one single case of any watch case that could not be opened.

check out his reply 22 December 2011 in http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=209068 where he had a GMT 16750 which had to have the case back cut open as it had fused (galled being the correct term)

The issue is that it would be a defect at manufacturing level if it were to happen to a new watch going in for it's very first service

[Tools]

The issue is not one of having grease on the threads.. It's one of over-tightening the case back that will cold-fuse threads from deformation. Caseback torque is only 45 inch pounds. Also, a case that has corrosion will "fuse" if left for years....

Not having a bunch of white grease on the threads is seldom an indication that they were never lubed, whereas visible grease may more be an indication of too much grease used... Threaded fasteners only need a film.

It is more likely that you are seeing residue from coating the o-ring with fomblin as much as it may be any use of it on the threads..