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Old 16 March 2015, 12:26 PM   #1
Shore Guy
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No Maintenance in 28 1/2 Years

I purchased my Rolex SS OP (ND) new in November 1986 and have never had it cleaned, oiled, or adjusted ever. The watch when purchased gained about 7 seconds/day as I recall and now averages about 15 seconds/day gain.

I reset it every week about 50 seconds behind. Thus it's off by no more than 50 seconds during the week which is good enough for me.

I consider it a really good tool watch which I have worn every day during the last 28.5 years except for a 3 week hospitaliztion and recovery. It is my only watch. I have never worn it in the water.

Any comments?

Last edited by Shore Guy; 16 March 2015 at 01:53 PM.. Reason: Title should read: No Maintenance in 28.5 Years
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Old 16 March 2015, 01:30 PM   #2
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Nice. I would regulate it.
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Old 16 March 2015, 01:39 PM   #3
boywondergq1
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Thanks for sharing. We'd love to see a picture of it.
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Old 16 March 2015, 01:41 PM   #4
Shore Guy
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Sorry, don't have a camera.
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Old 16 March 2015, 01:41 PM   #5
Swaggy P
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So you've never had it serviced in 28.5 years??? Or did you buy it in 1996?
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Old 16 March 2015, 01:44 PM   #6
Shore Guy
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Purchased in 1986, should have said 28.5 years.
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Old 16 March 2015, 01:50 PM   #7
Afghanvet
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Regardless, that's something!
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Old 16 March 2015, 01:51 PM   #8
Tudor66
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Reliable...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shore Guy View Post
Purchased in 1986, should have said 28.5 years.
It sounds like you have a great watch. Sure, why not get a fresh service on it, then it will be more accurate for you...

Oh yeah, let's see a picture of the 28 years of wear on it...

AL
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Old 16 March 2015, 02:01 PM   #9
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It deserves a service, it's been a reliable companion.
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Old 16 March 2015, 02:01 PM   #10
Shore Guy
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No camera. The case has several nicks, the acrylic crystal minimal scratching, with scuffs removed with toothpaste.
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Old 16 March 2015, 02:06 PM   #11
Ex GI
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Great watch. It is capable of many more years of faithful service, but could stand some TLC.
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Old 16 March 2015, 02:12 PM   #12
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Wow you have had incredible value from your Rolex. There wouldn't be a car that'd go that long without a service and keep working.
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Old 16 March 2015, 02:15 PM   #13
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wow
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Old 16 March 2015, 02:16 PM   #14
Punishher7
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Great story thanks for sharing. I agree with others that it has earned a service.
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Old 16 March 2015, 02:25 PM   #15
AF_Rob
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Would love to see pictures of it after almost 30 years of life. Great story! You should send it out so it comes back good as new.
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Old 16 March 2015, 02:46 PM   #16
boost2perfection
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Regardless it deserves a service after all those years
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Old 16 March 2015, 02:57 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shore Guy View Post
Sorry, don't have a camera.
But you have your priorities right.

A Rolex for 28.5 years.
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Old 16 March 2015, 03:09 PM   #18
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Great story!
28.5 years without service.

Part of me screams "Service it!!!"
But the other part says "See how long it lasts, just for the sake of it".

It's been ticking for 28 solid years, maybe it can reach 30? :D

Rolex should service that one for free ;)
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Old 16 March 2015, 03:57 PM   #19
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Pictures please!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Old 16 March 2015, 04:05 PM   #20
Hairdude1
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Very cool! Pics?
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Old 16 March 2015, 04:22 PM   #21
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It definitely deserves a service after such great service but I think after 28.5 years I'd wait to see if it will go to 30, just so I could say it. Then, I would send it out immediately and not push it any further
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Old 16 March 2015, 06:41 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by luvsub View Post
Nice. I would regulate it.
Well for one I would have it serviced first the main Achilles heel in all the 15 and 3 series movements is the rotor shaft bearings. And IMO its the Rolex 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.
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Old 16 March 2015, 06:44 PM   #23
AllFlexZone
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why service if it's not broken. just regulate it for $90. then use it until something breaks. just like a honda.
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Old 16 March 2015, 07:42 PM   #24
swatty
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Quote:
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Sorry, don't have a camera.
Really, that's amazing . I would get it serviced ASAP
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Old 16 March 2015, 08:51 PM   #25
Racerdj
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Service it and then onto the next 28.5 years.
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Old 16 March 2015, 08:58 PM   #26
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1. Service
2. Buy camera.
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Old 16 March 2015, 11:29 PM   #27
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Nice story, don't you have a camera on your cell phone?
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Old 16 March 2015, 11:41 PM   #28
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Quote:
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why service if it's not broken. just regulate it for $90. then use it until something breaks. just like a honda.
its just like not changing the oil in your car or at this point no oil in the car at all. the bearings will go and more damage will be done than a properly serviced watch. things that would normally need lubed will need replaced thus a bigger repair bill.

even Hondas need oil service
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Old 17 March 2015, 12:05 AM   #29
gwozhog
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You might as well see how long it can go at this point. I think my a new thread thats titled my watch has not been serviced in 20 years would sound much better too.
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Old 17 March 2015, 12:09 AM   #30
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hi op pm one of the mods and ask if they will correct the thread title for you.
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