16610 movement noise

[R1@160@alltimes]

Bought my M serial 16610 as NOS back in 2009 and it is my daily beater. I recently started noticing some minor grinding noise inside the movement when I swirl the watch around.

Anyone had similar experiences? Could it be time for service?

[padi56]

It could be just the rotor pendulum swinging noise you are hearing or something simple like a loose screw, but if not properly serviced the main Achilles heel in the 3135 movement and its clones is the rotor shaft bearings. And IMO its the 3 series movements weakest link the rotor winding sleeve bearings. Now these need proper lubrication and its very critical its done right,if it drys out you will get severe wear in the bearing jewels.Looks like to me, Rolex has sacrificed a bit in the engineering department,for better winding efficiency. IMO the small diameter winding post don't offer enough support to the rotor weight, but again some go on for decades without service, but many fail for the lack of.But myself believe the ball bearing winding rotor will be introduced in the all the Rolex movements in near future.

[Nissanzx1]

I had a similar issue with a 3135 powered Datejust recently. A screw had worked loose and was causing noise inside the movement...

GH

[azguy]

Time to have it looked at, RSC in the city would be your best bet...

[richard371]

Had this happen to a sub many years a ago. Took it to RSC and the jewel bearing was broken.

[rmfnla]

Since it is out of warranty I suggest sending it to an independent like Vanessa:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=70528

[timuS]

I second Padi's observation...it must be taken to an RSC before the rotor grinds too much into the movement plate

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by padi56

It could be just the rotor pendulum swinging noise you are hearing or something simple like a loose screw, but if not properly serviced the main Achilles heel in the 3135 movement and its clones is the rotor shaft bearings. And IMO its the 3 series movements weakest link the rotor winding sleeve bearings. Now these need proper lubrication and its very critical its done right,if it drys out you will get severe wear in the bearing jewels.Looks like to me, Rolex has sacrificed a bit in the engineering department,for better winding efficiency. IMO the small diameter winding post don't offer enough support to the rotor weight, but again some go on for decades without service, but many fail for the lack of.But myself believe the ball bearing winding rotor will be introduced in the all the Rolex movements in near future.

Spot on Padi.

[R1@160@alltimes]

I appreciate all insightful replies. Time to find a local skilled watchmaker with a Rolex parts account.