Used Rolex – No Service History – When to take it in?

[FourPack]

Just picked up a used Yachtmaster from a well trusted seller on the forum. Watch works great, and as far as I can tell, has not lost any time noticeable time in a week. The watch is a 2002 but must have been polished as it looks really nice. I asked the seller about this a few times and he referred to the performance of the watch on his timer. He said it was a +3 and A=260. I’m not 100% sure what that means.

In any case, I have a wonderful used watch that keeps great time. I was wondering if anyone would share their opinion on when to send the watch in for preventative maintenance service?

Thanks!
FourPack

[Cc1966]

If it is a "new" Rolex to me, here's what I go by: If over 7 years old and with no service history known ~ I do a service to set the baseline. Otherwise, I wait...Good luck and congrats on your "new" YM!

[cstone28]

My experience, but I'm by no means an expert.

I picked up a 1996 Explorer II and had it authenticated before I bought it. The AD who authenticated it said that there was no service history on the watch. The watch kept excellent time and I likely wouldn't have had it serviced but it wasn't watertight and I needed that for this watch.

[Jake B]

A refers to amplitude and is measured in degrees...in simple terms how many degrees the balance wheel is turning. 260 is not bad, but not fantastic. A newly serviced watch will usually have an amplitude in the dial up position in the approx range of ~ 300 degrees. At around 200, I consider the watch to be in definite need of a service.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by FourPack

Just picked up a used Yachtmaster from a well trusted seller on the forum. Watch works great, and as far as I can tell, has not lost any time noticeable time in a week. The watch is a 2002 but must have been polished as it looks really nice. I asked the seller about this a few times and he referred to the performance of the watch on his timer. He said it was a +3 and A=260. I’m not 100% sure what that means.

In any case, I have a wonderful used watch that keeps great time. I was wondering if anyone would share their opinion on when to send the watch in for preventative maintenance service?

Thanks!
FourPack

If no service history then I would advise to have watch serviced sooner than later.After service you will have peace of mind that all is well plus watch will have a full two year Rolex warranty.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by FourPack

. . . He said it was a +3 and A=260. I’m not 100% sure what that means. . . .
FourPack

A=260, as mentioned is Amplitude, or how many degrees the hairspring rotates, in this case 260 degrees. This is on the slightly low side.

A low amplitude means that the hairspring is not fully oscillating (swinging) back and forth which results in a slightly fast running watch. A shorter swing is completed more quickly than a longer swing (say 300 degrees).

The hairspring receives an impulse from the end of the pallet lever. In other words, the hairspring balance wheel is "pushed" by this small piece which gets it's power from the mainspring.

So, a low amplitude could mean an unwound watch, a weak mainspring, or lack of lubrication at the pallet fork, or lack of lubrication at the balance itself..

All of these are indicators of the need for a good cleaning, oiling and adjustment and, at more than a decade of use, it is certainly the time for it..